Last year, I experienced Floatride for the first time in the Reebok Floatride Run 2 and the Reebok Floatride Run Fast. Both times it was a fantastic experience. This time around, Jodi and I are testing the Reebok Floatride Forever Energy 2. The difference between the models? The Forever Energy 2 is more budget friendly and uses a different variation of Floatride foam. Also, the Reebok Floatride Forever Energy 2’s name is soooo long. But that’s a marketing quibble. Let’s focus on what we’re all here for, the performance.
Cushion
Jodi: Reebok calls the cushion Floatride Energy Foam, I’d call it a dream come true. Seriously. I’m not going to try and break down the science behind it but all I gotta say is that whatever they did, it works. It’s light, flexible, and snappy. I found myself reaching for these on back to back run days and the cushion never felt like it was bottoming out.
Drew: Last year’s Run 2 and Run Fast use a Pebax version of Floatride. It’s comparable to what’s found in the Saucony Endorphin Speed. The Reebok Floatride Forever Energy 2 instead uses a midsole of steam-molded thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) beads called Floatride Energy Foam. It’s a touch firmer than the Boost found in the adidas Ultraboost 20. It’s a great cushion. It gives a nice bounce and constant impact protection. For $100 you usually don’t get cushioning that’s this bouncy.
Traction
Jodi: Nothing too crazy to see here. It’s a slab of rubber with enough cored out to make it flex properly. I appreciate that the grooves aren’t too deep because that means you don’t have to worry about rocks or fruit pits getting trapped in the negative space. I had no problems transitioning from wet to dry conditions or vice versa.
Drew: I think this is where Reebok cut a bit of cost to get this shoe to $100. The outsole rubber coverage is great but the rubber compound was a little too plasticky for my liking. It gripped well enough in most situations but couldn’t handle the mildew covered bridges I frequent here in Florida. It’s durability seems solid but you can see a good amount of wear already. I expect these to go 250-300 miles but doubt they’ll last much longer than that.
Materials
Jodi: The upper is super lightweight and breathable. You can literally see straight through from the lateral to medial side at the midfoot. That’s how ventilated the shoe is. There’s only really padding where you need it, in the tongue, along the collar, and a very minimal amount at the heel. The only real negative I found was the colorway I have (Glass Pink) is a dirt collector. But that’s okay. I look at them and see a lot of miles run. Which, as all runners understand, makes me proud.
Drew: A basic, lightweight mesh upper that fits well. Then, extra comfort gets added via padding on the tongue and heel. Finally, a ¾ bootie tops everything off by keeping the tongue in place and keeping the whole front of the foot comfortable. Honestly, the materials are basic but I don’t expect this much comfort for $100. Kudos to Reebok for utilizing basic materials in the best ways possible.
Support
Jodi: For as minimalistic as the upper is, the structured padding Reebok included did a great job of really locking my foot onto the base of the shoe. I never had the dreaded “is my foot going to pop out” sensation.
As an aside, the way they double-layered the eyelets so you can really wrench the laces was like they prepared for the Incredible Hulk himself to wear the Forever Energy 2.
Drew: A fairly normal heel counter and a reinforced toe cap. Not much in the way of support but the upper fits well enough to keep the wearer glued to the footbed. I wouldn’t take them on technical trails but these will easily handle roads or a track.
Fit
Jodi: To quote my favorite elf, Buddy, “I’m in love. I’m in love! And I don’t care who knows it!” My wide feet were super happy with the Forever Energy 2. I was able to go with my normal running shoe size which is half a size up from my daily casual shoes. The forefoot has just enough room for my foot PLUS some wiggle room. I never felt claustrophobic or had any weird pressure areas. And my feet never felt like they were sliding around. I didn’t get a single hot spot or blister. Straight out of the box, this shoe felt like it was made for me.
Drew: I went TTS, but with my narrow foot, I could have gone a half size down. The Forever Energy 2 has just a little bit more length than I typically want in my running shoes. But I really didn’t notice it while running. If you’re on the fence, just go with your normal size. As Jodi said, that will give you plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the ride.
Overall
Jodi: When people ask me for running shoe recommendations these days I immediately say, “Have you checked out Reebok’s Floatride Forever Energy 2 yet?” It’s hard to believe how great it is. Especially once you check the price. $100?!? That’s a steal. It’s probably hands down my favorite running shoe of 2020 (so far). I am ridiculously smitten with them.
Drew: I can confidently say you won’t do better for $100. The Reebok Floatride Forever Energy 2 is a great everyday trainer you can beat into the ground daily without worrying about the stack of cash you dropped to buy it.
Thanks to Reebok for sending pairs to test. Reebok was not given any editorial control of the review. This review is based on our weartesters’ experiences using the shoes for speed workouts, trail runs, treadmill training, long runs, casual wear, and more.
