
While Reebok has their roots in running, they haven’t been as popular in the contemporary running scene. Floatride foam-based shoes are a comeback for Reebok into Running. It has been 5 years since Reebok launched the Floatride foam. Floatride comes in 2 variations: _Floatride_ and **_Floatride Energy_**. _Floatride_ is based on PEBAX, while _Floatride Energy_ is made of E-TPU technology.

Floatride (PEBAX) midsole shoes such as Floatride Run Fast and Floatride Run Panthea are geared for faster runs with excellent bounce, while Floatride Energy midsole shoes such as **_Energy Symmetros_**, and Forever Energy are daily trainers with a balance of cushioning and bounce, and are primed for comfortable long runs. 

In the Reebok line of running shoes, Energy Symmetros is positioned as a versatile daily trainer, that can handle long and easy runs comfortably, but also gives the speed if you need it. 

<ShoeCard shoeCode="008005001M"></ShoeCard>

### What makes up Floatride Energy Symmetros?

With a stack height of 29 mm and heel-toe drop of 9 mm, the shoe compares to other versatile neutral daily trainers such as Asics Gel Cumulus, Saucony Ride, and Adidas Solarglide.  However, the key difference is the midsole. It has a high toe spring and beveled heel that almost resembles a rocker geometry shoe.

**Midsole**

Floatride Energy foam used in Symmetros is based on the same E-TPU technology used in Adidas Boost foam. However, Reebok’s version of the foam is configured differently. The key difference is the weight. Adidas Ultraboost 21 weighs 340 grams for men’s UK8, while Symmetros weighs 243 grams for the same size.  The other difference is Symmetros is comparatively less bouncy and feels tad softer. UK 10 as weighed is about 291g.

<div class="d-flex flex-row align-items-center justify-content-center">
    <div class="col-12 col-md-8 px-1">
        <LightBox src="/images/fes-weight.jpg" caption="Floatride Energy Midsole lighter than typical E-TPU midsoles" alt="" ></LightBox>
    </div>
</div>

**Upper**

The Upper of the Symmetros is as simple as it can get.  It is an engineered mesh with very minimal overlays and blends well into the shoe aesthetics. The upper is stiff enough to hold the shape of the shoe, and is highly breathable. Shoe has a gusseted tongue, and the tongue has plenty of padding.

**Heel**

It has a bevelled heel with a high angle, and uses a moulded heel cup to provide stability. It also has a unique heel clip at the back with Reebok written over it. It adds some aesthetic to an otherwise bland shoe. It also has a lot of padding which adds to the comfort.

<div class="d-flex flex-row align-items-center justify-content-center">
    <div class="col-12 col-md-8 px-1">
        <LightBox src="/images/fes-heel.jpg" caption="Heel clip is unique and adds some stability" alt="" ></LightBox>
    </div>
</div>

**Bottom Sole**

Bottom Sole of the shoe is interesting. Plastic heel clip at the back extends to the bottom and the heel in the middle. Bottom sole is made of 3 different segments, with the heel clip in the middle. The the other two segments set apart with a guidance line.

### Why did I consider the shoe?  

As I am upping my mileage in my current marathon training cycle, I am looking for a versatile shoe that is comfortable and can take the pounding on the roads.  In the past, I have used Floatride series shoes; Floatride Run Panthea, Floatride Run Fast 2 and Floatride Energy Forever. I liked all of them. So it is no brainer for me to pick up Symmetros as the choice given the rave reviews it has. While I have primarily picked it up for longer easy runs, it proved me wrong with its versatility as a daily trainer.

Another factor that tilted the decision to buy Energy Symmetros is the price considering the discounts.

### Ride in Energy Symmetros

The very first thing you notice when you step into Energy Symmetros how comfortable the shoe feels. As they say first time feel is what determines whether you a like a shoe or not.  That said, it is a bit too soft for my liking, and took couple of runs to get used to it.  Once I got used to it, it has become my defacto shoe for my morning runs.  

**Long Runs** - I have run about 220km so far in the Symmetros.  With its cushioning comfort, it could handle long runs with no problem at all.  Even in the last miles of a long run, I feel extremely comfortable to push myself and take the pounding on the roads.  It could handle marathon and faster paces comfortably.

**Tempo Runs **- What surprised me is how it handled tempo runs.  While it is not a lightweight shoe by any means, with decent responsiveness and lighter than typical E-TPU shoes, it makes it a go-to shoe for up-tempo.  The foot transitions are extremely good, and you can feel the longish stride compared to other training shoes.

