Wednesday, May 15, 2019

Reebok Forever Floatride Energy Multi Tester Review: A Near Perfect Goldilocks Combo of Performance and Value

Article by Mac Jeffries, Derek Li, and Peter Stuart


Reebok  Forever Floatride Energy ($100)
Introduction
Mac: The battle of midsole foams 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 lighter than the norm for TPU midsoles. 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?
Derek: Excellent quality shoe for this price point. Lively bouncy ride.


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.  
Derek: Agree laces are on the short side. Heel volume was a little big for me. But these are all minor points.

Tester Profiles
Derek is in his 30’s and trains 70-80 miles per week at 7 to 8 minute pace in mostly tropical conditions in Singapore. He has a 2:41 marathon PR.
Mac 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 lbs to a steady 205 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.
Peter lives in Austin, Texas and is a sub 3 hour in the marathon in recent years as well as a 1:25 half marathoner.


Stats
Forever Floatride Energy ($100)
Men's: 8.7 oz / 253 g  Women's 7 oz /202 g
29mm heel /19 mm forefoot. 10mm drop
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.


Peter: Um, not to confuse the issue, but sizing feels just fine to me. I’m an 11 in pretty much everything and an 11 feels great to me. There may be a tiny bit more room at the toe than in some other shoes, but the fit feels great and I had zero issues with lockdown, length. Feels great and true to size for me. Laces not problematic either. Sorry Mac! I hate it when we fight. I, too, like the clean simple design and they feel great on step-in.


Derek: Initial step in feel was very good for me. The upper is simplistic but works very well. It reminds me a bit of the Flymesh used in the Vaporfly OG. The fit is definitely true to size for me. That is to say, the shoe is on the somewhat pointy side, so you may feel like there is a little more room that usual in some parts of the front of the shoe, but this is necessary so that your big toe and pinky toe don’t get squashed when you run. Overall fit volume is spot on for me, with the only minor issue being heel volume is a bit loose. I had to use the heel loop lacing method to get prevent some heel slippage. I really like simple color schemes and this blue on white scheme is just clean and very elegant.


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.


Peter: The upper is simple and effective. It’s not the softest upper out there, but it fits the foot, holds it down, breathes well and looks nice. Not a ton to say. Everything is just proportioned well and works. The padding around the ankle is good, the tongue stays in place. It’s simple--put it on, tie it, go run. No adjustment needed.
Derek: I agree the upper is not of the stretchy soft variety seen in so many shoes these days, but that is a good thing when you want to keep engineering cost to a minimum. They used a somewhat rigid one piece upper with some plastic design overlays to reinforce the midfoot and that’s it. Nothing crazy fancy, but sometimes that’s enough. All anyone wants is an upper that keeps your foot secure and does not get in the way, and this upper does exactly that. I would go so far to say that this is one of the best uppers on the market for a tempo type shoe, but Reebok has been batting at 100% for their uppers in the Floatride range for over a year now, and it is mind-boggling to think that uppers like the one seen on the Run Fast and Run Fast Pro are even better. So it’s fair to say that this is a budget version of those superb uppers, but it is already ahead of the competition at this point. The only minor gripe i have is I felt the heel counter could have been angled in a little more to provide a bit more lock-down, and the tongue is maybe a half inch short, like NB Zante v1 short, but again these are minor issues.
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.


Peter: Goldilocks combo of firm, bouncy and responsive here. It’s not a soft shoe, but it’s not overly firm. It’s a nice midsole that responds to the energy you put into it. It doesn’t quite have the magic feel of a a couple of other shoes out there, but for me it puts Everun to shame and comes in lighter than boost--so it’s a great foam.

Derek: They have hit the sweet spot for me here. Even with the slightly raised midfoot and heel sidewalls with the Floatride shoes, a feature which has historically made the ride uncomfortable for me, the midsole here is the perfect blend of firm stability and bounce, and vibration dampening. Not much else to say; the ride just blows Adidas Boost away. Why can’t they make the Adios more like this?


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).


Peter: A ton of rubber for such a relatively light shoe. These grip the road like crazy and should last forever. Again, not reinventing the running shoe , but putting a great, somewhat traditional outsole on a really great midsole makes for a good time.


