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In an era where many bands are taking a \u2018one shoe fits all\u2019 approach to work, training, and leisure, Reebok are running in an opposite direction with the new FloatZig Tread and Double sneakers. To find out more, M&F<\/em> sat down for a short break with Chris Stone, who is the company\u2019s Director of Product \u2014 Running, to discuss the two new offerings, and how they will help hit different PRs, depending on your preferred type of running.<\/p>\n We\u2019re all busy, and the opportunity to wear a shoe that will serve us all day long seems like a convenient step, but when it comes to running, not all journeys require the same technicalities. \u201cIn our conversations with athletes, running arose as an area that demanded innovation,\u201d Stone told M&F. Of course, one of the brand\u2019s biggest innovations of late is the FloatZig Tread. \u201cThere\u2019s been a rise in people attending treadmill-based classes, and using treadmills as intervals for Hyrox style training,\u201d explained Stone of a need fulfilled.<\/p>\n What Reebok found was that sneakers designed for outdoor work didn\u2019t always marry up to the specifics of machine-based running. \u201cWe found that many were having difficulty finding a running shoe built for their needs when doing a higher share on treadmills,\u201d said Stone. \u201cThere\u2019s no shortage of running shoes out there, but treadmill users often need something purpose built, with their requirements in mind.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhen we looked at the changes in running footwear over the recent past, shoes that provide comfort on the road don\u2019t necessarily translate to performance on the treadmill or for cross training,\u201d explained Stone. \u201cWhere people prefer something more minimal, stable and responsive.\u201d Okay, but what is it about the treadmill that makes it technically different from outdoor running? \u201cAs well as preferring a different feel, we learned that the same person typically runs slightly differently on a treadmill, with a faster cadence but shorter stride,\u201d noted Stone. \u201cYou\u2019re also landing on something which is moving, versus static, and this will accentuate lateral instability. How many times have you been in the gym and seen a running gait look like it\u2019s an injury waiting to happen?\u201d<\/p>\n Reebok\u2019s director of running products told M&F<\/em> that the FloatZig Tread accomplishes a difficult task. \u201cWith this shoe, we had to make stabilizing componentry within the shoe a priority for people who need it, but also unnoticeable for people who don\u2019t,\u201d shared Stone. \u201cWhile the shoe is usable indoor and out, the shape, stability, durability and breathability of the FloatZig Tread is built to maximize the comfort and performance for Treadmill running.\u201d<\/p>\n For those who still love to step it up outside, Reebok haven\u2019t stopped working on this area. \u201cWe kick off every project thinking about how we can make runners feel their most confident for the type of activity they are about to do,\u201d confirmed Stone. \u201cAnd that means comfort for people who are upping their mileage, or on their feet for long periods.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPlush cushioning underfoot brings that feeling of comfort with the FloatZig Double,\u201d says Stone of developing a shoe that will stay the course on long runs. \u201cThe shoe brings a feeling of maximum cushioning but does so in a way that is stable and supportive. We have more of our soft SuperFloat+ foam underfoot than ever before, but we use a dual density EVA drop-in to the midsole of the shoe, which acts as a guide rail to make this a stable ride as<\/p>\n well as being soft. This construction will prevent any runners from feeling off balance or laterally unsteady, despite the huge slab of soft cushioned foam underfoot. The result will be something that\u2019s soft but supportive. There\u2019s also a rocker within the midsole that provides a feeling of gentle forward propulsion. The motion that this initiates, is especially appreciated by runners looking for a \u2018long run\u2019 shoe,\u201d<\/p>\n Stone is keen to point out that while Reebok is always looking to improve the performance of its footwear, the brands\u2019 shoes are designed for everyone. To test both new models, elite athletes and ordinary people were put through their paces. \u201cAdvances in foam technologies mean that a shoe that is low to the ground feels far more cushioned than a low-profile shoe did in the past, so the FloatZig Tread has a SuperFloat core which cushions your landing without losing responsiveness\u201d, said Stone. \u201cWe also tweaked the shape of the upper to make it more adept to bodyweight exercises and functional training than a conventional road shoe. Our Hyrox testers found this particularly useful. The FloatZig Double is a shoe that brings first thoughts of cushioning and comfort, using SuperFloat foam. It has been a winner with testers who want that maximalist plush feeling underfoot while making longer runs like the Berlin Marathon, an event we used for testing.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDuring interviews with coaches, we were alarmed at the volume of shoes they get through,\u201d shared Stone. \u201cThis is due to inferior durability and the outsole rubber of the shoes wearing out. We know other brands are cutting corners, whether it\u2019s to save money or shoe weight, to give better stats at launches. That is something we won\u2019t do at Reebok. We\u2019ve actually gone the other way and reinforced the outsole on the FloatZig Tread, because of that high abrasion landing on a moving belt for treadmill runners.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re very aware of the lifespan of different foams across the industry, and how upper materials can rip. We know the Reebok athlete is wearing our shoes for demanding use cases, and our products are tested thoroughly for quality and longevity. Throughout our price point spectrum, we\u2019re challenging ourselves to give our fans the best value for money in terms of experience and durability.\u201d<\/p>\n The new FloatZig Tread ($110) and the FloatZig Double ($140) will be available to buy from Reebok.com<\/a> from January 21, 2026.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\nReebok\u2019s FloatZig Tread targets the technicalities of the treadmill<\/h3>\n
Reebok\u2019s FloatZig Double is built for the long haul<\/h3>\n
Reebok\u2019s FloatZig shoes are built to last the distance<\/h3>\n