Fila Float Maxxi 2 Pro introduction:
Fila’s Float Maxxi 2 Pro is a surprise arrival for us here at Meta Endurance. Firstly, Fila is not a brand we usually think of when it comes to performance running shoes. Secondly, it is only currently available in Brazil. It is a maximally cushioned, carbon based plated monster of a shoe.
Is this rare beast worth a trip to Ipanema or should it stay in South American exile?
Fila Float Maxxi 2 Pro upper:
Andy: I received the Float Maxxi 2 Pro a full size down from my usual selection. However, the fit feels just right. On my first run, I tightened the laces a little too much. In combination with the rather pointy toe box, my first short run in the shoe was a little on the uncomfortable side. Thankfully, when I returned, I slackened the laces in the forefoot area and from then, the comfort has been excellent.
Fila’s Duo Mesh upper, aside from being a very bright green, is both breathable and comfortable. Around the heel cup, we find some generous padding both inside the shoe and out. The padding around the achilles area and malleolus area is adequate and adds to the lockdown of the upper. There is also a large blister of padding on the read of the heel cup which exists, seemingly, for aesthetic purposes only.
The tongue, while not gusseted, is held securely by two clever lace loops towards the top. There is also minimal padding on the tongue but it is well placed and avoids any pressure from the laces. The laces themselves are thin and have a little stretch to them but they do a good job of holding the shoe firm.
Overall, the upper is very comfortable. It offers breathability on warm days which is good for a Brazilian climate. The step in comfort is high and this remains true during the long run (once lacing has been adjusted properly).
Ivan: I received the Fila Float Maxxi 2 Pro in my usual size, and it fits well. It does run a bit long, but this doesn’t bother me as it holds the foot securely. The midfoot lockdown is effective, and the heel collar is well-padded, as Andy also noted. I appreciate the padding, especially since the heel collar is on the wider side – without it, I might experience some heel lift. However, all that padding does lead to some moisture buildup in the back. The midfoot and toe box, on the other hand, are more breathable.
Overall, I find the upper comfortable, with some extra room to accommodate foot swelling over longer runs, which seems ideal for the Float Maxxi 2 Pro’s intended use. The only thing I don’t understand is the padded “pillow” attachment at the back. It doesn’t seem to serve any functional purpose other than adding unnecessary weight. Perhaps it’s a fashion statement, or maybe it’s intended to make the shoes easier to slip off – who knows.
Fila Float Maxxi 2 Pro midsole:
Andy: This is a midfoot striker’s dream. As a more forefoot striker, my initial runs in the shoe felt a little harsh and lacking in cushion. However, when I used the Float Maxxi 2 Pro for easier runs when my feet land slightly further back, the cushion became apparent and so did the rocker. As you may have seen from the specs section above, this is no lightweight shoe. That said, when landing in the midfoot the combination of Float foam, Speed Tech carbon plate and rocker geometry make it feel rather weightless.
When you land as the shoe wants, it is a very smooth ride indeed. Whilst the Float Foam isn’t the softest on the market, it does a good job of dampening road shock. The plate and rocker move the foot through the gait cycle easily and it has a pleasantly snappy toe off. The ride fits the job of a max stacked cruiser. I have used this over a range of distances and towards the end of my Amsterdam marathon block, it became a staple in my rotation on days when I wanted to give my legs a break.
Unless you are an extreme forefoot striker, the midsole and ride of the Float Maxxi 2 Pro should feel fun and light. The plate adds some stiffness and direction to the ride but it never feels overly intrusive. A very pleasant surprise indeed!
Ivan: Luckily, I’m a midfoot striker, and I agree with Andy – the Fila Float Maxxi 2 Pro feels like a dream for midfoot strikers. It also runs much lighter than its weight suggests. In my size (US 8.5), it feels closer to a 250g shoe rather than 300g+. The ride is perfectly balanced for long runs, and it might even be my top pick for an ultra road race. The foam isn’t too soft or too firm; it provides a nice dampening effect with a subtly muted bounce.
The early rocker setup complements my snappy, high-cadence midfoot stride, and the plate creates a smooth, rolling sensation. Despite the carbon plate, I wouldn’t consider the Float Maxxi 2 Pro an uptempo shoe – it’s a bit too bulky and heavy for that, and it lacks some energy return compared to other options. It really excels at slower to medium paces. I’m typically not a fan of wide platforms, but in this case, it doesn’t alter my natural footstrike much and actually adds stability on longer runs.
Having little prior experience with Fila running shoes, I didn’t have high expectations, but like Andy, this has become a staple in my rotation. It’s one of my go-to recovery shoes and an even better option for just logging daily mileage – it seems to perform better the longer I run.
Fila Float Maxxi 2 Pro outsole:
Andy: Fila has outfitted the Float Maxxi 2 Pro with Ever-Grip rubber. During my testing miles so far I have had the opportunity to run it through many conditions and have never once have I been worried about the traction. Durability seems to be good so far with very little wear visible on the outsole after nearly 100km.
Coverage is fairly comprehensive, both forefoot and heel have all the foam covered. There are a couple of cutaways to add flexibility and reduce weight. There is also a channel cut down the middle of the outsole and a large cutaway to expose the carbon plate. However, even on my stone filled runs along the beach, I have avoided picking up any unwanted passengers.
Ivan: The Fila Float Maxxi 2 Pro appears durable in all aspects, including the generous amount of rubber covering most of the outsole. Grip has been decent, though not exceptional, in the damp Scandinavian conditions. At times, it feels a bit slippery, especially on frosty morning sidewalks. However, this might not be an issue in warmer climates like Brazil, which, as far as I know, is the only place the shoe is currently sold.
Fila Float Maxxi 2 Pro conclusion:
Andy: I had never heard of the Float Maxxi 2 Pro before it arrived on my doorstep. Moreover, I had never considered Fila to be a serious performance running brand. The brand was a throwback to my youth and some rather questionable shell-suits. However, the Float Maxxi 2 Pro has opened my eyes somewhat. Despite its weight, it rides smooth and light. Capable over a range of distances it will likely suit a range of foot strikes unless you are an extremist at either end of the scale.
While it may not be the most versatile shoe on the market, it does easy and recovery miles very well indeed. If you can find a pair of these on your shores, you could do a lot worse than give them a try. Usually, I would give some shoes compare them to. In this instance, I really can’t think of anything which feels similar. A unique feeling shoe from the land of samba.
Ivan: After logging serious mileage in the Fila Maxxi 2 Pro, it’s a shame this shoe isn’t more widely available. It feels like a dream, especially for ultrarunning, though it’s versatile enough for various types of easy and recovery runs. Despite its volume and weight, it’s surprisingly balanced, stable, and snappy on foot. The transition is quite seamless, thanks to the early-stage rocker combined with the carbon plate, providing a protective yet smooth, rolling sensation over long distances.
The upper is comfortable and should hold up well over extended wear, and durability appears excellent overall. For a high-mileage trainer, it’s hard to ask for more.