Reebok HIIT 2 Review

The Reebok HIIT 2 is the latest HIIT-focused shoe from Reebok. This model features a few notable upgrades to the Reebok HIIT shoe line and has a budget-friendly price. The Reebok HIIT 2 is designed specifically for class workouts, HIIT training sessions, and lighter weight training.

Over the course of my testing, I’ve found a lot to like about the Reebok HIIT 2 and this it’s one of the stronger Reebok HIIT shoes. The Reebok HIIT TR has been one of my favorite consistent Reebok HIIT shoes, but the Reebok HIIT 2 is likely edging them out in my training shoe line-up.

In this Reebok HIIT 2 review, I’m going to cover a variety of topics to help you decide if this shoe is right for you based on the context of your training needs.

Who Should Invest In the Reebok HIIT 2?

The Reebok HIIT 2 is a solid training shoe for anyone who is regularly tackling class workouts, HIIT sessions, and casual lifting. This model features Reebok’s signature Floatride Energy Foam throughout its midsole which I think gives this shoe a leveled-up feeling compared to comparable Reebok HIIT shoes like the HIIT TR and Speed 21 TR.

I also like the outsole construction and design in this shoe. It has a nice strategic placement of rubber where you want your shoe to grip the most when training especially when tackling multi-directional activities and exercises. The lateral part of the outsole provides quality traction and the medial side features lugs to improve force development through the base of the big toe.

If you’re looking for a consistent and budget-friendly HIIT and class-focused training shoe, then the Reebok HIIT 2 is definitely worth looking into.

Reebok HIIT 2 Pros

There are multiple pros to like about the Reebok HIIT 2 with both its construction and performance. Below are my favorite things about the Reebok HIIT 2.

1. Floatride Energy Foam Midsole Provides Versatility
2. Upper Breathes Well and Is Lightweight
3. Fairly Good Arch Support

The first aspect to like about the Reebok HIIT 2 is the addition of Reebok’s signature Floatride Energy Foam midsole. The previous Reebok HIIT TR features a medium-density foam which was good for HIIT training, but it lacked a little bit in regard to walking that line between responsiveness and stability.

The Floatride Energy Foam does a better job at supporting a wide range of activities while also keeping the shoe comfortable. Plus, it feels like a higher quality material compared to the previous midsole materials used in the Reebok HIIT TR shoe line. This model works best for HIIT, classes, and light recreational lifting.

Another aspect to like about this shoe is that the refined and reworked upper breathes well and is lightweight. This shoe features a textile upper construction and doesn’t have a ton of overlays like the previous Reebok HIIT TR. This is nice because it gives this shoe a lightweight feel which you want for HIIT workouts.

This model does have external heel counters, but they’re lightweight and don’t add a ton of bulk to this model. If you’re training in hot settings or classes, you shouldn’t have a problem with your feet getting overly hot in this shoe due to its overall breathability.

The last aspect to like about this shoe is its arch support. Compared to other Reebok HIIT and other HIIT trainers for that matter, this shoe provides a nice level of arch support. If you enjoy having or need a bit more support on the medial side of your foot, then this shoe does a fairly good job at ticking this box.

Reebok HIIT 2 Cons

Compared to the Reebok HIIT TR, I do think the Reebok HIIT 2 takes a slight edge for performance, but there is one con to note with this shoe.

1. Bootie Construction Doesn’t Stretch

The only major drawback to this shoe is that the bootie doesn’t stretch a ton. This lack of stretch in the bootie-style construction can be problematic for two reasons. First, these can be really tough to put on if you have thicker socks or you’re trying to put these on with sweaty feet. You’ll have to fully unlace them and wiggle your foot in these scenarios which can be annoying.

Second, if you have wider feet, then you may find that this lack of stretch almost makes this shoe impossible to wear and put on. This shoe doesn’t have an overly narrow fit, but this lack of stretch when putting them on definitely gives them a more “narrow” fit and feel.

I don’t think this aspect will be a problem for everyone and for most the lack of stretch will likely be a non-issue. However, it is something where it makes me ask, “Reebok, why didn’t you just keep a little elastic in the boot as you had with the Reebok HIIT TR?”

Performance

To break down the performance of the Reebok HIIT 2, I’m going to discuss how this shoe performs in multiple categories to help you conceptualize if this model is right for you.

Reebok HIIT 2 for Lifting Weights

For lifting weights, the Reebok HIIT 2 does surprisingly well. When you have cross-training shoes dedicated to HIIT workouts it’s normal to see their lifting performance go down slightly. In the Reebok HIIT 2, their performance does fairly well for what this shoe offers and if you get this model for casual weight lifting, then I think you’ll like them.

In the Reebok HIIT 2, I’ve trained up to 315 lbs and they did an okay job at supporting that load without a ton of compression. I wouldn’t train much heavier than this weight, however, for what this shoe is and its price I feel 315 lbs is a pretty good threshold especially for those buying this shoe primarily for classes and HIIT workouts.

