Reebok Forever Floatride Energy review
There is a popular school of thought that says if you like something, buy more than one of them. But this has never been my approach and explains why I’m steadily amassing a wardrobe chock full of different running shoes, Reebok Forever Floatride Energy included.
While it’s nowhere near this bloke and his collection, mine’s more down to finding a decent pair that I’m happy to use regularly. It’s not an addiction, perhaps insecurity. But then that’s what they all say isn’t it?
I’ve currently got four pairs on rota. You understandably might think this excessive. I view each as competitively vying for a prized spot on my feet. If any of them give me the slightest ache or aggravation, I’ll silently castigate them and send them to the back of the queue.
The four are: an increasingly worn pair of New Balance 890s and a newer pair of bulkier Asics Gel Ikaia’s. There’s a pair of Kalenji kiprun trails for lighter off-road jaunts and these, the Reebok Forever Floatride Energy. A great, flowery name I think you’ll agree and one you definitely need your teeth in to say.
Naming a running shoe must be great fun. Top shoe execs bouncing around names before putting them through what I imagine to be an elaborate random running shoe name generator. I’d go for ‘Jet Propelled Hotsteppers’. You couldn’t fail to be impressed by a name like that. So, Reebok if you’re reading…
Make no mistake – the Forever Floatride’s feel quick and light.
Being lightweight is an absolute pre-requisite in the running shoe market. Of course, you can always find lighter (these are 243g). But that is the beauty of such a competitive market – it’s buyer’s choice.
These Reebok Forever Floatride Energy’s are literally space-age!
My neutral pair have a 10mm heel-to-toe drop which is pretty standard and comfortable, even at the higher end of the sizing scale (I wear 11.5 UK).
They’re not the lightest or airiest pair I’ve ever worn. A previous pair of Saucony’s were so lightweight it felt like I was gliding above the pavements. Unfortunately they played havoc with my joints and a lucky eBay buyer is now likely posting some slick times somewhere.
Interestingly, the Reebok Floatride features a sole that according to Runner’s World testers is identical to its fantastic-looking space boot, used by bona fide astronauts on the ISS. So that helps to account for the support offered in this running shoe.
They’re billed for everyday use and would work fine at that level. Depending on my fitness levels and what pace I’m hitting at the time, it’s unlikely I’d use them much further than a 10k in one hit.
But then again, I generally conk out when getting too near half-marathon distance anyway, so the shoes (and me) are saved.
For anyone not too keen on spikes, the Reebok’s also provide a nice ride during a track workout. They grip particularly well and maintain their springiness around bends.
I wouldn’t class them as the sturdiest or most supportive running shoe. This often seems to be the case when opting for speed over pure out-and-out comfort. And I have experienced more than one occasion of discomfort on the top of the foot or front of the ankle.
But aesthetics-wise, they do come up well when shooting a moody black and white photograph of them (as above). Anything to hide the dirt.