Though you can't purchase these probably until this March, we got a special pre-holiday delivery of Reebok's upcoming next generation of All-Terrain "Super" obstacle/trail running shoes to try out. Already, I see a bunch of great improvements that should address the primary complaints many Spartan Racers and myself have had on their last few models. If you want to read up on those earlier model shoes too, check out my past articles below:
ALL-TERRAIN SUPER "OR" [and THRILL]
http://mudmanreport.blogspot.com/2016/03/gear-review-reebok-all-terrain-shoes.html
ALL-TERRAIN SUPER 2.0
http://mudmanreport.blogspot.com/2015/08/gear-review-reebok-all-terrain-super-20.html
ALL-TERRAIN SUPER (1.0)
http://mudmanreport.blogspot.com/2014/02/gear-review-reebok-all-terrain-super.html
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ALL-TERRAIN SUPER 3.0
1. FIT/FEEL- Each of Reebok's editions of their All-Terrain shoes could probably still fit (loosely) into the "minimalist" category, when compared to competitor brands that are much more solid, bulky, and then also typically heavier. That still holds true with the light and airy 3.0's, but they seem to have softened up even more with a material feel that now doesn't remind you as much of wearing just a thin sheet of leather on your feet. As far as comfort, this was a step in the right direction, since after all an obstacle racer is going to need these on for usually an hour or more during the nastiest and dirtiest conditions our events will throw at us, and we'll want a smooth ride for that trip. GRADE = B
2. FUNCTION- All-Terrains have always been known for their "H2O Drain" side ports to expel water after even just a few steps out of a muddy pond, and that feature of course returns on these new editions. The same solid bottom lug arrangement also remains, and now adds a higher area of traction on the toes and arch, with the "RopePro" zone to assist with better climbing footholds. The predecessor "OR" model experimented with a string quick lacing style, which I was just not a fan of (sorry all you Solomon lovers). Thankfully these 3.0's not only went back to typical laces, but also an improved tongue that attaches the full length of the upper and now can't slide down to inside the shoe. GRADE = A
3. FASHION- For the first time in this All-Terrain series, we can actually recognize these shoes by their addition of the large triangle Reebok logo on the sides. It may be only this particular sample they sent out, but the gray/blue were a far cry from the wild flashy explosion of color that my OR's had (see at top of this article). We'll see if other color varieties are available when these hit online shelves in the Spring. GRADE = B
OVERALL GRADE = B
