Our reviews are 100% organic. We do not accept payment for reviews or bundle with advertising budgets. In most cases, the brand is providing the product to our reviewers free of charge. With an origin in England as a running shoe brand, the name Reebok is often associated as one of the major athletic shoe brands that dominated the 1980s and 90s. In 2005, the then tennis shoe-centric brand was purchased by Adidas and in 2021, sold to Authentic Brands Group. Reebok is now a Boston-based company that has recently launched their latest road shoe, and they’ve begun to position themselves as a recognized brand in the running world once again.
Launched in April, the new FloatZig 1 was designed as a “light and springy” road shoe using Reebok’s Floatride Energy Foam and Zig Tech technology in the midsole. With a 6mm drop, the shoe checked numerous boxes for our testers when it comes to a reliable and cushioned road shoe.
FloatZig 1 tread
The upper is constructed with a lightweight, breathable mesh that kept our feet at a balanced thermostat when the temps crept up throughout our runs. With a softer dual layer in the forefoot that increases airflow around the toes, as well as more durable, reinforced midfoot panels (which include an interior mesh lining) the outer upper offers enhanced protection for miles on the road. Foam cushioning on the tongue and around the collar offer additional comfort, keeping the foot secure when laced up.
Finally, the reflective overlays on the upper offer increased visibility during night running or inclement weather.
The tread includes a thin rubber base with small circular rectangles angled on either side, pointing towards the toes. They give the shoe adequate tread for smooth surfaces, and we found them reliable on rainy days across wet pavement, as well. The geometric Zig Tech silhouette which includes strategically placed gaps at the base and top of the sole, there is just enough room for small rocks and debris to become lodged under the rubber tread. This could limit the shoe’s versatility, as our testers preferred road and treadmill running to avoid rocks and other trail debris. However, with just over 100 miles put on the shoes, our testers have noticed minimal wear.
Overall, we found the FloatZig 1 to be a reliable shoe when it comes to both training runs and speedwork. It’s a road shoe that offers a comfortable ride with a supportive energy return which meant our shoe testers could use them on long mileage days or track workouts and still feel like the shoe would perform at its best.
The FloatZig 1 can be found at Reebok.com.
Features & Specs:
• Weight: 9.8oz (unisex)
• Unisex sizing
• Stack height: 31mm
• Heel-toe-drop: 6mm
• Upper: Engineered mesh
• Midsole: Floatride energy
• Outsole: Rubber
• MSRP: $130