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Friday, March 08, 2019

Reebok Forever Floatride Energy Initial Review: Light, Lively, and Well Priced Super Foam

Article by Mac Jeffries 

Update: Read our full multi tester review of the Forever Floatride Energy HERE

Editor's Note: 
Mac is a new RoadTrailRun reviewer with an interesting background. He is a former collegiate defensive lineman who runs to fill the competitive void left after school and to stay in shape. He is in his late 30s, runs 50-80 mpw, and at 6’3”, has come down from his playing weight of 275 to a steady 205l lbs for the last 10 years. Jeff’s PRs are 19:30, 1:33:xx, and 3:23:xx; he also teaches and coaches XC & T&F. Welcome to the RTR team Mac!
 
Reebok Forever Floatride Energy ($100)


Introduction
Mac: The battle of midsoles continues, as does the resurrection of Reebok as a serious contestant in the running market. After the Floatride’s debut with a fantastic Pebax midsole but iffy upper, Reebok hit back to back home runs with their Floatride Fast and Floatride Fast Pro models. The Forever Energy uses a NEW midsole technology - that they simply call Forever Energy - that is a new TPU/TPE (think “Boost” or “Everrun”) based midsole that manages to be much lighter than the norm. What they ended up with is a fantastic shoe for Easy to Tempo efforts for only $100. Shoe Market: take notice.

Pros:
Mac:  The midsole is cush with great energy return, the upper is simple (in a good way), weight is among the best on the market for a TPE midsole, and did I mention it is only $100?


Cons:
Mac:  shoe laces are too short, sizing is big (definitely order a half size smaller), and insole is non-removable (you can still remove it quite easily), and collar may come up a bit too high for some.  


Stats
Forever Floatride Energy ($100)
Men's: 8.7 oz / 253 g  Women's 7 oz /202 g
Offset:10mm
Available February 2019



First Impressions and Fit

Mac: First, let me stress: ORDER A HALF SIZE SMALLER, and if you are between sizes already, consider ordering a full size smaller. I wear a 14 in virtually every running shoe on the planet - which sometimes leads me to resent companies such as Nike, Adidas, Salomon, and yes, Reebok, which often only offer their premium shoes up to a size 13 - but I took a chance on ordering these after hearing that they run large, both in length and width. Glad I did, because the size 13s fit me perfectly, and I would have missed out on the most pleasant surprise I have had early in this new year. (By contrast, I could ALMOST make the size 13 Floatride Fast work on my size 14 foot with a thinner insole, but I ultimately sold them after a couple of runs.) Aesthetics are highly personal, but I really like the clean, simple look of these *coughSPEEDcough*, with the only flash coming in the diagonal white scheme sloping from the Achilles to the ball of the foot.


Upper

Mac: (Reminder: I am reviewing a shoe that is a size smaller than what I usually wear.) The upper is very simple, in a good way. Most of it is an engineered mesh that reminds me of the New Balance Beacon. It has just enough stretch to conform to the foot, and feels secure at all speeds. I am somewhat of a toe-box snob, and although these don’t have the exaggerated last of an Altra or even the anatomical shape of a Topo, there is very little - if any - toe crowding. Toe splay is more than adequate. Lace lockdown is good, although I replaced the laces with something just a little longer so I could use all of the upper eyelets. 
Tongue stays in place well with a traditional slot to work the laces through. One possible negative for some: the collar comes up just a touch higher than most of my shoes - including at the achilles - so that is just barely grazes the bottom of my ankle. This has not led to any irritation, but it is something to consider.


Midsole
Floatride Energy is an expanded pellet TPU (think Boost) foam that it said to be more responsive and springy and lighter than traditional EVA foams. The foam here is clearly not Boost (Reebok is owned by adidas but does its own thing from everything we can tell)  as the pellet grains seem much smaller and it is lighter. It will also allow Reebok to offer other "super foam" based shoes at a great price as Energy comes in at $100, Grasse Road at $120, and Harmony at $120. See RTR's 2019 Reebok preview here.

Mac: The midsole is where this shoe absolutely shines. It feels like running on Boost or Everrun - maybe just a touch firmer - but at 1-2oz lighter than TPU shoes of the same size. The result is a ride that is both firm and responsive, and just a joy to run in. Plus, being a polymer instead of a foam, I expect these to be much more durable - resistant to compression - than traditional EVA.


