Our verdict

The Reebok Zig Dynamica 4 is a daily trainer with a unique design and an attractive price tag. It's equipped with firm foam, which might not suit every runner's taste, but we were impressed by its surprisingly stable ride, outperforming many pricier options in its category. At just £90, it offers great value, but it's important to note its considerable heft and limited energy return. We think it's a solid pick for casual runners, but it might fall short for those in serious training. In our opinion, while it's a heavy shoe, its stability and affordability make it a worthy contender in the budget-friendly shoe market.

Pros

  • Exceptionally stable
  • Budget-friendly
  • Suitable for all footstrike types
  • Long-lasting outsole
  • Spacious midfoot area
  • Versatile for walking or gym use
  • Comfortable upper

Cons

  • Oddly shaped toebox
  • Limited energy return
  • Extremely heavy

Audience verdict

80
Good!

Who should buy

In our view, the Zig Dynamica 4 is a good shoe for:

  • Runners who don't mind using a heavy shoe and favour other features like durability or price.
  • Those in search of a shoe that can handle a few runs per week on top of gym workouts.
  • Fans of Reebok designs that want a simple, cheap shoe for running.

Reebok Zig Dynamica 4

Who should NOT buy

The main letdown of the Zig Dynamica 4 is its considerable weight, which is surprising given its only average stack height. It's far from a maximalist shoe, yet it tips the scales like one. If you're looking for a budget-friendly, lighter daily trainer, consider the Nike Downshifter 12.

Additionally, this Reebok really leans towards the firmer side. For those who prefer a softer feel in an entry-level running shoe, we recommend exploring options like the Nike Winflo 10 or the Brooks Launch 10.

Reebok Zig Dynamica 4

Cushioning

Heel stack

The high weight on the scale is particularly worrying since this isn't a high-stacked shoe by modern standards.

With a heel thickness of just 32.0 mm, it's actually slightly below the average for most shoes.

Reebok Zig Dynamica 4 Heel stack
Test results
Zig Dynamica 4 32.0 mm
Average 33.9 mm
Compared to 365 running shoes
Number of shoes
22.5 mm
Heel stack
46.3 mm

Forefoot stack

The forefoot area tells the same story. At 23.5 mm, it's average in stack height, which works for us since this shoe is meant to be a casual daily trainer.

Reebok Zig Dynamica 4 Forefoot stack
Test results
Zig Dynamica 4 23.5 mm
Average 25.3 mm
Compared to 365 running shoes
Number of shoes
13.7 mm
Forefoot stack
37.1 mm

Drop

We called it a daily trainer, and that's exactly what Reebok delivered in terms of heel-to-toe drop.

Like most daily trainers with the standard 8-to-10-mm range, the Zig Dynamica 4 features a 8.5-mm drop. This tried-and-true geometry suits all footstrikes, from forefoot to heel strikers, making it a reliable choice.

Reebok Zig Dynamica 4 Drop
Test results
Zig Dynamica 4 8.5 mm
Average 8.6 mm
Compared to 365 running shoes
Number of shoes
0.0 mm
Drop
16.1 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

Shifting to the rare midsole, it's clear the shoe leans towards the firmer side. However, this could be due to its considerable outsole thickness. So, we were keen to test the foam's firmness with the durometer.

This Reebok uses Fuel Foam, an EVA-based compound that we found to be quite firm at 27.6 HA. It's definitely not for those who prefer the feel of cloud-like, soft foam in their shoes.

Reebok Zig Dynamica 4 Midsole softness
Test results
Zig Dynamica 4 27.6 HA
Average 21.1 HA
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 292 running shoes
Number of shoes
8.5 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
38.9 HA

Midsole softness in cold

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

We ran the same test in cold conditions to see if the underfoot feel changed after 20 minutes in the freezer.

In these conditions, the shoe turned out to be a bit firmer, measuring 32.5 HA.

Reebok Zig Dynamica 4 Midsole softness in cold
Test results
Zig Dynamica 4 32.5 HA
Average 26.2 HA
Compared to 291 running shoes
Number of shoes
11.1 HA
Midsole softness in cold (soft to firm)
47.0 HA

Midsole softness in cold (%)

That's a 17.8% change, which some might notice, but for most runners, the shoe will still feel firm—no significant difference.

Test results
Zig Dynamica 4 18%
Average 26%
Compared to 292 running shoes
Number of shoes
0%
Midsole softness in cold
100%

Insole thickness

In the lab, we found the insole a bit cushier than usual, measuring at 5.3 mm.

