Running can be a wonderfully fulfilling hobby to get into, and a great way to keep your body fit and stay in shape. It is a form of cardio that is extremely easy to get into and pick up, making it a great way to also improve our cardiovascular health.
In addition, it can also benefit your mind and get rid of all kinds of mental illnesses like depression, anxiety or senile dementia. There is a long list of psychological benefits that you can get from this sport.
So whether running is something you have to push yourself to do, or it’s a part of your routine that you look most forward to, the benefits of running are immense and undeniable.
Running for only 30 minutes a day has been proven to be immeasurably beneficial for your brain and aid in performance if you engage in a lot of cognitively demanding work, such as studying or writing.
Even just watching runners zoom past you in parks or on the road as you go about your business is enough to motivate anyone to get into running.
The adrenaline, the endorphins and the runner’s high you will get the very first time you finish a workout will be an addictive feeling you will not be able to get enough of.
No matter what your personal reason may be to start running, whether you wish to get a hold over your depression or anxiety, you want to lose some weight and look better in photos, or you want to improve your cardiovascular health and make this exercise a part of your regular routine, it’s time to lace up and start your journey.
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How To Get Started With Running
Getting into running for the first time especially if you aren’t used to exercising regularly can be a brutal experience, causing a lot of people to quit within a day or two and never go back.
However, all you need is the patience to allow your mind and your body to acclimate to this new exertion, and running can prove to be a blissful and amazing feeling that provides you with a sense of freedom.
You simply cannot expect to get straight into running and be as good as someone who has been running for months.
A lot of people will get a random burst of motivation, decide that today is the day they will start running and step out the door with the noblest of intentions, and then realize that they simply cannot go beyond the first twenty seconds.
After pushing themselves for over a minute and ending up wheezing and heaving, they will go back to their comfort zone and binge Netflix and conclude that they will not “kill themselves” at the gym.
The truth is, running takes some time to break into, just like anything else we do. You cannot expect a child to get straight into Calculus and be great at it, you start with basic arithmetic and then move your way up. Running is the same.
“Every able-bodied person can be a runner,” says Gordon Bakoulis, a running coach based in New York City. “Just start slowly and build up gradually.”
This is why most coaches agree that the best way to become a runner is with a run-walk program. Start with focusing on a few minutes of running, followed by a short period of walking.
Experts suggest aiming to run for three minutes and walking for one minute—continue to alternate until you reach the time goal, always ending with a walking segment to cool down.
A warm-up and cool-down will also help you ease in and out of a run. Start with a few reverse lunges on each leg, followed by squats, side lunges, butt kicks, and high knees, and a few minutes of walking before your run.
Before you start your next run, make sure to decide what you want to get out of it to keep your focus. Do you want to get outside and enjoy it? Do you want to end smiling and feeling good? Do you want to get mentally or physically stronger? Do you just want to sweat a little?
Whatever it is, point it out and use it as your motivation to just keep going. don’t dwell on one bad run, because everyone has them.
Your neuromuscular system, which is the connection between your brain and the muscles of your body you use while running, gets up to speed and gets some running time if you make sure to add in some warm-up and cool-down time to your workout plan before and after running.
Your body will start churning out important enzymes that will prevent build up of lactic acid in your joints and thus prevent cramping. Do take the time to properly warm up and cool down.
A lot of beginners simply skip this step to save time, but they don’t realise how much easier it makes the whole workout seem to them.
Cooling down is a bit less critical in importance, but it is still necessary to gradually bring your heart rate down and let your body gradually adjust from high-intensity exercise to a resting state.
Just a few minutes of walking is all you need to let your heart rate return to normal and for your body to clear out any metabolic waste you created during your efforts. You also want to think about form.
Running really requires perhaps the least amount of gear for any kind of exercise. All you truly need is a safe, flat surface to run on outside, like a safe footpath or a runner’s park.
When you go to buy running shoes, however, you will need to buy shoes that are good for you and most benefit your leg shape and your body.
The most expensive shoes may not be the very best, so this is something you will need to look into when purchasing your shoes.
