With Reebok Zprint, supple like a cat, thanks to Digital Foot Map technologyMumbai, May 9(AZINS) 3D printing has been around for a while now but its applications in transforming simple things around us can be seen through the products this technology enables. Reebok has utilized 3-D foot scan engineering to create shoes that focus on optimal adaptability while staying both sturdy and stable. Using combinations of their existing technology and 3D scanning and printing tech, Reebok has created two shoes that provide the benefits of top-tier footwear at an affordable price.

By designing the shoes around the footstrike, the company has gone with an unconventional sole design that manages to provide both flexibility and cushioning. The cushioning comes from a thick sole that puts the cushioning where it is needed and the shoes have been created to be flexible so as to comfortably bend to accommodate the fastest of runners.

Running

Reebok Zprint Run's upper is made of tri-panel textile that has knitted webbing at the mid foot for that resulted in a comfortable, lightweight and adaptive fit. It allowed for pressure distribution across the entire foot while managing to be roomy enough to not become uncomfortable. The shoes are good road runners but I would not advise using them on the trail. The shoe is both soft and flexible which is the kind of shoes I have had the best results with. There is a big heel to forefoot difference which depending on how you run may affect if you want to pick up these shoes. The shoe is light but by no means is it the lightest shoe around.

The shoe also has a decoupled sole in which the center section of the sole is separated from the outer frame. This helps focus on what that part of the shoe is meant to do. The center of the sole is where the foot strikes and the center of the sole is optimized for that while the outer frame is meant to support the foot. The shoe retails at Rs 7,999 and it does feel like it provides a lot for the reasonable price tag. If you are looking to switch out those rigid shoes that only bend at the forefoot, this could be a good purchase for you.

Training

The Reebok ZPrint Train does not share the textile upper of the Zprint Run and instead uses a mesh upper with NanoWeb tech. Since this is a training shoe, the Reebok NanoWeb helps add support and structure to the shoe making it better suited for a range of physical activities as opposed to just running. More stability comes in the form of Reebok's 3DFuseFrame and Midsole cradle that gives the shoe, even more support. The heel to forefoot difference is not as big here as it is with the running shoe in order to further increase stability.

The Reebok ZPrint Train is light and comfortable and provides enough support for light to medium workouts. The shoe has a slightly snug fit that I found to be comfortable. I found these shoes to be especially great for use in calisthenic workouts as the support is adequate and the cushioning is just right.