**Interval Runs** - It is not an ideal shoe for Speed intervals or VO2 Max intervals.  It just feels a bit too soft, and comes in the way of acceleration.

**Stability**

It is a neutral shoe and I didn’t expect much support from it.  But it does have decent support for a runner like me. I think heel clip design probably has to do with the added stability.

<div class="d-flex flex-row align-items-center justify-content-center">
    <div class="col-12 col-md-8 px-1">
        <LightBox src="/images/fes-grip.jpg" caption="Lot of rubber on the outsole, but road grip is not the best" alt="" ></LightBox>
    </div>
</div>

**Road Grip**

The pattern on the bottom sole gave me the feeling that Road Grip would be good. But in practice, the grip is not that great, and you could feel slight slippage in terrain with loose sand.  I couldn’t test it on wet surfaces though.

**Fit and Comfort**

Fit is true to size, I am using UK 10 which fits me pretty well. Plush midsole, extra padding on the heel (prevents slippage), and padded tongue make it extremely comfortable. Forefoot is spacious enough, and is the upper highly breathable.  

**Aesthetics**

There is not much to write about the aesthetics of the shoe except for the trendy heel clip.  Otherwise, the shoe is minimal and neutral when it comes to design choices. 

### Review Summary
<ReviewSummaryCard shoeCode="008005001M"></ReviewSummaryCard>

<ProsCard
  title="PROS"
  pros={[
    "Super comfortable for longer race paced and easy runs",
    "Bouncy and Versatile enough to handle the tempo runs and even cruise intervals",
    "Very affordable considering the offers",
    "Decent bounce and Fast transitions"
  ]}
/>

<ConsCard
  title="CONS"
  cons={[
    "Road Grip could have been better",
    "Cushioning can be too soft for some runners."
  ]}
/>

<InfoCard title="RECOMMENDATION">
<p>Energy Symmetros is highly recommended as a daily trainer, especially if you have a liking for softer cushioning.  It can handle most runs well, and is a good value for money with offers currently available.
</p> 
</InfoCard>



Comfortable and Soft cushioning for longer runs, but has the bounce and versatility to handle tempo runs

Reebok Floatride Energy Symmetros Review


​What is that common between elite runners Geoffrey Kamworor, Eliud Kipchoge​​, and Bernard Lagat? They all train in Nike Pegasus. Known for its **versatility as a daily trainer,** Pegasus is used by amateurs and elites alike, for short & easy runs to speed work, and even marathon distances.  

Known for its cushioning and bounce, Pegasus is Nike’s all time [best selling shoe](https://news.nike.com/news/nike-air-zoom-pegasus-history). Now at the 38th edition, the series has continuously evolved and adapted to keep itself up-to-date with technology and being relevant. In the process there are few misses too; for example, Pegasus 37 got a bad rep for its fit. So how is it like to run in its most recent edition, Nike Pegasus 38?

<ShoeCard shoeCode="002010038M"></ShoeCard>

### What makes up Pegasus 38?

I have used Pegasus 35 for the previous 2 seasons, which includes running 2 marathons. Pegasus 35 has less cushion and stack height. However, both have the same heel drop. Pegasus 38 uses contemporary Nike design language that is used in running shoes such as VaporFly. While it does have a rocker-bottom, it is toned down, and not as pronounced as earlier editions.

__Midsole__

Midsole is made of Nike’s proprietary React foam which is a combination of EVA and TPE. React foam is used in most Nike’s midrange shoes, and is known for its durability, and bounce. As with earlier editions of Pegasus, Zoom Airbags are placed in the midsole, but only in the forefoot this time, no full length Zoom Airbag unlike in 36. So that could be a disappointment in terms of bounce for heel strikers. Another interesting thing to note is that the Airbag pressure is set differently for Men and Women variants (20 PSI vs 15 PSI) to cater to specific running styles.

<LightBox src="/images/p38-side.jpg" caption="Midsole is of React foam and has an airbag" alt="" ></LightBox>

The shoe has the appearance of a high-stack shoe because of the raised wall on sides through the rim of the heel. However the stack height is at 33mm, decent enough for longer training runs. Stack height is at 23 mm at the forefoot, which gives a 10mm heel-to-toe offset, making it suitable for midfoot and heel strikers alike.

