Adidas is one of the most popular athletic brands around, known for their iconic three stripes design. From lifestyle sneakers to performance running shoes, Adidas offers a wide selection. But are their shoes actually good for logging miles? Let’s take a closer look.
A Brief History of Adidas Running
Adidas has been in the running game since the 1950s when German shoemaker Adi Dassler first began experimenting with spiked running shoes. The now-famous product launched in 1967 – the Gazelle shoe.
While the Gazelle wasn’t designed specifically for running, its low profile rubber sole and suede upper provided flexibility and traction for athletic endeavors. From there, Adidas continued innovating and releasing iconic running shoes over the decades like the Oregon, the Dragon, the Supernova and more.
Today, Adidas still produces top-quality running shoes for all types of runners – competitve racers, weekend joggers and more. They’ve also been integral in promoting running culture through sponsorships of major marathons like the Boston Marathon.
Key Running Shoe Technologies
So what makes Adidas runners so special? They incorporate both classic and state-of-the-art technologies into their designs:
Boost Midsole – This patented midsole foam provides responsive cushioning that adapt to your stride, returning energy to propel you forward. Boost technology debuted in 2013 and continues improving.
4D Midsole – Created in partnership with Carbon, this midsole utilizes digital light synthesis to offer precision cushioning tuned to exact areas of pressure in the feet. It’s ultra-personalized comfort.
Primeknit Uppers – Adidas uses advanced knitting techniques to construct one-piece upper materials that hug your foot in stretchy comfort, reducing irritating seams.
Torsion System – A thermoplastic arch piece offers midfoot support and allows the front and heel areas to operate independently for smooth transition from footstrike through toe-off.
Continental Rubber Outsoles – In High-performance models, Adidas partners with the legendary Continental tire company to create durable, grippy rubber outsoles ready for wet or uneven terrain.
As you can see, Adidas packs innovative features into shoes spanning entry-level basics to elite carbon-plated racing flats.
Review of Top Adidas Running Shoes
Wondering which Adidas runners rank as top models? Here’s a quick overview:
Adizero Adios Pro 3
A featherlight carbon plated racing flat, the Adios Pro 3 raises the bar for speed shoes with its EnergyRods in the forefoot boosting propulsion. The shoe broke records and won races upon its 2022 launch. It’s built for marathoners and track athletes seeking personal bests.
UltraBoost 22
Arguably the brand’s most popular everyday trainer, the UltraBoost provides the quintessential Adidas experience. Plush Boost midsole pods adapt to your foot for comfort mile after mile while the Continental rubber outsole offers traction. It’s a great option for long runs and recovery days.
Supernova +
This stability shoe comes loaded with support features for overpronators like a firmer medial post along the arch and cradling GUIDEROUNDS printed onto the outsole for correcting excessive inward foot rolling. Cushioning remains soft for higher mileage training.
Adizero Boston 10
Quick and peppy with a snug performance fit, the latest Boston iteration features a lightweight mesh upper with seamless overlays. An energy-filled Boost midsole keeps turnover enthusiastic even during tempo workouts. It bridges the gap between daily trainer and race day.
SL20.3
The SL20 series represents excellent value in Adidas performance running. This model packs an abundance of Boost midsole foam usually reserved for more expensive models into an affordable package. It keeps runs feeling fresh at recovery paces despite the budget price.
As you can see, Adidas offers versatile running shoe options at different price points and for all types of training. From easy miles to race day PR attempts, they have you covered.
Examining Running Shoe Cushioning
When selecting running sneakers, cushioning is essential for keeping feet, ankles and knees healthy, especially when you start racking up the mileage. Let’s see how Adidas compares:
Boost Foam Cushioning – Most Adidas running shoes today feature the proprietary Boost midsole material, comprised of thousands of blown-up thermoplastic polyurethane pellets fused together into little energy capsules. Debuting in 2013, Boost delivers an exceptionally soft, bouncy and responsive cushion customizable to your foot. The pellets retain their shape over hundreds of miles better than materials like traditional EVA foam.
