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The Reebok Speed 22 TR is the latest HIIT and class-style training shoe from Reebok. This model is a continuation of the popular Reebok Speed training shoe line and has received a couple of subtle yet notable updates compared to the 21 TR.
As a fan of the original Reebok Speed TR and someone who thought the Reebok Speed 21 TR was a miss, I was excited to test the Speed 22 TR and see if Reebok fixed this shoe’s durability issues.
Overall, I’m a fan of the Reebok Speed 22 TR and I think they’re a good budget-friendly option for classes, HIIT workouts, and light lifting. That being said, the Speed 22 TR does still have a couple of cons and I’ll discuss those below.
Who Should Invest In the Reebok Speed 22 TR?
The Reebok Speed 22 TR is a good general training shoe for HIIT workouts, class-style training, short runs, and light lifting. For these performance contexts, this model performs exceptionally well, especially for their price point.
The Reebok Floatride Energy Foam is soft and responsive and the rubber outsole does a good job with grip. There’s also a TPU clip on the lateral side of this shoe for support when doing lateral exercises and multi-directional movements.
I think the star play in the Reebok Speed 22 TR is the updated upper construction and lacing system. This shoe has an all-around better construction in regard to durability compared to the Speed 21 TR and Reebok did a good job with this shoe’s updates.
This shoe is also comfortable for daily wear, and for the price, I could see them being a good option for anyone that wants a shoe to beat up as a daily driver and for the performance context mentioned above.
Reebok Speed 22 TR
Best For
- Classes
- HIIT Workouts
- Light Lifting
- Short Runs/Sprints (to a degree)
- Daily Wear
Falls Short
- For Heavy Lifting
- For CrossFit
Reebok Speed 22 TR Pros
Over the span of my testing and review process with the Reebok Speed 22 TR, I found a few pros to enjoy with this model. I primarily tested this shoe for HIIT workouts, light lifting, and sprints/short runs.
- Good Overall Performance for HIIT
- Reworked Upper Is a Welcomed Update
- Floatride Energy Foam Is Responsive
The first thing that I like about the Reebok Speed 22 TR is its performance and how it fairs for different training settings. I think the Reebok Speed 22 TR will be a good model for the HIIT and class-focused individual that also wants a shoe for light lifting and short runs.
I like how versatile this shoe can be for explosive workouts, HIIT workouts, and even athletic-style training sessions. More specifically, I’ve used this shoe for some light lifts, sprint and athletic-focused workouts, and general HIIT sessions.
The sole of this shoe does a good job of providing you with a nice level of versatility with a little bit of stability. I also like that there’s a medial midfoot wedge in this model as it helps give you a little more to push off of when training laterally.
If you’ve ever trained in the Nike SuperRep Go 3 and you enjoyed them, then you’ll likely feel as though the sole of the Speed 22 TR is somewhat similar in the respect that the forefoot and heel create a flared-out-like construction for giving you a nice base for HIIT training.
The second aspect to like about the Reebok Speed 22 TR is that they [Reebok] updated the upper on this model to fix the issues that were present on the Reebok Speed 21 TR. In the Speed 21 TR, you had a lacing system that lacked durability and lax upper security.
In the Reebok Speed 22 TR, we have a traditional lacing system with an asymmetrical build and a layered upper to increase the level of security you get when moving laterally in gym shoes. These are both good and welcomed updates.
The final aspect to like about the Reebok Speed 22 TR is that the Floatride Energy Foam does a good job with responsiveness. This midsole construction gives you a nice “pop” when jumping, sprinting, and doing other HIIT-style work.
Even when doing a tougher sprint workout which this shoe is not technically built for, I thought this midsole did a good job at not beating me up during my session. Their thickness did hinder performance and push-off force slightly, but overall, they did a good job.
I also like the rubber outsole used on this shoe and how it provides you with a fair amount of grip on different surfaces. On rubber gym floors, turf, track, and grass you get a nice level of grip in this model.
Reebok Speed 22 TR Cons
For the most part, there hasn’t been a lot to dislike about the Reebok Speed 22 TR. However, I do have a couple of small cons with this shoe to note before investing.