__Weight__

At 290g (US size 9 Men) / 252g (US size 6 Women) it’s on the higher side of weight distribution for cushioned neutral daily trainers.  Comparable trainers in the same weight and cushioning are Brooks Ghost, Saucony Ride, and Adidas Solar Glide etc., 

__Upper__

Pegasus 38 comes with soft and plush upper material.  The mesh is made up of sandwich styled fabric. The tongue is highly padded and so is the heel collar.

<LightBox src="/images/p38-top.jpg" caption="Plush upper is soft and well padded" alt="" ></LightBox>

__Outsole__

Pegasus 38’s outsole stands out from its predecessors.  A combination of blown rubber in the front, and carbon rubber (BRS 1000) in the rear balances weight, traction and durability.

### Why did I consider this shoe?

I picked up these shoes as a daily trainer, considering the previous ones were reaching their end of life milestone. I have been a user of the Pegasus series in the past. Few recommendations from runners got me interested and also it was recently launched. 

### Ride in Pegasus 38

I have run in Pegasus 38 for 100+ km so far. I have used it for long runs, easy and tempo runs. 

These are good neutral daily trainers and can be used for long and easy runs. The energy return (bounce) at toe-off is lower than in the previous editions that I have used. However, post-run there is no soreness. 

**Fit and Comfort**

I took some time to break in these shoes.  This is something that I did not experience in Pegasus 35. The shoe fits true to size and is similar in fit as previous editions. If one is used to running in lower heel drop shoes, a 10mm midsole can be a bit of discomfort. 

The toe box is roomy and comfortable. The upper is breathable, however it can feel warm because of the padding.  

**Stability**

It takes time to get adjusted to the midsole; initially, it felt like riding on a boogie board, after 30kms I got used to the sole. The heel counter is stable and firm. 

**Road Grip**

Outsole has a very good traction and stays firm to the ground. I have run on road, mud, and through water puddles, the sole sticks firmly to the ground. 

<div class="row">
    <div class="col-md-6 px-1">
        <LightBox src="/images/p38-bottom.jpg" caption="Good traction and works well on all road surfaces" alt="" ></LightBox>
    </div>
    <div class="col-md-6 px-1">
        <LightBox src="/images/p38-bottomhalf.jpg" caption="Bottom half uses highly durable rubber" alt="" ></LightBox>
    </div>
</div>

**Aesthetics**

As far as the aesthetics are concerned, Pegasus 38 is a neat pair, with the Nike Swoosh on the outer side.  Tongue has small straps for holding the laces instead of traditional eyelets. The shoe looks a bit bulkier than the previous edition due to mesh covering and extra cushioning at the heel collar. The wall of the midsole has a diagonal grid cut design; which adds to the aesthetic. 

### Review Summary

<ReviewSummaryCard shoeCode="002010038M"></ReviewSummaryCard>

<ProsCard
  title="PROS"
  pros={[
    "Good as a daily trainer", 
    "Well cushioned and comfortable", 
    "Competitively priced", 
  ]}
/>

<ConsCard
  title="CONS"
  cons={[
    "Lacks energy return (not as bouncy) in comparison to Pegasus 35",
    "Break-in takes longer", 
    "Feels bulky",
    ]}
/>

<InfoCard title="RECOMMENDATION">
Nike Pegasus 38 is an excellent shoe for long and easy runs. You can use it in rotation with lighter shoes for speed work. It does a good job of offering comfort for longer distances with high cushioning, with no post-run soreness. Ample toe box and collar cushioning adds to the comfort.
</InfoCard>


Review of Women’s Pegasus 38 - It is an excellent shoe for long and easy runs. It does a good job of offering comfort for longer distances with high levels of cushioning.