Reebok HIIT 2 for HIIT, Classes, and Versatile Training

The Reebok HIIT 2 is an all-around solid HIIT shoe. I like the addition of the Reebok Floatride Energy Foam in this shoe’s midsole and think it’s a good addition for this shoe line. The Floatride Energy Foam gives this shoe a much more responsive feel and it walks a good line between stability and versatility.

Personally, I like this for HIIT training because we don’t always want a super plush shoe for this style of training especially when doing plyometrics and other bounding activities. Whether you’re doing lateral jumps, box jumps, or ballistic movements, this model’s midsole provides enough support without losing its stability edge.

The outsole on this model also provides a nice level of traction which I was a fan of. The Reebok HIIT TR’s outsole did a good job at providing you with traction, but the refined and reworked rubber tread on the Reebok HIIT 2 takes the edge slightly here. I never felt like I was losing traction on wood floors, rubber gym mats, or when training outdoors.

Reebok HIIT 2 for Running and Daily Wear

If you want the Reebok HIIT 2 for shorter and casual runs, this model will work for runs up to 2-3 miles. I wouldn’t push the mileage higher than that in this shoe, but if you like to tackle a pre or post-workout jog or run, then this shoe should fit the bill well. It has enough plush to the midsole to not overly beat you up.

On a daily wear basis, this model works well and is overall pretty comfortable. This shoe reminds me a lot of theNano X1’s feel for daily wear, but I would actually grab this model over the X1 because it does have a slight edge for being a bit plusher comparatively speaking. Plus, the price point makes this a good shoe for beating up as a daily driver.

Reebok HIIT 2 Sizing

The Reebok HIIT 2 sizing and fit are interesting especially when you compare them to the Reebok HIIT TR. For the Reebok HIIT 2, I think most will be safe going true-to-size, however, this is a training shoe that does run a tad long.

That being said, I think if you normally find that you have ample room in the toe box of your true-to-size shoes, then you’ll definitely want to size down a half size for the Reebok HIIT 2.

• Reebok HIIT 2 Sizing Thoughts: Go true-to-size unless you feel like you normally have a lot of room in the toe box of your shoes. If this is you, then size down a half size.

If you have additional questions on the sizing and fit of the Reebok HIIT 2, drop a comment below and I can help you size your shoes accordingly.

Reebok HIIT 2 Vs Reebok HIIT TR

There are three key differences that I think are worth noting between the Reebok HIIT TR and Reebok HIIT 2. These differences include their upper constructions, midsole materials, and bootie fit and feel.

The first major difference is the upper construction and materials used in each model. The Reebok HIIT TR has a mesh upper construction with multiple layers throughout. The Reebok HIIT 2’s upper is made with a singular material with no external stitches. This HIIT 2 also features heel counters for additional boot support. Both shoe’s uppers are solid, in my opinion.

The second major difference is each shoe’s midsole and the materials used in them. The HIIT 2 features Floatride Energy Foam and the HIIT TR has a medium-density foam. The Floatride Energy Foam in the HIIT 2 provides a nicer blend of stability and versatility compared to the HIIT TR’s midsole construction.

The third difference is the bootie construction and fits used in each model. The HIIT TR has a layer of elastic material towards the upper portion of the bootie which I like for helping with putting the shoe on.

The HIIT 2’s bootie construction does not stretch which I discussed in the cons sections above. You can even see the difference in material features in the image below. The right model, the HIIT 2’s bootie feature virtually no elastic components.

Both models are equally good within their own right and if you’re torn between the two, then I’d say go for the model with the best price point and colorway that you like.

Their performances are pretty comparable. Granted, I like the HIIT 2 a bit more, but if their price is a concern for you then either model should work well and I think you’ll be happy with their performance for HIIT workouts.

Construction Details

As a whole, I like the construction of the Reebok HIIT 2. This shoe has been innovated from the previous Reebok HIIT TR and the changes that Reebok has used in this model are solid, in my opinion.

Below are the biggest construction callouts for this shoe that impact its performance.

• Heel-to-Toe Drop: N/A (feel like 3-6mm)
• Weight:
• Removable Insole:
• Floatride Energy Foam Midsole
• Rubber Outsole
• Flexgrooves In Outsole
• Bootie-Style Construction

If you have additional questions about the Reebok HIIT 2’s construction, drop a comment below.

Takeaway Thoughts

Overall, I’ve enjoyed training in the Reebok HIIT 2. I think it’s a step in the right direction for the Reebok HIIT shoe line and this model features a few core construction traits that I like with my Reebok training shoes.

This model is not going to be the best shoe for heavy lifting or CrossFit, but for classes and HIIT they’re a solid shoe.

If you have any additional questions on the Reebok HIIT 2, drop a comment below or reach out to me personally via Instagram (@jake_boly).