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Similar to its predecessor, the Reebok Floatride Energy 4 has been a strong running shoe for the budget-friendly performance class. This model features a similar outsole and midsole construction to the Reebok Floatride Energy 3 and a reworked upper.
As someone who enjoyed the Reebok Floatride Energy 3, I was super excited to test and review the Reebok Floatride Energy 4. This model’s performance is consistent with the 3 for the most part and I think it’s a good pick for most recreational runners.
If you’re looking for a really strong, budget-friendly running shoe, I think the question is now, “Should I go with the Floatride Energy 3 or Floatride Energy 4?”
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Who Should Invest In the Reebok Floatride Energy 4?
The Reebok Floatride Energy 4 is a great running shoe to explore for the budget-conscious runner. These shoes are some of the best in class for cost-conscious running shoes and perform exceptionally well across the board.
For short and mid-range runs, these shoes are comfortable and provide a nice level of responsiveness with their Reebok Floatride Energy midsole. This model can also work for long-distance runs and will be best suited for runners that enjoy a bit more firmness for longer training sessions.
The textile upper breathes well and this shoe is composed of 30% recycled materials, which is a plus for the runner that wants more responsibly-sourced running shoes.
Personally, I don’t think you can go wrong with the Reebok Floatride Energy 4 or Floatride Energy 3 if you’re a recreational runner that is trying to not break the bank.
Reebok Floatride Energy 4
$110
Best For
- Short and Mid-Range Distances (1-5 miles)
- Longer Distance Runs (Moderate Firmenss)
- All-Day Wear and Walking
- Light Training and Bodyweight Workouts
Falls Short
- For Runners That Need Arch Support
- For Runners That Want Maximal Cushioning
Reebok Floatride Energy 4 Pros
With a similar midsole and outsole construction to the popular Floatride Energy 3, there are multiple things to like about the Floatride Energy 4.
- Good All-In-One Budget-Conscious Running Shoe
- Upper Is Mobile and Breathes Well
- Constructed With More Recycled Materials
The first thing to like about the Reebok Floatride Energy 4 is that it’s a really strong budget-friendly running shoe. If you’re a recreational runner that doesn’t want to spend an arm and a leg on running shoes, then the Floatride Energy 4 could be worth exploring.
I mentally categorize the Floatride Energy 4 — and 3 for that matter — into a “keep it simple and all-in-one” performance section. Basically, these models are easy to wear for short, mid-range, and even long-distance runs and they perform really well so you don’t have to spend a ton of thought analyzing your shoe choice.
For a price point of $110 USD, I really think the Floatride Energy running shoe line is one of the better budget-friendly running shoes on the market. The Floatride Energy Foam midsole is responsive and the 4, like the 3, feels fairly durable for the price point.
The second thing to like about the Floatride Energy 4 is the upper construction. This model features a lightweight and breathable textile upper that has really good ventilation even in the hottest climates.
For example, I wore these for two runs in Cancun for a wedding the other weekend, and even at 88 degrees (Fahrenheit) this model never felt overly hot despite me almost passing out from a heat stroke (somewhat kidding).
I also like the reworked upper for daily wear and long walks. If you plan to wear this shoe for both running and casual wear, then I think you’ll enjoy this model’s upper and how it does for these contexts, especially in warmer months.
The last aspect to like is that Reebok has used at least 30% of recycled and repurposed materials in this shoe. Personally, I’m a huge fan of training and running shoes that try to use more recycled and repurposed materials.
It would be cool if Reebok continued this construction feature and worked to increase that 30% for future models. Also, it would be nice if they disclosed what was being recycled and repurposed on the product page.
Reebok Floatride Energy 4 Cons
Like the Reebok Floatride Energy 3, there is a lot to like about the Floatride Energy 4, but this model does have a few cons that are worth mentioning.
- Not the Best for Those That Love Maximal Cushioning
- Stability Could Be a Little Better
The first potential drawback that I could runners having with the Reebok Floatride Energy 4 is that it’s not going to be the best shoe for maximal cushioning. If you like having more midsole and cushioning for long-distance runs, you may find yourself limited in this model.
