Reebok Floatride Run Fast London Pro Review
While the Reebok Run Fast Pro made headlines as one of the lightest racing flats on the market and certainly the best cushioning to weight ratio (3.5 oz), the Run Fast London Pro was quietly released without fanfare. Inspired by Reebok's London Racer and coming in at less than half the cost of the Reebok Run Fast Pro, the Run Fast London Pro packs a similar feel with a more traditional upper and better durability than its sibling shoe.
Weight: Not Provided (6.3 oz men's size 10 per our scales)
Stack Height: Not Provided
Drop: Not Provided (Insole says 10mm, but feels MUCH lower, likely 3-4mm)
Classification: Racing Flat
HOW DOES IT FIT?
As expected with a lightweight racing flat, the fit is on the snug side. However, the mesh around the midfoot and especially forefoot does a great job of stretching and will accommodate a variety of foot types. However, given the narrower last (shoe shape) at the heel and midfoot, those with wider feet may find their feet handing off the medial sides of the shoe. The mesh and suede upper are extremely comfortable, even against bare skin. I would not recommend sockless running until the shoe breaks in as the achilles tab runs a bit high and initially caused some chaffing (report, several individuals have reached out to us about similar chaffing issues at the heel).
While the shoe fits a bit snug, the upper does stretch very well. The side effect of this is that it is not very secure. The Run Fast London Pro has a very fun ride except when taking sharp turns. Most people will need to still tighten down the laces a good amount to lock the foot in. The heel does have a very light and flexible counter, but the rearfoot is easily locked in. The stability issue mostly occurs in the forefoot, where the nice flexible upper does not provide much security. I found that really locking down the laces did most of the trick for me, but I still took turns cautiously.
HOW CUSHIONED IS IT?
For a 5-6oz shoe, the Reebok Run Fast London Pro has a decent amount of bouncy cushion. The sole features full length Floatride Foam which combined with what feels like a 3-4mm drop provides a very consistent ride from heel to toe. Floatride foam is softer and although there is good ground feel with the low to the ground sole, there is far more cushion than I would normally expect from a shoe this light and minimal. This is relative for a super light racing flat, so do not expect a maximalist shoe level of cushioning because that is certainly not there.
HOW DOES IT RIDE (TRANSITION)?
The ride in the Run Fast London Pro from heel to toe is flexible. There are no plates or additional technologies outside of the Floatride Foam. The forefoot is particularly flexible, so make sure you have adequate toe and ankle mobility prior to running in this shoe. There is not much of a heel bevel, but the ride is low and the foam is soft enough that heel first contacts are smooth. Overall, the light weight combined with the flexibility creates a smooth ride at speed and a comfortable one at easy paces.
HOW FAST IS IT?
The Reebok Run Fast London Pro is a fast shoe. With the major competitors being the Saucony Type Altra Vanish, Nike Streak LT, Skechers Speed and the New Balance Hanzo series, this is a super fast mile to 5k shoe for most. Some may find that they can use this shoe up to 10k on track while others used to super light rides may be able to use this for longer distances. For most people, the lightweight and responsive Floatride Foam makes this a super speedy shoe for shorter repeats and races.
HOW STABLE IS IT?
There are not specific stability features in the Reebok Floatride Run Fast London Pro. The heel and midfoot are fairly narrow and the heel counter is fairly flexible. There is some very light sole flare in the forefoot, but overall this is not a shoe for those with stability issues. The extremely low to the ground ride and good ground feel do provide some stability thanks to good feedback, but those looking for more structure are better off looking at something like the Saucony Fastwitch 9 (REVIEW).
HOW DURABLE IS IT?
As someone who normally tears up shoes, I am surprised that the sole of the Reebok Floatride Run Fast London Pro is holding up. I have almost 20 miles of only interval, tempo and short hill workouts on my pair with minimal wear throughout the sole. I was initially worried about the nubs throughout the heel and forefoot and suspect those may be issues in the future, but so far the upper and sole have held up well. Despite my pounding, the Floatride foam continues to feel similar to when I first broke them in and I see no signs of upper wear.
THOUGHTS AS A DPT
In a world of super cushioned, carbon fiber plated marathon shoes, the Reebok Floatride Run Fast London Pro is a pleasant surprise. From someone who came into running during the minimalist shoe boom, I miss some of these lighter racing flats. The shoe is lightweight, still has the amazing lightweight cushioning properties of these newer foams and has great flexibility. The trade off with these low to the ground flexible racers is that you need to have enough ankle and toe mobility prior to running in these. The London Pro has a 3mm drop, which is much lower than most shoes out there today (minus Altra). My general suggestion for runners transitioning to lower drop shoes like this is they need to have at least 60-70 degrees of toe extension (if not 90), at least 20 degrees of ankle dorsiflexion/calf flexibility and be able to perform 25 single leg bent knee calf raises (soleus).
