The company that would later become Reebok began as teenage tinkering: In 1895, Joseph William Foster started making shoes in his bedroom in Bolton, England. He developed some of the first running spikes, and soon opened a factory called Olympic Works to meet growing demand from athletes for his renowned “running pumps.” The company’s status as a performance shoemaker was cemented at the 1924 Olympics, where British runners Harold Abrahams and Eric Liddell brought home gold medals while wearing shoes made in the Olympic Works factory.
In 1958, Joseph William Foster’s two grandsons founded Reebok (named after an Afrikaans word for a type of antelope) and continued to release innovative shoes. The company’s Aztrek shoe nabbed a five-star rating from Runner’s World back in 1979, and its women’s aerobics shoes, which debuted in the mid-80s, became wildly popular during the step aerobics craze. In the early 2000s, Reebok received high marks for its Premier line of running shoes, including the Trinity KFS (short for Kinetic Fit System). The system in the Trinity KFS upper was designed to flex with the foot as it changed shape during a runner’s stride, resulting in a better fit and more stable ride.
Best Reebok Running Shoes
The Expert: I became a runner in middle school and have covered running and outdoor gear for years, both on-staff at Runner’s World and as a freelance journalist. Running shoes is the category of gear I’ve written about the most, and I have firsthand experience with models from a range of brands. To write articles like this, I talk with brand reps about the company’s latest shoes and tech, consult RW tester feedback, and draw on my own experience with the running shoe industry. With direction from RW editors, I combine all that info to choose what shoes make it onto this page.
Floating on Foam
The company launched its Pebax-based Floatride Foam in the spring of 2017, which delivers optimal energy return with less weight than EVA or TPU-based foams. This foam helped the Floatride Run Fast (now discontinued) deliver excellent cushioning without increasing the weight, making for a remarkable speed shoe that was worthy of our Gear of the Year award. A new version of the foam, called Floatride Energy, debuted on the Forever Floatride Energy shoe in 2019. This foam was made from thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) beads that are steam-molded together to create the insole, a similar technique is used to make Adidas Boost foam. The resulting material is 30 percent lighter than EVA, and it helps make shoes like the Floatride Energy 3 surprisingly light and responsive. Floatride+ is an even softer version of this foam, found in the Floatride Energy X speed shoe.
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Key Considerations
When shopping for running shoes, I suggest considering seven key factors: weight, cushioning, energy return (how quickly the sole of the shoe bounces back after your foot lifts,), support (countering overpronation and helping keep your foot in place inside the shoe), breathability through the upper, traction, and durability.
To choose the right running shoe, think in terms of these factors. If you need a shoe to set a PR in your next 10K, look for racing models that prioritize low weight and high energy return—they’ll help you run fast. Need a daily trainer? You’ll want something with at least some cushioning to protect your feet and a durable rubber outsole that can last through many miles. Overpronators will need shoes with added support features, like a medial post, that keep their feet aligned and in place while running. If you run in hot weather or your feet tend to overheat, look for shoes with thinner, more porous uppers that vent hot air easily, though they might be less supportive and less durable.
In addition to the above, consider the heel-to-toe drop. Drop is the difference in height between the back of a shoe’s footbed (under your heel) and the front (under your forefoot). High-drop shoes keep your heel raised above your toes; low-drop (or zero-drop) shoes keep your heel and toes around the same (or exactly the same) level. High-drop shoes help you roll more easily onto your toes with each step, creating a smoother stride. Low-drop or zero-drop shoes promote your natural stride. It comes down to your preference, and both styles have benefits. All of the Reebok shoes listed below have some drop, and you can compare models using the drop measurements listed for each pair.
Every runner has different needs for their shoes. Bottom line: Pay attention to the qualities that are most important to you and look for shoes that fit that description.
How We Selected Reebok Running Shoes
The shoes below represent the best Reebok running shoes for both road and trail. To recommend them, I gathered feedback from Runner’s World staff and its team of 225 wear testers, including runners of all ages and running styles across the U.S. Data from mechanical tests at the RW Shoe Lab also comes into play. That includes comparing the energy return of Reebok’s castor bean, TPE, and Pebax-based foams, measuring the changes in midsole softness among several iterations of Floatride shoes, and gauging the durability of carbon rubber outsoles. In addition, I’ve selected a variety of shoes to suit different runners and running styles and have linked to full RW reviews where possible. The picks below are the latest in a legacy of performance footwear that stretches back well over a century.
BEST DEAL
Floatride Energy 4
Pros
- Lightweight
- Affordable
Cons
- No stability features
Key Specs
| Weight | 8.4 oz (M), 7 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 9mm |
Reebok’s entry-level shoe offers plenty of bang for your buck. Like previous versions of this shoe, the main highlight is the Floatride Energy foam midsole. It creates a lively, cushioned-yet-bouncy ride suitable for long efforts and tempo runs alike. The textile upper is designed for breathability, and a full rubber outsole offers superb durability and traction. It’s a bargain trainer that offers premium performance.
BEST FOR CROSS TRAINING
Nano X2
Reebok Nano X2
Pros
- Durable rubber outsole
- Supportive and stable
Cons
- Very firm
- Not suitable for anything beyond warm up runs
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.2 oz (M), 8.3 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 7mm |
Developed over a decade ago, Nano shoes are designed to handle all kinds of workouts. The X2 features Floatride Energy Foam in the midsole, but the ride is decidedly firm—don’t expect to do much running in this shoe. The forefoot is flexible, but the main highlight is the X2’s stability: Its wide toe box, nearly flat outsole, and heel clip create a solid foundation for working out. The Flexweave knit upper offers a snug fit (especially at midfoot) and good breathability, and it has overlays for added durability. The full rubber outsole offers plenty of traction for all kinds of movements outdoors and in the gym.