An aesthetic appeal might be an important criterion for you in the beginning, and while it may be important for you to look good while running, feeling good will save countless injuries, sprained ankles, and repetitive stress injuries in the long run.
How To Choose The Right Kind Of Shoes
Running shoes themselves come in a wide variety of categories. You may think that they all look and feel the same, but it actually makes a significant difference in your comfort level based on factors such as the terrain on which you will be running, whether you are a beginner runner or an experienced one, how many distances at a time you intend to run, and whether you are more of a marathoner or a sprinter.
Most running shoes will feel comfortable enough when you are in the store trying them on, but you will only realize how good they are when you are out on the field practicing your running. You will not realize until then how important your running style, the shape of your foot and other factors come together to make the shoe that is perfect for you.
This has more to do with your personal needs and preferences than the logo that comes on the side of the shoe.
Choosing the type of running shoes you need is not a difficult task at all:
- Firstly, you will need to determine the type of running you do, whether you are a sprinter or a marathoner, for example, and then figure out your running style.
- Next, you sort through the categories of running shoes in the market, filter out the ones you don’t need and the ones that don’t have the features that match your running style.
- And finally, you go ahead and try on the shoes that fit your needs and preferences the best.
A pair of running shoes, in general, should last about 400 to 500 miles or run, or a few months, for regular runners.
If you have been using a pair of running shoes for quite a while and are wondering if they need replacing, take a look at the insides of the shoes and check if the midsoles and outsoles are either compressed or worn. If they are, they may be due for a replacement.
Categories In Running Shoes
There are different categories in running shoes, and as we discussed above, they are dependent on your usage in general. Let us explore the different types below:
Road-running shoes
These are the most popular categories of running shoes, as most people who go running prefer to do so in controlled city environments such as parks or pavements.
These shoes are therefore designed for use on pavements and the occasional forays onto packed surfaces that have slight irregularities.
They are light and flexible, and come with excellent cushioning that helps to stabilize your feet during repetitive strides on even, hard road surfaces.
Cross-training shoes
These are more indoorsy types of shoes, that are used in gyms or indoor exercise sessions such as aerobics or Zumba.
They are also used in CrossFit workouts or any balance-related activity where having more contact with the ground is much more preferred over a thick platform sole.
Trail-running shoes
These are used for rougher terrains and are designed for off-road activities with rocks, mud, roots, or even beach sand, or other obstacles.
They are enhanced with very aggressive grip and tread that provides excellent traction while running in the outdoors off-road.
They are also enhanced to offer greater stability, support, and underfoot protection. These are, therefore, the most expensive variety of shoes within the same models or brands.
Features Offered In Running Shoes
Some running shoes offer specialized features that improve certain characteristics of the shoe or tell you what material is used in the making of the shoe.
Here we talk about how this difference affects the way you run and how good you will find your shoe:
Uppers
- Synthetic leather is a material derived principally from nylon and polyester. It is supple, durable, and abrasion-resistant that makes it lighter, quicker drying and more breathable than real leather. In addition to this, it does not require any break-in time, unlike real leather that can even cause shoe bites if not properly broken into.
- TPU (Thermoplastic polyurethane) overlays are positioned over the shoe panels on the top of the shoe that is designed for enhanced breathabilities, such as in the arch or the heel. The small, abrasion-resistant additions can help increase the stability of the shoe as well as the durability.
- Waterproof/breathable uppers utilize a membrane bonded to the interior of the linings. This membrane blocks moisture from entering while letting your feet breathe, thus preventing bad fungal illnesses such as Athlete’s foot. Shoes with these membranes can keep your foot completely dry in totally wet environments as well, compromising slightly on the breathability.
- Nylon mesh is a type of plastic related durable material that is most commonly used to reduce the weight of the shoe and increase breathability.
Midsoles
The midsole is the cushioning and stability layer between the upper and outsole.
- Posts are areas of firmer EVA (dual-density, quad-density, multi-density, compression-molded) added to create harder-to-compress sections in the midsole. Often found in stability shoes, posts are used to decelerate pronation or boost durability. Medial posts reinforce the arch side of each midsole, an area highly impacted by overpronation.
