Adidas earned its place in the footwear and athletic apparel industries by staying true to what motivated its founder, Adi Dassler, nearly a century ago–listening to athletes and making products that address their needs. Dassler started the German shoe company in 1924, and scored his first running shoe successes soon afterward—Lina Radke won a gold medal at the 1928 Olympics wearing his shoes, as did Jesse Owens in 1936. Dassler’s commitment to innovation and performance became a hallmark for the company–which he gave the moniker Adidas in 1949–and helped grow the three-stripes brand into a household name.
As one of the largest sportswear companies in the world, Adidas can afford to pour resources into research and development that smaller specialty brands simply can’t match. That has led to new materials and designs that have changed how running shoes are made and set new standards for performance. It makes many great shoes, but we think the best of the lineup centers around road trainers (particularly for neutral runners and overpronators) and racing shoes. No matter which Adidas pair you go with, you’re getting top-tier performance.
Best Adidas Running Shoes
The Expert: I became a runner in middle school and have covered running and outdoor gear for years, both on-staff at Runner’s World and as a freelance journalist. I’ve written more about Running shoes than any other kind of gear, and I have firsthand experience running in models from a range of brands, including Adidas. I first wrote this guide in 2018, returning to update it regularly as I test the company’s newest shoes.
What to Consider When Shopping for Adidas Shoes
Like many longstanding athletic brands, Adidas sells a variety of running shoes, from racing pairs designed for speed to support shoes that counter overpronation. When shopping, knowing a few of the brand’s key terms and technologies will help you compare models.
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All Day I Dream About… Foam
Adidas shook up running shoe construction with the introduction of its proprietary Boost Foam cushioning material in 2013. Instead of traditional ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), Boost Foam uses thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) capsules developed by the German chemical company BASF. It delivers responsive cushioning that’s also durable, and it provides greater energy return than earlier cushioning systems. It’s still used in many Adidas running shoes today.
Boost isn’t the only premier foam in the Adidas lineup. In 2020, the brand released the Adizero Pro shoe, which featured the brand’s new Lightstrike cushioning. There are now two versions of this foam. Lightstrike is a lightweight, snappy EVA-based foam designed for training (it’s found in the SL20.3). Lightstrike Pro is made from thermoplastic polyester elastomers (abbreviated TPEE or TPE), and it offers high energy return and good shock absorption. It’s designed for race day, and helps give the Adizero Adios Pro its propulsive, highly cushioned ride.
Finally, Adidas debuted two other new foams in the Adistar shoe: Repetitor and Repetitor+. They’re both high-performance EVA foams, but Repetitor is tuned for softness while Repetitor+ is firmer and more supportive.
So which foam should you choose? While cushioning foam is only one aspect among many that contribute to a shoe’s performance, Adidas’ many specialty foams have specific attributes that can guide your shopping. For daily training, stick with Boost—its durability and resistance to packing out make it well-suited to shoes you’ll wear frequently. Repetitor and Repetitor+ are formulated for softness, support, and absorbing impacts—opt for these materials if you want a plush feel under your feet (and you aren’t as concerned about speed). Lightstrike and Lightstrike Pro deliver lots of energy return and, for that reason, they’re best for speedwork and race days, when a snappy sensation underfoot can help you stay on pace.
Beyond Cushioning
Adidas continues to refine its foams, but there’s other tech worth noting as well. In 2018, Adidas released the Solarboost, which featured Tailored Fiber Placement. This design technique, which involves individually placing each fiber of the upper, creates an extra-snug fit around your foot.
Another Adidas hallmark is the Adidas Torsion System, which debuted in 1988. It’s a lightweight plastic arch support that allows independent movement of the heel and forefoot. The latest version, Linear Energy Push 2.0 (or LEP 2 for short), extends into the forefoot to better support the foot, and adds stiffness for increased energy return at toe-off. It’s found on many of the company’s kicks, including the Ultraboost.
Some Adidas running shoes also feature Energyrods, a stabilizing technique in shoes like the Adizero Adios Pro. These designs have carbon-infused rods embedded in the midsole to line up with the metatarsal bones in the forefoot. Like carbon fiber plates found in other brands’ shoes, the Energyrods help create a snappy, propulsive feel and increase running efficiency for sustained speed. They’re now found in shoes like the Adizero Prime X and Adizero Boston 11 as well.
How We Evaluated
The models below represent the best Adidas running shoes available right now. To recommend them, I first reviewed the Adidas shoe lineup and talked with an Adidas brand rep to learn about the company’s latest shoes. From there, I focused on performance running shoes that showcase the brand’s top-tier foams, support tech, and other innovations. I also used RW reviews, RW editor feedback, and my own knowledge of the running shoe market to narrow the list down to the pairs below. This guide features a variety of shoes to meet the needs of different runners and running disciplines. Please check out the full-length RW reviews where available for a deeper dive on the individual designs.
BEST DAILY TRAINER
Supernova 2
Pros
- Lighter than previous version
- Soft and responsive dual-foam midsole
Cons
- Overpronators might need more support
Key Specs
| Weight | 9.7 oz (M), 8.6 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 9mm |
The original Supernova was an impressive shoe, offering a smooth, cushioned ride without clunkiness. The Supernova 2 ups the ante by reducing the weight, while redesigning the padded tongue and heel construction for a more comfortable feel. The dual-foam midsole features Boost foam under the heel and Bounce in the forefoot for a balance between energy return and softness. With its Goldilocks cushioning and emphasis on comfort, it’s a great choice for a daily trainer. (For even more cushioning, consider the Supernova+, which has extra Boost in the forefoot.)
