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56 of 56 found the following review helpful:
 I may not know running shoes, but I know what I like Apr 19, 2011
By tribblemaker
I'm the first to admit that as silly as the commercials are for the Reebok Realflex, they somehow got in my kitchen and I went on an odyssey to find them and give them a whirl. So glad I did.
A little background: I'm a moderate runner. An hour a day three to four days a week and monthly 5Ks or 10Ks. I've never done research with regard to running shoes, never had my gait tested or had myself custom orthotics made. I just run.
My running shoe of choice had been C9s, a Champion brand, which I was able to find nice and cheap at Target. I was heartbroken when I went to replace my C9s and discovered that Target no longer carries them. I knew I should have bought multiple pairs.
I replaced them with Nike Initiators, which were really uncomfortable out of the box but slowly broke in over time. Still, they weren't a dream running shoe by any stretch, and they couldn't compare to my long-lost C9s.
So, as I said, I saw the commercials for the Realflex and read up about them online. There were very few reviews, but one person said, "If you want the Realflex, just get yourself some Nike Frees." So when I went to the sporting goods store, I tried them both.
The problem for me is that the Nike Frees don't have a tongue. I know that sounds like an odd reason to dismiss a shoe, but I like a shoe to have a tongue, what can I say? The Realflexes were crazy comfortable right out of the box, so I decided to trust my first instinct and go with them.
I've only had a couple of runs with them, but they feel amazing. In fact, I felt soreness everywhere else (I never stretch enough) but none in my feet. And as bizarre as this sounds, I find that when I wear them around the house, they're *more* comfortable than being barefoot. So take that as my most ringing endorsement.
One thing to watch out for: The separate, I don't know what you call them, sections? On the sole of the shoe have deep grooves between them and can pick up road stones pretty easily. It doesn't affect the run, but it can tear up hardwood floors pretty bad.
22 of 23 found the following review helpful:
 Great new technology translates to an awesome running shoe! Apr 23, 2011
By Michael G. Lustig
To start off, I am a competitive runner who runs 40-60 miles a week, ranging from sprints to long distance. I saw a commercial for these shoes and thought the same thing that a lot of people probably thought: "Oh boy, Reebok is just trying to make a pathetic attempt to imitate the Nike Free Run." The commercial was well put together, so I decided to research these shoes and quickly discovered that making these shoes was no easy task. It was apparent that Reebok hired experts to design the shoes and put a hefty amount of time into making sure that these shoes were safe for running on trails, concrete, and any other surface that running would have to endure.
I have never owned a pair of Nike Free Runs or any shoe that is so low to the ground. Before the Realflex shoes, I ran in a pair of Nike Zoom Victory+, which allowed for an easy transition into these shoes because both are very lightweight. I have owned five pairs of them so these were the first different pair of training shoes that I have bought in about two years.
I went to a local store to learn more about these shoes. The store had a sample pair sitting outside for viewing and to examine the shoe. As seen in many of the pictures, the Realflex shoe is very flexible and can be bent to form a full circle, which I didn't really understand the purpose of at first. I have never owned a pair of Nike Free Runs or any shoe that is low to the ground quite like these. The Realflex boasts of a shoe with ample comfort yet lower to the ground than any shoe in its class, allowing for a more natural run. I had a salesperson get me a pair of the Realflex shoes, and half of a size lower than my actual foot size turned out to be the right fit. My first thought was "Wow, these shoes give something back!" I've never tired on a pair of shoes that felt like they've had anywhere near as much spring as these. I jogged around the store and the shoes felt simply amazing. The flexibility of the shoes can really be noticed when standing on ones toes, so these shoes are great for both sprinting (on the toes), or easy distance (midfoot or heel).
The only reason why I didn't give these shoes a five star rating concerns the heel of the shoe. The part of the shoe where the Achilles Tendon meets the shoe has a ripple in the fabric. I asked for another pair and it had the same problem, so I assume that most, if not all, of the Realflex shoes have this flaw. Luckily, the ripple flattened out in about 4 hours of wearing and was no problem at all. If you go to the store and feel the same problem in the heel, I urge you to ignore it any buy the shoes anyway, knowing that it will subside in no time at all.
