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First Impressions: The Reebok Zoku Runner Ultraknit

reebok zoku runner ultraknit 8

Early this week we reported on Reebok’s first foray into knit sneakers, the Zoku Runner Ultraknit. Now, the all-new sneaker is available for purchase in seven colorways and two builds. Here are my first impressions.

Equipped with a one-piece knit upper, TPU cage that combines design elements from iconic Reebok models of the past, and an OrthoLite insole, the Zoku Runner sits atop a DMX Lite midsole and a high abrasion rubber outsole.

From walking (and running) around in these this morning I have a couple notes: the step-in comfort is fantastic, probably due to that OrthoLite insole. I haven’t worn these for hours on end yet, so I’ll get back to you when I do. The tooling is a bit narrow beneath my wide foot, but I am not leaning over the tooling.

The knit feels great; it’s got some stretch and is fairly thick, and quite frankly, it’s a lot like Primeknit (Reebok is part of the adidas Group after all). For the price, I am not mad at what the Zoku Runner offers — I just don’t know if it will be a great running shoe, yet.

You can pick up the Reebok Zoku Runner in both men’s and women’s for $115 at the links below (women actually have a dope exclusive colorway). I will be in NYC tonight for the launch event, which is also the official reopening of the Reebok Union Square location, so stay tuned to the WearTesters socials.

Reebok.com / Finish Line / Sneakersnstuff (pricing is all messed up, as usual)

reebok zoku runner ultraknit 8

womens reebok zoku runner ultraknit HTRD flat grey

reebok zoku runner ultraknit HTRD coal

reebok zoku runner ultraknit HTRD lgh solid grey 1

reebok zoku runner ultraknit fire coral

reebok zoku runner ultraknit black alloy

reebok zoku runner ultraknit collegiate royal 1

reebok zoku runner ultraknit power red 1

Images via Reebok

8 comments
  1. Like em. Kind of reminds me of the nmd2, with the knit upper and the socklike ankle piece. i think they need a better name though, I mean, ULTRA boost from adidas and ULTRA knit from reebok? cmon

  2. i actually like these more and more the longer i look at them, as an everyday casual shoe i think they’re really fresh, how is that cushion, though?

    1. If you’re used to Boost, the cushion used on this shoe isn’t that. The DMX cushion is okay, and it’s comfortable for the first couple hours (the OrthoLite insole does most of the work). If you have a wider foot, I suggest trying these on.

      1. i’ll give them a shot, i’m not planning on running in these or anything, just wanna add them in the casual rotation (which includes a bunch of caged and uncaged ultraboosts, nmds, also been wearing the ignite limitless from puma a lot, really comfortable/underrated shoe)…if the cushion feels ordinary, though, i’ll probably reconsider, my aching feet like a lot of cushion when i’m not on the court

        1. At $115 I think you’re getting a pretty good knit upper (it’s almost exactly the same as PK) and decent comfort. A great casual shoe. The Freebandz cw is the one I would cop.

          1. i’mma see if i can get those ’round my way, i think the branded insoles are a bit too much, but i have been a future fan from day one, so
            thanks, noah!

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