Reebok Harmony Road 3 After 50 Miles

I've now run about 50 miles in my new Reebok Harmony Road 3 shoes. Mostly on roads, with a little bike path, grass trail, and packed dirt (rail-to-trail). No track or speed workouts. Basically, all easy aerobic runs, with a bit of fartlek "surges" thrown in from time to time. The shoe is still very enjoyable, has great traction, flexes well, toe box seems wide enough, and upper is super comfortable. Cushioning is extremely good. Unfortunately, one problem has creeped up...I tend to get a pain in my left heel when I run in these shoes. I think it is related to the higher heel-to-toe drop (10mm). I can feel myself heel striking more (and maybe harder). While the heel is well-cushioned, there must still be impact forces. I'm laying off the shoe this week and will use it for a long run this weekend on a flat packed dirt path. No shoe has given me heel problems on that path. If my heel hurts again, this shoe may be relegated to walking around status. Or just very short runs. I do not want heel pain!

I believe my sweet spot for running shoe drop is 4-6mm. You would't think an extra 4mm (to 10mm total drop) would make a difference, but I can feel a change in my stride. Same with zero drop shoes. They are FANTASTIC for walking around, and short runs, but nothing fast and nothing long.

Other reviews of the Reebok Harmony 3 shoe:
Runners World
Road, Trail, Run
Triathlete

This shoe has great potential, but if it bothers my heel, it's not for me. If you are OK with a larger heel drop, give the shoe a try.

Reebok Harmony Road 3 First Thoughts

I've gotten in two runs in my new Reebok Harmony Road 3 shoes (9 miles and 3 miles). They're very nice! The Harmony Road 3s are considered neutral cushioned shoes and that seems right. Extremely well cushioned with a soft breathable upper. The shoes are not lightweight (11.6 oz for mens 13), yet they feel light. No stability features, but the full rubber outsole prevents too much twisting. I imagine they'll be durable too. I bought my regular size 13 and they work fine (true to size). Seem to have a good lockdown in the heel and midfoot. Toebox is not wide, but not narrow either. I'd prefer just a little more width, but they are working fine. The biggest change for me was the 10mm drop from heel to toe. I usually run in 0-6mm drop shoes. I can feel the extra heel rise. Not sure if I like it or not. It does seem to encourage a faster pace, and it definitely has lots of heel cushioning. With more miles, and a real long run, I'll be able to comment more on the heel drop. My main two take-aways so far are: very responsive cushioning and a fast feel. Curious how they'll feel for tempo runs. And long runs. And races. Yep, I can see running in these for half or full marathons.

Never ran in Reeboks before. I'm impressed.