Nineties Nostalgia Meets 21st Century Comfort: The Reebok FloatZig 1

Being a millennial, the 90s left an indelible mark on my formative years – an era that influenced my life in both positive and challenging ways. It was a time of Saturday morning cartoons, a cherished collection of burned CDs, and some questionable style choices that now make for amusing memories. Amidst all this, I distinctly recall my teenage years when Reebok shoes held the pinnacle of fashion in a world not yet inundated with the multitude of shoe companies we see today.

In the realm of running, Reebok has been striving to reclaim its position, attempting a resurgence into this competitive arena. However, the outcomes have been mixed, reflecting the challenges of navigating a market now flooded with seemingly endless options.

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Exploring several shoes from Reebok’s Floatride Energy collection proved to be a relatively enjoyable experience overall. However, these shoes didn’t quite secure a permanent spot in our regular running lineup. Our recent encounter with Reebok’s inaugural release for 2024, the FloatZig 1, has sparked optimism that the tide might be shifting.

Looks:

Right from the start, what immediately grabs your attention are the visuals of this shoe. It’s impossible not to be transported back to the 90s when you lay eyes on them. While acknowledging that they may not cater to everyone’s taste, these shoes evoke a color palette that resonates with a collective memory of that era. Anyone?

Personally, I find the aesthetics of these shoes highly appealing. They exude a retro vibe, setting them apart from the contemporary designs we’ve witnessed lately. It’s more akin to a clunky trainer than a typical running shoe (in looks only) , but the visual impact is undeniable. They truly caught my eye, and despite my admiration, a lingering doubt crossed my mind as I unboxed them – “There’s no way these are going to be real running shoes right?”

One might initially dismiss them as a bit “too gimmicky,” right? The style leans heavily on the retro side, the appearance is notably chunky (again, in visuals only), the heel girth seems flashy, and the holes in the outsole could be perceived as overly attention-grabbing. At least, that’s what one might think at first glance.

However, we’re here to assert that these preconceptions are unfounded. In the realm of running, these shoes are not just a novelty; they are poised and prepared to make a significant impact. And at a cost that is impactful as well!

Construction:

Without a doubt, this is undeniably a genuine running shoe. As a fresh addition to the Reebok lineup, it stands alone without an immediate internal counterpart for direct comparison. Nevertheless, its construction is robust, and pinpointing significant flaws in this budget-friendly (particularly within the realm of running shoes) $130 daily trainer is quite challenging.

Looking ahead, Reebok has exciting plans for the Floatzig lineup in 2024, including trail, race day, and stability shoes. Continue reading to get a glimpse of what might be on the horizon.

Upper:

Sure, looks matter, but let’s talk about how this shoe actually works.

The unique styleway might catch your eye, but the real star here is the breathable engineered mesh upper. And stepping into it? Surprisingly comfy! Shoutout to those foam panels on the collar and tongue – they make your feet feel cozy and locked in. Plus, there’s some extra support in the mid-foot for that added stability. Put it all together, and you’ve got a solid kick-off for this shoe.

There are also some reflective overlays to accommodate some lowlight running conditions.

Midsole:

Examining the midsole, we find it comprises a full-length Floatride Energy foam—a familiar element that, oddly enough, manifests a remarkably sturdy quality in this particular shoe. This might be attributed to the unconventional Zig shape that the midsole adopts (see the image above). The emphasis here is on weight reduction (approximately 9.8 oz for a men’s 9) and optimizing energy return. While one could categorize this zig design as somewhat “gimmicky,” the accessible feel it imparts has me here for it.

The cushioning and rebound strike a harmonious balance between road feel and buoyancy. Despite the visual impression of a relatively broad base (which may appear narrower than it truly is), it adeptly accommodates the 6mm drop (31mm/25mm). Going into things, I was anticipating an okay midsole, but after a few runs I can firmly say that this is is a really solid ride. It has indeed been an enjoyable journey!

Outsole:

Taking a look at the outsole, it’s got a rather distinctive setup. This Energy Band rubber runs the full length of the shoe but has these “aerated” sections around the midfoot and forefoot. The idea is to cut down on weight and keep things less rigid.

Surprisingly, it didn’t seem to mess with the benefits of that Zig midsole construction we chatted about earlier. Moreover, traction has proven to be satisfactory, with no discernible issues.

Overall:

After spending some quality time with these kicks, I’ve got to say, they’ve left a solid impression. The unique combo of that breathable engineered mesh upper, the Floatride Energy foam midsole with its Zig shape, and the cleverly designed Energy Band outsole—there’s a thoughtful coherence to the whole package. It’s not just about the looks; it’s about how it performs.

The step-in comfort, the balanced cushioning, and the traction have all contributed to making this a genuinely enjoyable ride. Sure, there are some technical aspects that might seem a bit unconventional. But in the end they come together to form a reliable and surprisingly pleasant running shoe. It’s been a fun journey.