- Its Stability May Be a Limiting Factor
- Some May “Bottom Out” In This Shoe
The first drawback that I could see others having with the Reebok Speed 22 TR is that their performance will be limited in the gym and context of lifting. This is not going to be the model to invest in if you want a shoe to lift heavy in on a weekly basis.
This is not really a true knock on the Reebok Speed 22 TR’s performance as it’s not designed for this style of training, but more so, something to consider if you’re looking into this model for HIIT workouts and lifting.
In this shoe, I started to notice compression when squatting and deadlifting around 275 lbs, which is why I recommend limiting their use to lighter workouts. If you’re training below that threshold, then you should be fine lifting in them.
Another drawback that others may run into with the Reebok Speed 22 TR is “bottoming out” when training. For context, during my more explosive athletic workouts where I was sprinting and jumping, I noticed that I bottomed out the midsole in the forefoot.
This means that I could feel my foot coming into contact with the ground during these sessions which resulted in a slightly firmer feel when training. I don’t think this is the biggest issue, but for heavier athletes and lifters I could see this being an issue especially if you want more cushion when training.
This is also an issue I have with the Reebok Floatride Energy 4’s midsole when running longer distances. It didn’t happen all of the time and I don’t think this will happen to every athlete, however, there were a few sessions where I noticed this happening.
Performance
To discuss the performance of the Reebok HIIT 22 TR, I’m going to break down how this model performs in a few key performance areas. I’ll talk about how the Speed 22 TR does for light lifting, versatile training, short runs, and daily wear.
This way, if you are considering the Reebok Speed 22 TR, you can cross-reference their performance overview to see if they fit your training needs and wants well.
Testing the Reebok Speed 22 TR for Light Lifting
For light lifting, the Reebok Speed 22 TR does okay and it performs how you’d expect a HIIT-focused shoe to perform. I try not to be too harsh on this model’s performance for lifting because it’s not really designed for that so I try to keep that in mind when testing them.
In regard to loading thresholds and as mentioned above, I noticed midsole compression in this shoe once I got to around 275 lbs. The thicker midsole compresses pretty easily and this will not be the best shoe for heavier static strength work in things like deadlifts.
For light lifting, this shoe will work just fine. The midsole gives you enough support for lighter hypertrophy sessions, casual leg days, and full-body workouts and the rubber outsole adds a nice level of traction for different exercises.
Testing the Reebok Speed 22 TR for Versatile Training
For versatile training including things like class-style workouts, HIIT sessions, and athletic-style training, the Reebok Speed 22 TR is a pretty strong performer. I like this model’s budget-friendliness and that it can do a little bit of everything pretty well in this context.
The midsole gives you a nice level of pop when doing plyometrics and the shoe itself is pretty lightweight which makes them easy to wear. I also like how the updates in the upper help give you additional security in this model.
I also like how the midsole in the forefoot and heel in this model flares out to give you a larger amount of surface area when doing multi-directional training.
If you’re looking into budget-friendly HIIT shoes that can somewhat do it all when it comes to classes, HIIT workouts, and similar training contexts, then I like the Reebok Speed 22 TR’s performance as a whole.
Testing the Reebok Speed 22 TR for Short Runs and Daily Wear
For short runs, the Reebok Speed 22 TR does an okay job. I think this model will work best for sessions where you’re running around 3 miles or less. For example, this could be a good shoe for short pre-workout warm-up runs and post-workout cooldown runs.
In the context of sprints and runs that range from 400-meters down, I thought the Reebok Speed 22 TR did a pretty good job. It doesn’t have the best base to push off from for sprints, but its performance was satisfactory for its price and overall construction.
On a daily wear basis, I think the Reebok Speed 22 TR does a pretty good job. This shoe’s midsole is comfortable for all-day wear and when trekking around 10,000-15,000 steps in this shoe, they remained relatively responsive and comfortable.
I could see this model being a good shoe for the person that wants to use their model for standing and walking all day, then wearing them for a class or casual training session.
Reebok Speed 22 TR Vs Speed 21 TR
If you’re debating between the Reebok Speed 22 TR versus the Reebok Speed 21 TR because the Speed 21 TR is marked down, I wanted to share some thoughts and key differences between these models.
