Friday Focus: A closer look at Reebok’s Men’s Zig Dynamic Running Shoes

It’s been out on the market for a while now, but we’re still fascinated with the technology in Reebok’s ZigTech shoes.

It’s got a unique look, that’s for sure. But beneath all of those wiggly bumps on the bottom of your shoe is solid science, designed to protect you from shin splints, knee injuries and the wear and tear of hard training.

As the folks at Reebok explain:

“Traditional energy return is focused only on the vertical impact of the heel strike,” said Reebok’s Head of Advanced Innovation, Bill McInnis. “In contrast, ZigTech is designed to transfer energy horizontally along the zigs so the athlete gets that energy back in the forefoot.”

The lightweight, flexible bottom unit, minimalist upper, and whisper-quiet ground contact also contribute to making ZigTech a new standard in running and training footwear. In fact, by wearing Reebok’s ZigTech footwear, training longer just got easier. The technology causes up to 20% less wear and tear on key leg muscles, especially the shins and hamstrings.

That’s certainly the case with Reebok’s Men’s Zig Dynamic Running Shoes.

They’re built for the gym, the trail and the diamond. They’ve got the ubiquitous ZigTech sole, designed to provide the perfect balance of energy efficiency and cushioning.

They also feature a SmoothFit upper, designed to minimize irritation and rub, and a Transition Bridge for optimal heel-to-toe handling. The synthetic upper provides lightweight comfort and support.

Get a pair for $99.99 at Softball Sales.

Related: Shop our entire selection of Reebok footwear.

Footwear Friday: Practice makes perfect with Nike’s Air Elite PreGame Training Shoes

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As we’ve said before, you can’t overstate the importance of a good set of cleats.

Proper footwear will not only reduce the risk of injury, but it will also improve your performance on the field. With better traction, less resistance, supported ankles and comfortable feet — you’ll always be at your best on gameday.

And on training days, it’s just as important.

That’s why it’s key to wear softball-specific training shoes, like Nike’s Air Elite PreGame Training Shoes. These softball training shoes are designed to handle the stresses that softball players put on their footwear while in the cages, doing speedwork or in the weightroom.

Nike’s Air Elite PreGame Training Shoes feature a rubber outsole for the right amount of grip on a variety of surfaces, everything from the cages to wet grass.

The Nike air cushioning in the heel makes for a comfortable ride, and the lightweight material (13 ounces per cleat) makes these cleats ideal for running. While the synthetic leather upper provides provides durability, support and a custom fit, tailor-made for softball players.

While these softball training shoes are ideal for workouts, they’re also great for pregame warm-ups, coach’s shoes and umpire’s shoes. We’d wear them to a wedding, if we could get away with it.

Get a pair for $64.99 at Softball Sales.

Related: Shop our entire selection of softball training shoes.

Footwear Friday: Get better results with your training and on the turf with Reebok’s Women’s Zig Training Shoes

Training is all about putting in hard work, but it’s all useless if your work isn’t giving you any results.

That’s where Reebok’s Women’s Zig Training Shoes come into play.

As Reebok’s most technically advanced training shoe to date, ZigTech allows key leg muscles to do less, so you can do more. Its patented sole conserves and returns energy for a soft and springy ride.

The one-of-a-kind, zig-zag-shaped sole absorbs the impact of heel strike and propels you forward, while reducing wear and tear up to 20% in key leg muscles.

That means you’ll be able to work harder and get better results out of it — without dealing with many of the injuries that arise from training with flat shoe soles.

The Zig Training Shoes feature soft synthetic leather in upper and breathable mesh collar lining to make for a comfortable fit.

Get a pair for $99.99 at Softball Sales.

Related: Shop our entire selection of softball training shoes.

Footwear Friday: Gear up for spring softball with our hottest Softball training shoes

Even though some parts of the country are still waist-deep in snow, we’d like to remind everyone that softball season is right around the corner.

While the weather outside is still frightful, we like to prepare the only way we know how — by training. Whether you’re hitting the weights, running stairs inside or putting in some work at the cage, training is key to making sure you’ll be ready to go when softball season finally rolls around.

For this week’s Footwear Friday, here are our four most popular styles of softball training shoes: (in no particular order)

Mizuno Women’s Elite Trainer Fastpitch Training Shoe ($64.99)

This trainer is ideal for batting practice, fielding drills and play on hard turf. It includes color cards to customize your team colors.

Reebok Men’s Vero VI Low Zig Training Shoes

The new ZigTech EVA outsole dampens the impact from running, planting and turning, providing superior cushioning and flexibility. The Toe Tection technology adds to durability in the toe.

Nike Women’s LunarGlide +2 Running Shoe ($99.99)

The best elements of the original Nike LunarGlide+ with even better fit. Features seamless construction with a partial inner sleeve, for comfort and fit.

Mizuno Men’s Wave Nexus G3 Team Running Shoe ($99.99)

This training shoe is engineered to provide optimal cushioning and stability for a smooth ride while training. Air Mesh upper for superior feel, breathability and comfort.

Related: See our entire selection of softball training shoes.