If something has an underscore in the name, it must be pretty interesting right? Here we have a really special pair of sneakers to check out from Reebok — these are the Zig Kinetica Concept_Type1

A quick backstory

The Zig Kinetica system started out way back in 2010 when Reebok released their first sneakers with the ZigTech design called the Reebok ZigPulse.

These sneakers came in a bunch of colorways. Reebok even started advertising them along with Lewis Hamilton to really show off how cool these new ZigTech sneakers were.

Reebok got a whole bunch of celebrities onboard with the ZigPulse so the sneakers had a bit of a buzz around it. However, as popular as they might have been at the time, we never really heard much about it since then.

Fast forward to today, almost a decade since the first Zig sneaker launched, the Zigtech makes a return in the form of a reworked Zig Kinetica system with the Reebok Zig Kinetica Concept_Type1.

One look at these sneakers and you can see how they have a really avant-garde, edgy vibe. I guess that’s to be expected from a show with an underscore on its name.

An absolute head-turner

Honestly, these sneakers look gorgeous. In fact, the first time I heard about this sneaker was when I saw someone post an on-foot shot of them, and initial reaction was daaayuuumm those are some sweet-looking sneakers.

Reebok partnered with Garbstore founder and designer Iam Paley, who is the artistic brains behind the design.

He’s also the designer behind the Garbstore x Reebok “Outside In” Collection back in 2014, when they flipped the uppers to inside out on a few Reebok Classic flagships sneakers. So when you hear Ian Paley, you know it’s going to be an interesting design.

Wearing the Zig Kinetica out, they really turn heads. Especially if you wear them to the gym where they most definitely stand out vs the ocean of regular gym sneakers out there.

It’s a neat combination of clustered materials that make up the upper, ensuring the sneaker doesn’t look anything at all like everything else out there.

There are three colorways, but I think I got the best looking one. There’s also a slightly more formal colorway that has a black outsole, and one that has a white outsole.

The white colorway has suede that will definitely be more prone to dirt and smudges so you might be better off getting the black colorway instead.

Still, most of the upper is a mesh material — which is also quite hard to clean.

To be more precise, the Concept Type_1 features 15 individual segments that make up the upper on each pair. Each layered on top of each other to make up the final design.

There are segments with suede overlays that seamlessly surround a very breathable mesh upper. The fused overlays actually look quite nice, especially when you notice how they worked the lacing system into them up top.

This is actually a little hard to see in photos or videos but there really is nothing else above or below the mesh. There’s no cloth or fabric. It’s just the mesh by itself.

The mesh has a durable, tough feel to it, with a bright metallic shine that really glistens in outdoor sunlight. It almost gives these sneakers a different look between indoors and outdoors.

There’s also one more interesting aspect to the upper – an adjustable strap that goes right across the midfoot area.

I love how the strap extends a little past the upper, and hangs over the outsole.

It’s an interesting design decision that adds to the stylish but messy design across the upper. But there’s a functional aspect to them as well since they help secure your feet within the shoe.

The toebox area is overlaid with two suede panels so you don’t have to worry about your toenails ripping through the upper.

That being said, I really would not recommend wearing these sneakers without socks because the shoe is mostly see-through with all the mesh panels on the upper. Unless you really want to show off your feet.

The cool thing here though is that you can change up the look of the entire shoe with a pair of colored socks — so that’s fun.

Speaking of which, the inner sockliner is made of a really interesting fabric material that’s quite comfortable.

The ankle area of the Concept_Type1 weirdly has no foam or cushioning around the edges which is a little uncomfortable. It’s suede, so it doesn’t irritate your skin in case you’re wearing this with no-show socks, but it definitely is a weird new sensation.

I was irritated by the lack of padding in the ankle area since I wear no-show socks, but if you wear regular socks this probably won’t be an issue.

I should mention though, as you go lower, there is a little cushioning on the upper towards the lower, ankle joint area, but that’s about it.

Apart from that, you have the Reebok logo on the lateral side of the shoe — in this almost blue-ish color. You’ll also see it on the tongue as well.

All in all, the design of these sneakers is definitely unique. It looks great and will definitely stand out. Reebok did a great job choosing Paley as their partner because they’ve created gorgeous sneakers.