Some runners enjoy the Floatride Energy Foam midsole in this model and think it’s plenty cushioned, but others have noted that they felt like they started to lose the responsiveness in this model during longer running sessions.
I think if you like a bit more firmness in your running shoes, then you’ll find that the Floatride Energy 4’s midsole is plenty cushioned for your needs. Conversely, if you love maximal cushioning, then you’ll want to explore models that deliver this specific construction detail.
The second potential drawback to this model is that it might lack adequate stability for some. This shoe features a similar midsole and outsole construction to the Reebok Floatride Energy 3 but has a reworked upper construction.
The upper in the Floatride Energy 4 is a super light textile which is awesome for breathability, but it doesn’t lock the foot down to the same degree as the upper in the Floatride Energy 3. This looser upper could cause this model’s stability to take a hit for some.
I think if you need a shoe that purposely provides more stability, then you should look into other running shoes designed for this. If you only need a little stability support, then I think you could explore the Floatride Energy 3 and find more support with that model.
Performance
To discuss the performance of the Reebok Floatride Energy 4, I’m going to break down and discuss how this shoe performs in a variety of running and training contexts.
For this Reebok Floatride Energy 4 review, I’m going to discuss how this shoe performs for short, mid-range, and long-distance runs, along with how they do for daily wear and light hybrid workouts.
Reebok Floatride Energy 4 for Sprints and Short Runs (0-3 miles)
For sprints, I like the Reebok Floatride Energy 4, but it’s not my go-to model for serious speed-focused runs. The upper in this model doesn’t do the best at locking down the foot for this style of training for me, and I prefer more firmness for sprint work.
My current favorite speed-focused workout shoe is the UA Flow Velociti Wind 2, which is pricier, so if you’re trying to save a little money, then the Floatride Energy 4 will work. However, it may not deliver the “best” performance for sprints.
For short runs, I really enjoy the Reebok Floatride Energy 4. If you’re regularly tackling a mile here and there or 5ks at different speeds, then I think you’ll enjoy this shoe and the level of responsiveness you get from this model.
The Floatride Energy Foam is springy and whether you’re doing steady and slow short runs or tempo-focused runs, then I think you’ll enjoy the performance of the Floatride Energy 4.
Reebok Floatride Energy 4 for Mid-Range (4-6 mi) and Long-Distance Runs (7+ mi)
Similar to short runs, I like this model’s comfort and responsiveness for mid-range runs. I feel like the Reebok Floartide Energy 4 excels the best at this distance and the blend of the outsole and midsole gives this shoe a comfortable ride.
If you like a moderate blend of cushion and firmness, then I think this shoe will resonate really well for your running needs. Whether I was tackling slower mid-range recovery runs or adding in some tempo, I enjoyed the “pop” you get from this shoe’s midsole.
For long-distance runs, I think the performance of this shoe will vary based on what you prefer. For runners that like a little more firmness over longer runs, then you should enjoy the performance of this shoe for this ask.
That being said, I think if you like having more cushioning and find that you bottom out often in models that lack more midsole thickness, then you might want to look into other running shoes more suited for your performance asks.
Reebok Floatride Energy 4 for Daily Wear and Hybrid Workouts
For daily wear, I really like the Reebok Floatride Energy 4 for two key reasons. First, I like the upper construction and how it breathes and looks. I mentioned this in the pros, but this model is great for warmer months and the upper looks pretty casual depending on the colorway you go with.
I think if you’re someone who wants a pair of running shoes that they can train and wear out and about, then the Reebok Floatride Energy 4 is a good option to explore.
Plus, their price point is nice for not feeling guilty if they wear out a bit faster with the combination of long walks, daily wear, and running.
For hybrid workouts, this model will work for lighter lifting and bodyweight training. You get enough stability in this shoe to use kettlebells and dumbbells up to about 40ish lbs so if you like doing full-body workouts at the track, then you should be set in this model.
Reebok Floatride Energy 3 Vs Floatride Energy 4
Before diving into these shoes’ similarities and differences, I want to say that I think both of these models are strong performers within their respective running shoe classes. If you’re a recreational runner, then both models should work well for you, but I do have a personal favorite.
