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Ian [Visitor] in response to: Reebok RealFlex Natural Running? A "Barefoot" Running Shoe?

Ian [Visitor] — Sat, 23 Feb 2013 16:17:41 +0000

Good grief you people are quick to pick apart this shoe well guess what I have been wearing this shoe for everything in the past three years and not only are they one of the most comfortable shoe I have ever worn but they were made to last as they show very little wear on them.

Rhonda [Visitor] in response to: Reebok RealFlex Natural Running? A "Barefoot" Running Shoe?

Rhonda [Visitor] — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 15:02:19 +0000

These ar the BEST running shoes I have ever owned! I have run 1000 miles on mine and they are totally wrn out so you can "SEE" really well how the wear by looking at the treads. No heal strike problems here!My wear is at the front of the toe from dragging the pavement and on the right outside of ball of my foot so I have a little bit of pronation going on. My feet move really well in these. I do not get blisters, my circulation is not cut off and I really appreciate that my foot is not squeezed and suffocated to death.If you need support...this is not the show for you! My favorite is the little cut out on the heel up by the archilles tendon. It prevents the shoes from rubbing my skin off! Awesome shoe! I just bought two more pairs because they changed the shoe after all these harse reviews. Don't knock it till you try it!

Nelson [Visitor] in response to: Reebok RealFlex Natural Running? A "Barefoot" Running Shoe?

Nelson [Visitor] — Sat, 03 Nov 2012 01:10:05 +0000

Personally, I would hesitate to recommend the realflex to any new barefoot runner. One cannot objectively judge a "minimalist" running shoe without running barefoot first. I have bought a pair of Minimus trails, but after getting used to barefoot running I find that the toe drop and the relatively thick heel negatively changes my running form. I cannot imagine running in the realflexes, which have even more cushioning and drop than the minimuses. But then, I am a pose runner. I've heard how chi and evo runners don't have to be so picky when it comes to running shoes.

TL;DR Realflexes probably won't be right for you. If you really want them, get used to running unshod first, then go for a test run in a pair and buy them only if they don't impact your form.

Belinda [Visitor] in response to: Reebok RealFlex Natural Running? A "Barefoot" Running Shoe?

Belinda [Visitor] — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 21:32:54 +0000

What seems to have eluded the critics is that these shoes actually tip the foot forward away from the heel toward the toe and, in so doing, train the foot to run more naturally. I have been searching for shoes like this for years and now (finally!!) Reebok has introduced something of a hybrid that actually works. Moderation it seems out of the realm of the hardcore runners who are always poised to jump on the current trends and proselytize with religious fervor their newfound salvation. Isn't it interesting how they always know what's best for the rest of us...hmmm?

Rachel [Visitor] in response to: Reebok RealFlex Natural Running? A "Barefoot" Running Shoe?

Rachel [Visitor] — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 03:26:56 +0000

I think I might be one of the only people alive who switched from the VFF bikilas to the realflex. I liked the vff's but after about a mile and a half in them, my knees started to hurt and then after the run, they were REALLY sore and come to find out I developed runner's knee. I run on concrete all the time, I never run on anything else. I wanted something that still allowed me to forefoot strike but that added a little more shock absorption than the vibrams. I tried on the nike free's and hated them and so just for giggles I thought I would try on the realflex's and I LOVE THEM. For all those who say that it promotes a heel strike, I don't find that at all. There seems to be a bit more shock absorption (not really padding or cushioning) in the forefoot so it kinda "rewards" you for forefoot striking by absorbing the impact. The heel does not get in the way of my proper form at all. Since I have ran in them, my knees are almost healed and I don't have the knee pain that I did in the vff's. Ps. I can still feel the ground just fine in these,

Runnner [Visitor] in response to: Reebok RealFlex Natural Running? A "Barefoot" Running Shoe?

Runnner [Visitor] — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 19:26:20 +0000

I have a 35 year running background compeating in over 100 marathons with 20 of those in Boston with a 2:41 PR. I have competed in the Ironman World Championships in Kona 7-times and have run the Leadville 100 2x and the Pikes Peak Marathon as a doubler 7x. I have also been a product tester for 3-major shoe companies. With that said my weekly miles these days is around 80 - 90 and I integrate these shoes into my rotation. I like them, they are comfortable built well and I can achieve my standard 300-miles in them before retiring them. So many people on this thread seem to love to bad mouth a company or their product for no real reason except to spread hate. Shoes are a very personal choice and everyone needs to run in what allows them to train without injury and be ready on race day to bring their best. For me these shoes allow me to do that.

