What could possibly be more exciting than chatting about shoes?! And if you know me, you know that I am serious. Rarely do I find anything as fascinating as I do shoes! (Imelda and I are BFF’s. For reals.)
Anyway…moving on. I was fortunate enough to be asked to meet up yesterday with Alena and Kevin, a local Denver rep and a marketing rep for Reebok. They took some time out of their afternoon to meet me at a local Sports Authority so that we could chat about their running shoe line.
Kevin and Alena. Oh, and Peyton Manning.
You see, I’ve been wicked curious about companies like Reebok that are quietly moving into the running scene. Obviously, Reebok isn’t like Brooks or Saucony in that it doesn’t primarily make shoes for running; in fact, it is a smaller area of their reach. However, I do appreciate that Reebok is trying to establish a price point that appeals to the consumer who may not have a million zillion dollars to spend on running shoes. I mean, these prices are pretty reasonable, yes?
Awhile back, Reebok was kind enough to send me a pair of the SmoothFlex running shoes. If y’all follow me on Instagram, you’ve probably seen my “traveling gnome” pics of my shoes!
Get it? My SmoothFlex are like the gnome that pops up everywhere!
Reebok has also been excessively patient with me and big feet. My feet have decided to grow ridiculously fast, and I can’t seem to figure out what my current shoe size is! I started in an 8 and when that was too snug, I bumped up to an 8.5. After trying them out this weekend at the Denver Oyster and found them to still be snug, Alena offered to send me a size 9. Big foot over here!
Because of my excessive foot growth and the bizarre behavior of my ridiculous left knee, I still have yet to go for a legit training run in the SmoothFlex. However, I did all of my running at the Oyster in them, and aside from the tight fit, I found them to be pretty darn comfy.
The bottom of the shoe has 34 of those little nodes that provide increased ground contact while the big grooves allow the shoe to be wicked flexible. Wanna see?
Additionally, the upper of the shoe is made of a breathable mesh that I actually really like. I can attest to the fact that it dries quickly! I wore these stand up paddle boarding during the Oyster, and being as graceful as I am, I fell in the lake near the beginning. My shoes had almost completely dried within 30 minutes which was key. Wet feet = no bueno.
The heel-to-toe drop is substantially more than I am used to at 11mm. However, this is fairly standard for regular running shoes and is probably ideal for athletes who don’t want to go the minimalist route. The heel cushioning is also fairly normal, and provides a good chunk of protection for all of us (!) who are heel strikers.
Jordin Sparks wasn’t there yesterday. Darn.
Would I want to use the SmoothFlex as my go-to marathon training shoes and run 10, 12, and 17 milers in them? Nope, I’ll probably be sticking with my Brooks Pure Cadence. However, I don’t think they’re intended for that purpose. If you’re a recreational runner who likes to throw in a bit of jogging with all of your other athletic endeavors, I think these shoes would be a great choice. Plus, at $79.99, I definitely think they would be worth a shot!
I was provided with these shoes from Reebok via a FitFluential campaign. All the other opinions are all me!
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Do you have a go-to cross training shoe? What is it?
This one is just for me….anyone else as obsessed with neon colors in shoes as I am? Did you SEE those orange laces?!
Heather Balogh Rochfort is a freelance writer and author with a focus on outdoor adventure, travel, and fitness. Colorado born and bred, she loves backpacking, trail running, backcountry skiing, and packrafting, especially with her husband, one-year-old daughter, and lovable rescue mutt Tally.
Nope, the post and the photos, as I mentioned above, are all my own (although if they look like guided advertising photos, I may be finally learning to use my camera!!) If you want to read any of my other shoe reviews from various companies, I’d be happy to send you the links– just let me know.
Those look like nice shoes. I have always picture reebok as being more of a baseball, football, sport shoe not a running shoe per say…
I do like the style of shoe they put ou, would like to try them sometime, too bad I have a million other pair of shoes and my budget doesnt really have $ for a new pair…interesting write up though!
They are reaching into a lot of areas and that’s why I was curious about their more running-specific shoes. From what I gathered, I don’t think they’ll ever go “all-in” with running shoes. I do know I’ve also read a lot about their crossfit/weight lifting shoes.
And oh, I hear you on the millions of shoes! But I don’t look at it like it’s a problem 🙂
I’m starting to run for exercise, not long distances, just like 3 miles 3-4 times a week and I’m looking for a good shoe that doesn’t break the bank or hurt my feet. These seem like a really nice option, thank you!
I’ve been seriously loving Reeboks new shoes this year for cross training. My hip is too jacked up to actually run in them more than 2-3 miles, but they’re seriously comfortable for walking riding or cross training!
When I see neon shoes my brain immediately tells my feet to love them. They make me so happy. Although I think I need to wash my neon green shoes – they aren’t quite as flashy as they used to be!
That’s exactly how I am with ANYTHING neon when it comes to exercise clothes! I am on a mission for a neon pink ski jacket or pants for this winter 🙂 Sniagrab tomorrow!
I haven’t used my Reeboks for running, but I love them for cross-training! They are SO flexible. And yes, I adore the neon colors, too! Bright fitness gear makes me happy 🙂
I love my real flex for cross training kinda things. I bought out of the little boys section and just found a pair that fit my foot instead of buying womens – ended up being 20 bucks cheaper!
