Review: Reebok FloatZig 2 Running Shoe

We’ve put a lot of miles on running shoes over the years, but it’s rare to find a daily trainer that genuinely surprises us at the under $150 price point. The Reebok FloatZig 2 landed on our doorstep with some pretty bold claims about improved bounce and energy return, and frankly, we were skeptical. Budget trainers often promise the moon but deliver something closer to concrete under your feet. After putting the FloatZig 2 through two weeks of testing across treadmills, outdoor tracks, and city sidewalks, we can confidently say Reebok has created something special here. This isn’t just another cheap running shoe trying to compete with premium models—it’s a legitimately solid trainer that happens to cost $120.

Specifications

Let’s start with the numbers that matter. The FloatZig 2 comes in at 10.3 oz for men’s size 9 and 8.8 oz for women’s size 9, with a 6mm drop featuring a 33mm heel and 27mm forefoot stack height. For context, that’s pretty reasonable weight for a daily trainer, though not exactly featherlight territory. The shoe maintains the same 6mm drop as its predecessor, which puts it in that sweet spot for most runners who want some heel-to-toe differential without going full minimalist.

The new SuperFloat+ midsole foam is the real story here—Reebok claims it’s both lighter and bouncier while maintaining stability compared to the previous Floatride Energy foam. We tested the shoe in multiple colorways, and build quality felt consistent across the board. At $120, it’s positioned well below the median daily trainer cost of around $150, making it accessible for runners who don’t want to drop serious cash on their everyday miles.

Design

Aesthetically, the FloatZig 2 is an absolute knockout. The shoe screams both 90s vintage Reebok vibes and summertime fun, and we got compliments running around in these. Reebok has managed to blend retro styling with modern tech in a way that doesn’t feel forced or gimmicky. The colorways we tested were bold but not obnoxious, and the overall silhouette has that chunky-but-not-clunky vibe that’s popular right now.

The ZigTech pattern on the outsole isn’t just for show—it’s functional design that contributes to the shoe’s energy return characteristics. However, the open nature of the ZigTech pattern behind the outsole rubber leaves some areas uncovered, which can cause slight slippage in wet conditions. It’s not a deal-breaker, but worth noting if you frequently run in questionable weather.

Fit

Sizing is straightforward—we’d recommend going true to size for most runners. The FloatZig 2 has a generous toebox which allows for toe splay and improves stability, with the improved toebox opening this up to almost all runners including those with wider feet. We found the fit accommodating without being sloppy, and the lacing system provides good lockdown through the midfoot.

The engineered mesh upper walks the fine line between sock upper and a more traditional running shoe upper, resulting in comfort with the way it hugs your foot without ever strangling it. Even when we cinched the laces tight, the shoe never felt restrictive. The tongue stays put thanks to a semi-gusseted design with an internal bootie system, which prevents the annoying tongue slide that plagues some budget trainers.

One thing we particularly appreciated—the laces are always the right length even with more voluminous feet. It sounds minor, but anyone who’s dealt with comically short or absurdly long laces knows how annoying this can be.

Ride

This is where the FloatZig 2 really shines. The new SuperFloat+ foam combined with re-engineered ZigTech in the midsole makes this an even springier ride than the first iteration, with higher energy return with each stride. The shoe encourages an efficient gait, rolling smoothly from landing through toe-off.

This is how a running shoe should feel underfoot: so lively and fun that you’re not thinking about the shoe because you’re too lost in the ride. We could enjoy easy runs but also pick up the pace when we wanted to work on some speed training. The foam strikes a nice balance—it’s bouncy enough to feel engaging without being unstable.

That said, we don’t recommend the FloatZig 2 as a walking shoe since this is a bouncy midsole and not stable enough to do anything in it but run. It’s designed for forward motion at jogging pace or faster, and walking around in it can feel awkward.

Performance

For daily training miles, the FloatZig 2 punches well above its weight class. We found it could go 5+ miles without issue, though it’s a little bulky and firm for double digits. This isn’t really meant to be your long run shoe anyway—it’s targeting newer runners, cross-training athletes, and anyone looking for a solid daily trainer that won’t break the bank.

We didn’t necessarily find the shoe overly bouncy and we did find that the ride was very smooth, with an outsole that provides full coverage that is decently grippy on the roads and the treadmill. The transition from heel to toe feels natural, and the shoe doesn’t fight your natural gait pattern.

We tested on various surfaces and found performance consistent across treadmill belts, asphalt, and concrete sidewalks. The generous amount of rubber on the outsole means durability shouldn’t be an issue—this is the kind of shoe where the midsole will give out well before that sole shows much wear at all.

Ventilation

The engineered mesh upper does a solid job with breathability. The upper is plenty breathable up front with padding in the right places. During our summer testing, we didn’t experience any significant hotspots or excessive moisture buildup, even during longer runs in humid conditions.

The mesh construction allows for good airflow without sacrificing durability. We didn’t notice any premature wear or stretching in the upper after two weeks of regular use, which is always a concern with budget trainers where cost-cutting sometimes shows up in materials quality.

Rooms for Improvement

No shoe is perfect, and the FloatZig 2 has a few areas where it could be better. The biggest issue we encountered was traction in mixed conditions. While dry traction delivers even on dusty paths, we had trouble with wet/dry transitions and some wet roads and sidewalks. It’s not dangerous, but you’ll want to be more cautious on slick surfaces.

Weight could also be better—at 10.3 oz, it’s not heavy by daily trainer standards, but it’s not exactly light either. Runners who prioritize feeling fast might notice the bulk, especially compared to some of the newer super-light trainers on the market.

Experience Wearing In the Gym

We took the FloatZig 2 to the gym for some cross-training sessions, and results were mixed. For most weightlifting movements, the shoe provides good stability—the wide base and generous toebox help with exercises that require solid ground contact. However, for leg day specifically, we’d still recommend sticking with something like the Reebok Nano series. The bouncy midsole that feels great for running becomes a liability when you’re trying to maintain perfect form under heavy squats or deadlifts. The slight give in the foam can throw off your balance and connection to the floor when you need absolute stability.

For upper body work, cardio intervals, and general gym use, the FloatZig 2 works fine. Just don’t expect it to replace a dedicated cross-training shoe for serious strength work.

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Bottom Line

The budget market for quality running shoes is a desert, and the Reebok FloatZig 2 is an oasis—if you want to keep your spending on a running shoe low, the FloatZig 2 is the only $120 option that maximizes value. Reebok has managed to create a shoe that’s both better than its predecessor and cheaper, which is almost unheard of in today’s market.

If we were recommending shoes for new runners, the Reebok FloatZig 2 would be near the top of the list, and we can’t imagine many folks not enjoying it. It’s got the bounce and energy return to keep runs feeling fresh, solid construction to handle daily miles, and styling that’ll make you want to lace up. The few compromises—wet weather traction and gym versatility—are minor compared to what you’re getting for the price.

For runners looking for an affordable daily trainer that doesn’t feel cheap, the FloatZig 2 delivers. It won’t replace your race day shoes or become your new marathon PR weapon, but it’ll handle the majority of your training miles with a smile. At $120, that’s exactly what most of us need from a daily trainer.