When it comes to similarities, the midsole and outsole have remained pretty much unchanged in the Floatride Energy 3 and 4. Both models feature Reebok Floatride Energy Foam as their main midsole component and have a carbon rubber outsole.
On top of these similarities, both models still feature a 9mm heel-to-toe drop and their weights are fairly consistent with the Floatride Energy 4 coming in at a weight of 8.95 ounces while the 3 weighs 9.40 ounces (for my size 10 models).
As for the differences, the main differences revolve around each shoe’s upper construction. The Floatride Energy 4 features a lightweight and super breathable textile upper, while the Floatride Energy 3 features a square-knit upper.
On top of these differences, the Floatride Energy 4 also features an external heel loop and a tongue loop for added security. Both of these features are nice touches and are something that would have been nice to see on the Floatride Energy 3.
Winner: Honestly, you can’t go wrong with either model. Personally, I do like the Floatride Energy 3 a little bit more for its upper construction and how it locks down the foot.
Plus, if you want to save the most money possible, then I’d suggest exploring the Floatride Energy 3 because some colorways have some pretty good discounts at the moment.
Reebok Floatride Energy 3
Best For
- Short, Mid, and Long-Distance Runs
- Long Walks
- Daily Wear
- Casual HIIT Training
Falls Short
- For Night Running
Reebok Floatride Energy 4 Sizing
The Reebok Floatride Energy 4 fits similarly to the Reebok Floatride Energy 3 which is a good thing for runners that have worn the 3 before. If you’ve worn the Floatride Energy 3, then opt for the same size that you wear with that shoe.
If you’ve never worn a Reebok Floatride Energy running shoe, then I think most should be safe going true-to-size in the Reebok Floatride Energy 4.
It’s worth noting that this model does run a tad long, so if you have a narrow foot and generally have a fair amount of room at the end of your running shoe’s toe box, then it might be worth sizing down a half size.
- Reebok Floatride Energy 4 Sizing Thoughts: True to size for most runners. Narrow feet, go down a half size.
If you have additional questions on the Reebok Floatride Energy 4 or how their fit differs from other running shoes, drop a comment below.
Construction Details
The construction of the Reebok Floatirde Energy 4 is fairly simplistic in nature with fairly high-quality materials, which I think is a perk of this model.
Below are some of the key construction details for the Reebok Floatride Energy 4 that influence this shoe’s durability and performance.
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 9mm
- Weight: 8.95 oz (for my size 10 model)
- Removable Insole: Yes
- 30% Recycled and Re-Purposed Materials
- Floatride Energy Foam Midsole
- Carbon Rubber Outsole With Lugs
- Textile and Breathable Upper
- Beveled Heel
- 6 Eyelets With a 7th for Lace-Lock
- Gusseted Tongue
If you have additional questions on the Reebok Floatride Energy 4’s construction, drop a comment below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q:Are the Reebok Floatride Energy 4 true to size?
Q:What is Reebok Floatride Foam?
Takeaway Thoughts
The Reebok Floatride Energy 4 has delivered once again with its cost-conscious price point and versatile running performance. This shoe is a nice running shoe for runners that want an easy running shoe pick that isn’t overly expensive.
For short, mid-range, and even long-distance runs, the Reebok Floatride Energy 4 performs exceptionally well. They also work well for walking and daily wear.
Despite being a great running shoe, this model doesn’t have the most cushioning in the running shoe game and it does lack a bit of stability, so if these are concerns for you, then you may want to explore other running shoes.
If you have additional questions on the Reebok Floatride Energy 4 running shoes, drop a comment below or reach out to me personally via Instagram (@jake_boly or @that_fit_friend)!
Dan Tarr
Do you know where the 4 can be purchased?
Hit you back on YouTube!
Jashi
Hello, I have the nike pegasus 38 and I am buying the floatride energy 4, would you recommend using the same size for this shoe?
If you have .5 inch or more at the end of your toe box in the Peg 38, then you may want to size down a half size. If not, go the same size for the FRE4. Let me know what you end going with and how the sizing works!