- Plates are made of thin, somewhat flexible material (often nylon or TPU) that stiffens the forefoot of the shoe. Plates, often used in trail runners, protect the bottom of your foot when the shoe impacts rocks and roots.
- Shanks stiffen the midsole and protect the heel and arch. They boost a shoe’s firmness when traveling on rocky terrain. Ultralight backpackers often wear lightweight trail runners with plates for protection and shanks for protection and support.
- TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) is a flexible plastic used in some midsoles as a stabilization device.
- EVA, also known as ethylene vinyl acetate, is a type of foam commonly used for running-shoe midsoles. Cushioning shoes often use a single layer of EVA.
Outsoles
Outsoles refer to the outside of the soles that you can see on the bottom of your shoe. Most road shoes are constructed with rugged carbon rubber in the heel.
Blown rubber provides more cushioning and therefore is used often in the forefoot. Trail runners usually have carbon rubber outsoles to better withstand trail wear, while road-racing shoes are frequently made co
mpletely of blown rubber to reduce the weight.
Heel-to-toe Drop
The drop of a shoe means the difference between the height of the heel versus height of the toe. This is important since it primarily affects how your foot strikes the ground when you land.
A low or medium heel-to-toe drop (zero to 8mm) promotes a forefoot or mid-foot strike, while a high-drop shoe (10–12mm) promotes heel striking.
The heel drops and cushioning are independent of each other. It is possible to find ultra-cushioned shoes that still have a zero or low heel-to-toe drop, for example.
Medial Post Or Torsion Bar
You can find these on the side of shoes. They can help control excessive inward or outward motion. They are designed for the over-pronator or supinator.
Heel Counter
This refers to the rigid structure around the heel. This provides motion control and sometimes supplemented with a heel wedge, which adds support and cushioning to the heel. It can help those runners who are bothered by Achilles tendonitis.
Reebok Shoes
Reebok is an English footwear and activewear apparel company that is a subsidiary of the well-known Adidas since 2005.
Reebok has been producing and marketing fitness, running and CrossFit activewear and sportswear including clothing and footwear since 2005.
It is the official footwear and apparel sponsor for a wide variety of sports tournaments including the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship), CrossFit, Spartan Race and Les Mills.
The company’s global headquarters are located in Boston, Massachusetts. Reebok’s regional offices are also spread out in Amsterdam, Montreal, Hong Kong, and Mexico City.
The name Reebok doesn’t sound like any other word in the English language. That’s because it was derived from an African Dictionary.
In 1958, the two grandsons of founder Joseph William Foster formed “Reebok.” The name came from an African dictionary that Joe Foster won from a running race as a boy. It comes from Grey Reebok which is a species of an African Antelope.
If you purchased a pair of Reebok running shoes back in the 1980s, you’ll see that your pair will have the classic Union Jack logo with the name Reebok.
If you bought your pair somewhere around the late 80s to 2014, you’ll see that the logo is different. Somewhere around 1986, the Reebok logo took on another transformation.
From the Union Jack symbol, it was revamped into the Reebok vector logo.
Realizing that Reebok wasn’t inspiring enough people to move, it recently did another major logo update. The former vector logo is slowly being phased out, except on the classic Reebok shoes.
The new Delta logo, which was only used on the company’s Crossfit gear, has been introduced to most of the company’s footwear and apparel.
With an updated and modernized font combined with the Delta symbol, it represents the company’s singular focus on fitness as a transformative agent in a person’s life.
Back in 2013, Reebok’s CrossFit range saw a 13% increase in revenue, which triggered the brand’s strategic shift. This brought about the mentioned logo revamp from the Reebok vector logo to the Delta symbol.
Originally, the Delta logo, which was designed internally and was first revealed in 2011, was created to signify the three pillars of positive change – mental, physical, and social. In a way, these three pillars also represent the direction the Reebok brand is moving towards.
Now that we know a bit about the Reebok brand, let’s take a closer look at Reebok running shoes and the different common technologies that they are equipped with.
