As a long-time running shoe tester and Adidas fan with over a decade of experience injury-proofing my miles in their kicks, I get asked constantly—what makes Adidas runners so special? From nostalgic Superstar tracks to the ultra-modern Ultraboost, the brand spans old school cool to future tech advancements.
In 2023, Adidas running is all about knit fabrics, Lightstrike cushioning and recycled materials. But with so many models and technologies now on the shelves, choosing the right pair can trip up even savvy runners.
That‘s where I come in! In this in-depth guide, I’ll break down everything you need to know fit, feel and run your best in Adidas running shoes now and next season. I‘ve worn tested every major model in recent years, so consider this your insider source to all things three stripes. Let‘s kick things off!
An Overview of Adidas Running Shoes Technologies
Before jumping into individual shoes, it helps to level-set on the core midsole innovations that make Adidas runners spring.
Boost – Those squishy white pellets you see under the heel? That’s Boost, baby! Debuting in 2013, Boost foam shattered expectations of what running shoes could feel like underfoot. Thousands of blown-up TPU capsules come together to store and unleash energy on impact for unrivaled cushioning and energy return during toe-off. Testing shows less than 5% loss from strike to propulsion.
Bounce – Bounce foam stacks up lightweight, springy cushioning through fused TPU pellets. More durable than standard EVA foam, Bounce maintains its explosiveness and recoil over more miles. Expect Bounce in affordable models like the Edge Lux.
Lightstrike In 2019, Adidas dropped Lightstrike—a super lightweight and responsive Wonderfoam material weighing up to 30% less than Boost options. The springiness comes from expanded tear-drop shaped TPU cells releasing back stored energy as you transition through each step. Light, lively, delightfully bouncy!
4D – This crazy cool printed lattice midsole took the shoe world by storm when it launched. Using digital light synthesis, a 4D printer stacks thousands of struts in optimized formations based on athlete data for truly customized cushioning feels. Flexible support exactly where you need it!
Primeknit – Many Adidas uppers sport Primeknit threads woven by high-tech machines into sock-like durable breathable fabrics. Mapping precise ventilation zones, Primeknit expands and contracts to move naturally with your foot strike. No break-in required!
How Adidas Running Compares to Nike
The two athletic giants have been battling it out for decades as leaders in running shoe innovation. Adidas leans into lifestyle heritage as much as high performance cred—making their shoes subtly stylish to wear beyond just running. Nike obsesses over shaving ounces and data-tracking runner needs.
I’d say Adidas excels at cushioning with bouncier midsoles, especially in the heel. Nike React foam feels firm and flat by comparison. Lightstrike proves lighter than React though.
Nike integrated Flyknit first, but Adidas Primeknit feels softer and more forgiving to me. Both brands trail New Balance when it comes to wide toe boxes unfortunately.
For durability though, Nike Rubber outsoles seem to win over Continental rubber by a few hundred miles typically. Adidas still comes out on top for cushioning comfort!!
Choosing the Best Adidas Running Shoe Model for You
Here are four key factors to keep top of mind while choosing which Adidas shoe suits your running needs:
Intended Use + Mileage – Marathons and long runs? Prioritize maximum cushioning in Ultreboost or Solar lines. Middle distance tempo focused? Lean towards Boston or Takumi Sen boosting speed. Trails? Grab grippy Continental rubber outsoles.
Cushioning + Stability – Overpronators need firmer medial posts guiding excessive inward foot rolls. Otherwise soft neutral cushioning will serve best avoiding joint shock. Look to Boost or Bounce density to assess fatigue impact over mile 20!
Weight – Ounces matter when aiming for PBs! Racers will delight in featherlight runners like the Adizero Adios Pro. Park paths and easy miles call for more substantial kicks.
Specialized Needs – Narrow feet? Low drop preferences? Shop considering personal must-haves like wide toe boxes for bunion comfort, curved shapes better fitting women, exchangeable insoles or guide rails correcting inward knee rolls during heel strike.
Reviews of Our Favorite Adidas Running Shoes
Want an inside look at how top Adidas running shoes actually feel underfoot after months of wear testing? Here’s the skinny on our can’t miss favorites:
adidas Ultraboost 22
Weight: 11.5 oz (men‘s size 9)
Ideal Use: Daily training, long runs
Cushioning: Boost (TPU pellets)
Standout Features: Primeknit upper, Continental rubber outsole
Comfort seekers—meet your plush new best friend! Ultraboost makes every stride feel fluid and bouncy no matter your pace or mileage needs. After 200+ miles of break-in, the Boost midsole starts to soften further for that slipper-like feel underfoot.