Outsole
Mac: The outsole is a single piece of rubber with good traction. The outsoles of the Fast and Fast Pro were lauded, and this one is in the same category. I have run on wet and dry asphalt, and I detected absolutely no slippage on wet roads (definitely a point over the Beacon).


Ride

Mac: My longest run in these is 13 miles, and my hardest was a 10 mile run that included 5 miles at tempo, and the shoes simply disappeared on my feet. They are slightly firmer than my Beacons and my Skechers Razor 3s, and definitely firmer than my Saucony Freedoms. The flex seems to occur just at or behind the ball of my foot, which feels very natural. These have 10 mm of drop - which is more than I am used to - but not at all unpleasant, and actually welcomed towards the end of longer efforts.


Conclusions and Recommendations
Mac: Reebok simply hit this one out of the park. Here is a shoe priced at $100 that is relatively lightweight, well cushioned, responsive, springy, and most of all: fun. I smile every time I lace these up. Right now, I can see myself doing nearly all of my training runs - replacing my Freedoms for Long Runs and my Beacons for Tempo and Interval work - in these. I will still pull out my flats for my fastest reps and track sessions, but I may still give these a chance. I have run 45 miles so far and see zero - zero - compression or outsole wear so far. 
Are they perfect? No. I would like to see the collar a touch lower, slightly longer laces, and the sizing fixed (although the sizing issue helps me here, as I otherwise wouldn’t be able to wear this shoe). But honestly, 2 of those 3 you can fix yourself by ordering a half size smaller and switching out the laces.   
Mac's Score: 9.9/10
-.1 for the high collar; no points deducted for the laces or sizing which can be easily remedied by the buyer. Major points for Value, Ride, Technology, and Fun Factor

Comparisons
New Balance Fresh Foam Beacon (RTR Review)
Mac: This is a sad one for me, because the Beacons have been a mainstay for me for months now from anything from Easy Runs down to Tempos… but although the Beacon is lighter, the Forever Energy does everything else better for me: road grip, midsole, fit… plus, the Forever Energy has a wider range of paces and is $20 cheaper. I feel like I am stabbing a close friend in the back, but: Advantage: Reebok Forever Energy.
Skechers Performance GORun Ride 7 (RTR Review)
Mac: I liked - not loved - the SGRR7, but the Forever Energy does everything better. Not close for me: Forever Energy.
Saucony Freedom (RTR Review)
Mac: The Freedom has been another mainstay for me for Easy and Long Runs, but I have always had to modify them to get them to work for me. The Forever Energy has a much more secure upper, is lighter, has a less mushy midsole, and is $60 cheaper. Advantage Forever Energy.
Skechers Razor 3 Hyper (RTR Review)
Mac: This is the only shoe that I am picking over the Forever Energy, but only for specific purposes: Long Distance Racing. The Razor 3 is significantly lighter - if gaudier - with just as much midsole spring and protection. Even though the upper is more secure in the Forever Energy, the weight difference is more than enough to make me choose the Razor 3s for any race that matters. For most anything else, though, I am picking the Forever Energy.
The Forever was a personal purchase. The opinions herein are entirely the author''s.


Editor’s Note: Joining Mac, and soon others here at RTR, I ran for the first time today in the Forever Energy, an easy indoor 3 miler before a 25K trail race tomorrow. I was sent a half size up from my normal and they were long, very long maybe close to a full size long. Interestingly overall foot hold was totally fine. Update: Reebok sent me a true to size pair and length is fine, maybe a touch long. I would not size down any further. I now wonder if my early sample (and maybe Mac's as well) was off in length as the difference is noticeable. 
I concur with Mac that this simple upper just works and agree that the heel collar is a touch high or to firmly padded on the medial side.

The overall under foot midsole feel is very reminiscent of the springy zing of Skechers Hyper Foam with less of the Boost bounce of adidas and far less firmness than Everun in the Freedom. Other key differences between Forever and Razor, 6mm more drop, and while we await stats what feels like more heel stack, and a more substantial heel outsole which keeps the heel from bottoming out a slow paces as Razor does for me . Key differences with Freedom again more heel cushion, and a far better upper with real heel counter. 