Derek: The shoe  has a full coverage blown rubber outsole and there are several pros and cons with this. The obvious downside with blown rubber is durability. However, I’ve been pleasantly surprised with the durability of the outsole thus far. I’ve seen very little wear compared to other blown rubber outsoles. The upside is that blown rubber tends to be a bit more sticky, and provides better grip on slippery surfaces. Another advantage is that the blown rubber keeps the overall feel of the shoe soft, and really allows the midsole feel to come through with every step. We have seen how a full carbon rubber outsole can make a shoe feel harsh, regardless of the midsole used. The ASICS Roadhawk FF v1 is a great example of that.


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.


Peter: The Reebok Forever Energy are a great feeling shoe. They remind me of the original Zante in that they are a great middle ground of firmness and energy return. They corner well, they can go fast and they are forgiving when going slow. They are not hugely bouncy or overly firm. They are just right. They say “everyday” right there when you put them on and that’s a great description. They are a great every day shoe.


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.   


Peter  They say “everyday” right there when you put them on and that’s a great description. They are a great every day shoe.This is a great example of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts. Simple upper, good solid TPU midsole, pretty straight forward outsole--all add up to a really fun little shoe that I want to run in again and again. I agree these are firmer than the Razor 3, certainly firmer than the Hoka Rincon, and not as firm as some other things out there. They most remind me of the OG Zante and the Boston Boost 7


Derek: I really like overall ride of this shoe. It feels great over a big range of paces, and never beats you up. In fact the faster you go, the more you experience a lively spring in the ride. It’s a very good overall daily trainer . It is not soft like a Razor 3, but is lively and cushioned in its own way. I would say the only thing i would change about this shoe, is that sometimes i feel like the heel feels on the low side in this shoe. It feels more like a 6mm drop shoe than a 10mm drop shoe. I think given the softer feel of the midsole, perhaps a 12mm drop would have worked better for me. Otherwise, I don’t really have any complaints for this shoe.


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
Peter’s Score: 9.8/10
Upper could be a little softer, ride could be just a hair more bouncy, but a strong recommendation to buy.
Derek’s Score: 9.9/10
-0.1 for somewhat poor lockdown at the heel and short tongue. Otherwise this shoe is damn near perfect as a daily trainer. And if you’ve got the wheels to push the shoe, it will really fly.

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.
Peter: Surprisingly similar ride (I would have thought the beacon felt much softer but running them one on each foot they are pretty similar). I think they are pretty similar and like both, but the Reebok outsole should last longer due to the wealth of rubber on the bottom. Grips better too.
Derek: I prefer the Energy to the Beacon. The Beacon seems to transition a bit slower for me, and the ride isn’t quite as bouncy and exciting. The Beacon also has a more relaxed fit but overall, the Energy is just a more fun shoe for me.


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.
Peter: I loved the Ride 7, but this is a better upper, better looking shoe and a bit of a firmer ride.
Derek: The GRR7 is great in every way except the upper. The Energy may not be as soft and bouncy, but it has a far superior upper in terms of fit and lockdown for a performance shoe. If I could have only one trainer, I would take the Energy for its superior upper.


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.
Derek: Not quite the same type of shoe. The Freedom feels lower to the ground and has a much less structured upper by comparison. I think the Energy feels better over a wider range of paces compared to the Freedom, which can beat you up at slower paces sometimes.


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.
Peter: The Razor 3 has a bit of a wow factor for me that the Reebok doesn’t have. I’d race the Razor for sure, and train in it, but I’m definitely working the Reebok into the rotation
Derek: Not really a fair comparison, as the Razor 3 is a lot lighter than the Energy. I think the Razor is more of a racer than can train, while the Energy is a trainer that can race. Both have similarly fitting uppers. A bit stiff but very supportive and give excellent lockdown. From a performance shoe perspective, the Razor 3 has better overall fit and lockdown than the Energy for me, but the Razor doesn’t quite work so well over slower paces for me, so points to the Energy for overall versatility. I think if you are looking for a tempo/racer type shoe, then the Razor 3 would be the pick. If you can’t afford a 4%. Get a Razor 3 and an Energy for $230 and you still have some spare change left over!


