Here’s part one of my recap of the Rebook Blogger Event just in case you missed it!
Ok, where did we leave off?
After CrossFit, we all headed back to Reebok Headquarters to learn about some of the sneakers on the market right now as well as some of the new ones, which will debut this coming July. Kate Young, U.S. Women’s Merchandising Manager, led the session.
One of the things that I found particularly interesting during the presentation was the information about foot type and how it can help you select the right shoe.
If you don’t know your foot type, an easy way to find out is to place your foot in water and then step onto a piece of newspaper to see which footprint (on the above slide) most resembles yours. Depending on your foot type, different sneakers will work better for you than others:
- Flat arch: No visible arch, completely flat, tend to overpronate (feet āroll on). Look for shoes that offer āstabilityāĀ and āmotion control.āĀ
- High arch: Disconnected arch, tend to supinate (feet āroll out). Look for shoes that are described as āflexibleāĀ or āsoftāĀ and offer ācushioning.āĀ
- Normal arch: Most common foot type. Neither flat or high. Look for shoes that are āneutralāĀ and offer ācushioning.āĀ
One of the things Reebok is trying to do with their shoes is make them multifunctional, so consumers can use them during various types of fitness. So, instead of having a pair of sneakers for running and another for group exercise classes, you’d just have one pair that you can use for both. I love this thinking because I’m a minimalist and a cheapskate. One pair of shoes = less space and less money.
Kate recommended the RealFlex Transition as a multifunctional shoe. The RealFlex technology (aka funky ānodesāĀ on the sole) helps promote natural movement of the foot as you workout. These shoes would be perfect for someone who runs 3-4 miles a couple of times a week, but also wants to do other kinds of cross training.
Reebok gave us each a pair of RealFlex Transitions, so I wore them all day at the event and did CrossFit and Cardio Dance in them. I liked the way they felt on my foot because they were lightweight, but sturdy at the same time. They moved with my foot, and my feet didn’t slide around or slip out as I worked out. It was pretty cool that these sneakers transitioned so well between two totally different kinds of exercise.
After the shoe session, we broke for lunch, which was a wonderful spread of sandwiches and salads.
And cookies! The Paleo cookies were especially awesome. I think they were made with almond flour and nuts, but I’m still working on tracking down the recipe. They were so delicious!
I made myself a spinach salad and topped it with roast beef and Parmesan.
After lunch, we headed out for a tour of the lab and facilities where the shoe magic happens. Reebok has some really cool technologies and processes that go into creating a shoe and getting it to the point where it’s approved for sale to consumers.
We first met with Bill McInnis, Head of Reebok Advanced Innovations. He used to work for NASA, so he joked that it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to make sneakers, but Reebok has one making sneakers for them.
One of the coolest things we learned during our tour was about the new āU-FormāĀ technology, which uses a hair dryer to give you a perfect fitting shoe. With U-Form, consumers use a hair dryer to heat the shoes for two minutes, which causes them to soften and mold perfectly to your feet before hardening again. Neat, right?
Once the tour was finished, we got our dance on with a Cardio Dance workout led by Ilyse Baker, who flew in from California just to teach the class.
Ilyse is an amazing instructor and dancer (she’s worked with LeAnn Rimes and Rihanna), and she taught us a hip hop routine that had me sweating buckets by the end. Who knew Cardio Dance was such a workout?!
When the class started, I totally didn’t want to do a dance workout. I feel like such a turd when I dance (unless I’m drunk and then I’m a fabulous dancer), but Ilyse’s energy was so infectious I couldn’t help but smile and get into the routine.
I seriously cannot dance, and I’m a little embarrassed to post this video on my blog, but you can see me bust-a-move on the left side of the frame.
[Video from BexLife]
After the dance class, we gathered up our things and said goodbye. I made sure to snap a photo with my running idol before we left.
Sarah, me, and JulieĀ (my peanut butter idol)!
Thank you, Fitfluential and Reebok for a wonderful event. I had such a great time spending the day participating in all things fitness!
38 Comments
I love the idea of multi functional shoes, I can’t afford running and cross training shoes, so something that can work for both would be amazing!
What’s with the strange head in the U-Form photo? o.O
It’s just a pic from the tour, not the U-Form. The head was made using the same technology as some of the Reebok shoe soles with computers and imaging. It’s all very high tech!
haha i’m so not a dancer either! it looked like you did great though and had a fun time! š
Those yellow trainers are SO retro- I want a pair!!
Looks like so much fun! I would’ve loved to have seen the whole U-Form session!
This looks like it was so much fun. A true event for Runners to geek out at! And I must say that finding the right shoe for you is so important. It really does make all the difference.
I used to think I was an overpronator, but ever since I switched to cushion shoes, I’ve been so much more comfortable when running! It’s crazy the kind of research and technology that goes into making shoes…crazy good, I mean š
That looks like it was so much fun! I’d love a pair of those shoes
Yeah. Skinny Runner is also my running idol. She is a machine!
And you are HILARIOUS! I literally LOL’ed at your comment about your dancing. š
what a great opportunity, tina! loved the recap & that dance class looked like so much fun! reminds me of my dance days (and makes me miss them). have a great day!
Hahah would you ditch crossfit for dance fitness?
I never thought of rebook as having good running shoes. I need to relook into them i guess. The clothes look cute as well!
Great recap, Tina! I’ve been eyeing those Reebok’s…they look great for cross training. Glad you had a good time!
Fun! I would have felt like the turd dancing, too haha! š But it’s still super fun! And Skinny Runner is my running idol, too … she’s like a freak of nature! š
And….. I look like an Umpa Loompa. Good to meet both you and Julie! I wish I coulda hung out with you both more!
Haha omg. That was my first time seeing the dance video. Two thoughts: everyone was MUCH better than me and thank God I was far away from the camera!!!
Haha! I feel the same way! It was so nice to finally meet you!! š
Haha I can’t dance either. I’m so uncoordinated and I can never follow an instructor’s lead! š But it sounds like fun though!
The cardio dance brings back college memories! I miss dancing š
ahh thanks so much for the shoe review! I’ve been eyeing shoes RealFlex shoes for awhile not but I wasn’t sure if they were right for the activities I want to do. Turns out they are! š
peanut butter idol? i’m blushing. that’s an honor. š and i loved spending so much time together last week! i had such a good time with you and hope we can hang out again soon!!!
That’s so cool that you can figure out your shoe based off your foot print! I’m definitely trying that!
Aww! Love skinny runner & peanut butter fingers lol that’s so funny these are my three blogs I follow
Great recaps, Tina. It was so nice meeting you last week! We should totally schedule a meet up of some sort this summer since we’re both Boston bloggers!
Thanks for linking my video! xo
hahah Julie is such a pb idol, it’s true! and sarah rocks!