The following post is sponsored by FitFluential LLC on behalf of Reebok.

You may have seen this commercial playing during the Olympic Games recently!
Welllllll, those also happen to be my new kicks!

Also worn by Gold Medal Olympic gymnast Aly Raisman, football star Knowshon Moreno, and MMA powerhouse Johny Hendricks. I’m in pretty good company!

The technology behind the Reebok ZQUICK running shoe is phenomenal. Yes, these shoes are attractive and look great on, but they are made for athletes. You’re probably wondering why this shoe is so special, so let’s get down to business with the technology behind ZQUICK, and the shoe’s features.

What is ZQuick?
ZQUICK takes inspiration from Z-rated sports car tires, which are rated for speeds in excess of 149 mph. Essentially, ZQUICK provides the same speed and handling for your feet.

The Z-rated grip:
The key to good handling tires is maximum ground contact; in tires it’s called a contact patch. It’s the amount of area in contact with the ground.  More area is better for handling and the more surface area means more distributed force and better grip.

The Z-series fit:
For handling, Reebok wanted to take into account the dynamics of the foot itself. Your foot changes in dimension when you put weight on. When your foot is completely weighted, it’ s about 5mm wider than when it’s in the air. That’s your own naturally handling feature. Your foot spreads out on impact to distribute force over a broader base. To accommodate for that natural handling feature, Reebok built slashes into the bottom unit that go all the way to the lasting board so that your Z-series shoe spreads with you. The Z-Rated outsole geometry delivers control, traction and speed, while the no-sew upper and internal bootie ensure you’re locked in tight for the ride. I loved this video about the technology behind the shoe.

Reebok ZQuick Features:
• No-Sew upper with light and flexible NanoWeb PU cast for breathable protection and support
• Low-cut for mobility with lightweight Bootie fit system for comfort
• Inspired by hi-performance tires, Z-Rated technology features a unique outsole geometry for control, traction and speed
• Light, low profile EVA midsole designed with a radical new geometry for outstanding handling.
• Medial and lateral underfoot grooves allow midsoles to flex and expand, increasing ground contact for a smooth, quiet ride
• A sleek new last allows the foot to move naturally, while keeping foot stable on the platform
• CRTek high abrasion rubber in key wear areas for lighter durability

My review:

I have bought Nike FreeRuns  since they first came on the market, but to be honest I never run in them anymore. I first started buying them because of the super flexible sole and comfy no tongue upper, but as the years have gone by and new shoes are debuted, they have become narrower and narrower (ouch) and actually pretty stiff instead of “free.” I pretty much bought those $100 shoes for their fun color combos and looks, and definitely not function. When it came to running shoes, I started wearing Asics and Saucony for more stability and support, but never found anything truly “lightweight.”

I haven’t thought of Reebok for running shoes since they’ve recently been very CrossFit focused (a little intimidating for the non CrossFitters!), but these shoes have completely changed my mind! This is one of the lightest weight shoes I have laid my hands on in a long time. Being so lightweight, I was nervous that they wouldn’t have enough support, but was pleasantly surprised as to how sturdy they felt once I put them on and ran around. My runs are usually from 2-5 miles and the shoes felt really great on my short/moderate distance runs. The top of the heel sat a little high on my ankle which made me a bit nervous that I would get blisters, but I wore my back running socks and the heel actually broke in about 5 runs so it ended up being just dandy! My feet are small but on the wider side, so I was really excited to get the perfect fit in both the length AND width. The upper sole is extremely flexible and comfortable, but the outer NanoWeb weave kept my foot secure and in place. Now for the best part… the traction! It’s actually pretty unbelievable! If you thought that Nike FreeRuns had traction, you are in for a real treat! You can cut sharp corners and turn like it’s no one’s business because of Z-rated tread. I wanted to do a set of suicides because I felt like I could actually complete them in an unnaturally quick time while wearing these shoes. I would the ZQUICKs for anyone who is a mild or moderate milage runner. I don’t think this is the shoe for long distance runs or someone training for a marathon, but it’s excellent for someone who runs between 1-5 miles. I felt zero soreness or pain in my feet or legs the following days which is a huge win. I would the Reebok ZQUICKs for bootcamps and other group fitness classes that require all different types of movement as they are fantastic for cutting and turning! I’m very impressed with the overall design, and quality of this shoe! Way to go Reebok! Now I want the neon pink & yellow pair!

Where to buy Reebok ZQUICK:
Online: Reebok.com
In Stores: Finish Line

Show Reebok some love:
Website: http://www.reebok.com
Instagram: @reebok
Facebook: facebook.com/ReebokUS
Twitter: @reebok
Pinterest: pinterest.com/reebok

Learn more about the Reebok ZQUICK!

What is your favorite lightweight running shoe?

Health & Happiness
xo Catherine