The result is a very lively springy and stable ride. They have a distinct snappy flex point similar to say an Adios 4 or Boston but are more cushioned in the forefoot.  The construction has zero plastic pieces or EVA to control Boost’s bouncy lateral forces and none are needed. 

This is a far livelier springy foam than React but not as silky softer smooth in energy return as the Pebax in the Reebok Fast and Pro,  Vaporfly 4 %, and Peg Turbo. Compared to the pure Zoom X Pegasus Turbo the Forever Energy is certainly more responsive if not quite pillowy soft…and as result far more stable than the Turbo. 

Compared to the mostly all midsole as outsole and relaxed upper Beacon you will get almost equally as much cushion, somewhat less at forefoot with more at the heel but a springier more dynamic cushion, a more performance oriented upper, more drop, and plenty of outsole rubber for wear, stability, and a lively toe off. Yes they will weigh more.

We titled the review with mention of “super foam” and indeed Floatride Energy foam earns it in this well put together performance trainer at a reasonable price. I can well see Forever Energy being a top 2019 marathon racer pick for many. More to come in our upcoming full review.
Read reviewers' full run bios here
The product reviewed was provided at no cost. The opinions herein are entirely the authors'.
Comments and Questions  
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53 comments:

  1. Hi,
    Love your review.
    Is the Reebok forever more a plush soft feel underfoot or firm or moving toward hard. I am looking for a plush responsive trainer, go long as well as tempo runs so I like plenty of shock absorbing cushioning underfoot. I have the freedom but found it not enough cushion for long runs and to firm. Boost I have found too generally soft and not stable enough. So is the reebok forever more the boost feel or everrun feel. I also have the beacon and love it but the upper is hot in summer and wondering is the reebok has a more breathable upper and again more cushioned for those long runs. How does it compare with the saucony triumph iso 5, or new balance 1080 v9 etc for cushioning, responsiveness and as a daily trainer. Thanks :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Mac I run with orthotics (dropped metatarsal head, nothing doing), and had to return the beacons, cause I just couldn't fit my orthotics in there and leave enough room in the toebox, do you find the reeboks more generous in the toe?

    ReplyDelete
  3. I found it firmer than all my boosts and less bouncy than react. It was a big Meh compared to fancier shoes I can get on sale for me but at 100 bucks or even less with their coupons it's a dam good value.

    Upper is super breathable and traction on wet is great. Outsole is built like a tank. I slam heel hard and no wear after 20 miles

    Half size too big

    More forefoot cushion than their faster shoes which is nice for my toe blisters, but the foam is kinda uninspiring. I will wish they had this exact shoe with the peebax foam and the open mesh as I would be all over this for hot weather running.

    Its not a plush ride like say a vaporfly, peg turbo or a soft Hoka. It's a shoe for those like old school firm ish shoes

    ReplyDelete
  4. Pretty sure they are 10mm drop as the insole has this written on it

    ReplyDelete
  5. Anonymous - "I have the freedom but found it not enough cushion for long runs and to (sic) firm." The RFE has a little more heel cushion and possibly a little less forefoot cushion than the Saucony Freedom. However, the midsole is definitely more secure than Boost and Everrun. The flip side is that I consider the RFE to also be a little firmer than Boost or Everrun.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Patrick - I think the RFE has a little more width - or at least stretch - in the toebox than the Beacon, but the Beacon has a little MORE volume than the RFE... but... if you order your normal size in the RFE (which should normally be too big) and remove the "non-removable" insert, I bet you will be good to go.
    -Mac

    ReplyDelete
  7. Great review! I've been looking for review before buying anything for the past few months and this one seems like a great candidate for short run at tempo pace. I'm just wondering if it's plush enough for recovery pace and is it stable enough compared to, let's say, Skechers Gorun Ride 7?