If you do not have enough mobility and strength around the ankle joint, you may run into some issues training in these types of shoes. Most of the shoes on the current market have followed Hoka with highly cushioned and rockered soles that replace much of the need for good ankle mobility. For those thinking about transitioning back to lower drop fast shoes, know you need to work on these things as minimal shoes have some prerequisites if you want to stay health. The load is different that in maximalist and traditional shoes, so be smart about allowing your body to adapt to it. Injuries often come from new training stimuli applied too quickly to a body that isn't ready, so like all things related to change, try to take it slow and you should be fine. Be aware though if you have mobility changes related to degeneration, these shoes may not be a great choice for you and the rockered soles of maximalist shoes may be a better option. Everyone is different so listen to your own body.
If you do not have enough mobility and strength around the ankle joint, you may run into some issues training in these types of shoes. Most of the shoes on the current market have followed Hoka with highly cushioned and rockered soles that replace much of the need for good ankle mobility. For those thinking about transitioning back to lower drop fast shoes, know you need to work on these things as minimal shoes have some prerequisites if you want to stay health. The load is different that in maximalist and traditional shoes, so be smart about allowing your body to adapt to it. Injuries often come from new training stimuli applied too quickly to a body that isn't ready, so like all things related to change, try to take it slow and you should be fine. Be aware though if you have mobility changes related to degeneration, these shoes may not be a great choice for you and the rockered soles of maximalist shoes may be a better option. Everyone is different so listen to your own body.
RECOMMENDATIONS/WHO THIS SHOE IS FOR (Conclusion)
I really hope Reebok keeps the Run Fast London Pro around. It is a great shoe that compliments the Run Fast Pro at a lower price point while being just as fast. I recommend some work on the upper security to lock the foot down more, but in a world of super cushioned shoes, the Run Fast London Pro is a breath of fresh air for those looking to go super fast in a lightweight cushioned 5k shoe. For those craving a lightweight, minimal but cushioned ride with a comfortable upper for 5k (maybe 10k) racing, check out the Reebok Run Fast London Pro. Bonus points for the fact that this shoe easily doubles as a good looking casual shoe.
GRADING
Fit/Upper 8/10 (2 for upper security issues, rubbing at heel)
Ride/Midsole 9/10 (Flexible, bouncy, light ride)
Ride/Midsole 9/10 (Flexible, bouncy, light ride)
Stability 7.5 /10 (-2.5 for upper security and narrow midfoot and heel)
Speed 10 /10 (FAST)
Durability 8.5 /10 (Good but concerned about future durability of nubs)
TOTAL: 86%
TESTER PROFILE
Dr. Klein is a 140 lb male with notable PRs of 14:45 for 5k and 2:32:44 for the full marathon. He typically runs 70-100 miles per week and trains at a variety of paces from 8min per mile recovery runs to 4:40 per mile 1k repeats. He prefers firmer and responsive shoes with snug heels and medium to wide toe boxes. He is particular to less cushioned shoes and close to the ground shoes, but can handle a little cushion when he gets beat up. IG handle: @kleinrunsdpt
Thanks for reading!
Editor's Note: As always, the views presented on this website belong to myself or the selected few who contribute to these posts. This website should not and does not serve as a replacement for seeking medical care. If you are currently injured or concerned about an injury, please see your local running physical therapist. If you are in the Los Angeles area, I am currently taking clients for running evaluations.
Matthew Klein, PT DPT OCS FAAOMPT
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist
Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists
Nathan Brown PT DPT MS
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Masters in Anatomy and Clinical Health Science
Movement Performance Institute Certified in Advanced Functional Biomechanics
David Salas PT DPT CSCS
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
***Disclaimer: These shoes were purchased for 50% off retail thanks to a holiday sail from Reebok.com. This in no way affected the honesty of this review. We put at least 35-75 miles on trainers and 10-25 miles on racing flats prior to reviewing them. Currently I have 18 miles on my pair. My views are based on my extensive history in the footwear industry and years testing and developing footwear. If you are a footwear rep looking for footwear reviews or consultations on development, we are currently looking to partner with companies to assist, discuss and promote footwear models. Partnership will not affect the honesty of our reviews.
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