As a recently moved and new suburban dweller, previously living in NYC, I was roaming the wild landscape of the mall known as the Garden State Plaza. And I came across the reebok store and decided to see in person, instead of online, what they had in stock. I saw what looked like a cross between a slipper and a running shoe – the Reebok ZPrint running shoe.
Reebok ZPrint Running Shoe Features
Textile Upper – This is what I initially saw and thought of as a slipper type appearance. It make for an even pressure distribution across your entire foot while providing a seamless toe box. This is very reminiscent of the Adidas Ultra Boost ($180) shoe but at less than half the price.
Decoupled Sole – They made the center section of the sole into its own separate section surrounded by a different material to provide dual usage in one sole. The concept behind this is that the bottom of your shoe isn’t all used for the same purpose so it shouldn’t be made. It’s not a new idea necessarily but they have definitely completely separated the materials in a more extreme way than most shoe companies.
Reebok ZPrint Running Shoe Usage
I run a lot and in a lot of different shoes – this is important to note since I review shoes frequently, you will see this noted in more of my reviews. I say this because these shoes definitely feel different than others. At first they were a little stiff but they quickly felt a firm glove grip around my foot. I’m not sure I enjoyed the glove like fit but maybe that’s just me being used to running in what is a more classic and poorly designed shoe in comparison. Normally I have a set preference for grip on my forefoot and mid foot but this gives you a different feel because of how the knit material wraps around your foot. In the end I guess all you can say is that you need to try them on yourself to see if it is for you.
These are road running shoes, not obstacle racing shoes, and that’s ok. But you should know that when you get them or try them on. I live near trails and roads and usually run from one surface to the next with the same shoes. These performed better on the road and were not advisable for trails unless they are dry and flat. Also they don’t handle being wet very well, they will not drain with any real speed like most regular road shoes. Train for an obstacle course race in these but don’t run an obstacle race in them.
Reebok ZPrint Running Shoe Durability
The grip on these shoes appears to be of average to above average durability based on my 20+ miles run in them so far. The knitting on top will likely be their failure point if you rough them up at all. Mine have not ripped and I don’t expect them to rip when running on regular roads but if you scuffed them enough to rip the top could fall apart a bit since it is knit. I expect to get the usual 3-500 miles out of these shoes when used on the road. I will update if this ever changes but if there is no update here that means these shoes lasted for over 300 miles (2-3 months) without an issue.
Reebok ZPrint Running Shoe Pros and Cons
Pros
- New concepts
- The usage of knitting is pretty innovative
- Decoupled Sole adds a new element of flexibility
- Price, very affordable at $80
Cons
- New concepts – Time will tell if they are good or just like the shoes with springs in them
- A little too much grab on the foot for my taste
Reebok ZPrint Running Shoe Verdict
These are a solid new entry into the running shoe category that could be just what you are looking for. That is what makes them a shoe that you should try on and walk around in before hitting the road. They Reebok ZPrint running shoes have a unique feel that is either for you or not. If you are a fan of the Adidas Ultra Boost then definitely buy these because you will save $100 and get a very similar shoe in terms of feel. My final word is – go to a local Reebok store and try them on, run around in the store and see if it is for you.
Dario
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