Reebok Floatride Run: Never out of place

As a runner, the first thing I check out in a pair of shoes is comfort; next comes support, since I’m flat-footed. I especially like shoes that fit me like a glove, while not squishing my toes, and also provide decent support. So when Reebok claimed that the Floatride Run (Rs 17,999) was the most advanced runner, I was intrigued.

The pair is a looker and got admiring glances from onlookers. But first I struggled a bit when I tried wearing the pair like a normal shoe — because it features a sock-like upper and a wrap-around cage (which holds the laces). I tried wearing them like a sock, and presto, I was done. First, I went for a quiet walk in the park over concrete, metalled roads, gravel, grass and a dirt track. There was good traction and support, especially for the heel and midfoot. The pair features a drop of 8 mm, but is extremely light.

The next morning I went for a run, which showed the shoe’s potential. Making sharp turns in gravel and running a trail went without a hitch — there was wonderful support for the heel, while the forefoot strikers would appreciate the “feedback”. The upper fitted my foot as a sock, providing great comfort and ample ventilation. Despite it being a warm day, I didn’t have sweaty feet. The following day, I actually wore these shoes all through the day — for about 13 hours, non-stop. As someone who wears shoes only during exercises and runs, I was afraid this would leave me with painful feet and red welts. Thankfully, my feet felt fine at the end of the day.

The Reebok Floatride Run is for those who want a comfortable and unobtrusive pair of shoes that can be worn for all occasions — from a 10-km run to the disco, and not feel out of place.