We love the forgiving foot-hugging Primeknit sock construction built to move with flexing feet. While not the most breathable upper once sweat soaks in, the adaptive support stays smoother against skin than many synthetics. Continental rubber gives plenty of wet dry traction too.
If you want joyful cushioning down to the last mile, Ultraboost has your number! The perfect partner for worn out soles or recovery runs when joints feel tender.
adidas SL20
Weight: 8.5 oz (men‘s) 7.3 oz (women‘s)
Ideal Use: Speedwork, Race Day
Cushioning: Lightstrike + Boost hybrid
Standout Features: Propulsive Lightstrike Energy Rods, Speedknit upper, Continental rubber
Calling all faster runners chasing new PRs! The SL20 sheds weight down to a featherlight 7.3 oz women‘s / 8.5 oz men‘s to keep turnover peppy stride after stride. Integrating flexible Lightstrike foam up front with bouncy Boost pellets at the heel, these racers put a spring in every step once you get over the low 10 mm drop adjustment.
Engineered carbon fiber Energy Rods embedded under the forefoot provide snappy recoil up to toe-off too. Just beware—that slim race fit hugs narrower feet best in our experience.
If you want the latest in Adidas speed-focused tech, don’t sleep on the SL20 or SL20.2!
adidas 4D Run 1.0
Weight: 10.9 oz
Ideal Use: Tempo training, long distance
Cushioning: Custom 4D Printed Lattice
Standout Features: Ultra-breathable upper, responsive Futurecraft cushioning platform
The hype is real – this digitally printed midsole delivers dynamic customized support exactly where my feet crave it during each gait cycle phase. Mapping flexibility and structure ridge by ridge, those patterned 4D struts collapse on heel strike then rebound for springy toe-offs stride after stride.
The thin yet study Primeknit upper fits true-to-size, though I found it loosens significantly after just 30 miles breaking in. No rubbing at least! What starts as moderate cushioning firms up pleasantly after 80 miles putting a hop in each step.
While no marathon shoe, the responsive Futurecraft foam keeps up on tempo training days and middling distance no problem. Certainly the most breathable model I‘ve tested too!
If you want an exceptionally ventilated fit with future-forward techy midsole built for your biomechanics, slide into the 4D Run 1.0.
Latest Shoe Trends + How Adidas Stacks Up
Several key footwear trends emerged the past few years that Adidas embraced across models:
Curved Lasts better accommodate feminine foot anatomy with heels narrowing into a broader forefoot wide base Fit. See it in Ultraboost models!
Carbon Fiber Plates act as propulsion levers during toe-off phase. Light and snappy! Check the Sonic 3, Takumi Sen 8 and racing-ready Boston 11.
Wide Toe Boxes allow natural toe splay and metatarsal flexing critical for strong propulsion. Alas, still limited options throughout all brands.
Guide Rails minimize excess medial knee rolls inwards by subtly correcting overpronation during each footfall. Available across stability models like Solar Glide 5 ST!
Knit Uppers move seamlessly with flexing feet, reducing irritation over miles. Love the stretch and breathability of new adidas Primeknit 3D material!
Sustainability through recycled plastics spun into yarn, renewable bamboo sockliners and bio-based foam midsoles like. Not quite as ambitious as Allbirds or Vivobarefoot here.
So how does Adidas overall stack up against leading athletic brands?
Cushioning and energy return, Adidas tops competitors with Boost and Lightstrike responsiveness. Nike trails significantly by feel in React density. Outsole durability goes to Nike and Saucony over Continental rubber lifespan unfortunately.
Style and lifestyle crossover appeal stays undisputed territory for the three stripes! Comfortseekers get more adaptive forgiving Primeknit over Nike Flyknit too.
The Best Adidas Running Shoes Align With Your Goals
As you can see, Adidas continues pushing boundaries on shoe design and proprietary foam formulations to keep runners bouncing smooth strides ahead. Cushioning comfort still leads the field thanks to bouncy innovations like Boost. Racing inspired models shed ounces pairing slim minimalist builds with propulsion plates taking tempo runs to the next level.
Hopefully this guide gave you deep insider expertise into what makes Adidas runners such a versatile, comfortable performance powerhouse brand. We covered all the core models and technologies so you can pinpoint your perfect pair matching individual training needs and foot shape.
Already feeling the itch to try on some Ultraboost, Solar Glide or light and fast Takumi Sens? We promise your feet will thank you over the miles ahead! Here‘s to happier training in cushioned Adidas style.
