Reebok Floatride Energy 5 Performance Review

The Reebok Floatride Energy 4 was one of our favorite budget shoes of 2022. Can the Reebok Floatride Energy 5 deliver the same or better performance for the same low price of $110? We’re about to find out.

Note: The Reebok Floatride Energy 5 Adventure is a version of the Floatride Energy 5 made for hiking and outdoor adventure. If you’re considering that shoe, here’s what’s different from what you’ll read below. The outsole is beefed up to trail quality with thick, grippy lugs, the upper is made of Cordura brand materials for increased durability on trails, the tongue changes slightly, and pull tabs are added to the heel and tongue. All that adds $10 to the price (worth it). Apart from those differences, everything below applies to the Adventure version as well.

Midsole

Drew: Just like the Floatride Energy 4, the Reebok Floatride Energy 5 started out a little firmer than normal, but broke in well. I wouldn’t say there’s a lot 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 firmer than Boost but still providing a nice bounce and very good impact protection.

Chris: Overall the cushioning is decent, especially at this price point. I like to mix in some treadmill runs throughout the week and I felt like the midsole did not perform well. The Floatride foam just felt too soft on the treadmill with no energy return. 

The midsole was definitely a lot more responsive on the road. For me there was a very subtle rocker, providing a smooth midfoot to toe-off transition. This made it a good easy day shoe for me.

Upper

Drew: I think the Reebok Floatride Energy 5’s upper is a downgrade from the Floatride Energy 4 though it also improves by ditching the awful pull tabs and slippy tongue. The tongue is now gusseted (no slip!) and relatively thin but well-padded. Also well-padded is a newly sculpted heel.

But the overall upper build of traditional engineered mesh just isn’t as cool looking or as comfortable as last year’s speed shift upper. It’s just kind of average in terms of its comfort and fit.

Chris: I haven’t had much experience with the Floatride series, but the upper like Drew mentioned seemed average. The fit felt a bit narrow for me but didn’t seem to be a significant issue on my easy runs with the shoe.

Outsole

Drew: The Reebok Floatride Energy 5’s traction pattern is relatively similar to last year’s version but tweaked slightly. The oval nubs are still there but now extend for the entire outsole, not just the midfoot and forefoot. You can also visibly see the new x-shaped shank plate at the midfoot.

In practice, nothing really changes. The grip’s still solid though not top-end. It’s more than enough for the price point.

Chris: The tread/outsole pattern didn’t cause any slipping issues and after a few runs didn’t seem to take on any significant wear.

Is the Reebok Floatride Energy 5 wide foot friendly?

Drew: The Reebok Floatride Energy 5 runs true to size but is pretty narrow through the midfoot. I’d recommend wide footers look elsewhere as I’m not sure going up in size would make enough difference in the width.

Chris: No. As mentioned previously and from Drew’s comment above, one of the first things I noticed was the narrow fit. Wide footers should probably stay away.

Is the Reebok Floatride Energy 5 worth $110?

Drew: Yes, easily. For $110 you get solid traction, a well-cushioned midsole that lasts, a serviceable upper, and a smooth rocker shape. The Reebok Floatride Energy 5 earns a place on our Best Budget Running Shoes list.

Chris: Yes. Not many other shoes at this price point will give you the reliability of the Reebok Floatride Energy 5. I would definitely recommend this shoe for someone looking to get into running who may not be willing to invest in something too expensive.

Cons

Drew: All I’ve got is a slight downgrade in the upper quality and I’m not sure what the new shank plate brings to the table. I’d rather them soften up the Floatride or make it bouncier versus adding that plate. Maybe next year?

Chris: I was hoping the midsole felt a bit more responsive on the treadmill and for the fit to not be so narrow.

Reebok Floatride Energy 5 Summary

The Reebok Floatride Energy 5 is a solid budget running shoe. For $110, it delivers value and is a very good shoe for those who don’t want to spend a bunch on their running shoes but still want a modern running experience. And if you want a budget trail shoe, the Adventure version is a great option.