Adidas running shoes brand guide

Adidas is one of the biggest brands in the market when it comes to sporting

goods in general, and running shoes in particular. The company is well-

known for putting out new running shoe designs using innovative new

materials and concepts, and the constant flow of new models can be

daunting for anyone who is picking out their “go-to” shoe for everyday

training or racing.

In this article, we’ll look at the complete Adidas running shoe offerings for

2015. We’ll also touch on the technical terms that the brand uses to

characterize its offerings so you can get a better sense of which running

shoe is best suited to your needs.

Technology: What You Need to Know

Know the meaning behind the fancy-sounding technical terms so you can

make more informed decisions about the different Adidas running shoe

models on the market.

Mesh Technology (Upper Construction)

The mesh technology refers to the upper construction of the shoe. It is an

important component of any running shoe because it dictates the rigidity as

well as the breathability of the model that you are using.

SprintWeb.

SprintWeb is currently Adidas’ “go to” material for upper construction of its

running shoe models. The synthetic construction of the SprintWeb makes it

lightweight and breathable while also offering sufficient rigidity to resist

overflexing with every impact. In addition, SprintWeb is constructed with

durability in mind so you can get more miles out of each shoe before you

need to change them out for new ones.

The best examples of Adidas shoes using the SprintWeb technology comes

from the Adizero line which consists of the models Adios and Tempo.

ESM.

Short for Engineered Stretch Mesh, this technology leverages the

breathability and toughness of the SprintWeb but with a softer, more pliant

feel. The softer fabric allows the shoe to hug the feet better without

sacrificing comfort, a common complaint amongst runners who tried the

SprintWeb construction in years past.

Foam Technology (Sole Construction)

Running shoes soles are traditionally made of foam and the bulk of Adidas

product offerings fall into this area. However, the introduction of the Adidas

Springblade line has also added a new dimension to running shoe soles. Let’s

discuss these in more detail by looking at traditional foam construction and

the Springblade design separately.

Adidas Boost

The Boost line is Adidas’ latest iteration of the

traditional foam cushioning technology. Traditional runners who prefer the

comfortable feel of the foam cushion will most likely opt for the Boost over

the Springblade.

In this latest version, the foam is constructed using micro-foam beads which,

according to Adidas, absorbs the energy from each impact and returns it

back for a more responsive feel than previous shoe cushion offerings.

In addition, Adidas claims that the Boost foam technology retains its

responsiveness and cushioning integrity across a wider range of

temperatures. This is important if you are in a location that experiences wide

fluctuations in temperature between the summer and winter months.

Runners who also regularly travel across the

world and who run in a variety of locales can benefit from the enhanced

responsiveness characteristics of the Boost.

Like previous Adidas releases, the Boost foam can be tailored to provide

different levels of cushioning as needed by runners according to their

respective running gaits.

IN SHORT: Look for the Adidas Boost Line if you prefer a more traditional

sole design with varying levels of cushioning to suit your needs.

Before we discuss the specific models on offer for 2015, let’s first talk about

the different families or sub-classes of shoes that are now equipped with

Boost foam.

It is worth noting that Adidas currently does not market their running shoe

models according to groups or families. However, current incarnations of

Boost-specific models were subsequently derived from previous families of

running shoes; hence, we can just use what we already know about specific

shoe types to establish the purpose and function of each model that is now

fitted with a Boost cushion.

Adizero – This line was primarily created as a training and racing line. It is

mainly lightweight with a modest amount of cushioning. There have been

various models that were once released under the Adizero moniker but the

most popular include the Tempo, Boston, Ace, Mana, Rocket, and Adios.

The different shoe types mainly differ in the construction of the sole with

some models offering support at the mid-foot while others at the heel and

forefoot. Due to the modest amount of cushioning and the typical narrow toe

box construction, Adizero shoes are mostly used by runners who require a

neutral shoe design.

Adios – While the Adios is often marketed under the Adizero name, it

requires a special mention because it is specifically designed with racing in

mind. Many runners, particularly those who are highly competitive, train in

Adizero shoes and then mainly use Adios on race day.

