Review: Reebok ZPump Fusion

Reebok have released the latest version of their iconic Pump series in the form of the ZPump Fusion running shoe. We’ve been testing it out over the past couple of weeks and now bring you a World Exclusive up-close look and our thoughts on it!

The Reebok ZPump Fusion is the first Pump since the shoe celebrated its 25^th Anniversary in 2014. Thus it is unsurprising the sportswear giant has go all out to develop a trainer that not only is unlike anything ever seen before but is full of modern athletic shoe technology.

Before we get into our review of the ZPump Fusion, here are its key features courtesy of Reebok.

• The shoe that adapts to you. Every time. The Pump technology –an air-filled cage- fuses a lightweight fusion sleeve and seamless compression sleeve to provide a 100% custom fit.
• ZRATED outsole is inspired by high-performance ZRated tires for ultimate control in and out of turns
• Reflective eyelets and heel for superior visibility in low light conditions
• Enhanced 5.0mm Molded PU sockliner provides superior cushioning and great first feel

Aesthetics

Step out to the gym, your favorite running path or just about anywhere else in public in the Reebok ZPump Fusion and you’ll catch people checking them out. The sneakerheads will be less restrained and ask about them. This is because Reebok’s designs have threw out the traditional branding on the side of the upper method in favor of something totally new when devising the look of the ZPump Fusion.

The result is a shoe with a synthetic sleeve upper on which “The Pump” is printed across the middle of the on a contrasting color block. A series of thin lines form a gradient effect that blends to black on the front and back of the trainer. Reebok branding is minimized and present only on a reflective vertical strip on the heel. The eighties feel Pump logo is printed on the Pump mechanism towards the outside back area of the upper.

While just about everything on the Reebok ZPump Fusion is functional, every element of the shoe is eye-catching. The reflective lace eyelets and relatively thin lacing are no exception and add to the overall good looks of the shoe.

The colorway of the ZPump Fusion upper continues onto the top part of its sole then changes to white. The result is a three-colored sole that completes the modern look of the latest Reebok Pump.

Fit

A customized fit is the focus of the Reebok ZPump Fusion. Reebok accomplishes this by the use of a lightweight air-filled cage that around the foot from the heel to the midfoot. You use the Pump mechanism on the outside of the shoe to fill the cage up with air for a socklike, non-slipping fit on your foot. There’s an air release button next to it for deflating the cage as needed. Seventeen pumps provided me with my optimal fit. There’s no leakage at all that I can tell even after wearing the ZPump Fusion for up to twelve hours at a time.

After weeks of running in the Reebok ZPump Fusion, I think that the air-filled cage does indeed result in a terrific fit. The shoe is as close to you can come in running with a seamless sock in great comfort. The fact that Reebok choose a stretchable one piece upper (called the Fusion Sleeve) does help the shoe achieve a superior fit.

When it comes to sizing the Reebok ZPump Fusion is truly true to size. I suggest getting it in your normal running shoe size. There is no need to worry about width since the shoe has average breadth and is neither too narrow nor too wide.

Ride

The Reebok ZPump Fusion is a mere three piece affair. Along with its air-filled cage and Fusion sleeve there is its ZRATED outsole.  The reason it is “Z-Rated” is because Reebok has used some of the technology used in performance car tires in the sole. These ultra expensive tires are the low profile ones you see on cars such as Corvettes, Camaros and Ferraris. Their official rating is “Z”. The intent of using this features is to provide improved control and comfort while on the run.

So what did I find? The answer is the Reebok ZPump Fusion’s sole lives up to its billing. I loved its immense cushioning immediately upon slipping the shoe on. It’s the type of shoe that is so comfortable on the sole of the foot that you won’t want to take it off. Upon running in them for the first time I felt like I did not want to stop. The cushioning is incredible throughout the stride from heel to midfoot to forefoot in an almost wave like feel. They are unlike anything else I’ve ever experienced over my 3-5 mile training runs.

I will also add that the Reebok ZPump Fusion is a great cross training shoe if you’re into strength building at the gym. I thought that they provided fantastic support for any standing weightlifting exercise including erratic CrossFit moves.

Ventilation

I was concerned about the ventilation and sweat dissipation capabilities of the ZPump Fusion’s sleeve since it seems to be made of a thick polyester material based on appearance. My worries were quickly alleviated upon rocking the shoe. From what I can tell our friends at Reebok used the same moisture wicking technology that they apply to their training shirts. The result is that the latest Pump remains remarkably dry during use.  My feet also remained cool with absolutely no hotspots.

Durability

After over a month of use and over 50 mile of running, the my pair of Reebok ZPump Fusion shoes looks almost as good as the day they came out of the box. A keep aspect to their durability is the Fusion Sleeve. Since it is a one piece synthetic it hardly creases or shows signs of wear. My only complaint durability-wise is the fact that the lower part of the outsole becomes dirty easily because it is white. Perhaps Reebok will choose a darker color for upcoming colorways of the ZPump.

Value

With an MSRP of $109, the Reebok ZPump Fusion is a spectacular deal in an era where a pair of high end running shoes will cost you upwards of $150. It features everything and more that you’d be looking for in a pair of trainers for the spring and summer of 2015. We recommend stopping by your local running specialty store and giving it a test drive.