TITANIUM REVIEWS: REEBOK REALFLEX

Titanium Review Summary [++++ Four Titanium Crosses]: The REEBOK REALFLEX is a great minimalist running shoe for biomechanically efficient runners and for those who want to transition into barefoot running. However, it cannot be used running in the evenings or what is called nighttime running because it does not have reflectors the wraps around the shoe. So if you desire to wear these during the evenings, have other reflectors and other blinking lights attached to your water belt or body so that you won’t be hit by a far. The best part of the shoe is that it has OrthoLite, a shoe technology used by most brands making athletic shoes. In terms of price point, not bad since it is below P5,000 pesos for a mid range running shoe.

REEBOK released the REEBOK REALFLEX last year in the Philippine market but they have yet to promote it as heavily as they did the Zigtech apparel and line of shoes. So what exactly is the REEBOK REALFLEX and how different is it from other shoes of REEBOK? For starters, REALFLEX is REEBOK’s response to the clamor of coming up with minimalist running shoes. Although they’ve developed the Zignano as their response to their minimalist running shoes, the REALFLEX is actually a lot more thinner and extremely lighter compared to other REEBOK running shoes.

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At first glance, you would probably notice that it does not look any different from the REEBOK ZIGTECH. But take a look at the sole.

Many runners who have been running in different running shoes would probably notice that it looks very similar to the NIKE Free. It is extremely light. And I really enjoyed running in this pair of running shoes. This shoe is designed for those who are biomechanically efficient in running. It is another way of saying that the shoe is not designed for heel strikers. If you plan to get this pair of running shoes and you are a heel striker, chances are that you will encounter more issues than be joyously using it for every run.

1. Comfort [+++++ Five Titanium Crosses]. The REALFLEX offers comfort for the feet. There are times that I feel that I am not wearing shoes at all by how light it is. I can barely feel it is there.

2. Cushioning [++++ Four Titanium Crosses]. As mentioned earlier, this shoe is designed for biomechanically efficient runners. It is designed for runners who land on the ball of their foot to midfoot and not for those who land on their heels. The cushioning of the REALFLEX is ironically located more on the front of the shoe where the ball of the foot is located more than the hell of the shoe. When you take a closer examination of the shoe, you will realize that the shoe looks like it has adequate cushioning for the heel. Do not be fooled. The cushioning on the heel is just enough to protect the foot from impact on walking but not enough to protect the feet for those who truly land naturally on their heels. So if you are planning to transition into barefoot running, then I think this would be a great running shoe to begin with before you go sans running shoes!

3. Support and Technology [+++++ Five Titanium Crosses]. It is rare that I come across a REEBOK shoe that uses OthoLite Technology. I’ve taken the liberty of including the description of the Ortholite technology here for easier reference. But in summary, it basically means that it gives added support for the feet and makes it possible for the feet to breathe more naturally inside the shoes to as to prevent further injuries and prevent the foot from overheating within the shoe. Isn’t that a cool feature? It is also the first time that I merged the category Support with Technology because they truly are intrinsically connected and cannot be apart from each other for this particular running shoe.

Breathable for a cooler foot – OrthoLite insoles are made with open-cell foam, allowing air to circulate around the foot, keeping your foot cooler inside the shoe.

Moisture management – The unique open cell structure of OrthoLite also creates a moisture management system inside the shoe by moving moisture away from the foot leaving foot drier. When the foot is removed from the shoe any remaining moisture dries very quickly due to the airflow allowed by the open cell network in the foam.

Long term cushioning – Our unique spring-back technology means your insole will retain over 95% of its thickness over time and won’t flatten out.

Anti-microbial agents – OrthoLite contains a patented anti-microbial formulation to fight fungus, bacteria, and odor in the shoe. The EPA/FDA approved anti-microbial is added during formulation so that it is linked to the foam and will not wear off over time.

Lightweight – OrthoLite is extremely lightweight providing optimum performance without adding weight to the shoe.

Recycled rubber content – OrthoLite foam contains recycled rubber powder which allows everyone to do their share in helping our environment.

Washable – Just throw your dirty insoles in your washing machine and they come out like new.

Comfort guarantee – OrthoLite prides itself on comfort. If you don’t notice an immediate difference between your new OrthoLite insole and the one you replaced, you will receive a full refund.

4. Laces [++++ Four Titanium Crosses]. Compared to the other REEBOK running shoes, the shoe laces of the REALFLEX is enough to do a double knot. But I am still waiting for the day that REEBOK would come up with their own customized shoe laces where an a person does not need to do double knots to keep the shoe in place.

5. Reflectors [NA -- Non Applicable]. The pair of REALFLEX that I have does not have any reflectors. I also checked all the existing designs being sold in the market and none of them have any. I also double checked on the website of REEBOK and none of the present product line on REALFLEX offers reflectors. This means that the running shoe is not meant for night time running. So if you want and need a pair of running shoes that have reflectors because you run at night, go for the ZIGTECH edition instead of this one. There’s the ZigNano that’s also meant for biomechanically efficient runners.

6. Fabric [+++++ Five Titanium Crosses]. The material used for this shoe is indeed unprecedented. I do not feel my feet heating up inside. This is good because being in a tropical country, I really don’t like wearing leather shoes and I am very thankful that for most days of the week I am allowed to wear my rubber shoes inside the office.

Overall, I’ve used the REEBOK REALFLEX during the Davao 100 Ultramarathon event last month. It was just an amazing pair of running shoes and I ran with it for 45 kilometers. I’ve also been using it for my interval training runs every week.