Supernova and Response – The Supernova and Response shoe lines are

designed with cushioning in mind. They tend to be heavier and bulkier

especially when compared to the Adizero models but their sufficient amount

of construction makes them ideal for runners with a mild to heavy degree of

pronation.

Adistar – This is mainly the “Support” shoe of the Adidas line. It takes care

of the other end of the gait spectrum that is not covered by the Adizero,

Supernova, and Response models.

Here’s a list of the 2015 Boost models that you can choose from.

Energy Boost 2.0 ESM

The Energy Boost ESM has the highest amount

of support in the Boost line.

The shoe design makes it suitable as an everyday training shoe, and ideal for

neutral runners looking for a good level of cushioning and protection.

It also works as a “go to” shoe for recovery runs or long runs due to the

higher amount of cushioning available.

The ESM technology used in the mesh also allows for a good level of

ventilation and enhances the breathability of the shoe.

Read the full review

Energy Boost Reveal

The Boost Reveal is an exact replica of the

cushioning present in the Boost ESM. The only thing different is the upper

mesh construction which is more flexible and stretchy than the ESM.

Support-wise, the Boost Reveal caters to the same group of runners that like

the Boost ESM, but the fabric allows for a more stylish look giving this shoe a

bit more of an appeal as an everyday “casual wear” accessory.

Response Boost

The Response Boost is designed to provide

maximum protection to runners who are either fore-foot or heel strikers.

The areas of improved cushioning in the heel and forefoot also mean that the

shoe can be used for high mileage training.

If you are a newbie and you are looking for sufficient amount of protection in

the all-important areas, you can give the Response Boost a try.

Supernova Sequence Boost

The Supernova Sequence is best suited for

runners who require a Stability shoe.

The cushioning merges the Boost foam technology with the Adidas’ stable

frame – a tension-retaining plastic similar to the Torsion system in previous

Adidas releases – which runs through the length of the sole to provide more

rigidity and support where needed. The shoe base is also wider to help

distribute the load over a larger area further contributing to the shoe’s stable

design.

The upper mesh is made from ESM and delivers support to the medial and

lateral sides to minimize movement during each foot strike.

Supernova Glide 7 Boost

The Supernova Glide 7 is ideal for runners

looking for a good stability shoe.

There’s plenty of support where it is most needed.  The mesh provides a

good balance between flexibility and rigidity resulting in comfort without

sacrificing performance.

The sole is made with the same Boost technology but complemented by the

Adidas Torsion system for midsole integrity. The forefoot has also been

improved compared to previous Glide iterations to allow for more natural

movement while maintaining the sock-like fit in the mid-foot area to provide

additional dynamic arch support.

Overall, this is a good shoe for heavy training and long distance runs.

Pure Boost

The Pure Boost is Adidas’ Boost offering for the

runner looking for a neutral shoe. The upper construction is almost

minimalistic featuring a stretchy mesh that’s meant to merge the looks of a

lifestyle shoe with the attributes of a performance model.

The reduced cushioning, particularly when compared to the other Boost

models on this list, can be a problem for runners who want more support.

In this regard, the recommend the shoe purely for uses on the track, on a

treadmill, or on clean and paved roads. For high mileage training or long

runs, the Pure Boost might be a less than adequate partner especially for

experienced runners.

Adistar Boost

The Adistar Boost is primarily designed for

over-pronators. It is fitted with the Boost foam for a responsive feel and then

layered with an extra stiffer foam material to provide moderate support with

maximum cushioning.

It leverages the design of the old Adistar as previously discussed above and

is a good option if you want to put in a high mileage using a shoe with a high

amount of cushioning.

Read the full review

Adizero Adios Boost 2.0

The Adios was a very popular shoe particularly

among elite runners when it was first released with the Adizero generation.

In its latest incarnation, the Adios gets a “boost” (literally speaking). The sole

is made-over with the Boost foam for enhanced responsiveness while

retaining its light weight and racing feel.

This combination of low weight and good support makes the Adios an ideal

selection whether for fast workouts or a full marathon.