    ReplyDelete
  8. Kuz,
    I really like it for everything from Recoveries to Intervals. Some folks may prefer something Hoka-ish for recoveries, but it is plenty for me at 205lb. (For instance, I much prefer these for recoveries over the Altra Paradigm 4, which has a TON of TPU cushioning... but that is largely personal preference. I just didn't like the squish of the AP4.) Also, with 10mm drop, there is plenty of versatility get further back on your midfoot at slower paces.
    All the best,
    Mac

    ReplyDelete
  9. Greg,
    Yes, I believe you are right on the 10mm drop. My hiking boots I just got in are 8mm. Oops! Sincere apologies!
    It sounds like our experiences are very similar, with the exception that I found the RFE's midsole to be pretty great in it's own merit, not just *for a $100 shoe* (emphasis mine).
    Thanks for the catch.
    All the best,
    Mac

    ReplyDelete
  10. Nice article. I'm going to have to pay extra attention to Mac's reviews, as I am also in my late 30s, 6'3", 205lbs, and wear a size 14.

    Keep up the good work!

    Aaron

    ReplyDelete
  11. I find that the midsole bounce is on par with React, Boost, and Everun. I also find the shoe softer than the Freedom Iso 1, but firmer than Boost. It is comparable to the Freedom Iso 2 I think, but more cushioned in the heel.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Should i get this or go run ride 7, im looking for a cheap daily trainer, my pegs 35 is 400km-ish and some of the outsole already smoothed out....

    ReplyDelete
  13. I consider this to be far superior to the SGRR7 (which is a good value shoe in its own right). Upper, midsole, and outsole significantly better in the RFE.
    -Mac

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hi, I am a German reader (age 55) and fan of your blog. Very nice reviews. I ordered the Reebok a half size down two days ago at a price of 85 €. Today, I went out for a 12k (pace 4:59 p.K.) during stormy weather and had a big smile on my face. These shoes are the ultimate successors of my NB 890v4. I replaced the laces and the insole by Currex Run Pro. Absolute amazing ride. Dynamic, snappy midsole. Compared to the Skechers GRR7, the Altra Escalante or the Saucony Freedom Iso V1, the Floatride FE is more stable. And had no issues at all. I highly recommend these shoes for speed work to recovery runs and also up to marathons. If you have the choice for one shoe..........Reebok did it !

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hi Arne, Thank you very much for following RoadTrailRun! We have many readers in Europe and also Asia. I am one run into the Forever Energy and it is one fine dynamic, snappy ride exactly as you say! Reebok really has emerged with excellent and innovative shoes the fast couple of years: Floatride Fast and Pro and now the Forever Energy. I am also really looking forward to Grasse Road and Harmony also with Floatride Energy foam!
    Sam, Editor
    Thanks for reading Road Trail Run! See our page with links 100’s of in depth shoe and gear reviews HERE. You can also follow RoadTrailRun on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram where we publish interesting run related content more frequently as well as links to our latest reviews.
    Shopping through links on articles help support RoadTrail Run and is much appreciated!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hi Unknown!
    Yes, us big guys need to stick together! FWIW, my rotation before this shoes was Saucony Freedom for slow stuff, New Balance Beacon down to Tempo and Interval pace, and Skechers Razor 3 for most races (Go Meb Speed 5s for the shortest stuff).
    Run lots of hills!
    -Mac

    ReplyDelete
  17. Do you think these could finally be the replacement for supernova glide 8’s?

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hi Sam,
    Great to hear you are doing a multitester review too. :) - Hi from Australia.
    Can you add comparisons to other trainers as well, new balance 1080 v9 and Saucony truimph iso 5, Nike vomero 14. Would you see this shoe in the same category as a daily trainer too. Does it have the same cushioning levels. I have the beacon but wondering if the Reebok has a deeper more solid impact protection for those longer distances and better breathability of the upper. Is it similar in softness of the midsole too. Thanks.
    Cheers
    Steve

    ReplyDelete
  19. Anonymous,
    I found the Supernova series to be clunky fitting, and all of the plastic overlays on the upper dug into my foot. This one-piece upper - with tpu(?) inlays - melts onto your foot, and the ride is much cleaner and under control. I believe this has a similar stack as the Supernova, but at over an ounce lighter. So, yes, definitely worth a shot!
    -Mac