All that suede though will be hard to keep clean so keep that in mind if you’re going to be using these as actual training sneakers.

Alright, let’s move on to comfort.

Performance sneakers all the way

According to Reebok, these are sneakers designed for fitness classes, 5K runs and even casual wear.

I’m not entirely sure you can pull them off as casual wear though. You might look a bit off wearing these in the office, or on a night out. But hey, if you can pull it off, way to go.

My opinion of the Concept_type1 is that they are performance sneakers all the way, and you definitely feel that the second you slip them on.

They’re not exactly super comfortable because of the thin upper, so it literally feels like you’re wearing mesh.

The mesh parts weren’t done solely for aesthetics. They’re supposed to help with performance too to allow for airflow. It definitely does a great job at ventilation making this sneaker perfect for a summer run.

But all in all, there just doesn’t seem to be much padding, which means that this just isn’t as comfortable a sneaker as other options in the same price range. It’s not too bad, but it does leave you wanting a little bit more.

Take the tongue for example. It’s a slim paper thin fabric that’s its barely there. Reebok has other sneakers with a similar design, like the Sole Fury, which still managed a more comfortable neoprene tongue. It hugged your midfoot with a good amount of elasticity, so this is a weird oversight for them.

Coming to the insole, the Floatride Fuel cushioning isn’t exactly the most lush in terms of comfort. These are performance training sneakers after all. The cushioning, along with the outsole and overall design is really meant to propel you forward instead towards workouts instead.

Just like the Adidas Ultraboost 20, the outsole is U-shaped, so the sneaker positions you to lean forwards.

But like I mentioned with cushioning earlier, the Zig Energy Shell (or the zig-zag portion of the outsole), together with the Floatride Fuel cushioning inside, is a lot sturdier than the Boost outsole on the Ultraboost, so it’s not as comfy.

The Floatride Fuel is soft though. You can actually feel it through the liner groove on the sole. Reebok is also using a special kind of sole here called the Zig Energy Band which is supposed to expand and contract like an elastic band to help with a springback response while you’re running.

The heel sits a couple of millimeters lower than the insole, which ends up supporting the medial arch of your feet, and adds to the comfort while you’re running.

At the back of the heel area, you’ll see that the outsole does ramp up and has “ZIG” written on it.

The insole also curves around your foot, instead of underneath or being flat, which adds to the comfort factor.

If you were lucky enough to try the ZigTech sneakers back in the day, you’ll appreciate the familiarity of the outsole.

However, all that being said about the great support, there’s still that issue of the cushioning around the ankle area. Rather, the lack of it.

It’s weird because the upper wraps around your entire foot so well, but because of the minimal padding around the ankle area, these sneakers just aren’t as comfortable as they could have been.

Fits true to size

In terms of fit, the Reebok Zig Kinetica Concept_Type1 fits pretty true to size but then again I have pretty wide feet. There’s also the advantage that the mid-foot fit is adjustable thanks to the midfoot strap.

With its lacing and that strap, the upper literally hugs each part of your foot.

If you manage to get the perfect sizing, you can actually remove the strap  which gives you a sneaker that has a much cleaner design in my opinion.

The strap is pretty easy to remove, and I know this is subjective and all but I actually really do prefer the look without it.

Is this your Sneaker Match?

Reebok says the design of the Zig Kinetica is inspired by Kinetic Energy — hence the name — which kind of sounds like your usual marketing fluff.  Kinetic energy is the energy possessed by an object during motion. In this case, it’s you in those sneakers.

So is the Reebok Zig Kinetica Concept_Type1 the best performance sneakers out there?

Well here’s the thing.

These are most definitely one of the best looking training sneakers out there. They are definitely very unique. And the overall sneaker itself is quite nice and supportive as a performance sneaker.

However, at the same price you have the new Ultraboost 20 which is a lot lighter, more comfortable, and more reassuring to wear. If you’re looking for sneakers that can take a beating, there’s the Ultraboost.

Don’t get me wrong, these sneakers are pretty comfortable but they’re a little high maintenance and not as durable and comfortable as the Ultraboost 20.

But if you’re looking for a really unique looking pair of stylish, fashionable training sneakers, this is the way to go.

With these sneakers, you’ll definitely stand out versus everyone else, and they’re still pretty comfortable — just remember to wear full length socks with them.