Reebok FloatZig 2 Review | Fantastic Price, But Lacking Distance

Reebok’s reveal of the summer is the second iteration of the FloatZig, its crowd-pleasing daily training shoe. With re-engineered “Zig Tech” technology, the brand says the FloatZig 2 offers a springier, bouncier, and more stable run than its predecessor.

With nostalgic 90’s aesthetics and an affordable price point, Reebok running shoes have long been favorites among casual runners. But the performance-focused lineup they’ve released over the past few years, including the FloatZig 2, suggests the brand may be tapping into an audience of more serious athletes now as well.

I tested out this cushiony new model on the road and on the trail to see if it stacks up to the hype.

This is an affordable running shoe with enough cushion to carry you through half marathon training. It’s a firmer feel than some shoes, but that’s not a bad thing for shorter miles.

Reebok FloatZig 2 Overview

It was clear the moment I put these on that the FloatZig 2 is designed to give you a comfortable, enjoyable run. It’s got a moderate heel drop, a natural rocking feel, and puts a lot of cushion between your foot and the ground without feeling like you’re stepping on trampolines.

Our favorite thing though is seeing a brand trying to stay on the lower end of the price range. It’s rare at this point.

That could be because it’s just a 33mm stack height, meaning they haven’t gone to the max cushion style and that is going to help cost. We think it’s beneficial to have a lower less soft shoe in the rotation, but do wish this one felt better for longer runs.I first took these out on a hilly 5k loop that has downhill segments with loose dirt and some sharp rocky bits for good measure. I didn’t have super high hopes for slippage protection because of the shallow tread (and knowing it’s not designed for trails), but was pleasantly surprised by how solid I felt on my feet the whole time.

They definitely fared better grip-wise than my Hoka Cliftons on the same trail, and protected the bottoms of my feet better than my lugged but minimally cushioned Salomon Speedcross 6s. One more thing to note here is that rocks and debris tended to sneak inside them easily.

On paved roads the FloatZig 2 totally follows through on its promise of a smooth ride. The rocker shape and sturdy outsole will carry you right along at an easy neutral gait.

Reebok says if they “had to describe what Floatzig feels like in one word, it would be ‘springy.’” I take issue with this, because I associate springiness super light weight and a more responsive midsole that give you that feeling of effortless propulsion off the ball of your foot when you push forward.

The FloatZig 2s have neither of those, but they’re also not going to weigh you down or feel too mushy.

My everyday shoes lately are the Hoka Mach 6 and Clifton 9, both of which have a 5mm heel drop. I also alternate in my zero drop Altras every so often. You wouldn’t think a single millimeter would make a difference, but especially when I was first getting warmed up, I could really feel how the rock was giving me a little extra power.

For my daily needs and how my feet feel after a long run I will still usually opt for a lower drop shoe. I could see these becoming a go-to for walking and smooth trail hiking.

And for those who like a slightly more minimal shoe, it’s a great selection! Especially with the rocker that helps your gait flow more smoothly.

I got these in the Chalk/Yellow/Aqua colorway which is a nice neutral palette with just a little extra color. I think the chunky soles and overall classic retro Reebok look is fun, and you can definitely wear these with a casual outfit as easily as with your running gear.

Reebok FloatZig 2 Fit

Lengthwise we think on the men’s size you may want to go up a 1/2 size based on a lot of feedback. We found the women’s to seem pretty on the nose.

I really liked how the width of the toe box felt. I have narrow feet, so usually if a shoe specifically boasts a wide toe box, it won’t work as well for me through the midfoot and heel. But these gave my toes all the room they need without slipping and rubbing elsewhere.

This is very padded shoe in terms of fit, with a thick tongue and heel collar.

With the thick tongue and padding all around, my feet got hot too quickly if I wore them on warmer days and by the end of the longest runs I wore them for, they started to feel restrictive around my arches.

For a shoe without a ton of cushion, it’s some how still fairly heavy. Now again this is likely because we aren’t paying for that top end foam. So it’s a trade of of price for some speed.

We do think the overall shoe will be durable, but probably best for those training for a half or shorter distance, unless you really love a firmer cushion.

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