Reebok Zig Kinetica Review

This takes me back to sometime in the year 2010, if the memory pleases me. Then Reebok launched some pretty radical-looking ZigTech shoes, at least radical for the times we lived in then. It was love at first sight, the sole’s outspoken zigzag shape. While availability was quite limited at the time, it didn’t stop a much younger version of this writer, armed with car keys and a credit card, from wandering into almost any shop in Delhi to find the right size. In the end, it turned out, not one but two pairs ended up as part of the wardrobe. A yellow-black colorway and a blue-black colorway. The former was purely for weekend use, while the latter was a rock-solid companion for everyday use – yes, I’m a bit bonkers that way. So you can rest assured that you’ll probably find fewer people more excited than I was with the return of Zig technology, with the Reebok Zig Kinetica. It brings back that ZigTech outsole and memories come back. In a good way. A wave of good memories. Oh, the good times.

The ZigTech 2020 avatar is very different from its previous guise all those years ago. But then you have to. Not surprising at all, given the technology and progress that would have taken over the years to make this technology better. This running shoe costs Rs 11,999 and for what it brings to your daily activity routine, it is a steal. Especially if you have dealt with ZigTech in the past.

The upper is made of breathable mesh, something that is in line with almost all fitness-oriented shoes. Some use a more elaborate knit, while others use mesh, but with an emphasis on adequate ventilation to keep feet cool even after an extended run or activity session. Reebok has done well on that front with the Zig Kinetica, because while we’re about to head into summer in Northern India, this mesh keeps the airflow constant keeping feet fresh. In the more humid times, runners would appreciate what Reebok has done with the upper. To be honest, when I first checked out this mesh upper I was a little apprehensive about what feels like a thicker construction than usual and its ability to direct the heat out and the cool air in, but it does. well on that front. This mesh upper also has a pretty cool embedded design, adding to the visual flair. The eyelets have sufficient cushioning at the bottom and do not press on the foot, even if you prefer tighter laces. There are strategic placements of reinforcements, particularly around the heel which runs mid-forward on the side – that’s where the Reebok logo sits, dressed in Sunbaked Orange.

 

This mesh upper on the Reebok Zig Kinetica also has a pretty cool embedded design, adding to the visual flair. 

Speaking of which, Reebok calls this colorway the Sunbaked Orange, Vivid Orange and Black, and I haven’t seen a more beautiful Reebok shoe in a long time.

The blast from the past is now over, it was time to get to the business end of the Reebok Zig Kinetica review. Slide the foot in and you will immediately appreciate the fine cushioning all around. There are no hard materials or seams to rub against the foot and it all feels nice and comfortable. And consistently. All those thoughtful reinforcements now play a big part in keeping the foot nicely locked in, without feeling really cramped or locked in.

Under your feet are three very important elements of the midsole and outsole. These are Reebok’s Floatride Fuel midsole cushioning, a Zig Energy Shell and a stretchy Zig Energy Band outsole. The foundations for the Reebok Zig Kinetica are solid, with the Floatride Fuel we’ve seen in Reebok shoes for the past year and a bit more. This provides great cushioning and also does a pretty good job in terms of responsiveness. The latter, which the runners also missed, will get a big boost from the Zig Energy Shell. This somehow frames the foam of the midsole and also helps to increase the energy return of each foot strike by pushing it up towards your feet, giving you that further push forward. The Nike React foam in the latest Nike React Infinity Run outperforms most right now, but Reebok’s revival of the Zig Energy Shell comes close in responsiveness and balanced comfort. All this while looking great from the outside. Last but not least, there’s the Zig Energy Band outsole, which is designed to expand and contract, giving you a spring-like push forward.

 

The ZigTech 2020 avatar is very different from its previous guise all those years ago. But then you have to. 

Unlike the Zig Kinetica Concept_Type 1, there are no adjustable straplocks. That can be a good thing if you like a cleaner look to your sneakers. Plus, you won’t miss them anyway.

If I have one thing to nitpick with the Reebok Zig Kinetica, it’s that it feels heavier than it should. This brings the scale to around 300 grams. But that’s subjective – what’s tough for me may not be tough for you. The 10mm heel-to-toe offset also feels about right.

It’s safe to say that Reebok took something that worked well in the past, infused it with all the modern goodness possible, and gave the ZigTech a very modern avatar. The Zig Kinetica certainly lives up to its promise as a running shoe. It also looks gorgeous. Don’t be too surprised if strangers stop you from just asking what shoe you’re wearing and where they can get one. I’m glad Reebok decided to give us this brilliant blast from the past.