Reebok have changed the look of the ZPump Fusion since its well-publicized launch last spring. The upper is still synthetic but now made of a lightweight meshed fabric with a supportive cage underneath instead of the thicker material used last time out. The in your face Reebok Pump logo is now more subdued and printed in gray on both of the ZPump Fusion 2.0 that we tested.
The sole of the now has a bigger heel to toe drop with a very clever contrasting flash running from the upper to it. A pull tab with the Reebok logo more reflective panels have been added to the shoe’s heel area. All in all this amounts to an eye-pleasing package that combines a slew of modern running shoe technology into a standout package. There’s no need to use the ultrabright colorways of the past few years to make the ZPump Fusion 2.0 a head turner.
Fit
The customized fit of the Reebok Pump technology is the mainly selling feature of the ZPump Fusion 2.0. Slip it one [facilitated by the welcome addition of the pull tabs mentioned above], lace up the classic flattened laces and pump away for the fit of your liking. Compared to last year’s version, more pumps are required for the same level of tightness on the foot. We like because it allows more fine tuning of the fit on the upper area of the foot.
Our testers found that ZPump Fusion 2.0 fits true to size in both its men’s and women’s versions. This applies in terms of both length and width. Of course, the width can be adjusted with the Pump and release buttons at the outside back of the shoe.
Performance
Ride
The ZPump Fusion 2.0 is well-cushioned on the run. While it is not an ultra-cushioned running shoe it does have what we thought was a medium level of cushioning. The sockliner of the shoe combines well with the CRTek rubber outsole to provide a an effortless heel strike that feels well supported as the foot moves forward on each step to the midfoot area and then to the toes. The sensation provided is very much wavelike in that the cushioning seems to follow the foot from back to front.
Ventilation
Much-improved from the 2015 version, the upper of the ZPump Fusion 2.0 provides some of the best ventilation in the running shoe business. It is essentially a fine mesh that we found keeps the foot cool at all times [even on long runs in hot conditions]. The sockliner of the shoe also wicks moisture that makes it through the socks and dries very quickly once you take the shoe off. We found that the material of the shoe does not retain any bad smell because of its moisture dissipation capabilities. There’s no need to worry about having to do smell maintenance via sprays or otherwise with the ZPump Fusion 2.0.
In The Gym
While the ZPump Fusion 2.0 is primarily a running shoe we found that it worked well for cross-training at the gym. It keeps you firmly rooted during any upper body exercise ranging from free weight exercises to battling ropes moves. Its cushioning is an obvious benefit for agility drills and box jumps. We do not recommend them for weightlifting moves involving weights however [examples are squats and leg presses] since the undue stress can damage them.
Durability
Both of our testers have put in over thirty miles of running each in the Reebok ZPump Fusion 2.0. They report that the shoes are holding up remarkably well with little wear on the outsole [a result of its high abrasion rubber perhaps] and little creasing on the upper. The only sign of wear is at the back nearing the pull tab where the heel sometimes presses down a bit on the Achilles support. This has resulting in a single crease on each shoe. Finally, since Reebok opted to use white outsoles for the new ZPump Fusion 2.0 series it does get dirty quite easily [particularly when worn on natural surfaces].
Reflectivity
The gray shoe shown is the Reebok ZPump Fusion 2.0 ELE version of the shoe. It contains extra reflective light panels on its front and back for the nighttime runners among us. Shine a light on these shoes from a near or far and they create a bright silvery glow that cannot be missed.
Value
The Reebok ZPump Fusion 2.0 was released with an MSRP of $99.00. While this is a good price for a high end running shoe nowadays, some colorways of the shoe are now on sale for as low as $60. This is an absolute steal given the many benefits of this year’s ZPump Fusion.
For my thoughts on the Reebok ZPump Fusion as a casual shoe for work, the gym, or leisure, check out comments on casual wear below.
For Casual Wear: The Reebok ZPump Fusion may just be the Roshe killer. It is about $25 more expensive, but you are getting a lot for that money. When lifting at the gym you feel rooted and secure; the insole gives you that supreme comfort I covered above, especially because you’re usually walking around the gym from activity to activity. For running errands, the ZPump Fusion is great to just slip on, pump up, and go. The shoe also shows zero wear. Scuffs, dirt, and dust disappear on their own, without having to be brushed off. If you’re looking to get the ZPump for work, meaning you are on your feet for many hours at a time, it’s great—as long as you stay moving. Once the insole compresses and stays flat, all you’ve got is the firm outsole. However, it’s a lot less firm than a Roshe outsole, which kills your feet after its insole goes flat. The ZPump Fusion’s huge logo may be a bit of an aesthetic turn off, but the all black colorway masks the logo and is really clean. All in all, I like the Reebok ZPump for casual wear and would certainly recommend it.
The Reebok ZPump Fusion is available now at Finish Line $110 and is fully customizable on Reebok.com for $139.