Reebok Realflex Run Review

76 individual sensors
weight: 8.9 oz
PU sock liner
3D ultralight outsole
Extremely breathable
Mult-dimension flexibility

Rating: List Price: $89.95 Sale Price: Too low to display.

Support your body’s natural movement and run like you never have before with the Reebok RealFlex Run athletic shoes.Lightweight, low-profile mesh upper in an athletic running shoe style with a round toeLace-up front with suede overlays and trimTextile lining with removable cushioned insole3D Ultralite RealFlex rubber outsole with 76 sensors

Natural running and the footwear that supports the concept generally emphasizes flatter shoes which generate less resistance. Natural running shoes depend on certain concepts. Arch muscles are stronger without support, overly cushioned heels interfere with natural alignment, and shanks stabilize foot movement which is unnatural. The natural motion of the foot is rolling. The Reebok Realflex Run
shoe design promotes these notions but adds a much needed level of protection between your foot and the ground.

Reebok Realflex Run Review: Development Process

Shoes developed for natural running encourage runners to land on the front of the foot thus reducing joint injuries, and RealFlex is not different; however, with RealFlex runners gain a better feel for the surface. This is done with sensors in the sole as well as the heel of the shoe. Other sensors provide for absorption of impact, but the greatest difference with the Reebok minimalist shoe is the additional foam at the bottom designed to encourage flexibility as well as provide extra protection. With this flexibility the runner moves naturally downhill, but when rocks intrude the shoe contracts to protect the foot.

Reebok Realflex Run Review: Inspiration

The inspiration for the Reebok Realflex shoe came out of the idea of natural running and the manufacturers who began designing so-called minimalist running shoes. Reebok discovered that barefoot or natural running made sense because when one lands on the forefoot, the knee is bent and the shock is absorbed by the muscles rather than the joints in the knees, ankles and hips. One of the leading manufacturers of the early natural running shoe, however, kept the padding to a minimum in order to retain the true barefoot feeling. On the other hand, Reebok chose a lightweight, flexible padding so that there is protection between the foot and the road thereby perfecting the concept.

Reebok Realflex Run Review: Durability and Benefits

The sensors on the outsole of the Reebok Realflex running shoe provide protection by adapting to the running surface. Also, the sole is 20% closer to the ground thereby imitating actual barefoot running. Other design benefits include a sock liner for cushioning, mesh uppers for support and Realflex durability, 76 sensors which promote flexibility, and finally, an exceptionally light outsole which encourages a natural foot strike.

Reebok Realflex Run Review: Research

Reebok research found that bio-mechanically, natural running makes sense. The human foot is very flexible with many small bones often overlooked. Protecting this natural flexibility should be a goal for any manufacturer of running equipment. Also, as previously discussed, landing on the forefoot as in natural running, the knee is bent and the shock is absorbed by the muscles rather than the joints. All of this makes sense when observing natural running in the natural world; however, problems arise when the runner is exposed to the world of concrete and hard surfaces. Under these conditions the runner and the runner’s feet need to be protected while retaining the desired flexibility of natural running.

Reebok Realflex Run Review: Testing

Testing has occurred on several fronts and in several sections of the country; however, one in particular included several of the press invited to New York City and taught how to avoid the hazards of running in the city before the test. One runner said that he felt a lighter step immediately upon lacing up the Realflex running shoes. He also said his run was a new sensation in the running experience, surface grip greater, different muscles in the foot engaged, new technology readily apparent. The entire encounter was repeatedly compared to playing barefoot as a child or launching from a trampoline.

Reebok Realflex Run Review: Target Customer

The natural running craze is the outcome of at least one generation, perhaps two, of runners who have faced increasing injuries and finally complete shutdown of running as an activity. During this time shoes became increasingly soft and heels further and further from the running surface. The heel hits the surface harder and harder and the foot rolled in the soft shoe more and more. Results: running injuries, pronation and, finally, joints which simply would not accommodate running as exercise. From this population came the runner who realized that the problem was probably the shoe as well as the surface and to continue an activity which was almost central to breathing, something had to change. These are the Realflex target customer.

Reebok Realflex Run Review: Style

The foremost requirement for the minimalist running shoe style is that it be much lower to the running surface that its predecessors. Realflex does this with 20% closer to the ground figure quoted earlier in this article. The cushioned liner and mesh under and overlays are not apparent from the outside of the shoe; therefore, they offer no detractors to style, yet add to the foot’s protection. The most appealing of the Realflex Style is the cleats on the sole which advertising has equated to the 76 sensors. One almost feels like those 76 little buddies are ready to bite into the running surface and report back smiling.

Beebok Realflex Run Review: Training

Running in flat shoes will no doubt take some adjustment. After all, most runners have been running with built-up heels, toes pointed down, weight shifted to the back and back arched for a very long time. Transition requires some practice. For example, wear flatter shoes when not running or better, go barefoot. Work on balance by standing on one foot, maintaining a straight leg. Do wall stretches. After a run, practice skipping, high knee and butt kicks. Video tape running style with the old shoes and the new Reebok Realflex shoes; then, make close observations on the difference in body posture and stride length. And perhaps the most important step in Realflex training is go slow to avoid additional injuries.

Reebok Realflex Run Review: Customer Feedback

Customers are responding positively to this new design. Of the current reviews, the first positive comments seem to be that the shoe is very light and extremely comfortable. Another prevalent review topic concerns sturdiness with discussions concerning protection and support. One interesting comment concerned running at various speeds; the runner observed that he was comfortable in the Realflex whether he was sprinting or just free jogging. The natural flex of the shoe was another positive aspect discussed in several of the reviews researched. And finally, customers thought that the Reebok Realflex was excellent for a runner transitioning from heel-striking to forefoot-striking because it has enough cushioning in the heel to allow for a short loss of focus on the forefoot.

So, the Reebok Realflex appears to have bridged the initial natural running phase with its emphasis on five-finger toes and soft shoes to a running shoe that can protect the runner from the vicissitudes of hard surface and concrete sidewalks, yet still offer forefoot striking and joint protection. Check out the Reezig from Reebok for an energy boost during your run!