Adidas Adistar Review

Specs

Weight: 320grams / 11.28oz (Men’s US 9)

Price: $180 SGD

Stack Height: 31.5/37.5mm (6mm drop)

I was surprised when I first heard about the release of the Adidas Adistar. The Adistar used to be a stability trainer using a mixture of BOOST and EVA foam. This iteration of the Adistar is a complete revamp of that. Stack heights and weight have increased, with a complete overhaul of midsole materials. 

Considering that the midsole foams in this Adistar are both EVA, how would this trainer stack up against the other max-cushioned shoes currently in the market?

Upper & Fit

The upper is made from an engineered mesh that contains “at least 50% Parley Ocean Plastic and 50% recycled polyester”. Combined with an internal support cage, the upper did well in negating any form of internal foot movement or heel slippage. While most of my shoes require a lace lock, I didn’t need one here.

The fit is true to size, although slightly snug when I first tried it on in store. This can be attributed to the thick upper materials, especially the tongue. The tongue is one of, if not the thickest one that I’ve ever tried in a shoe! Yes, it’s plush, but it gets quite warm during late morning runs. The upper loosens up slightly after a while. I’m glad that Adidas uppers are starting to accommodate to wider feet over the years (Hoka seriously needs to learn from them!).

Midsole & Ride

The midsole uses two foams: REPETITOR in the mid and forefoot, and REPETITOR+ in the heel. Both foams feel like compression-moulded EVA (cmEVA). 

REPETITOR+ foam found in the heel is HARD. I measured the durometer to be around 50 (Shore A). As a comparison, most shoes I’ve tried are around the 20-40 range. The REPETITOR foam is much softer, with its durometer reading at about 28-30 (Shore A).

Surprisingly foot transitions are not awkward despite the differences in midsole softness. The rocker geometry technology definitely assisted in transitions, although not the smoothest. Landing in this shoe felt clunky and stiff, while toe off was decent. While I get that the REPETITOR+ foam is meant to stabilize foot landings, the foam is too firm for my liking. 

The REPETITOR foam in the mid and forefoot is decent, although it lacks any of that bouncy excitement. Considering the current foam technologies in the market today, the foam feels very dated. I would have expected something livelier with some bounce. 

The foam lacks the bounce you would find in the Asics Novablast 2 (Olefin + EVA), Nike Invincible Run (PEBA) and Skechers Max Road 5 (Nitrogen-Infused EVA). The best description of the foam combinations would be a “firmer Hoka shoe”.

Nevertheless, the ride here is stable and protective. It works best for easy and long runs. I’ve tried picking up the pace in these, and let’s just say that it wasn’t the best feeling. 

Outsole & Durability

Durable Continental rubber covers majority of the outsole. Continental rubber is known to last for a long time. Grip here is good, though not the best on wet surfaces. I would have thought that continental rubber would do better during wet conditions, but I experienced some occasional slips when the floor was wet.  

Areas for Improvement

• Thinner Tongue

• More Breathable Upper

• Updated Foam Material

• Updated Look (This like a shoe made in 2014)

Conclusion

The Adidas Adistar is a highly padded neutral cruiser meant for your easy and long miles. For runners who seek a reliable max-cushioned trainer, the Adistar provides a firm and stable ride with a thick and secure upper.

   Reviewed By Xtride Running