Reebok Froning review

Who should buy the Reebok Froning

Inspired and co-designed with "the Fittest Man on Earth" Richard Froning,  the RF1 trainer is a versatile shoe that could be used not only for competition but for regular, everyday needs as well. It is a solid choice if:

• You are into running, jumping, weightlifting, and rope climbing and are looking for a trainer that performs well in those activities.
• You work out on various surfaces and are after a shoe that is durable enough to withstand those environments. 

Enhanced platform stability

The bottom of the trainer is generously wrapped by a hard-wearing rubber unit. It is meant to guard the platform against abrasion during rigorous training sessions. It protrudes up at the heel and on the lateral side for extra stability. It also hugs a large portion of the toe box to keep it protected from bumps.

Grippy outsole lugs

The outsole utilizes a unique tread pattern to deliver grip on various surfaces and in different directions. The vertically-placed lugs are found under the ball of the foot — they render traction during lateral movements. The rest of the unit is dominated by horizontal lugs which bite the floor during back-and-forward movements. A portion of the lugged outsole extends up on the medial side to deliver grip and abrasion resistance during rope climbs.

A combination of flex grooves helps the platform bend in multiple directions. A deep heel-to-toe cut in the center of the shoe allows it to bend sideways, while the vertical grooves in the front section make the trainer’s forefoot flex together with the wearer’s foot.

Firm and responsive underfoot support

The Rich Froning shoe employs a conventional EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) foam for underfoot support. This material is crafted with a balance of firmness and responsiveness to accommodate various training activities. It does not easily compress under heavy weight during lifting exercises but is still able to cushion the foot during short runs and jumps.

Stabilized heel section

The EVA is raised at the rearfoot section of the shoe. It cups the heel, contributing to the foot stability during weightlifting and lateral movements.

The Reebok Froning's upper

The RF1 trainer sports a combination of a traditional synthetic mesh and the new Dyneema material. The mesh layer is open at the toe box and near the collar to keep these parts aerated. The Dyneema wraps around the toes, the lateral side and the heel to protect the mesh from fraying in these high-wear areas. It is distinguished by the black-and-white checkered pattern on it. The Dyneema is a blend of synthetic materials which form a more durable, flexible, and lightweight coverage than the conventional synthetic overlays. 

An additional layer of padding is placed on top of the toes. That is the Toe Tection technology which is meant to keep the forefoot safe during burpees, toes-to-bars, and other exercises where toe bumps are involved.

Abrasion-resistant overlays

The inner side of the upper is lined with a rubberized panel. It guards the material against abrasion during rope climbs. The eyelets and the collar are also reinforced with synthetic overlays to reduce the impact of recurrent friction.

Snug lacing system

A foothold is ensured by both the lacing system and the gore strap. The strap is placed on top of the tongue and is hidden under the shoestrings, keeping the footwear on even when the laces are not tightened. This construction allows wearers to slip the shoe on and off effortlessly without spending extra time lacing up.

However, those who like to keep the fit as tight as possible will benefit from the six pairs of eyelets. The last pair is sitting right at the collar of the trainer to allow for the most snug fit. The well-padded tongue will keep the instep free from pressure even when the laces are tightly cinched.

The Reebok Froning's rearfoot section

The Froning shoe sports a low-cut silhouette to provide the ankle with a maximum range of motion. At the same time, the padded collar eliminates the chance of friction and irritation.