Nike Pegasus 38 Review

Solar Boost 3

Solar Boost 19

Ultraboost 20

Ultraboost 21

Ultraboost 5.0 DNA

Supernova

Adizero 8

Adizero Boston 10

Adizero Boston 11

Adizero Boston 12

SL20

SL20.2

Adizero Adios Pro 2

Adizero Adios Pro 3

Adizero SL

Adizero Takumi Sen 9

Adizero Prime X

Adizero Prime X 2.0 STRUNG

AlphaFly Next% 

Nike Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT% Flyknit

AlphaFly Next% 2

Nike Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT% 2

VaporFly Next% 

Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT%

VaporFly Next% 2 

Nike Vaporfly 2

VaporFly Next% 3

Nike Vaporfly 3

Zoom Fly 3

Nike Zoom Fly 3

Women Orange ZOOM FLY 3 Running Shoes

Zoom Fly 3 Running Sports Shoes

Women Black & Pink ZOOM FLY 3 Running Shoes

Zoom Fly 4

Nike Zoom Fly 4

Men Yellow Zoom Fly 4 Road Running Shoes

Men Grey ZOOM FLY 4 Running Shoes

Airzoom Vomero 14

Nike Women's WMNS Air Zoom Vomero 14 Running Shoes

Women Black AIR ZOOM VOMERO 14 Running Shoes

Nike Men AIR Zoom Vomero 12 Running Shoes

Airzoom Vomero 15

Women White AIR ZOOM VOMERO 15 Running Shoes

Nike Air Zoom Vomero 15

Men Grey & Blue AIR ZOOM VOMERO 15 Running Shoes

Air Zoom Vomero 15 Running Shoes

Nike Men's Air Zoom Vomero 15 Running Shoe

Air Zoom Vomero 16

Air Zoom Vomero Running Shoes

Nike Vomero 16

Women Black Air Zoom Vomero 16 Running Shoes

Men Black Air Zoom Vomero 16 Running Shoes

Air Zoom Vomero 16 Running Shoes For Men  (White)

Flex RN 2020

Flex 2020 RN Textured Low-Top Lace-Up Shoes

Women Black Flex 2020 RN Running Shoe

Nike Men's Flex 2020 Rn Running Shoes

Free RN NN

Nike Free RN NN

Free RN 5.0

Nike Women's WMNS Free Rn 5.0 Running Shoes

Women Pink FREE RN 5.0 Running Shoes

Free Run 5 Running Shoes

Nike Men's Free Rn 5.0 Running Shoes

Nike Free Run 5.0

Air Zoom Pegasus 38

Women Pink AIR ZOOM PEGASUS 38 Running Shoes

Nike Pegasus 38

Nike Men's Air Zoom Pegasus 38 Running Shoe

Men Black AIR ZOOM PEGASUS 38 Running Shoes

Air Zoom Pegasus 38 Running Shoes

Air Zoom Pegasus 39

Women Black Air Zoom Pegasus 39  Road Running Shoes

Women Off White Air Zoom Pegasus 39  Road Running Shoes

Women Lavender Air Zoom Pegasus 39  Road Running Shoes

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39

Men Grey Air Zoom Pegasus 39  Road Running Shoes

Men Black AIR ZOOM PEGASUS 39 Road Running Shoes

Pegasus 40

Nike Pegasus 40

Pegasus 41

Nike Pegasus 41

Air Zoom Winflo 8

Nike Winflo 8

Zoom Winflo 8 PRM Lace-Up Running Shoes

Nike Women's WMNS Zoom Winflo 8 Running Shoe

Nike Men's Zoom Winflo 8 Running Shoe

Men White & Black ZOOM WINFLO 8 Running Shoes

React Infinity Run Flyknit

Nike Women's React Infinity Run Flyknit Shoes

Women Pink React Infinity Run Running Shoes

React Infinity Run Fk Prm Lace-Up Running Shoes

Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 2

Nike Men's React Infinity Run Fk Shoes

React Infinity Run Flyknit 2

React Infinity 3

Nike React Infinity 3

Infinity RN 4

Nike InfinityRN 4

Air Zoom Tempo Next%

Nike Air Zoom Tempo NEXT%

Air Zoom Tempo Next Lace-Up Running Shoes

ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit

Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit

ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 2

Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 2

Invincible 3

Nike Invincible 3

Rival Fly 3

Nike Air Zoom Rival Fly 3

Pegasus Turbo Next Nature

Nike Pegasus Turbo Next Nature

Pegasus Turbo Next Nature SE

Nike Pegasus Turbo Next Nature SE

Quest 5

Nike Quest 5

GoRun Speed Elite 

MENS GO RUN SPEED ELITE

GOrun Ride 7

WOMENS GO RUN RIDE 7

MENS GO RUN RIDE 7

GOrun Razor 3

MENS GO RUN RAZOR 3

Skechers Men's Go Run Razor 3 Shoes

GOrun Ride 8

WOMENS GO RUN RIDE 8

MENS GO RUN RIDE 8

Reviews

Reebok Floatride Energy Symmetros Review

Nike Pegasus 38 Review