Otherwise I need serious arch support. But they are some great lookin shoes!
That’s what Alena was telling me when I met with them! Unfortunately for me, the size 9 jump means that the little kids shoes won’t fit me anymore, but for people with smaller feet? Score!
I’ve never run in Reebok (I’m an Asics gal from way back), but I love those neon colors! I need to stick with a little more supportive shoe though. My feet have always let me down when I go for style over substance.
And excuse me. Size 9 is not exceptionally large (says the girl who wears 11.5, an incredibly hard size to find, in running shoes)
I definitely wouldn’t wear Reebok as a running shoe, but I would love them as cross training shoes! Also the 11mm drop is too much for me since I am more minimalist. I do love the colors though!
Well I’m 5’1″ and wear size 9 and I am SO INSULTED, I mean really WTF Heather?? JK I agree it’s on the bigger side, and working in a running store I can safely say it’s above average for my height. My go-to shoe for cross training is old running shoes! Some lady just came to the store and wanted recommendations for shoes to wear on the elliptical and I was like “ummm…..”
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22 Comments
So by “chatting about shoes” did you mean “advertising for Reebok”?
I’m curious to know if Reebok or it’s employees provided you with any advice or guidance on this post or the photos you’ve taken for it.
Seems awfully proselytizing…
Nope, the post and the photos, as I mentioned above, are all my own (although if they look like guided advertising photos, I may be finally learning to use my camera!!) If you want to read any of my other shoe reviews from various companies, I’d be happy to send you the links– just let me know.
Those look like nice shoes. I have always picture reebok as being more of a baseball, football, sport shoe not a running shoe per say…
I do like the style of shoe they put ou, would like to try them sometime, too bad I have a million other pair of shoes and my budget doesnt really have $ for a new pair…interesting write up though!
They are reaching into a lot of areas and that’s why I was curious about their more running-specific shoes. From what I gathered, I don’t think they’ll ever go “all-in” with running shoes. I do know I’ve also read a lot about their crossfit/weight lifting shoes.
And oh, I hear you on the millions of shoes! But I don’t look at it like it’s a problem 🙂
Oh I love those!! Way too cute! Yes I love the neon also in anything!! I might have to look into those! Spalove!
I’m starting to run for exercise, not long distances, just like 3 miles 3-4 times a week and I’m looking for a good shoe that doesn’t break the bank or hurt my feet. These seem like a really nice option, thank you!
I’ve been seriously loving Reeboks new shoes this year for cross training. My hip is too jacked up to actually run in them more than 2-3 miles, but they’re seriously comfortable for walking riding or cross training!
You know me and color. Love them. And Orange?! Could it get any better? I tend to stick my with Mizuno and Columbia shoes for all activities. =)
When I see neon shoes my brain immediately tells my feet to love them. They make me so happy. Although I think I need to wash my neon green shoes – they aren’t quite as flashy as they used to be!
That’s exactly how I am with ANYTHING neon when it comes to exercise clothes! I am on a mission for a neon pink ski jacket or pants for this winter 🙂 Sniagrab tomorrow!
I have seen those shoes everywhere and I’ve been so curious about them! I’m obsessed with neon. The brighter the shoe, the better!
love my pink pair! i def wouldn’t wear them to run but i use them for my nightly walks! so comfy!
I haven’t used my Reeboks for running, but I love them for cross-training! They are SO flexible. And yes, I adore the neon colors, too! Bright fitness gear makes me happy 🙂
I love my real flex for cross training kinda things. I bought out of the little boys section and just found a pair that fit my foot instead of buying womens – ended up being 20 bucks cheaper!
Otherwise I need serious arch support. But they are some great lookin shoes!
That’s what Alena was telling me when I met with them! Unfortunately for me, the size 9 jump means that the little kids shoes won’t fit me anymore, but for people with smaller feet? Score!
I’ve never run in Reebok (I’m an Asics gal from way back), but I love those neon colors! I need to stick with a little more supportive shoe though. My feet have always let me down when I go for style over substance.
And excuse me. Size 9 is not exceptionally large (says the girl who wears 11.5, an incredibly hard size to find, in running shoes)
Agreed, not exceptionally large, but when your feet jump an entire size in the span of a month, it sure is noticeable!
PS Let me know when/if you snag that GoPro!! 🙂
I definitely wouldn’t wear Reebok as a running shoe, but I would love them as cross training shoes! Also the 11mm drop is too much for me since I am more minimalist. I do love the colors though!
Like I said, the 11mm is a bit more drop than I’m used to also– I’ve been wearing mainly 4mm drop.
What an insult to claim size 9 shoes as BIG FEET. Paalease. Get a clue, lady.
Point taken. But, for a female who is 5′ 4″, size 9 is above average.
Well I’m 5’1″ and wear size 9 and I am SO INSULTED, I mean really WTF Heather?? JK I agree it’s on the bigger side, and working in a running store I can safely say it’s above average for my height. My go-to shoe for cross training is old running shoes! Some lady just came to the store and wanted recommendations for shoes to wear on the elliptical and I was like “ummm…..”