Over the years, Reebok has developed technologies that allow their running shoes to enhance both movement and performance.
Whether you’re looking for Reebok women’s running shoes or Reebok men’s running shoes, you will find a pair that best fits your athletic needs. A lot of people include Reebok in their collection because it’s widely known as an all-around shoe.
It’s not just for running. It’s popularly used for Crossfit workouts because it allows users to move optimally with its features. Also, because of its stylish design, it is commonly worn as a lifestyle sneaker.
Reebok has been designing, manufacturing, and marketing and sells fitness, running and CrossFit sportswear. This is also including clothing and footwear.
The clothing line includes hoodies, t-shirts, and pants among other items. The brand has collaborated with other companies to produce fitness equipment and workouts, that are available on Youtube for people to benefit by.
In 1895, Joseph William Foster, a local shoemaker invented the first ‘spiked running shoe’ which quickly gained popularity with the athletes in the region and started the J W Foster & Sons Company.
The company initially began distributing sports shoes across the UK.
This company has been releasing numerous notable styles of sports shoes and running shoes since the 1982 introduction of the Reebok Freestyle, which was marketed towards a female audience.
In 1979, American businessman Paul Fireman noticed the popularity of Reebok at the Chicago International Sneaker Trade Show and obtained the rights to distribute Reebok brand in the US and named the division as Reebok USA Ltd. In 1984, this shoe made up a total of more than half of all of Reebok’s sales.
This was a result of the then-famous aerobics trend that had caught most countries by storm in the 80s and 90s. Reebok also released workout regimes and programs called Reebok Step.
These workouts were released in 1989. Reebok also introduced what would become one of their most famous signature shoes, the Reebok Pump.
This was released as a men’s basketball shoe and it became the world’s first completely adjustable fit, which was controlled with manual air allocation, which was an impressive technology.
In 1990, Reebok released another of its models called the Ventilator, which was a line of lightweight athletic shoes that had vented side panels. In 1996, Reebok signed a $50 million endorsement deal with Allen Iverson when he signed with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Iverson collaborated with Reebok during his contract to create the second-longest running basketball shoe line in history, beginning with the Question shoe in ’96 and ending with Answer XIV.
In 2010, the brand released Reebok Zig, an athletic footwear technology and collection of shoes include zigzag foam soles designed to push athletes forward.
The Reebok Nano was released in 2011 and is the first official CrossFit shoe. The company has also partnered up with Les Mills and CrossFit to produce more fitness apparel, footwear, and workouts.
Reebok released the Z-Series foam, a combination of dense midsole and outsole so the foam is cushioned but not worn-down. The foam debuted on the ZQuick TR with Reebok’s new Delta logo in 2014.
Reebok Future innovation house has developed a new technology they call Liquid Factory. A robot will extrude liquid polyurethane and “draw” shoe components without the use of traditional shoe molds.
Reebok has been a groundbreaking company in producing and manufacturing, and distributing some of the most innovative running shoes today, from the designing to the manufacturing, distributions, and sales of shoes.
Reebok is one of the leaders in manufacturing and distribution of authentic and high-quality sports apparels, shoes and training equipment.
There are few brands out there with the kind of reputation Reebok has consistently maintained for decades, offering high-quality and long-lasting shoes since its founding.
Not only are they dedicated to consistently creating a dependable reputation for themselves, but also they are popular for their innovation mindset towards shoes and running technology.
With the use of ever-growing innovations and ultra-modern manufacturing procedures, Reebok is truly on its way to becoming the world’s largest sports apparels and shoemakers soon.
If you are looking for Reebok shoes but have no idea where to begin, read on as we go over a list of the best Reebok shoe technology that is available for you that you can purchase according to your needs and preferences.
Whether you want a casual running pair of shoes you need an intense rough terrain oriented pair of high-traction sneakers, this list will guide you along all of the most popular and best-selling shoe technology in the market today so that you can be sure that you are making the right choice for yourself.
Floatride Foam
This midsole technology is in the Reebok Floatride Run, which many commented to have exceeded their expectations when it comes to quality and performance.