In regard to stability and versatility, both shoes are very similar because their outsole and midsole constructions are consistent and virtually identical. They both feature full rubber outsoles with lug treads and feature Reebok Floatride Energy foam in their midsole.
The main differences between these models are their upper constructions, lacing systems, and TPU heel clip. In the Reebok Speed 22 TR, we now have a traditional lacing system versus the internal loop system that was used on the Speed 21 TR.
This is a big deal because the loop system in the Speed 21 TR had a few glaring durability issues so it’s nice Reebok removed this. Both models also feature different uppers with the Speed 22 TR now featuring more overlays and a breathable mesh.
Another subtle difference is the reworking of the TPU heel clip on the lateral sides of the shoe. The Speed 21 TR’s clip was more oriented towards the heel like in the Reebok Nano X1, whereas the Speed 22 TR’s runs lower and is similar to the Reebok Nano X2.
Winner: Reebok Speed 22 TR. It’s a stronger model with fewer durability issues, especially around the lacing system. If you want to save money, then you could go with the Speed 21 TR, but buyers, be warned about their long-term durability.
Reebok Speed 22 TR
Reebok Speed 21 TR
Reebok Speed 22 TR Sizing
I think most should be going true to size in the Reebok Speed 22 TR. This model’s length fits true and they have what I would describe as a neutral width.
This model does not come with a removable insole and they have a fair amount of upper volume. I think if you’re a HIIT-focused individual that uses custom insoles, then the Speed 22 TR can be a good shoe to explore and look into.
- Reebok Speed 22 TR Sizing Thoughts: Go true to size
If you have additional sizing and fit questions on the Reebok Speed 22 TR, drop a comment below or reach out to me personally.
Price Breakdown
For the Reebok Speed 22 TR, you can expect to pay $110 USD. If you’re investing in this shoe solely for classes, HIIT workouts, short runs, and daily wear, then I think that price point makes sense.
In the context of other Reebok shoes, this model reminds me a lot of the Reebok Floatride Energy 3 which is a really strong performing no-frill Reebok running shoe that is really good but not necessarily the best in class.
Similarly, the Reebok Speed 22 TR performs well, has no crazy frills, has a cost-efficient price, but is by no means the best in class. It’s a good, budget-friendly, middle-of-the-pack shoe that should be consistent and strong performing for most.
If you’re wanting a shoe for lifting or functional fitness, then you’ll want to pass on the Reebok Speed 22 TR. This model’s performance in those contexts will be limited due to its compressive midsole.
Construction Details
The construction of the Reebok Speed 22 TR is fairly simplistic and relatively similar to the Reebok Speed 21 TR. The most notable construction updates in the Speed 22 TR is the lacing system and upper.
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 10mm
- Weight: 10.4 oz (for my size 10 model)
- Removable Insole: This model doesn’t come with an insole
- Mesh Upper Construction
- Full Rubber Outsole With Lug Tread
- Lateral External Midfoot Clip
- Reebok Floatride Energy Foam Midsole
If you have additional Reebok Speed 22 TR construction-related questions, drop a comment below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q:Do the Reebok Speed 22 TR true to size?
Q:Can you run in the Reebok Speed 22 TR?
Q:Are the Reebok Speed 22 TR good for lifting?
Takeaway Thoughts
The Reebok Speed 22 TR is a good cost-efficient training shoe for the HIIT and class-focused individual. This model has a fair price point and performs consistently across the board for jumping, light lifting, and short runs.
I’m happy Reebok updated this model’s upper and lacing system to fix the durability issues that were present in the prior model. In some ways, this model reminds me of the Reebok Floatride Energy 3 as it’s a good shoe for a fair price with no bells and whistles.
This model will be a little limited with its performance, but I think if you go into them and understand their best uses context, then you’ll enjoy this model.
If you have additional questions on the Reebok Speed 22 TR, drop a comment below or reach out to me personally via Instagram (@jake_boly or @that_fit_friend).
Andres
I have flat feet and the upper of this shoe was WAY too narrow for me. used them maybe like a month or two for Les Mills classes and then just gave em away