Reebok Floatride Energy 4 Performance Review

The Reebok Floatride Energy 4 is the latest entry in Reebok’s under-the-radar, high-performing, budget-friendly everyday running shoe line. Having run in and enjoyed both the Energy 2 and Energy 3, I was excited when I found out Reebok was sending them. The Reebok Floatride Energy 4 made our list of the best cheap running shoes and our list of the best running shoes for beginners of 2022, for what its worth.

When they got delivered, I absolutely loved the white/cream/iridescent colorway Reebok sent. I’ve actually rocked them a fair bit casually during my review process. They handle casual wear easily and comfortably, but that’s not why you’re here. You’re here to find out how they run…

Pros

Floatride Midsole

Floatride Energy foam is Reebok’s premier cushion and the main attraction any time it’s included in a shoe. The Reebok Floatride Energy 4 is no exception. While the Floatride started out a little firmer than normal, it broke in well.

There’s not a ton of Floatride underfoot, which is how Reebok can get the Energy line to such a competitive price point. But that’s also the beauty of Floatride, you don’t need very much to get a solid cushioning experience. Think of it as slightly firmer than Boost but still providing a nice bounce and very good impact protection.

Smooth Rocker

Reebok calls their rocker Engineered Bevel. The heel and forefoot both swoop up from the ground in an arc-like way to keep your stride smooth. It works very well. A good rocker motion works hand in hand with the cushion to prevent jarring impact as the foot contacts the ground. Reebok’s makes the motion feel very effortless.

Comfortable Upper

From the outside, the Reebok Floatride Energy 4’s Speed Shift upper feels a bit rough. It worried me at first…but on foot, it feels great. Part of why it feels good is the mesh inner lining and part of it is the material’s malleability. Reebok uses the large iridescent logos, consisting of both sewn in pieces and overlays, to provide ample support along both the lateral and medial sides of the shoe. The construction and location of the support pieces help keep the foot on the footbed.

In addition to the comfort and support, there are no potential hotspots. If we’re nitpicking, which we often do, the heel collar could use some more foam padding. But what’s included is about what’s expected on a shoe with a $110 price point.

Cons

Crappy Pull Tabs

The pull tabs look fine but they’re poorly sewn along the top edge. After about two weeks of using them to pull the shoes on and off, one of them detached along the top side. I had a dangly pull tab on one shoe until I surgically removed both pull tabs. It doesn’t affect performance, just looks. If you buy them, don’t use the pull tabs to pull the shoes onto your feet or they’ll eventually fail and you’ll need to cut them off.

Slippy Tongue

This one is strange. The Reebok Floatride Energy 4s tongue is gusseted and includes a lace pass-through loop but still slips a bit to the side. It won’t happen to everyone, but if you often get tongue slippage while you run, it will happen to you. Other than the slippage issue, the tongue is great. It’s nicely padded down the middle, light, and comfortable. But slippy tongues are annoying so I always point it out when it happens.

Reebok Floatride Energy 4 Summary

The Reebok Floatride Energy 4 is a smooth, comfortable, and nicely cushioned running shoe that easily outperforms its price point. $110 for this shoe is a very good deal. It’s a great shoe for beginners and budget shoppers. And the best part is, you’re not giving up much versus shoes priced $30-$40 more.