This midsole technology affords runners the feeling of “floating” during their runs. It was engineered to have a consistent cell structure, providing a comfortable yet performance-enhancing run.
UltraKnit
This is an upper material that’s seamless and highly breathable. It gives the runner a good amount of support.
On top of this, it allows runners to move optimally and naturally. One of the many Reebok running shoes that have the UltraKnit on the upper is the Reebok Print Run UTLK.
CRTek Technology
This is an outsole technology which is an abrasion-resistant type of rubber. It supplies the bottom of the shoe with enough traction and protection without added bulkiness from a robust outsole.
This technology can be seen on the outsole of the Reebok ZQuick Lite.
KooshRide Core Technology
This is a midsole technology. It is a type of Reebok running shoe technology that supplies the midsole with a comfortable underfoot feel.
Because of its unique geometric design, it wasn’t just designed for comfort but for lasting cushioning from the start of the run, up until the end. You can find this technology on the midsole on the Reebok Harmony Road 2.
ZigTech Outsole
This technology is truly unlike any other technology in the running shoe industry. It’s a midsole technology that will immediately catch your attention because of its one-of-a-kind zigzag base.
Just look at the Reebok Zig Pulse which is a Reebok running shoe for men and women. The special platform allows the shoe to be lightweight, responsive, springy, and stable.
Pump Technology
The pump technology is perhaps the oldest technology that Reebok has. Back in 1989, the Reebok Pump was the first athletic shoe to have an internal inflatable system which customized the fit from within.
The modern Pump technology works in a similar way. The pump on the Reebok ZPump Fusion 2.5 covers the medial, lateral, and rear section of the upper. Pressing the button gathers air and customizes the fit all throughout the shoe.
This being said, you can find different types of Reebok shoes according to your needs and preferences. Let us explore the most popular Reebok shoes out in the market categorized according to each of its criteria.
According to Terrain
- Reebok Road Running Shoes
Road running shoes are designed to meet a runner’s common needs. It won’t typically have all the bells and whistles. For the most part, a road running shoe focuses on delivering comfort and responsiveness. One of the best Reebok running shoes for the road is the Reebok Fast Flexweave.
- Reebok Trail Running Shoes
Compared to road running, trail running is more demanding because of uneven surfaces, different weather conditions, and various terrain topographies.
This is the reason why most trail shoes are sturdier compared to ones designed for the road. The All Terrain Super 3.0 is one of the best-ranked trail shoes from the brand.
It comes equipped with a rock plate and water drainage technology.
According To Usage
- Daily Running Shoes
Daily running shoes have a versatile characteristic. Aside from using them for every day running, they can also be worn as a lifestyle or everyday sneaker because of their stylish upper.
Take a look at the Reebok OSR Grasse Road which has a durable outsole and a platform made of the KooshRide TPU foam for enhanced responsiveness.
- Competition Shoes
Competition running shoes have different uses. They can also be used daily for the usual purposes, however, they work best when used for competitions, training intervals, tempo runs, or fartlek training.
For the Rebook brand, a good competition trail shoe to look at would be the All Terrain Super 3.0 which was found to be lightweight, with a durable outsole that supplied a good amount of traction and with a water draining system which is very effective.
According To Pronation
- Reebok’s Neutral Shoes
According to experts, our foot naturally rolls inward when we run. This is called pronation. When a runner’s foot pronates normally, neutral running shoes will work well.
You should check out Reebok’s Zigwild TR with the ZigTech feature, a low ankle collar and a breathable mesh upper.
- Reebok’s Stability Shoes
There are runners whose feet roll inward excessively. They are referred to as overpronators. These types of runners need the best Reebok running shoes to minimize their overpronation.
This is what stability running shoe will do. It differs from a neutral running shoe because it will have a component (or several components) that enable the shoe to minimize or control overpronation.
The Rebook ZPump Fusion 2.5, for example, has a reinforced midfoot tuck board to support the arch and control the movement of the foot.
