Upload / Capture
Weight: 9.1 oz
Heel Toe Drop: 6 mm
Cost: $170
Until 2022, adidas owned Reebok. For many recent years, adidas spent time and money developing their super shoe but nothing for Reebok. So much so that even Reebok athletes were allowed to race in adidas shoes because Reebok had no competition marathon shoes. But this is a new era, and Reebok has an inexpensive carbon-plated racing shoe. Remember that the plate is only in the forefoot, so it's a half-carbon-plated shoe.
Reebok also mentions that Energy X is part of the [REE]CYCLED program and is made with at least 30% recycled or repurposed materials. I am always excited when I see running brands using recycled materials.
Reebok usually runs pretty true to size, and the Reebok Floatride Energy X is no different. The Energy X uses Reebok's Flexweave woven textile upper. It's slightly rough to the touch and doesn't stretch easily, but it fits and feels good for the most part. I've found it to be extremely breathable which is essential in the desert summer. Even during hard efforts on hot days, my feet haven't overheated. Breathability is also excellent for rainy weather when you don't want your shoes to get too heavy.
The asymmetrical laces keep the foot in place. I was concerned at first about the shoelace placement, but I've grown to appreciate it.
The best-running shoe uppers disappear off your feet, especially racing shoes. The Reebok Floatride Energy X does just that. I did find the tongue slid around but not enough to be annoying. There is padding in the heel, and it makes for an overall comfortable fit. In all, I'm a big fan of the fit.
I wear a women's size 10-11 wide in running shoes. I found the size 10.5 to fit well with no irritation or rubbing.
The Reebok Floatride Energy X feels like a $170 super shoe. Generally, the more expensive the shoe, the higher quality of the materials that are used. That is definitely true in the running shoe world and the $250 carbon plated shoes are using extremely expensive foams.
Don't get me wrong, for $170, the Reebok Floatride Energy X is an excellent speedwork shoe, but you'll likely run faster in one of the $250 super shoes.The Reebok Floatride Energy X feels like a speedwork trainer. It's lower to the ground than a high-stack height racer.
The carbon fiber plate in the forefoot keeps the forefoot from flexing, so the rocker will work. It also makes the transition and toe-off more snappy. A full-length carbon fiber plate would make the shoe faster. The less aggressive forefoot rocket makes the shoe feel fast, but not aggressive. You won't feel as though it's altering your stride. This is huge if you are someone who gets hamstring and ankle injuries in a more aggressive carbon plated shoe.
The Energy X uses "Floatride Energy Foam." According to Reebok, this foam provides lightweight, resilient, ultra-responsive cushioning. It's heavier than most other foams in carbon-plated racing shoes, but it feels responsive.
I wasn't sure where the Reebok Floatride Energy X would fit into my rotation. Would it be a fast-run shoe? A long-run shoe? A shoe I would take to the track? I've tried it in several runs and found that I like it for uptempo longer runs. I do like that I feel faster in it, but I've found there are better shoes for fast intervals. The amount of cushion makes it great for longer runs. If you have seen many carbon-plated shoes to feel too aggressive and aggravate injuries, you might appreciate the Reebok Floatride Energy X.
One thing that the Reebok Floatride Energy X excels in is durability and traction. You'll notice all of the rubber on the bottom of the shoe. That keeps you grounded even in the most inclement weather. I've used the Reebok Floatride Energy X in pouring rain and on sandy trails and never had an issue with sliding. This would be one of my top choices if I knew the weather would be bad!
Regarding durability, most carbon-plated shoes last about 2-3 marathons, but I think the Reebok Floatride Energy X will last much longer. Since it's not a full-length carbon plate and the Reebok Floatride Energy foam is more resilient, I think it will quickly get at least 200 miles. I've already put about 100 miles on my pair with no signs of slowing down. So the Energy X isn't just cheaper than other carbon-plated models; it also lasts longer too.
I think it's essential to consider the shoe's cost when describing it. It's a great $170 carbon-plated shoe but not at the same level as the $250 carbon-plated racers. It's a great speed work shoe, but the half plate doesn't offer as much propulsion as a long carbon-plated shoe. I hope the following update from Reebok drops at least an ounce from the weight and adds a full-length carbon plate.
Who should buy the Reebok Floatride Energy X?
If you want a cheaper carbon-plated shoe that can handle training and racing. Or if you are looking for a less aggressive carbon-plated shoe due to injuries.
Who should not buy the Reebok Floatride Energy X?
If you prefer to feel the ground more while running or want the "fastest carbon-plated shoe" out there.
I was paid to write an honest shoe review of my choice.
Login to your account to leave a comment.
We offer opportunities for sponsored gear and race entries for sharing your reviews.