    ReplyDelete
  20. Hi Steve,
    The Forever Energy is more in the performance trainer than daily trainer or even premium daily trainer (Triumph) you mention. It is less shoe and a faster shoe except maybe the Vomero 14 which I find ideal for heavy duty long up tempo running as it combines a very stable cushioned here with a dynamic quite flexible forefoot. My initial reaction and Mac who has more miles on them can chime in is that Forever Energy is more protective, cushioned shoe, more dynamic shoe than Beacon which is light, lower drop and for me a bit sloppy all around including under foot. Reviews of all you mention below.
    Sam, Editor
    Thanks for reading Road Trail Run! See our page with links 100’s of in depth shoe and gear reviews HERE. You can also follow RoadTrailRun on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram where we publish interesting run related content more frequently as well as links to our latest reviews.
    Shopping through links on articles help support RoadTrail Run and is much appreciated!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Thanks Sam, so it would be great to do a comparison with the Nike Vomero 14. I did go for a short run in one, found it okay except I felt the forefoot lacked a little in cushion. Is the cushioning levels similar in the Reebok including forefoot, is the midsole feel softer or firmer than the Nike vomero 14. Here the vomero is $229 and Reebok $130 (amazing price). Thanks.
    Cheers Steve

    ReplyDelete
  22. What is RTR Discount Code for Reebok?

    Also how would you compare to Brooks Launch 6?

    Thank you

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hi

    I'm just wondering if i should pick the floatride energy or the floatride Run fast, these two just become available in local store, i'm looking for a daily trainer,

    Will the energy last longer than the fast?i burned through 500 km in 2.5 months in my pegs...

    and i'm still waiting for the multiple runner reviews :D

    ReplyDelete
  24. If you are looking for a daily trainer, you’ll probably want the Forever Energy over the Fast... Although I haven’t heard about durability issues frm the Fast, the Pebax midsole of the VF4% is notorious for losing its pop fairly quickly.

    That being said, why choose? Get both! A great daily trainer and a great workout/race shoe! That is a good problem to have!
    -Mac

    ReplyDelete
  25. Sam,

    How is the sizing for you for the forever energy? You downsized also?


    Greetings,

    Luc

    ReplyDelete
  26. Hi,
    Love your reviews. How soon before a multi tester review of the Reebok forever floatride energy ? and will you be reviewing the Reebok harmony 3 and when ?
    Thanks :)

    ReplyDelete
  27. The $100 price, upper, and design reminded me a lot of the Pegasus of years past, especially the 31. Thankfully the ride was a bit livelier.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Mac - I notice you mainly have run in lower drops, but really enjoyed this 10mm drop. There are shoes I really want to try, including this shoe, but wary of spending $ creeping back up to higher drop. I'm mid-forefoot striker and 200lb, so interested on your take on increased drop? I tried on Pegasus, but arch way to high, how is arch in RFE? I started running a couple years ago in Brooks Ghost and Glycerin 15, but once I tried lower drops found I enjoyed 4mm-6mm (Beacons, Kinvara 9's, Altra One v2.5, Napali). I injured myself shortly after I got the Glycerin's (not the shoe's fault, I was over striding badly), but after 3 month recovery last summer, I never enjoyed the Glycerin at all and they made my hips sore. Wondering if I am incorrectly attributing issues to higher drop and the feeling of the heel "getting in the way" vs. just a shoe that does not suit me?

    ReplyDelete
  29. Unknown - I have run in lower drop shoes for most of a decade, yes. Recently, I have had some achilles issues, and running in higher drop shoes seems to offer some relief. (I even resorted to inserting a gel heel cup into my lower drop shoes when the problem was really bad!) All that to say, I now think that drop really doesn't matter a whole lot as it pertains to foot strike. As long as the shoe is neutral (no firm medial posting), it won't interfere with your mechanics.
    Specifically, the Glycerin is a LOT of shoe. The Forever Energy & the Floatride Fast are fairly minimally built, drop aside. As a former Low Drop Snob who now really doesn't even look at the amount of drop in a shoe, I would encourage you to give these a shot.
    All the best :-)

    ReplyDelete
  30. Hi and thanks for the great review.

    I've red that we cannot remove the sock liner, is not possible at all ? I use orthopedic insole but would be interested by these shoes.

    Thanks in advance

    Francis

    ReplyDelete
  31. The sock liner is lightly glued to the midsole, not hard to take it out. It is about 1-2mm thickness as usual.

    I just ran RFE 8 miles out of box on a light trail, converted from railway. It is just so so at 9min or slower pace, but back to life between 7.5 and 8min pace. Did not try anything faster today though.