Reebok Forever Energy vs. Adidas Boston Boost 7 (RTR Review)
Mac: These are remarkably similar. I love them both. Reebok is a hair heavier, but they are both great shoes.
Read reviewers' full run bios here
The product reviewed was provided at no cost for 2 testers and was a personal purchase for a 3d. The opinions herein are entirely the authors'.
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23 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi guys,
Great review - looks like a winner. Just checking what are the cushioning levels are like. The beacon i love but as someone else noted after about 10 miles your feet can get sore. Is the reebok better for long distances - enough cushioning for the long haul, and good shock vibration. The saucony freedom (1) I found too firm and not enough cushioning- Is the reebok better in this regard (softer more cushioned). Derek I noticed you are in a hot climate - is the breathability of the upper good. Do you guys like this as general training shoe or you feel its more just a tempo shoe. Where I live they only sell it online hence why all the questions Thanks.
Cheers
Steve

Unknown said...

I'm looking at alternatives for my Forza 3s which I love but Skechers tend to be hard to get hold of in the UK, especially with any discount. I've recently started using NB 1400v6 for shorter stuff and love them but need something for everyday easier paced runs, long runs and marathons. Do you think these would be a good choice? Would welcome other suggestions too.

Jim said...

Just a few thoughts here, as I picked up a pair for both my wife and myself (on sale from Reebok for $70/ea.!!!):

*I ended up sizing down half a size for both of us (10M to 9.5M and 8W to 7.5W) and both of us liked the fit. I have both the Floatride Run Fast and Sweet Road 2 in 10M and the fit is right in line with those. My wife has the Run Fast in 8W and the sizing is comparable for her, too. I can't remember the last time I bought a 9.5M...definitely try them on if you can, I guess.
* For me, using 6 of the available 7 lace eyelets, the laces are *almost* too long. I actually wouldn't want them any longer. Odd!
*The Reebok website specs actually lists this as having a "Full carbon rubber outsole". And just observationally...to me it feels more like the harder rubber the Run Fast than the softer rubber on the forefoot of the Sweet Road 2.

Thanks!
-Jim

Stevewg said...

Bought these as a replacement for Adidas supernova glide 8. As with them these can be used for most types of runs but they are far lighter.

Similar weight to Boston 6 but much more protective cushioning. Used for 5k to half marathon racing and track sessions to 15 mile runs.

My initial pair with a Reebok discount were £70. They are going strong 250 miles in but to be safe I have just purchased a second pair for £60 from Wiggle.

Minor niggles the long toebox and not the most plush liner.

Anonymous said...

These shoes are so much better than the GoRun7 or the Beacon, both of which I threw out after 100-150 miles. The upper, the midsole, everything. Having said that, if you’re a faster runner and doing tempo/interval work in the 5:00-6:00 range, I would use a snappier shoe for speedwork, and use these for everything else.

I’m a 12.5 in Nike and Hoka and the 12 in the Floatride Forever Energy is a perfect fit.

Barry said...

I ordered and went down a half size (11.5 to 11) and they were far to short and narrow for me. I never got to run in them. I do have a slightly wide foot, but didn't end up ordering a larger size due to how tight they were and no one in my area stock to try on. For reference 11.5 in Kinvara 9 perfect, 11.5 in NB Beacon slightly tight/short (12 would probably work better), 11.5 Hoka Napali perfect length just a touch snug.

Dennis Chui said...

I tried it in store and half size down was way too narrow for me.

Sam Winebaum said...

Hi Unknown,
Thanks for sizing insights. Always helpful for others.
Sam, Editor

Anonymous said...

How does the shoe compare to the floatride run? Does it have a similar feel?Which shoe would you pick? This shoe sounds like it covers all the negatives about the floatride run. I love the floatride run & have gotten it to have a solid heel lockdown after using the cage. It's only other negatives are that its slick on wet surfaces and downhill runs makes the shoe little unstable do to the upper.

Sam Winebaum said...

Hi Anonymous,
Compared to Floatride Run, Forever is livelier more performance oriented ride and while not "fancy" knit its upper works well whereas Run has many compromises cage etc... You will also find for sure a better heel lockdown and traction. This said in Reebok I still prefer the Floatride Run Fast for its lighter weight and close to the same cushion as well as great upper.
Sam, Editor

Anonymous said...

Half a size down was perfect for me. On my first run the ride felt firm but found the midsole softer on subsequent runs. Felt even better when picking up the pace. Have been wearing the Peg 35s for 200 miles which I find to be lacking in forefoot cushion resulting in beat up feet and legs.

The Floatride Energy is a definite buy.

Sam Winebaum said...

Hi Anonymous,
Thanks for your input. The ride may have felt firm initially due to the outsole being stiff for some miles. I agree the Peg 35 is a rough ride up front.
Sam, Editor

Anonymous said...