BEST MARATHON SHOE
Adizero Adios Pro 3
Pros
- Huge layer of cushioning
- Lightweight
Cons
- High stack height might not work for some runners
Key Specs
| Weight | 7.5 oz |
|---|---|
| Drop | 8.5mm |
These days, every major shoe brand is pouring resources into developing its own speed-focused kicks for marathons. Adidas latest attempt, the Adizero Adios Pro 3, aims to provide better energy return and more midsole foam than the competition. The emphasis on cushioning is obvious: The shoe’s towering sole features three layers of Lightstrike Pro foam, and the stack height at the heel rises high to nearly 40mm. Carbon fiber Energyrods technology in the sole add snappy responsiveness, and the sharply rockered forefoot helps you keep these chunky kicks moving. Despite their size, they’re still very light, and the breezy mesh upper offers good breathability.
BEST CUSHIONED SHOE
Ultraboost 22
Adidas Ultraboost 22
Pros
- Responsive and cushioned
- Durable and grippy outsole
Cons
- Heavy
Product Specs
| Weight | 11.7 oz (M), 10 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 11 mm |
Introduced in 2015, the Ultraboost has long been the star of the Adidas running shoe lineup. It’s a capable performer, especially if you’re looking for a cushioned shoe. The Boost foam midsole creates a well-cushioned, bouncy ride, and the shoe features a stiffer torsion system for added responsiveness. The full Continental rubber outsole creates dependable grip in wet or dry conditions (it improves the shoe’s durability, too). Better yet, the women’s version of the 22 was created with a new last developed through extensive research on the shape of women’s feet, so female runners can expect an improved fit.
MOST STABILITY
Solarglide 5
Pros
- Supportive, smooth ride
- Durable outsole
Cons
- Heavy
Key Specs
| Weight | 11.8 oz (M), 9.9 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 10mm |
The Solarglide 5 is a strong choice for runners who need extra stability. The newest version features several key support features, including a layer of “Control Platform” EVA foam on the top of the sole to guide your feet from touchdown to toe-off, and the LEP 2 system in the midsole adds stiffness—good for support and responsiveness. Boost foam soaks up impact forces and increases energy return, and the Continental rubber outsole should provide plenty of grip and durability for demanding training schedules.
BEST FOR LONG RUNS
Adistar
Pros
- Designed for a comfortable, smooth ride
- Features new cushioning foams
Cons
- Not designed for racing
Key Specs
| Weight | 11.5 oz (M), 9.9 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 10mm |
Designed for “the art of the long, slow run,” the Adistar is an all-new model (with a recycled name) that’s built to keep you comfortable and protected on high-mileage efforts. The shoe features a pair of new foams: The soft Repetitor material absorbs impacts and the firm Repetitor+ provides a stable, supportive base for your feet. The upper utilizes an internal cage design to create a close wrap around your feet, and the rockered forefoot promotes smooth transitions to keep you going mile after mile.
BEST BUDGET SPEED TRAINER
Adidas SL20.3
Pros
- Responsive Lightstrike cushioning
- Lightweight
Cons
- Firm
Product Specs
| Weight | 8.7 oz (M), 6.7 oz (W) |
|---|---|
| Drop | 8 mm |
Adidas launched the SL20 line in 2020, and from the outset, these shoes were designed for speed training. The latest version, the SL20.3, continues in that mold with a Lightstrike midsole that offers excellent responsiveness, low weight, and a firm base for explosive toe-offs. Like previous versions, the upper is constructed for a supportive, snug fit, and the high-coverage outsole should hold up well through demanding training routines. Affordable, light, and fast, the SL20.3 is a compelling pick for runners who do a lot of speedwork.
Q&A
RW: What are Adidas running shoes known for?
MC: Since 2013, Adidas has become synonymous with Boost cushioning, at least among runners. Today, the premier Boost shoe is the Ultraboost, which features TPU-pellet-based foam that creates a soft, well-cushioned ride with plenty of energy return for a peppy feel. Boost is also used in other shoes, like the Supernova.
RW: What types of running shoes does Adidas specialize in?
MC: Unlike brands such as Hoka or Altra, which specialize in cushioned and zero-drop shoes, respectively, Adidas takes a generalist approach with its lineup. Runners can choose from racing shoes, support shoes, cushioned shoes, and trail shoes that each deliver different experiences for your feet. No matter what kind of running you do, or what kind of running shoe you prefer, Adidas likely has a pair that suits your needs.
RW: What about all the other shoes on the Adidas website?
MC: Adidas is a massive brand that manufactures shoes for all kinds of sports (not to mention performance and casual apparel). Browsing the company’s footwear lineup, even when narrowed to the running category, can be daunting. The brand’s somewhat confusing naming conventions don’t help—many model names change from year to year or get recycled for totally different shoes. The shoes in this guide, however, are the ones runners should focus on. They represent the top tier of the Adidas running lineup with its latest and greatest running shoe technologies.
Michael is a freelance writer with years of experience covering gear and the outdoors for Runner's World and other publications; when he's not writing, he's usually biking, hiking, and running in the mountains around Los Angeles, where he lives.
