We are all busy, and the ability to wear a shoe that will serve us all day seems like a useful step, but when it comes to running, not all journeys require the same technicalities. “In our conversations with athletes, running emerged as an area in need of innovation,” Stone told M&F. One of the brand’s biggest innovations lately is of course the FloatZig Tread. “There has been an increase in the number of people taking treadmill classes and using treadmills as intervals for Hyrox-style training,” Stone explains of a need that has been met.
What Reebok discovered was that sneakers designed for outdoor work didn’t always meet the specifics of running on machines. “We found that many had difficulty finding a running shoe that suited their needs, while they relied more heavily on treadmills,” Stone said. “There is no shortage of running shoes, but treadmill users often need something that is purpose-built with their requirements in mind.”
Reebok’s FloatZig Tread focuses on the technical details of the treadmill
“When we looked at the changes in running shoes in the recent past, shoes that provide comfort on the road don’t necessarily translate into performance on the treadmill or in cross-training,” Stone explains. “Where people prefer something minimalist, more stable and responsive.” Okay, but what makes the treadmill technically different from outdoor running? “In addition to preferring a different feel, we’ve learned that the same person typically walks slightly differently on a treadmill, with a faster cadence but a shorter stride,” Stone said. “You’re also landing on something that’s moving rather than something that’s static, and this will accentuate the lateral instability. How many times have you been to the gym and seen a running gait that looked like it was an injury waiting to happen?”
Reebok’s director of running products said M&F that the FloatZig Tread accomplishes a difficult task. “With this shoe, we had to make the stabilizing components in the shoe a priority for people who need them, but also make them unobtrusive for people who don’t,” says Stone. “While the shoe can be used both indoors and outdoors, the FloatZig Tread’s shape, stability, durability and breathability are built to maximize comfort and performance when running on the treadmill.”
For those who still enjoy getting outdoors, Reebok hasn’t stopped working on this area. “We start every project by thinking about how we can give runners the most confidence in the type of activity they will be doing,” confirms Stone. “And that means comfort for people who travel more kilometers or are on their feet for longer periods of time.”
The FloatZig Double from Reebok is built for the long haul
“Plush cushioning underfoot delivers that feeling of comfort with the FloatZig Double,” says Stone of developing a shoe that stays on track during long runs. “The shoe delivers 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 in the shoe’s midsole, which acts as a guide rail to make this a stable ride.
but also soft. This construction prevents runners from feeling off balance or laterally unstable, despite the huge slab of soft, cushioned foam underfoot. The result will be something that is soft but supportive. There is also a rocker in the midsole that provides a feeling of gentle forward propulsion. The movement this creates is especially appreciated by runners looking for a ‘long run’ shoe.”
Stone is keen to point out that while Reebok is always looking to improve the performance of its shoes, the brand’s shoes are designed for everyone. To test both new models, top athletes and ordinary people were put to the test. “Advances in foam technologies mean that a low-to-the-ground shoe will feel much more cushioned than a low-profile shoe in the past, which is why the FloatZig Tread has a SuperFloat core that cushions your landing without losing responsiveness,” said Stone. “We’ve also adjusted the shape of the upper to make it more suitable for bodyweight exercises and functional training than a conventional racing shoe. Our Hyrox testers found this particularly useful. The FloatZig Double is a shoe that offers first thoughts of cushioning and comfort, using SuperFloat foam. It has proven to be a winner with testers who want that maximum soft feel underfoot while also tackling longer runs, such as the Berlin Marathon, an event we used for testing.”
Reebok’s FloatZig shoes are made to last the distance
“During interviews with coaches, we were alarmed by the amount of shoes they were getting through,” Stone says. “This is due to the inferior durability and wearing out of the shoes’ outsole rubber. We know that other brands cut corners, whether it’s to save money or shoe weight, to give better metrics at launches. That’s something we won’t do at Reebok. We’ve actually gone the other way and strengthened the outsole of the FloatZig Tread, due to its high abrasion resistance landing on a moving belt for treadmill runners.
“We are very aware of the longevity of different foams in the industry and how upper materials can tear. We know that the Reebok athlete wears our shoes for demanding applications, and our products are rigorously tested for quality and durability. Across our price spectrum, we challenge ourselves to provide our fans with the best value in terms of experience and durability.”
The new FloatZig Tread ($110) and the FloatZig Double ($140) are available at Reebok.com from January 21, 2026.
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