Performance Teaser: Reebok Question Mid Pt. 2

Originally released in 1996, the Reebok Question is still a solid performer on-court 16 years later.

Hexalite was introduced after Reebok’s ERS – Energy Return System – and it’s still a good source of impact absorption if used properly. The honeycomb shaped pods were initially created to absorb impact unlike anything ever used before. It’s lighter than Air and said to be able to absorb more weight in a more confined space.

The pod is placed just under the heel and doesn’t cover the entire surface area. Instead it sits directly under your heel’s strike zone and the hexagon shaped structure collapses upon impact then springs right back into place. I will say that I don’t feel it’s as absorbent as Air cushion but it’s just as effective seeing as how weight has been reduced quite a bit.

I don’t believe the forefoot offers any cushion other that the foam midsole. If you lift the insole out of the shoe you can see and feel the impression the heel Hexalite pod makes with the base of the shoes lining. This is not present in the forefoot & when I bent the toe you still can’t see any signs of a Hexalite pod in place. It’s possible that it’s been embedded within the foam midsole itself but I’m not exactly willing to cut the shoe in half to find out so at this point I will just assume that the forefoot is strictly foam.

The insole itself is more than capable of managing the rest of the cushion within the shoe offering you a smooth and plush ride from heel to toe. With the diamond shaped ‘pillows’ you receive enough cushion – even for forefoot players – and with each step the diamond compresses slightly then retains its original shape.

The heel crash pad works well with the Hexalite unit so while in motion from heel to toe you receive a well-balanced and consistent feeling while playing. This insole alone is awesome and I have used this in the past to add additional comfort to performance models long after my original Questions fell apart… I actually wore the insole out to the point where there were holes in the forefoot.

16 years later and the Question is still perfectly capable on-court? Say it ain’t so!

While the upper may not be able to fully retain its shape – mostly due to the lack of ventilation – these are still a great on-court option. Flywire, Fuse and other synthetics are nice and all but nothing truly beats having a well-crafted piece of leather wrapped around your foot in-game… even if you do have to readjust the laces every so often.