    Comparing to SGR7, it has less material at forefoot and more at heel. The foam is firmer than react for sure. I would prefer SGR7 for as I am not so much a heel striker. But I do like the durable outsole of RFE, especially for the light trail. However, SGR7 is surprisingly durable for its outsole. Those rubber stripes handle dirt without any issue. I just ran down my SGR7 over 400 miles with at least 100 miles on dirt.

    I also tried Launch 6. They are very similar shoes but Launch 6 is ~1oz heavier per shoe and a little more clumsy.

    I hope RFE can last 400 miles on the dirt trail. Hopefully, we can get RFE cheaper in a few months.

    Chris

    ReplyDelete
  32. Thank you very much for your insights and comparisons.
    Sam, Editor

    ReplyDelete
  33. Hi,

    Thanks again for all these great reviews.

    I am currently looking for my new pair of running and I strongly hesitate between these Floatride Energy, the Skechers GoRun Ride 7 or the nike Vomero 14.

    I'm a 40 years old men of 1m80 and around 160 lbs, I go for run 1 to 3 times a week, on road but also often on forrest paths. I am not a very fast runner, I currently run with the Brooks Glycerin 16 but I am now looking for something more dynamic. To sum up I'm looking for a stable and smooth cushioned daily trainer but that could be able to speed up a little bit :)

    Which of these 3 would models would you recommend ?

    Thanks a again from France to the staff here for their great work !

    ReplyDelete
  34. Hi Francis,
    3 nice choices. Given forest paths I might steer clear of GRR7, not as stable upfront as the others. If on forest paths if you want lighter and more dynamic the Forever Energy which is on the edge between daily trainer and lighter performance trainer. If you want a more stable substantial shoe with great trail worthy support and even traction the Vomero 14. It has a distinct forward flex point so if you pick up the pace it really flies. Reviews of both and also look at Salomon Sonic RA and NB 1080v9 at the link below.
    Sam, Editor
    Thanks for reading Road Trail Run! See our page with links 100’s of in depth shoe and gear reviews HERE. You can also follow RoadTrailRun on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram where we publish interesting run related content more frequently as well as links to our latest reviews.
    Shopping through links on articles help support RoadTrail Run and is much appreciated!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Thanks for the so fast answer Sam !

    And in terms of cushion, which one between the Vomero the Skechers and the floatride has the softest and more comfortable outsole ?

    Thanks again you rock !

    ReplyDelete
  36. Hi Francis,
    Mon plaisir! The Skechers but since you mention forest paths I hesitate as the forefoot is not as stable as the others. If the Glycerin 15 has worked on those paths the Skechers may too
    Sam, Editor

    ReplyDelete
  37. Hi,
    It would be great to compare the Reebok to the skechers go run ride 7, the NB Beacon and 1080 v9, Nike epic react and the Hoka Rukon. Also how soon will the review be? Thanks :)

    ReplyDelete
  38. Hey RTR crew !!!

    Another great review for another pair that sounds great.

    When will the update with the other reviewer will be available ? Looking forward to read it !

    Chears from Belgium

    ReplyDelete
  39. So should I order true to size or 1/2 size down?

    ReplyDelete
  40. Hi Dennis,
    I had both a half size up (all Reebok had early) and true to size. I am better at true to size but they are a bit long. Forever has a fairly snug upper, performance fit. Jeff sized his down.
    Sam, Editor

    ReplyDelete
  41. Thanks Sam. I will give true to size a try first.

