I was extremely excited to try the Reebok Floatride Energy 4. I ran through 3 pairs of the Floatride Energy 3, so needless to say, I am a big fan.
But I am a huge fan of Reebok and love a lot of their shoes, including:
- Reebok Floatride Energy 3
- Reebok Floatride Energy Grow
- Reebok Forever Floatride Grow
- Reebok Floatride Run Fast Pro (for workouts)
Woo, yes, that’s a lot, but I really enjoy their shoes. Like many “bigger brands,” Reebok has high-quality running shoes and lower-quality casual shoes. If you run in casual shoes, you’ll get hurt. But if you run in the running shoes, you might be surprised. Now that I’ve added that clarifier let’s get into the Floatride Energy 4 shoe review.
Reebok Floatride Energy 4 Quick Facts:
Weight: 8.4 oz
Heel to Drop: 9 mm
Cost: $110
Reebok Floatride Energy 4 Introduction:
Right off the bat, I think the Floatride Energy 4 is one of the best-valued trainers. For $110, you’ll get at least 300-400 miles out of it. Sadly, there aren’t a lot of daily trainers that are priced that way. The Reebok Floatride Energy 4 features a smaller update with the new “Speed Shift Upper.” The upper is designed to add breathability and durability, plus the shoe now enters Reebok’s Ree[cycled] program.
What is the Reebok Ree[cycled] program? Shoes in this program incorporate at least 30% recycled materials in the upper. As most people know, sustainability is important to me, so I appreciate any brand that does that. Finally, the midsole and outsole remain the same as the Reebok Floatride Energy 3. So if you like the ride of the Floatride Energy 3, you should like the Floatride Energy 4 too. The update has been minor.
Reebok Floatride Energy 4 Fit:
Right off the bat, I love an all-white shoe. The Floatride Energy 4 is the meshy white but more of a translucent and almost see-through white. Either way, it looks clean. If I didn’t run in the dirt so much, I could get away with it as a casual shoe. I was curious how the suede in the back would feel and respond to running. I’ve seen a few shoes use that suede material, which (to me) seems counterintuitive. Don’t we want the lighter the upper, the better? The suede isn’t noticeable or heavy.
As mentioned, the Reebok Floatride Energy 4 now features the “Speed Shift Upper,” which incorporates 30% of recycled materials. It is actually the first Floatride Energy model that is part of the Ree[cycled] program.
Touching the upper, the outside feels slightly rough and course. It remains structured and protective while the forefoot is translucent and breathable. At first, the upper felt slightly stiff, but it seemed to loosen up after a few miles of movement.
You might think the upper doesn’t breathe well from appearance, but it’s quite the opposite. The thinner Speed Shift Upper is more breathable than previous versions and lighter.
I strongly believe the best running shoe uppers disappear off your feet, and the Reebok Floatride Energy 4 does just that. Both the tongue and heel are padded and comfortable. The upper started slightly stiff, but it loosened up during the first run.
Typically in running shoes, I wear between a women’s size 10-11 wide, and I found the 10.5 to fit well. The Reebok Floatride Energy 4 fits true to size.
Reebok Floatride Energy 4 Ride:
The Reebok Floatride Energy 3 was one of my favorite shoes. I didn’t know if Reebok could improve the ride (for me)? But they did by not changing it. The midsole and outsole of the Reebok Floatride Energy 4 remain the same, and the ride is about the same too.
Reebok uses an engineered bevel that continues to provide a smooth transition from heel to toe. If you are new to the Reebok Floatride Energy series, they are lightweight yet responsive. You feel like you can pick up the pace but still have enough cushion for easy runs too.
Durability and traction: I’ve never had a Reebok shoe that lacked both durability and traction. In fact, in my last pair of Reebok Floatride Energy 3, I was able to get about 400 miles in them (and I’m hard on shoes). I only retired them because I knew it was time. It was a hard decision to make. I’ve taken the Reebok Floatride Energy 4 on several runs on sandy trails and inclement weather and had no issues. The Reebok Floatride Energy 4 uses a carbon outsole (like the Energy 3) with the same traction and grip.
I’ve used the Reebok Floatride Energy 4 for all sorts of runs, but for me, it falls under the workhorse of a trainer shoe. You can take it out for daily runs and faster runs with no issues. I prefer something with more cushion for recovery runs, and I like a lighter, faster shoe for workouts (like the Reebok Energy X or Reebok Floatride Run Fast Pro). I’ve been traveling a lot recently for work, and the Reebok Floatride Energy 4 usually comes with me because it can handle most things.
Reebok Floatride Energy 4 Conclusion:
It’s tough to find fault with the Floatride Energy 4. It’s one of the cheaper daily trainers; it fits true to size and is partially made from recycled materials. The real hindrance for the Floatride Energy 4 is that many people are not familiar with how good Reebok running shoes are. Isn’t that sad since Reebok is such a big contender in the athletic world.
If you are looking for a daily trainer, the Reebok Floatride Energy 4 is a great option. Similar models include the Saucony Ride, New Balance 1080, and Brooks Launch (I would say Brooks Ghost, too, but the Floatride Energy 4 is more responsive than the Ghost).
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: Reebok Floatride Energy 4, Diadora Mythos Blushield Volo, New Balance 1080 v11, Saucony Triumph 19, Brooks Launch 9
Speed Work: 361 Flame, Nike Tempo Next%, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Nike ZoomX Streakfly, Reebok Energy X
Long Runs: Saucony Freedom 4, Hoka Clifton Edge, Under Armour Sonic HOVR 3
Trail Running/Hiking: Saucony Peregrine 12, Hoka Torrent 2, Hoka Zinal Shoe, Speedland SL: PDX, North Face Flight VECTIV
Races: Nike ZoomX Streakfly, Asics Metaspeed Sky, Hoka One One Rocket X, adidas Adizero Pro, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Nike Next%, Saucony Endorphin Pro 2, Reebok Run fast Pro
You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.
Looking to learn more about running shoes? In my ebook, I talk about why you need a good running shoe, a shoe’s anatomy, neutral vs. stable, and even myths of running shoes.
Questions for you:
Have you tried the Reebok Floatride Energy 4?
What is your favorite daily trainer?