Zig When Others Zag: Reebok’s FloatZig X1

In 2024, if you’re a running shoe company and not creating a carbon-plated racer, are you even trying?

Truth be told, I have a complex relationship with carbon-plated shoes. I appreciate them for what they offer and enjoy the subtle benefits they bring. However, as a 40-year-old runner who typically maintains a decent pace, I find that I don’t often reach for these shoes. Instead, I tend to prefer a balanced shoe that offers both cushioning and firmness.

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Perhaps that’s the point—carbon-plated shoes should be reserved for speed, precision, and racing, rather than everyday use. With that in mind, I’m excited to give the Floatzig X1 a try. Let’s see what it has to offer!

Looks:

Reebok running shoes definitely have a distinct look. Every shoe we’ve reviewed from their revamped line, including the upcoming Floatzig 1 Adventure trail shoe, shares a similar color scheme—blue, green, black, and yellow—that feels very reminiscent of the 90s heyday.

The latest addition is no different, with a fresh and fun design featuring a primarily white upper accented by colorful touches on the outer midsole and logos. It’s a pretty sweet combination!

Construction:

Upper:

Reebok calls the lightweight and breathable mesh upper “Speedshift,” and it aligns well with what you’d expect from most performance shoes. It’s incredibly light and allows for excellent airflow. Despite its flexibility, it doesn’t compromise the stability that’s still needed. The upper provides a secure hold, especially considering how light and transparent it is. Overall, it’s a solid feature with plenty of positives.

I do think the tongue is a bit short – at least for my take. I know they’re aiming for a streamlined, speed-focused design, but I would have appreciated a bit more length to adjust for an optimal fit. It’s not a deal breaker, though.

Midsole:

The FloatZig 1 features dual-density foam layers with a full-length carbon plate nestled between them. This design aims to create a responsive and supportive ride without the overly aggressive feel that some carbon-plated shoes can have. The stack height is relatively low for a super shoe, measuring 33mm in the heel with a 6mm drop.

I found the midsole construction to be solid. While it may not reach the elite standard of the “superfoams” dominating the market, it delivers a firm yet bouncy ride that feels lighter than its weight suggests. This setup is more up my alley, offering a nice break from the max-cushion trend we’ve seen in the running world over the past two years.

However, it’s important to manage expectations. If you’re looking for the same bounce and responsiveness that other brands’ superfoams offer, you might not find it here. While I’ve only done a couple of marathons, these shoes might not provide the same energy savings over long distances as some other options. That said, they could still perform well depending on your preferences. If you lean towards a more pronounced road feel, these could be just what you’re looking for.

Outsole:

Outsoles are usually the most boring part of a shoe to review, but Reebok does offer something a bit unique. As with previous models, the outsole is a distinct, single piece that sits on top of the exposed midsole, rather than being made up of separate strips or pods like most shoes.

Additionally, there are a series of tiny nubs on the outer forefoot, which seem to provide a little extra grip—perhaps adding a touch of propulsion as well.

Overall:

This is a solid addition to Reebok’s growing running-specific lineup. While it’s not quite at the Nike or Adidas level of supershoes, it comes close, offering a similar—though slightly firmer—feel at a more affordable price point.