Now that we have explored the general categorization of shoes and drawn our conclusions with respect to best shoes accordingly, it is only fair that we make a hierarchy of which running shoes have come out on top and which one really is considered the best Reebok running shoe.
Here is our list:
Best Reebok Running Shoes
Reebok Zigwild TR 5.0
With its unmistakable profile, the ZigTech midsole disperses energy along its length to help provide enhanced cushioning from heel strike to toe-off. A classic low-cut profile aids mobility for tight turns while running long.
Reebok Print Run 3.0
Whether rocking an athleisure look or working out at the gym, the men's Print Run 3.0 running shoe from Reebok will keep you looking fresh.
Reebok Zig Pulse
These men's training shoes feature an innovative Zig outsole that disperses energy for enhanced heel-to-toe comfort on every stride.
Reebok Zigwild TR 2
The Zigwild TR 2 is a serious, heavy-duty trail running shoe with an appropriately tough outsole for running on the rough terrain and trails found in nature.
Reebok Fast Flexweave
These flex weave woven sneakers feature technology that brings durability and breathability to the seamless upper.
Reebok Speedlux 2.0
This Reebok speed lux 2.0 comes with a breathable upper for ventilated feel. A combination of finishes add a supportive-yet-rich look.
Reebok OSR Grasse Road
The Reebok Grasse Rd is a high cushioned daily trainer that packs a lot into an affordable price range.
Reebok Zig Pulse SE
These sneakers feature mesh upper for lightweight breathability and carbon rubber overlays for abrasion resistance and durability.
Reebok Speedlux 3.0
The Reebok Speedlux 3.0 is designed with comfort and mobility in mind. The mesh upper is breathable, and the lightweight tooling design gives this shoe a distance running look.
Reebok Floatride Run
Built for speed, the float ride run fast cushions feet while staying incredibly lightweight. The float ride foam stays responsive to your movements throughout your gait cycle, providing support every step of the way.
Reebok All Terrain Craze
Adventure seeking inspires you to veer off-road. These All Terrain Craze running shoes are made to take on the path less paved.
Reebok Runner 2.0 MT
Be the quickest one in the chase with these Reebok shoes. A breathable upper keeps your feet cool, and the cushioned midsole helps control impact with each step. Available in wide sizing.
Reebok Harmony Road 2
Features Flexweave woven textile upper provides resilient stretch and targeted support at key performance areas. Flex Angle for forefoot flexibility.
Reebok Floatride Run Fast Pro
From heel to toe, our float ride racing shoe was designed with one thing in mind - pure performance. The ultra lightweight design and float ride foam technology help cushion every step, whether you're running a 5K or half marathon.
Reebok Print Run 2.0
Each part of your foot functions differently. Reebok engineered these running shoes based on 3D scans of moving feet for targeted cushion and flexibility.
Reebok ZPrint Run
Features Foot-mapped 3D foam midsole with deep flex grooves for resilient cushioning, flexibility, and natural feel. Dense outer rim compound for solid support and abrasion resistance.
Reebok Furylite
Fashion never felt so good. This Reebok fury looks great and feels fabulous. The canvas upper is right on trend, and the visible technology in the midsole adds lightweight shock absorption.
This list was created keeping in mind the different needs of all the users that would use it as somewhat of a buying guide.
In the end, it is really a question of your own needs and preferences that determine which is the best running shoe.
Whether you’re looking for Reebok women’s running shoes or Reebok men’s running shoes, you will find a pair that best fits your athletic needs.
A lot of people include Reebok in their collection because it’s widely known as an all-around shoe. It’s not just for running.
It’s popularly used for Crossfit workouts because it allows users to move optimally with its features. Also, because of its stylish design, it is commonly worn as a lifestyle sneaker.
Most Reebok trainers can be worn right out of the box. There are some, however, that need some time to be broken in. This means that you need to wear them for a certain amount of time so your feet get used to the new running shoes.
After their break-in period, your new pair will feel more comfortable.
We hope this article helps you pick the perfect Reebok running shoe for you. Stay motivated and keep running. It will become easier and more fulfilling overtime!