The definition of sneakers are changing astronomically in terms of performance and looks, latest addition to this trend is Reebok ZPump Fusion. A sneaker with bold and loud design embedded with Pump technology, an air-filled cage that pumps up and molds to any runners foot for a locked-in custom fit. The ZPump is made of just three components: the Reebok ZRated outsole, an inflatable Pump membrane that covers the midfoot, and a seamless one-piece sleeve upper. Compare this to more than 40 individual parts in a traditional running shoe. Users can of course customize the shoe’s fit by activating the familiar Pump mechanism on the side. The shoe adapts to you every time.

Upper: The ZPump Fusion shows innovation and great design. The upper is  constructed without a “last,” the part of a shoe that the upper in most shoes is  build around and on top of. The fusion and compression sleeves that comprise the upper of this shoe are incredibly  premium. When in hand and on feet, the upper feels like technology that was  developed today. Knit uppers often feel thin and cheap, which doesn’t mean  they are not technically advanced, but the upper of the ZPump Fusion feels  great. The fabric is supremely comfortable and truly feels like it can be worn  without socks. It is a great minimalist shoe with a slight heel-to-toe drop (about 6mm to 7mm as measured by my calipers) and upper is much more comfortable and stretchier to accommodate wide foot.

Outsole: All the cushioning in the ZPump Fusion comes from the ludicrously comfortable insole. This is one of the best non-gel insoles so far available in market, if not the best. The insole might be of Ortholite, (just a guess as no concrete information is available anywhere). The insole is wildly different from any other insoles Reebok is using/has used because it actually  performs, provides a smooth and comfortable ride. The only drawback to the insole is, after a while it stays compressed and flat underfoot, without the slightest bounce back. This happens after a long run or if you stay on your feet for a long time. After the insole stops giving you cushion, foot only feels the outsole beneath the insole.The outsole is unlike the awesome insole as it does not offer any cushioning. The outsole on the ZPump Fusion is incredibly firm, durable, and offers great traction, especially when turning, but when running at speed it feels like a narrow brick on the bottom of foot and will not protect runners from the crash of landing on the outsole.

Verdict: The Reebok ZPump Fusion is not a shoe for those who will run more than two to three miles at a time. However, the incredible insole  and Pump mechanism give the shoe phenomenal comfort and fit. Coupled with  the upper, wearing the ZPump Fusion for the first few miles is good. The  ZPump Fusion is lightweight but still anchored to the ground by its firm brick  of an outsole. But key is that this is a natural running shoe with excellent traits of a minimalist shoe – impressive that Reebok has launched a shoe so different (in a good way) from others in their run collection!