Competitor Cushioning Technologies – Many consider Boost foam best-in-class, outshining competitor options like Nike’s React foam or Saucony’s PWRRUN cushioning in softness, rebound and longevity over time. Skechers Hyper Burst foam offers a similarly explosive experience but Breakthru reviews suggest it loses some pep after just 50-75 miles.
So if you prioritize exceptional, durable cushioning in your trainers, it’s hard to beat quality pairs utilizing Adidas’ legendary Boost foam.
Analyzing Upper Comfort & Fit
The upper part of the shoe wraps snugly around your foot keeping you stabilized inside the cushioning midsole and outsole below. Uppers play a key role controlling fit.
Many performance Adidas models utilize engineered mesh fabric for the uppers mixed with leather or synthetic overlays. Recently Primeknit woven material provides exceptional foot-hugging comfort, stretch and reduced irritation thanks to its one-piece construction lacking seams. Compared to other brands, Adidas shoes tend to fit narrower through the midfoot while offering decent toe box room.
Wider-footed runners may need to size up half a size to allow toes to splay naturally without rubbing on the edges, especially in models with lots of overlays. The best way to optimize fit is trying on shoes in-store and pay attention to areas of irritation that could lead to blisters on longer runs. Don’t hesitate to size up or try alternate lacing techniques to relieve pressure points if needed.
Analyzing Traction, Stability and Responsiveness
Those three factors keep you upright and moving forward efficiently during training:
Traction – Adidas running shoes stick reliably to pavement and tread confidently over light trails thanks to strategically mapped rubber lugs along high-wear areas of the outsoles partnered with mix of flats. Continental rubber equipped models like UltraBoost 22 offer exceptional wet/winter traction.
Stability – Support features get dialed up in guidance shoes for overpronators like extra midsole density along the arch sidewalls or printed stability guides along the outsoles. Cushion remains soft so they can still work for daily training. Other models offer a neutral platform.
Responsiveness – Expect a snappy, energized toe-off in Boost-equipped models which rebounds firmer than mushy feeling foam. The segmented construction allows it to flex naturally with the foot. Lightweight performance racers take it to the next level with rigid carbon fiber plates for a propulsive racing feel breaking records.
In the stability, cushioning and energy return departments, Adidas hits high marks making them suitable for regular training.
Analyzing Weight
Ounces matter when it comes to choosing footwear for logging heavy mileage or attempting 5Ks. Here’s a breakdown:
- Performance racers – Ultra lean with carbon fiber plates, shoes like the Adios Pro 3 come in around 8 ounces vanishingly light. The low weight and snappy foam provides a sensation of barely wearing shoes at all – ideal for chasing PRs.
- Light trainers – Workhorses like the Boston 10 and UltraBoost 22 shed bulk keeping daily miles nimble at 9-10 ounces packing performance foam into breathable uppers without excess overlays or hardware.
- Support/stability models tend to tip scales at 11-13 ounces to accommodate denser foam packages or corrective hardware – still impressively svelte compared to some brands.
While not as feathery as track spikes, even bulkier Adidas stability trainers won’t wear down your legs thanks to smart engineering. For recovery days or short speed sessions, performance and lightweight trainer models give bounce to your ounce.
Examining Durability
Logging heavy weekly mileage month after month, your running shoes bear the brunt of pounding pavement and trails so materials matter.
Outsoles – Continental rubber equipped options like UltraBoost are hard to wear down according to runners. Hundreds of miles later, lugs remain clearly defined compared to competitors showing signs of flat spots.
Midsoles – Boost foam retains its lively personality and yield for far longer than traditional EVA foams before going flat. Primeknit woven uppers stand up well to abuse over time versus more easily torn mesh fabrics.
