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!!!
Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>
How do I love thee, let me count the ways... Okay, I realize I'm talking about SHOES here, but that's how I feel. Is it possible to instantly fall in love with a pair of shoes? Well if Carrie Bradshaw can feel that way about a pair of Jimmy Choos, I guess a person can get emotional about some Reeboks. Before buying these I had purchased a pair of New Balance that had very good reviews and I've heard they're supposed to be a good brand. When I got them I noticed they were hard to put on and although technically they fit me, they also felt like lead weights attached to my feet. I returned them. So when I saw the tv commerical for these Reebok Realflex shoes and read some of the reviews on line, I decided to try them. As soon as I put them on I had one of those WOW moments. They were so light and just felt like they were made for my feet. It's like walking on little cushions. I should mention I'm not a runner, I just wanted a pair of great fitting shoes for walking that didn't look orthopedic.I'm buying a second pair in a different color because when you find shoes you love that fit well and look great, you'll wish you did. You must try these!
Best Deals on Reebok Women's Realflex Running Shoe
First let me say that I am not a runner. My exercise regimen is consists twelve hour shifts on a busy floor at the hospital every week. I have worn nursing shoes, tennis shoes, clogs, you name it....any brand, anything that seems like a good shoe. Recently I have been exclusively using a Dansko Clog for work and I have noticed a heaviness in my feet and ankles after working. I set out to replace my work shoes.....again. Went to several shoe stores and tried on nearly everything they had to offer and I never had that "AHA, this is the shoe" moment until my husband dug out my size in the Reebok Realflex and sat me down to try them on. So glad I did. I laced them up, stood up, and had my "AHA" moment. These shoes have been on my feet while working the halls for 16 twelve hour shifts and I have absolutely no complaints.Things I LOVE about this shoe:
The tongue is very thin so I don't have to lace too tightly to get a snug fit.
The material around the toes/forefoot is very moveable so my toes are free to wiggle.
My forefoot area (base of the toes) is very wide (think Flintstone feet) and the material does not encumber that area.
The soles are highly shock absorbent (I tend to stomp when I walk) so the soles of my feet do not take any abuse.
I did not have to break them in at all! They were perfect from the moment I put them on in the store.
Cannot say enough great things about this shoe. Sizing: I bought a half size up (Flintstone feet) and have had no issues with rubbing, stretching, or blistering.
Anyone working long hours on your feet.....this is the shoe for us!
Honest reviews on Reebok Women's Realflex Running Shoe
Bought the Reebok Realflex at a local retail store and used them for about a weekend. They are light and comfortable and had very good cushioning(insoles) for the heel. I've used it with and without socks and there hasn't been an issue with chafing in the heel or anywhere else. The downside, if you're new to "barefoot" shoes or prosethically designed athletic shoes be prepared to feel the soreness in your ankles. On the first day of "breaking in" the shoes my ankles were killing me for two days. Just be sure to take your time with them.Athletic background: I've been cross training and weight lifting for about two years and have used the same athletic shoes since college (6 years ago). I just decided to buy these shoes because I recently learned the advantages of proper shoes for certain activitities and because I realized (the hard way) that my shoes lost most of it's treading/grip (it was practically bald). I don't run long distances (< 3 miles) so my opinion about these being good running shoes might be partial; however, I know a thing or two about what's good for your body ;)
Realflex vs. Nike Free's: When I decided to invest in better athletics shoes I simply narrowed it down to these two shoes simply based on popularity, reviews, versatility, and friends' opinions. I also didn't want to spend more that a Benjamin on REALLY good and properly fitting running shoes (Asics, Saucony, New Balance, etc.) because I don't run much. I tried both shoes on and hopped, skipped, walked, and jogged around the store on two different ocassions with two different friends and two different sales associates (for opinions) before purchasing one (a bit OCD? yes). The issue I had with the Nike Free's was the form it MADE you run. I underpronate as a runner, a little of a heel striker, and I have medium/low arch height. The Frees' insole's had supportive cushioning at the heel but close to none at the ball of the foot. I suppose to promote proper running on the ball of your foot with a mid foot strike in your run, but forcing a change in one's form can be costly to the joints, muscles, foot, and can lead to serious injury. The Reebok Realflex has very equal and supportive cushioning throughtout the sole of with more than enough arch support, which I feel is more versatile. The Realflex can accomodate people who overpronate or underpronate in their stride because the sole is designed to move "naturally" with whoever uses it. On the same note, the Nike Free's sole wedges out wider than the shoe or the footprint is wider than the actual width of the shoe; in other words, the sole is shaped like a trapezoid (I'm hoping this is understood) which again makes it hard for someone like me who underpronates to run the way I do, "naturally". The Realflexs' sole isn't shaped like that (looks a bit convexed) and accomodates my natural stride. Lastly, the sole grip on the Realflex is actually better/stronger than the Nike Free's (this I tested at the store both times with the sales associates there to justify). The great grip on the Realflex is advantageous for tennis, racket ball, or running "suicides" on the bball court (which I hate, but is great cardio).
Hope this helps! Happy shopping ;)
0 comments:
Post a Comment