Reebok Zig Dynamica 4 Insole thickness
Test results
Zig Dynamica 4 5.3 mm
Average 4.5 mm
Compared to 361 running shoes
Number of shoes
1.5 mm
Insole thickness
7.3 mm

Size and fit

Size

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Toebox width - widest part

Now, let's measure the toebox. During our initial tests, we noticed the shoe has a unique fit, sparking our curiosity for this specific test.

Reebok Zig Dynamica 4

In its widest part, it's impressively wide at 100.8 mm, offering ample room for most people, even those with wide feet.

Reebok Zig Dynamica 4 Toebox width at the widest part
Test results
Zig Dynamica 4 100.8 mm
Average 98.5 mm
Compared to 366 running shoes
Number of shoes
91.6 mm
Toebox width - widest part
104.9 mm

Toebox width - big toe

Yet, the big toe area is unexpectedly narrow with a pronounced taper, measuring just 73.9 mm.

This is significantly below average, making the shoe a poor choice for those with wide feet in the toe region.

Reebok Zig Dynamica 4 Toebox width at the big toe
Test results
Zig Dynamica 4 73.9 mm
Average 78.4 mm
Compared to 240 running shoes
Number of shoes
67.6 mm
Toebox width - big toe
89.2 mm

Toebox feel

After another 20 uneventful minutes in the freezer, we repeated the stiffness test and recorded a result of 25.7N.

Stability

Lateral stability test

Now we're turning our attention to the stability of the Zig. And let's just say it outright—this is one of the most stable budget-friendly shoes we've ever tested in the lab!

Torsional rigidity

However, this impressive stability doesn't stem from the shoe's torsional rigidity. In the lab, we conducted a manual assessment and rated it 3 out of 5, which is pretty standard for daily trainers.

Test results
Zig Dynamica 4 3
Average 3.3
Compared to 344 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Heel counter stiffness

The same goes for the heel counter stiffness—it's slightly flexible.

We also rated it at 3 out of 5. This is because it has a unique piece in the heel, but it's only in the midsole and doesn't extend upward, so it doesn't add any stiffness to this area.

Test results
Zig Dynamica 4 3
Average 2.9
Compared to 328 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel counter stiffness
5

Midsole width - forefoot

Besides its firm foam, another key component to the Zig's stable ride is its midsole width.

In the forefoot, we measured a substantial 116.7 mm at the upper's widest part.

Reebok Zig Dynamica 4 Midsole width in the forefoot
Test results
Zig Dynamica 4 116.7 mm
Average 114.0 mm
Compared to 366 running shoes
Number of shoes
103.3 mm
Midsole width - forefoot
126.9 mm

Midsole width - heel

Yet, it's the heel measurement that really delivers the stable ride. At 98.8 mm, its width is more akin to stability shoes than daily trainers.

Naturally, this contributes to the shoe's higher weight, but for many runners, the trade-off is well worth it.

Reebok Zig Dynamica 4 Midsole width in the heel
Test results
Zig Dynamica 4 98.8 mm
Average 90.7 mm
Compared to 366 running shoes
Number of shoes
73.0 mm
Midsole width - heel
106.6 mm

Flexibility / Stiffness

In our 90-degree bend test, we needed just 19.9N of force to flex the shoe to the desired point.

This is fantastic news for those planning to use this shoe for absolutely everything—running, walking, shopping, and more.

Test results
Zig Dynamica 4 19.9N
Average 28.2N
We use an average of four tests. The video shows one of those tests.
Compared to 348 running shoes
Number of shoes
2.2N
Flexibility <> Stiffness
72.1N

Stiffness in cold

After another 20 uneventful minutes in the freezer, we repeated the stiffness test and recorded a result of 25.7N.

Test results
Zig Dynamica 4 25.7N
Average 36.7N
Compared to 348 running shoes
Number of shoes
2.5N
Stiffness in cold
89.2N

Stiffness in cold (%)

That's a 29.1% increase, which might be noticeable in cold temperatures for those more sensitive to changes. Yet, the shoe will still remain quite flexible.

Test results
Zig Dynamica 4 29%
Average 34%
Compared to 348 running shoes
Number of shoes
0%
Stiffness in cold
105%

Weight

We mentioned earlier that the shoe could have been better with less rubber, since it's often one of the heaviest parts of every shoe. We pointed this out because the shoe felt quite heavy to us in our first test runs.

But when we weighed the shoe, we were genuinely shocked. Tipping the scales at 12.4 oz (352g), the Zig seriously needs to shed some weight!