While elite super shoes get retired around 200 miles as the energetic foam starts to lose its snap, durable workhorses like UltraBoost stay shock absorbing up to 500+ miles. Serious runners maximize investments by rotating 2-3 pairs spreading wear and tear evenly allowing each to surpass lifespan estimates.
Considering Pricing
As an athletic pioneer now under the Adidas umbrella, Reebok offers more budget-friendly performance options but lacks the pedigree and consistent tech innovation seen across Adidas’ vast 2022 catalog spanning tiered pricing:
- Entry-level – SL20 series offers robust Boost cushioning under $100 with basic mesh uppers lacking some premium detailing making it perfect for newer runners training for 5Ks.
- Mid-tier – Boston, UltraBoost represent technical workhorses utilize performance materials justify their $130-150 price point for serious hobby runners.
- Elite-tier – Super shoes with space age foam and carbon fiber propulsion systems understandably demand premium $225+ pricing suitable competitive racers wanting every advantage chasing PRs.
While offering options across pricing segments, keep in mind Adidas often discounts older colorways allowing savvy shoppers snag previous season models at 30% or greater markdowns. Sign up for email lists and monitor sales around major races and holidays.
For those wanting compression and bounce every stride backed by decades perfecting technical shoes, Adidas delivers excellent value at multiple budget levels.
Adidas Running Shoes: The Verdict
Known for stripes and premium comfort, Adidas running shoes stand apart from crowded competitors using iconic technologies like Boost foam, forged performance uppers and grippy Continental rubber going the distance mile after mile.
They cater to all types of runners with cushioned trainers, lightweight racers and supportive stability options performing impressively across speedwork, long runs and recovery days. Dialed traction, smooth transitions and modern styling round out the well-balanced experience.
While the snug midfoot may not suit ultra wide-footers, choosing the proper size and alternate lacing allows most runners to dial in an adaptive fit. Test out models in local stores across a range of prices before taking the plunge.
Given the durable materials and responsive ride quality holding up hundreds of miles, Adidas runners deliver exceptional value at multiple budget levels offering key innovations only found under their famous three stripe logo.
FAQs
Still have some questions about Adidas running shoes? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions:
Are Adidas good for long distance running?
Yes! Plush midsoles like Boost foam retains cushioning for hundreds of miles keeping feet happy even on longer marathon training miles. Continental rubber outsoles also ensure good grip late into runs when form gets sloppy.
What types of Adidas shoes are best for speedwork?
Adidas leans heavily into developing fast shoes for racing and speed sessions. Featherlight options like the Adizero line utilize energetic foams like Lightstrike or Lightstrike Pro along with propulsive carbon fiber plates enabling fast turnover for track work or 5Ks. Even bulkier daily trainers keep things snappy.
Should I size up in Adidas running shoes?
The overall consensus suggests sizing up at least a half or full size to allow for natural foot swelling and toe splay on longer runs – especially if you fall outside average width categories. Trying shoes on in-store helps optimize fit. Some Adidas lifestyle shoes tend to run larger but performance runners keep sizing true to size.
Can overpronators run in Adidas shoes?
Absolutely! They wouldn’t neglect such a large segment of runners. Options like the Supernova utilize firmer medial posts and corrective GUIDEROUNDS elements keep overpronators supported while retaining signature responsive cushioning. Stability models prevent unwanted inward foot rolling but likely won’t fully correct severe overpronation requiring medical attention.
How long do Adidas running shoes last?
Mileage life spans expectations given durable materials:
- Racing shoes: 150-200 miles
- Light trainers: 300-500 miles
- Stability trainers: 400-600+ miles
Rotate 2-3 pairs and replace sooner if you notice flat cushioning or uneven wear patterns.
So there you have it – a comprehensive overview explaining why Adidas makes excellent running shoes suitable for training efforts across the spectrum. Give their stylish models incorporating innovative comfort and performance technologies a test run on your next jog.