    ReplyDelete
  42. This shoe is much firmer than anticipated considering how it is marketed as a do it all daily trainer. I certainly wouldn't use these for easy or long runs which currently are done in Beacons or Maxroads and these also can't compare with 1400s or Razors for fast paces. Also, these shoes run long but not wide so if you down size and dont have super narrow feet, enjoy your blisters. I guess now I know to skip shoes marketed this way in the future since if they do it all then they dont excel at anything and thus wont have a place in my rotation.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Yo Unknown!
    I agree, the Beacon is softer. Haven't tried the MR4, but looking forward to it. I also agree that the Razor 3 is one of the best fast shoes on the market. I personally felt that the 1400 felt dead, but reasonable people may disagree on that one :-)
    I know you can expect the RFE's midsole to be more durable than the Beacon's and 1400's midsoles.
    Odd that I have pretty wide feet, but I actually have a better fit in the RFE than the SR3.
    That being said, I think our only real disagreement might be that I consider the RFE to be a very well-priced Jack of All Trades, while it sounds like you consider it to be a Seven of Clubs of All Trades, lol. But although you can certainly find softer, or lighter, or faster, or springier, or cheaper shoes out there, I am not sure you will find one that is softer, lighter, faster, springier, AND cheaper.
    That being said, thanks for your insight. Always good to remember that people's feet and tastes are very individualistic, and there really isn't an "All Things for All People" shoe out there.
    All the best :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Mac, I like your cards joke, that was clever. I agree that 1400 v6 is not springy and has been going downhill since v3 but it transitions really well, its light, and can be used for a wide range of distances depending on the runners tolerance. BTW I was referring to MR3 rather than MR4. I actually like the MR3 for daily training, its soft and bouncy and doesnt bottom out at speed like the Beacons which makes it versatile but for true speed the Razor is obviously more suitable. Beacons are tough to beat when going slow or long though. RFE definitely feels like a durable shoe, I felt no midsole compression and the full coverage outsole looks built to last but those elements are probably what limit it to short moderate pace runs for me. I'm tried on 890 v7s (half size down) and while I'm waiting for them to go on sale, I think they might work better for me as a do it all type shoe. There is a little more stretch in the upper than I like and while the midsole is firm the sparse outsole made them feel more forgiving than the RFE but of course they are $20 more and wont be as durable.

      Delete
    2. 100 mile update: I hate to admit it but I'm enjoying these shoes much more than I did initially. While I still don't reach for these on long or recovery runs the stiffness/firmness has subsided enough (either they broke in or maybe I got used to it?) where I can see occasionally doing those runs in these shoes. But more importantly these shoes really shine at speed, i.e I can now really feel a pronounced bounce while doing speedwork. I can even see racing up to the half marathon in these. I've been doing speedwork in these and also 890 v7 and have liked both, where the Reeboks are bouncier and the New Balance is lighter and both have a firm no sink cushion quality. The Skechers Ride 7 has been my go to for easy and long runs. I also ran a couple times in the Ride 8, it's faster and firmer than the Ride 7 so more of a performance trainer like the Reebok. While the Ride 8 has more cushion than the Reebok it feels somewhat clunky and less agile/less race-worthy so I prefer the Reebok.

      Delete
  44. Have 30 miles on it now, overall it is pretty good. As Max mentioned, it combines a few good features. Here are a few drawbacks O observed.
    1. The tongue keep slipping to the side during my run. Tried a few ways but no help. It does not bother my run but just feel annoying.
    2. Also, the upper is a little warm. My feet is warm at a 65 degree day that I can feel my socks damped. This is rare for me. Never had this on other shoes at this temperature.
    3. The toe box height is a little low and not very priabke. Hopefully, it will be better after 50miles.
    4. Outsole slap on the ground and quite noisy. I know it is a balance between durability and noise.

    Chris

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  45. Hi RoadTrailRUn crew !!

    Thanks for your great reviews, truly helps :).

    When will the multitesters review be online ? Can't wait to read it :)

    ReplyDelete
  46. Hi Sam,
    I second the question - when is the Reebok forever floatride energy multi tester review coming out - hopefully soon. I found your reviews are the first point of reference for checking out new running shoes.
    Cheers
    Steve

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Steve and Francis, multi tester review just posted! Sorry for the delay. Was trekking 13 days across Switzerland.
      Sam, Editor

      Delete
  47. Hi Sam,
    I hope the trekking went well - looks like some amazing photos on facebook. Great review - are you going to add your bit into the review too as I always enjoy your perspective. Do you know what the stack height is for the mens version of the reebok?
    Cheers Steve

    ReplyDelete
  48. Hi Sam, I contacted running warehouse and they updated the stack height information for mens shoes its 29/19.
    Cheers
    Steve

    ReplyDelete
  49. Thanks Steve! Updated stats in the review
    Sam, Editor

    ReplyDelete
  50. Thanks for your feedback Jimmy!
    Sam, Editor

    ReplyDelete


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