Jeanette [Visitor] in response to: Reebok RealFlex Natural Running? A "Barefoot" Running Shoe?

Jeanette [Visitor] — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 17:23:57 +0000

I enjoyed reading your article. In my opinion I love my pair of Reebok Realflex running shoes. I really wanted a pair of Nike Free runs but when I went to actually try them on in the store I hated the way they felt on my feet. The Reeboks were on sale so ofcourse me being the cheap person I am decided to give them a try.
First off I can say that my foot was very unstable in the shoe. It did slide off the sole occasionaly. After about 2 weeks I got used to wearing them and it didn't happen anymore. Almost like my balance improved in them. I wear these to run in and weight train and love that they are comfortable for both and I don't have to change shoes. I love the material. Running outdoors and getting my shoes dirty is no problem at all. A couple of wipes with a wet towel and they look brand new. Can't tell you how much that aspect makes me happy! I can't stand a dirty pair of shoes. So overall I think these shoes are awesome but they do take some getting used to. The next time I need a new pair of shoes I will probably get the same brand.

jess [Visitor] in response to: Reebok RealFlex Natural Running? A "Barefoot" Running Shoe?

jess [Visitor] — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 08:26:32 +0000

Overall I need to say these running shoes are great for running with little to no impact on you legs and back. The fitting and feel is really good.

Id had been a NB running shoe fan since joining in the Army 6 years ago but just little over a year ago started changing shoes (looking for a lighter feeling)for example the five fingers, but those are not allowed in the service for running.

So recently got these; and so far... good.

Cons: I might hurt my ankles if I run into a ditch, crack, rock or anything else on the road.

Eric [Visitor] in response to: Reebok RealFlex Natural Running? A "Barefoot" Running Shoe?

Eric [Visitor] — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 01:03:20 +0000

Great article....thanks for all the work you do here! I agree with all your comments.

I live in a very cold climate so I don't have much choice when selecting footwear in the winter. This winter has been an exception and I just got back from a nice long VFF run.

Anyway... about the RBK's... I've been ramping up my mileage and was interested in getting a "running" shoe to help with cold mega-mile days. I was originally going to buy a pair of Kinvara's, but I left the store with a pair of the RBK's instead.

Overall they appeared lower, lighter and less built up than the Kinvara's. About 20km into a VFF run (I brought the RBK's in my backpack), I switched over (it was starting to get really cold.) The first thing I noticed were how cushy the insoles were. I immediately tossed the insoles in the garbage!

At first, I found them less stable, so I stopped and tightened them up a little. As I ran a little more I noticed a few things that I liked. The sole may be flexible, but it sure is hard. I did notice the heel rise with every step (and I might grind it down later), but overall I liked it and it did not promote a heel strike (because the rubber material, is not as cushy as it looks so a heel strike would actually hurt a little.)

The reason, why I chose these over the Kinvara was the toe box. The toe box on these are W-I-D-E. And that made a big difference running the last 5 or 6 km of my run after my feet were already fatigued. This is quite a contrast to my Nike Free 5.0's which are very narrow. I have wide feet and these RBK's were roomy, while I could never get comfortable in any Nike shoe.

Sergio Espinola [Visitor] in response to: Reebok RealFlex Natural Running? A "Barefoot" Running Shoe?

Sergio Espinola [Visitor] — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 22:17:11 +0000

Guys, this is the best running shoe I have ever worn. I've tried many running shoes during my 14-year long running experience and I had never felt something similar. I'm 31 and since getting hold of a pair of Realflex my running times haven't yet stopped being beaten. I had begun this year scoring 49 minutes for a 10K race, and now I am well into the 40's owing very much to this shoe. I just feel they push you to pace faster and faster, and that's awesome. I've used them for 5K, 8K, 10K, 21K and my I also managed to finish my first marathon... flawless! No blisters or feet strain whatsoever. I did buy a pair of Scholl's Gel sports insoles to match, I think they do part of the job too! 100% recommended...and I am getting a second pair very soon, and another pair of soles... brought from the USA