Reebok JJ III review

Who should buy the Reebok JJ III

In collaboration with professional football player JJ Watt, this 3rd iteration in the line of Reebok training shoes was born. While Watt is a football player, this footwear is designed for athletes of all levels as his goal is to make a shoe that suits everyone from high school to college players, from recreational athletes to enthusiastic gym buffs. The JJ III is a solid option if: 

• You prefer a shoe that helps you feel more planted on the surface during high-intensity training through its outstanding grip.
• Your fitness routine involves a lot of lateral maneuvers and lifting weights and you need a trainer that offers stability for such activities. 
• Your fashion taste is more on the classic side. 

Updates to the Reebok JJ III

• In the previous version, the brand used the LiquidFoam for its midsole while in this iteration, Reebok utilized EVA foam for its cushioning to deliver a soft but durable platform. 

The Reebok JJ III's outsole grip

A durable rubber outsole lines the entire length of the trainer. However, it is split into two parts: the heel and the midfoot/forefoot. Each section has a different type of treading depending on the kind of grip that’s needed.

For example, the forefoot lugs have a more razor-blady shape that bites into the floor more aggressively during a high-intensity training session. 

Abrasion-resistant outsole

Large pieces of the outsole rubber extend up to cover up the heel, sides, and forefoot of the platform. This design helps to lengthen the shoe’s shelf life by making it more resistant to abrasion.

The side panels also contribute to the heel stability for weightlifting and lateral moves.

Soft yet durable platform

According to the brand’s website, the shoe no longer uses the LiquidFoam of the previous versions. The cushioning in JJ III is now delivered by a more conventional EVA foam which is described as soft and durable. This kind of midsole is typical for the vast majority of workout shoes on the market.

Extra underfoot comfort is provided by the die-cut EVA sockliner.

Snug ankle section

Reebok joins the recent trend of making training shoes with a bootie design. It implies that there is no separate tongue in this model but an extended front apex instead. The entire shoe opening is generously padded to secure the shoe around the ankle.  

Sock-like fit upper

From the inside, the upper is constructed with a stretch spacer mesh. It is meant to create a snug, sock-like fit for the foot. On the outside, a supportive and durable wrap is offered by the acclaimed Flexweave textile. Both materials are crafted to breathe well and keep the interior fresh.

Lockdown fit lacing system

The JJ III trainer is equipped with an intricate closure. Its shoestrings are interconnected with webbed eyelets and an additional synthetic cage at the midfoot. 

When the laces are pulled, the webbings and synthetic panels clasp both sides of the foot for a lockdown fit.