MOST SUSTAINABLE
Forever Floatride Grow
Reebok Forever Floatride Grow
Reebok Forever Floatride Grow
Pros
- Made with natural, plant-based materials
Cons
- Heavier than Floatride Energy 4
Key Specs
| Weight | 9.7 oz (M), 8.1 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 9mm |
The Floatride Energy Grow shows that you don’t have to sacrifice performance in order to build a more sustainable running shoe. It’s made with over 50 percent plant-based materials, including Floatride Energy foam derived from castor bean oil, a mesh upper made with Lyocell, a fabric created from wood pulp, and a natural rubber outsole. Reebok claims the bean-based midsole foam offers similar performance to its normal Floatride Energy formulation, so you can expect a lively, cushioned ride—although this shoe is over an ounce heavier than the Floatride Energy 4, which might dampen the energy return.
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BEST FOR LONG RUNS
Floatride Energy Symmetros
Reebok Floatride Energy Symmetros
Reebok Floatride Energy Symmetros
Pros
- Cushioned, stable midsole
- Carbon rubber outsole is lightweight, yet grippy and durable
Cons
- Some testers experienced chafing against the tall ankle collar
Key Specs
| Weight | 9.7 oz (M), 7.9 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 10mm |
The Symmetros’ high collar locks in support at the ankle, a durable rubber sole grips even the slickest blacktop, and the wide, flared midsole feels light and bouncy yet very stable for a neutral shoe. The stability comes from an external heel counter connected to a guidance groove that spans the full length of the outsole, so transitions feel secure as you build up to a propulsive toe-off. Though not quite as responsive as the premium Pebax midsole in the Floatride Run Fast, Reebok’s Floatride Energy foam used in this model has plenty of cushioning to push your long runs into double-digit territory. “The Symmetros has gotten me through two-hour runs and felt just as lively toward the end as when I laced up,” one tester said.
BEST FOR MARATHONS
Floatride Energy X
Reebok Floatride Energy X
Reebok Floatride Energy X
Pros
- Versatile enough for training and racing
- Somewhat firm Floatride Energy foam works well for larger runners
- Good value
Cons
- Has a loose fit around the ankle, especially for female runners
- Unisex sizing
Key Specs
| Weight | 9.1 oz (M & W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 6mm |
The Floatride Energy X is Reebok’s take on a carbon fiber-equipped speed shoe. Unlike other brands’ offerings, however, it’s designed for both racing and training—that versatility combined with a sub-$200 price point makes it a notably good value. The shoe has a porous Flexweave upper, a thick wedge of Floatride Energy foam, and a layer of softer Floatride+ with a carbon fiber plate under the forefoot. Tester reviews were mixed on firmness and fit. Heavier runners appreciated the feel of the Floatride Energy foam, which felt cushioned yet stable despite the shoe’s tall stack height. Smaller runners found the shoe too firm. The Flexweave upper offered great breathability, but the ankle collar padding didn’t create a close enough fit around the foot for some female testers, causing instances of heel lift. Overall, the Energy X is “a solid baseline with more good to come,” says RW Test Editor Morgan Petruny.
BEST FOR ROAD TO TRAIL
Floatride Energy 4 Adventure
Reebok Floatride Energy 4 Adventure
Reebok Floatride Energy 4 Adventure
Pros
- Roomy toe box
- Versatile
Cons
- Relatively firm
Key Specs
| Weight | 9.6 oz (M), 8 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 9mm |
Can’t decide between hitting the trail or pounding the pavement? Run on both surfaces with the Floatride Energy 4 Adventure, Reebok’s road-to-trail shoe. It’s made with a Floatride Energy Foam midsole, and the upper features ripstop fabric for on-trail protection, plus an integrated tongue/bootie for a secure fit. The rubber outsole offers plenty of durability, and it has short lugs for biting into dirt. During a short test run, I found the ride to be somewhat firm, and I could feel the lugs squishing a bit on the pavement, though it wasn’t enough to derail my run. I loved the roomy toe box, and the shoe created a snug fit at the midfoot and around my ankles. If you prefer a firmer ride and need a go-anywhere trainer, the Energy 4 Adventure is definitely worth a look.
STYLISH UPPER
Floatride Energy Century Grow
Reebok Floatride Energy Century Grow
Reebok Floatride Energy Century Grow
Pros
- Utilizes plant-based materials
- Stylish upper
Cons
- Firm for running
Key Specs
| Weight | 8.7 oz (M & W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 9mm |
Reebok has made some eye-catching kicks over the years,and the Floatride Energy Century Grow deserves a spot on that list. Like the Floatride Energy Grow, this shoe is made with plant-based materials including cushioning foam derived from castor bean oil and an upper made from wood pulp. It has a firm feel, but it rides on a durable natural rubber outsole, and the embroidered upper gives it a laid-back vintage look. I’ve worn my test pair while running errands, and I think it’s a great pick for a comfortable, stylish everyday sneaker.
Michael is a freelance writer with years of experience covering gear and the outdoors for Runner's World and other publications; when he's not writing, he's usually biking, hiking, and running in the mountains around Los Angeles, where he lives.