Hi Sam and all,
I did it - I bought a pair and wow, this is what boost (to soft) or everrun (to firm) should feel like. It seems in the middle of the two foams, not to soft not to hard and its lighter - and its responsive too. I did buy my normal size (online) as they don't sell it in the shops here and it is a little long, but it fits well midfoot as my foot is a little wide. Nearly tempted to go 1/2 size but concern it then maybe a bit tight midfoot?

Only gone for one short run this evening, and it felt good, better than the heavy saucony triumph iso 5 and NB 1080 v9 I tried, and it does seem to have more forefoot cushion than the Nike vomero 14. I got it nearly 1/2 price of the big boys too.

This could be close to the shoe of the year - for a cheap all rounder (like the NB beacon in 2018). Without your website review I might of missed out, thanks. Keep up the great reviews - from the land down under (Australia). :)
Cheers
Steve

Anonymous said...

I went down 1/2 size from K9s-10.5>10.0 and they fit real good. I'm liking the ride, and the foam allows my bony old heels to sink in just right. :) I do have a heel spur/PF on my left heel, and these are the best I've found to help both.

Was wearing Saucony Ride 9-ISO, and think the ride is similar to the Ride 9s with the injection foam. Hoping these won't break down like the Rides did. These are my new go to everyday trainer. The Sketchers Razor 3 seem too mushy to me, and don't like the 4mm drop and "M" strike. :( I might have to try the Floatride Runfast? What say you Sam? Thanks for all of your reviews everyone! Great stuff! :)

WasteManagement said...

longtime reader first time commenter. felt compelled to thank you for this review bc these are officially my holy grail shoes. these puppies are like gd wings on my feet. went from escalantes to pegasus35s to gorun forza 3s to these. im in love. bouncy, light, just the right amount of drop. and they're NOT UGLY OR $200!!!! weeeeeee!!!! thank you thank you thank you, i would have never given reebok a try. :)

Sam Winebaum said...

Thanks Waste Management! We're always on the look out for great shoes which are also great values. Stay tuned as the Brooks Revel 3 we are now testing is in that category.
Sam, Editor

Anonymous said...

Hi Sam,
Will you be reviewing the new Reebok Harmony road 3? If so when? I wonder how it compares with the Reebok Forever. Its on sale at the moment, certain colorways are 50% off. :)
Cheers
Steve

Anonymous said...

Hi all,
I couldnt resist with 50% off and only size 11 and 9 left - I didnt want to miss out. Bought the Reebok Harmony Road 3 and just been a short run in it. Its like a more cushioned(up to 5mm more midsole) stable version of the Reebok forever floatride energy. Its fast, cushioned, more stable and talk about bounce and responsiveness - this is another winner for Reebok. I say a versatile daily trainer, lighter than most. Sam and Mac and others you must try these shoes,
I like it more than the NB 1080 v9 and saucony triumph iso 5 and Nike vomero 14- it feels faster and more responsive and very comfortable underfoot.The forefoot is also very cushioned
Cheers
Steve

Unknown said...

I'm a bit disappointed with these after around 50 miles in them. I really want to like them and the bounce in the sole is superb, even just walking in them they feel springy. I bought them in the hope that they'd be my new long run and, possibly, marathon shoe but I'm struggling with comfort. Even after 4 or 5 miles I can feel a bit of sourness under my big toe and inside of my heel. The upper is pretty basic and the tongue slips (I'm going to try heel lock lacing on my next run to see if it helps but this is a struggle with the short laces referred to in the review). I also find the heel a bit high on my ankle and need to use long socks. Oddly, the best run I've had in them was 5.5 miles on forest fire roads which was also my most recent run in them so maybe they are breaking in at last. Will be trying them on a predominantly downhill 10k tomorrow as I'm hoping the bouncy sole will be easier on my legs than my NB 1400s on the downhill slopes.

Arthuro said...

274g in US10.5.

Gene said...

Agree the cushioning seems to find an excellent balance in softness/firmness and responsive bounce. Sizing is 1/2 size large compared to most current Nikes (Epic React, Pegasus, Vomeros) for me. But the shoe has little to no arch support (and the shoe is incredibly flexible in the midfoot arch area)!Surprising that none of the reviewers or commenters have mentioned that.

Gene said...

Meant to also say that the lack of arch support would limit the shoe to shorter runs.

Anonymous said...

Why haven't there been any reviews of the updates to this shoe? The scores of the 1st version were ridiculously high.