Reebok Zig Dynamica 4 Weight
Test results
Zig Dynamica 4 12.42 oz (352g)
Average 9.38 oz (266g)
Compared to 366 running shoes
Number of shoes
5.61 oz (159g)
Weight
12.59 oz (357g)

Breathability

If you're thinking about running in the Zig under the blazing sun, think again. It has decent breathability, and we gave them a 3 out of 5, but it really lacks airflow for the hottest days of the year.

Our light test confirmed this. While most well-ventilated shoes let air pass through, this Reebok blocks almost all of it.

We wanted to uncover the full story about the upper, so we put the Zig under our microscope.

Reebok Zig Dynamica 4 microscope

We spotted a thick mesh that blocks almost all airflow, with no large ventilation holes. There are only a few small gaps, but they're definitely not enough.

Reebok Zig Dynamica 4

During our hands-on assessment of the upper, we noticed that Reebok seems to have put comfort and durability ahead of breathability.

We're eager to see how it performs in our upcoming tests.

Test results
Zig Dynamica 4 3
Average 3.8
Compared to 295 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Toebox durability

Less weight often leads to better durability, but sometimes with budget-friendly shoes, you end up with neither. Thankfully, that's not the story with the Zig.

After subjecting the upper to the intense test of a Dremel running at 5,000 RPM with 3.2N of force, we awarded it a solid 3 out of 5 score, which is impressively good for an £90 shoe!

Reebok Zig Dynamica 4 Toebox durability
Test results
Zig Dynamica 4 3
Average 2.5
Compared to 229 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Toebox durability
5

Heel padding durability

Unfortunately, the heel padding area's performance left us quite underwhelmed (1/5).

Following the same test (3.2N - 5K RPM), the resulting hole exposed the shoe's lacklustre durability in this area. It's a straightforward disappointment that can't be excused, even considering the shoe's low price.

Reebok Zig Dynamica 4 Heel padding durability
Test results
Zig Dynamica 4 1
Average 3.2
Compared to 225 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel padding durability
5

Outsole hardness

Shifting our focus to the outsole, we discovered that Reebok opted for a fairly average rubber in terms of hardness, with a durometer reading of 80.1 HC.

Reebok Zig Dynamica 4 Outsole hardness
Test results
Zig Dynamica 4 80.1 HC
Average 80.1 HC
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 346 running shoes
Number of shoes
60.3 HC
Outsole hardness
93.0 HC

Outsole durability

This resulted in a minor 0.8-mm indentation in the rubber after our final Dremel test.

It's an average score, but in our view, it's quite good for an entry-level shoe.

Reebok Zig Dynamica 4 Outsole durability
Test results
Zig Dynamica 4 0.8 mm
Average 1.0 mm
Compared to 207 running shoes
Number of shoes
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

The outsole thickness measured at 4.0 mm, which seems excessive to us.

Reebok Zig Dynamica 4 outsole
The outsole boasts a full-length rubber coverage in a zig-zag pattern, completely without any exposed foam.

Why? Because given the shoe's solid performance in previous tests, it could easily have been 1 mm thinner, leading to a lighter shoe with a more responsive ride.

Reebok Zig Dynamica 4 Outsole thickness
Test results
Zig Dynamica 4 4.0 mm
Average 3.2 mm
Compared to 365 running shoes
Number of shoes
1.0 mm
Outsole thickness
6.0 mm

Misc

Reflective elements

We're pretty used to testing entry-level shoes in the lab and finding they don't have reflective elements. This is just another one.

Reebok Zig Dynamica 4 Reflective elements
Test results
Zig Dynamica 4 No

Tongue padding

The tongue is thickly padded at 7.1 mm, which really adds to the shoe's comfort—and its weight.

Reebok Zig Dynamica 4 Tongue padding
Test results
Zig Dynamica 4 7.1 mm
Average 5.8 mm
Compared to 363 running shoes
Number of shoes
0.5 mm
Tongue padding
14.2 mm

Tongue: gusset type

Sadly, the tongue isn't gusseted. But we never really expect one in shoes under £100, so it's a disappointment but not a surprise.

Reebok Zig Dynamica 4 Tongue: gusset type
Test results
Zig Dynamica 4 None

Heel tab

Reebok left out the heel tab in the fourth version of the Zig Dynamica.

Reebok Zig Dynamica 4 Heel tab
Test results
Zig Dynamica 4 None

Removable insole

The insole in the Zig Dynamica 4 comes with a notice about the eco-friendly upper and it's removable, letting you swap it out for your favourite one.

Reebok Zig Dynamica 4 Removable insole
Test results
Zig Dynamica 4 Yes