Read the full review

Adizero Tempo Boost 7.0

The popularity of the Tempo in its previous

version has assured it a re-release but now equipped with the Boost foam

sole. The current design continues to be a great all-rounder providing

enough support for longer runs while keeping the weight down to preserve

its racer feel.

Old fans of the Adizero Tempo will be happy to find that the shoe has come

back on with a more refined sole construction while still maintaining its

strengths as a shoe that caters to both track workouts and long runs or even

a reliable ally on race day.

Adizero Boston Boost 5.0

Completing the trio of Adizero releases which

have undergone a make-over under the Boost line is the Adizero Boston

Boost 5.0. This is shoe is made for marathon running and its name is of no

coincidence either as it has a Boston Marathon stamp inside the left tongue

to announce its partnership with the hallowed Boston Marathon.

The shoe’s strength is mainly in its improve heel cushioning which makes it a

good race day option for experienced runners who would like lighter shoes

that still deliver the required amount of cushioning and support.

Climachill Rocket Boost

The Climachill Rocket Boost merges the

strengths of previous Adidas releases with the Boost technology to make a

lightweight racing shoe that’s designed for a good amount of ventilation.

The “Rocket” moniker is an offshoot of the Adizero Rocket, a minimalist

racing shoe which is very light and built for speed. That original version is

revamped with the Boost foam to add more structure and support to the

shoe while maintaining its racing profile.

Completing the look is the upper construction made from an aerocool fabric

and vent holes in the arch for improved breathability. This makes the shoe a

good racing option particularly in hot weather races.

Climaheat Rocket Boost

The twin of the Climachill Rocket is the

Climaheat Rocket Boost and is designed for cold weather running while still

maintaining its minimalist racing profile.

The insole is non-removal and a bit fluffy which helps retain the heat during

cold weather runs. The tongue is also sewn in to prevent debris and water

from getting in, but also to minimize the likelihood of heat escaping out.

The shoe is topped off with snow grip sole to improve traction when you are

out running in the winter months.

Springblade

Rounding up our discussion of the Adidas shoe line-up for 2015 is the

Springblade.

The Springblade design is Adidas’ latest introduction to the running shoe

market.

The design features individual blades to create a spring effect both for

cushioning and propelling you forward.

Developed over the last 6 years, Adidas rigorously tested the new

technology to find the best combination of durability, comfort, and power to

suit runners of all shapes and sizes.

However, traditionalist runners who prefer the old cushioning technology

should spend some time testing the new Springblade design before fully

transitioning to it. It’s also worth noting that the Springblade line isn’t

marketed as an endurance line so longer-distance runners who spend more

time on the road than on the track should be wary of being caught up in the

Springblade hype.

IN SHORT: Look for the Springblade line for track workouts or when cross-

training, but stay away from it if you want a shoe for everyday training and

longer distance runs until you have fully tested and fitted the Springblade

design according to your needs.

Here’s a list of the 2015 Springblade models. These models will be available

in stores by January 2015.

Adidas Springblade Drive

The Springblade Drive is designed to be the all-

rounder in the Springblade series.

It features the ESM-mesh technology to help improve breathability and

comfort while also being form-hugging to create a sleek and stylish feel.

The Drive is recommended for runners who regularly mix their running

workouts with cross-training activities and would want a single shoe to cater

to their needs.

Adidas Springblade Razor

The Razor features a more rigid upper

construction designed to lock the foot in place. It is a good option for runners

who are regularly on the track for speed workouts.

 

 

Springblade

The general workhorse of the Springblade series,

this shoe utilizes a tech-fit upper construction that trades some level of

breathability for flexibility and comfort.

The Springblade is also fully customizable. You can head to the Adidas

website to order your own Springblade with a few personal touches.

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We left out Adidas’ offerings for train runs but after covering the main bulk of

the Adidas running shoe line-up for 2015, we are confident that you should

be equipped to pick out the shoe that’s right for you.

We hope that this guide was useful and we invite you to check out the other

shoe line-ups that we dissected so you can expand your selection and make

sure that you’re getting the brand and mode that’s right for you.

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