Kilian Jornet, one of the world’s top ultra runners, has covered brutal distances in adidas shoes—and won. But what does that mean for the average Sunday jogger pounding out 5ks around Melbourne parks? Adidas claims innovation in every advertisement, but ask ten runners about them and you'll get ten different answers. If you’re eyeing that signature three-stripe logo and wondering if the shoes are legit for running, let’s get into the details: design, technology, and how adidas shoes really hold up when your feet are craving comfort or speed.
How adidas Running Shoes Are Designed: The Tech and the Fit
Adidas has been building shoes since the 1940s, but their running tech has turned properly futuristic in the past decade. The biggest innovation they bang on about is Boost foam. It looks like little polystyrene balls squished together, but when you actually run, it absorbs shock like nothing else. Adidas even says Boost gives ‘energy return’, and you can legit feel a bit of bounce, especially in models like the Ultraboost and Adizero.
Materials matter, too. Modern adidas running shoes use Primeknit, a flexible woven upper that feels kind of like a sock and stretches where you need it (like if your feet swell mid-run—true story). That makes for a pretty comfy fit, but if you’ve got ultra-wide feet, you might notice that some adidas models run a bit narrow. I found the Solar Glide, for example, shapes better for average to narrow feet. If you’re battling bunions or need a wider toe box, check out their Supernova or Terrex lines, which are a touch roomier.
What about stability for overpronators? The adidas Solarcontrol and Ultraboost ST versions build in extra support to stop your foot rolling too far inwards. In the past, running shoes with ‘stability tech’ used to feel heavy, but these ones don’t—the support comes from firmer foam in the midsole and a ‘torsion bar’ running through the shoe, quietly correcting your stride without screaming about it.
Adidas is also big on sustainability. Since 2021, most new adidas running shoes (think: Ultraboost Light, Adizero Pro) use at least 50% recycled content in the upper. Sure, you’re mostly interested in how they run, but if you like the idea of giving plastic bottles another life, it’s a plus.
Tips for getting the best fit? Always try them on later in the day, when your feet are a bit swollen—trust me, that’s when you’ll spot any pinching or weird rubbing. And don’t guess your size based on dress shoes. Adidas running shoes can run around a half-size small, especially in models built for speed, so try both your usual size and a half-size up.
Performance on the Road, Track, and Trail: How Do adidas Shoes Actually Feel?
Let’s get real about the actual experience. On pavement, adidas shoes shine for most recreational and serious runners. The Boost foam is the highlight—you notice it most on longer runs because it absorbs the ‘slap’ of footstrike, so your legs don’t feel dead by the end. After switching from an old pair of Nike Pegasus to adidas Ultraboost, my knees hurt less post-run. Coincidence? Maybe, but I’m convinced the extra cushion made a difference.
Serious racers and speed junkies go for adidas Adizero Adios Pro or Takumi Sen. These shoes use Lightstrike Pro—a lighter, firmer foam that pushes you forward, with a carbon-infused plate in the midsole. You’ll feel snappier toe-offs, perfect for sprints or chasing PBs in a half marathon. A mate ran the Melbourne Marathon in Adizero Adios Pro 3s and shaved five minutes off his usual time.
If you’re more about comfort than speed, Ultraboost models (especially the Ultraboost 22 and 23) are easy on the legs. Great for long runs, recovery days, or if you’re battling plantar fasciitis or flat feet. These have a plush, slightly heavier build, so they’re not for everyone. If you want the lightest racing feel, the Adizero line wins hands down.
Trails are a whole different game. The adidas Terrex range has tacky Continental rubber outsoles—yes, made by the tyre company. These grip rocks, roots, and even wet wooden boardwalks. In the Dandenongs, slippery with winter rain, I had zero issues with grip in Terrex Agravic—no skidding or slipping. Plus, their mesh uppers drain water fast, so you won’t run with soggy feet after creek crossings.
Here’s a helpful tip for getting more miles out of your adidas shoes: rotate two pairs. Use one for your intense workouts and a second pair for daily easy runs. You’ll let the foam recover and give your legs slightly different stresses, so injuries are less likely.
Want to avoid common adidas sizing pitfalls? Check model-specific reviews online, especially if you’re ordering. Ultraboost runs tight, so don’t be afraid to go up half a size. Adizero is race-focused—narrow but true to size. Terrex is versatile but tends slightly wide in the toebox. If in doubt, measure your foot on paper and compare to adidas’ website guides.
How Do adidas Stack Up Against the Competition?
Everyone’s got their allegiances—Nike, ASICS, Brooks, New Balance—but adidas is up there with the best. The main edge? Their adidas running shoes pack high-quality cushioning into lightweight designs, and their racing models feel fast without sacrificing comfort. Boost foam isn’t as squishy as Nike React, which can feel unstable for heavier runners, and it lasts longer before breaking down. The newer Lightstrike Pro foam is a direct shot at Nike’s ZoomX, but where Nike feels super soft and bouncy, adidas balances both firmness and bounce.
If you overpronate or want that locked-in arch support, Brooks Adrenaline and ASICS Kayano have always been the go-to. Adidas now matches them with stability shoes like Solarcontrol and Ultraboost ST, so you’re not stuck with blocky, old-school motion control models. Adidas wins in style, too—let’s be honest, they’re more wearable for everyday life, so you can hit brunch after your long run without feeling like a dork.
Want a bargain tip? Shop the end-of-season adidas sales or check for ‘old model’ Ultraboost on major sites. The tech mostly carries over between generations, so you’ll snag top performance for nearly half the price. If you’re into eco-conscious shopping, adidas’ Parley line uses upcycled ocean plastics (like the Ultraboost DNA Parley), giving you both performance and planet-friendly vibes.
Of course, no one shoe works for everyone. Nike ZoomX still wins for pure maximal bounce, and some runners swear by ASICS Gel for joint pain. If you’re aiming for the Boston or chasing sub-3 marathon speed, try several pairs. But for most daily runners, adidas ticks a lot of boxes: durability, cushion, grip, and fresh style.
If you’re hitting your first half marathon or looking for a pair to smash out parkruns and errands, adidas is an easy, reliable pick. Try before you buy, watch out for sizing quirks, and don’t sleep on those Tyre-manufactured rubber soles for wet-weather grip. Your feet—and maybe the planet—will thank you.