Now I understand that everybody is not a hardcore runner, but I do think that this shoe is beneficial for just about anybody that runs. A runner who puts in a lot of miles each week will appreciate this shoe because it is lightweight and a comfortable shoe. On the other hand, a moderate runner will appreciate this shoe because they're not luggin around an extra 8oz on each foot, which is the actual weight of some of the heavier running shoes.
To conclude, this shoe is a great deal. For a relatively low price, you are purchasing some of the most advanced technology in any running shoe ever created. This shoe is great for just about any runner, and provides great cushioning and flexibility for the runner. My advice to you is this: buy this shoe!!!
14 of 14 found the following review helpful:
RealFlex is for REAL! Apr 25, 2011
By run2ref
I am soccer ref, that requires running to be fit for the game. After doing analysis on my gait, I found that I am a neutral runner which offers a vast array of shoes to choose from. I must say I was intrigued by fellow peers that Nike Free Run was the way to go to build lower leg muscle for endurance and stride.
So when I started to research training shoes, I came across 3 choices that fit the bill for lightweight, low to the ground trainers:
Nike Free Run 2.0
Adidas Climacool
Reebok RealFlex
Based on my research I felt the best way to invest the $100 was to put it to the test for comfort and feel. Luckily, a big box retailer (whose employees wear stripes) carried all three.
Needless to say, I tried on each simultaneously one foot at a time (to truly compare)....the Reebok RealFlex was the only one that never came off! Based on weight (light as air), feel (non-conforming) and the "ultimate kicker" the sock like upper, it was a no-brainer!
Even after the first road test (3 mile run)I could immediately feel the breathability of the upper, and pain free shock absorption. Many reviews comment on the size of the heel, but the technology of the shoe really promotes forefoot running to alleviate the pounding on your shins, knees, back and hips that normal conventional running shoes promote. It was a remarkable feeling to wake-up the following morning pain-free from a run, purely based on the feel of a new shoe!
The only minor knock is the color concepts don't bode well for running, colored and white outsoles pick up dust like a magnet...which can be avoided if you custom build the shoe on Reebok.com for an additional cost. This was the only thing keeping me from rating it with 5 Stars!
9 of 9 found the following review helpful:
 Interesting Shoes, Lackluster Results Jun 28, 2011
By Thomas E Hodges
To provide some background, I run approximately 15-20 miles per week and enjoy somewhat regular 10k's and 1/2 marathons. With that in mind, I decided it was a good time to try a lower profile, natural running shoe. Given the positive feedback others offered, I gave this shoe a shot. After a month with it, I can say that I wish I had looked elsewhere. Here are some pros and cons:
Pros:
- It is very light, in fact it feels like you are running without a shoe (which I guess is the point)
- The shoe conforms well to the foot given the soft upper and the flexibility of the sole makes for a very natural running experience.
Cons:
- Others have commented on the rubbing along the heel of the shoe and I've had that problem since I started using the shoe. I've worn every kind of sock imaginable, and now I have to run with a band-aid on my heel just to keep from rubbing it raw. This is the 1st pair of shoes I've ever had do that and it doesn't appear to be getting any better.
- The big issue is there just isn't enough support for running much over 5 miles. It's not about a more natural running stance or developing leg muscles that are underutilized in traditional shoes. This is about a lack of support regarding, foot, knee, and back pain. The sole appears soft and as if it would support longer runs, but I think longer runs are just not appropriate in this shoe.
Overall, the shoe feels reasonable well, short of the heel issue, but is really only good for (a) walking) or (b) runs under 4-5 miles. The Brooks Ravenna is a light, great all around shoe that I'm using now for longer runs. I'll leave the Realflex for short distance days.
5 of 5 found the following review helpful:
army runner May 17, 2011
By Robert Perkins
I've been in the army for almost ten years now and tried just about every running shoe out there. It's hard to find a really good distance and a sprint type of shoe. Before I bought these I was using the adidas clima cool which are pretty good but lack the comfort for distance. I bought these a week ago and they are well worth the money. They are super lite and if you like to jump rope or run. omg the comfort is better than any shoe that I put on. I ran six miles yesterday and when I was done I felt like those miles were just a warm up. I always like to read reviews before I buy anything. I'm serious these shoes are no joke, buy em. stay away from zigtech,zigsonic or any of those other zigs for running. the realflex is the real deal
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