Details
Brand
Adidas
Breathability
8/10
Terrain
Trail
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Patented Boost Midsole provides the runner with maximum feedback• Boost Cushioning gives the shoes an extra plush, cushy feel• Adidas Continental Rubber Outsole and ADIWEAR elements protect the foot• Rugged TRAXION lugs on the underfoot create an unbelievably grippy ride• Innovative Speed Lace technology gives runners a customizable experience• Tongue comes equipped with a built-in pocket to keep laces securely tucked in
Upper
For a quality trail shoe, the importance of a durable upper cannot be underestimated. This model utilizes a unique blend of ballistic welding and mesh to make the upper breathable and extremely durable and able to stand up against the elements on the trail. This combination lets the shoe take a beating on the trail and still look nice and new. Not only that, but this shoe also comes equipped with overlays of a synthetic, highly durable material that keep the foot secure while running and add yet another unbeatable layers of durability to this shoe. The final piece of this upper is the Compression Collar. It protects the foot by keeping rocks and other natural elements from getting into the shoe. It is also excellent at keeping the foot in a secure place during the entire run.
Midsole
In many brands, the midsole of the shoe is what is going to really set it apart, and the midsole of the Adistar Raven Boost is no exception to that rule. The midsole of this shoe uses the patented Adidas Boost midsole material. This technology is designed to give the runner maximum adaptability on the trail and provide unmatched feedback to the runner. The foam used in these midsoles doesn’t easily break down or wear away, adding to this shoe’s already impressive durability. Runners described the added cushioning provided in the midsole as “pillow-like. ” Comfort, cushioning, and structure? This midsole has it all.
Outsole
Adidas made sure to create an impressive outsole on the Raven Boost. What is the most durable material you can think of for the outsole of a trail shoe? How about the same type of rubber used on the tires of racing cars? The rubber used on these shoes is called Continental Rubber, and it can only be found on Adidas shoes. The underfoot of the shoe is also lined with lugs for added traction. These lugs are called TRAXION lugs and keep the runner safe even on wet, uneven, surfaces. Whether you are trucking uphill or coasting downhill the Continental Rubber and TRAXION lugs keep you feeling secure and protected.
Breathability
Not only does the upper of this shoe give the runner a durable, protective feel, it also provides a very breathable ride too. The upper is made using an open design. This easily allows air to circulate around the foot, keeping everything cool, dry, and reducing irritation. Even though the upper materials are durable, they still don’t sacrifice breathability which is a rare combination. For those who are familiar with trail running, breathability is very important. It is not uncommon to slosh through puddles or streams and a fast drying shoe can really make the difference between a good and bad shoe.
Comfort
Runners give this shoe high marks when it comes to comfort. One of the things that runners noted about this shoe is that even after numerous runs and extensive mileage, the shoe never lost its original feel. It never became too lose or lost the feeling of security it originally provided. This shoe uses Adidas’s patented Boost Cushioning. It gives the shoe an extra comfortable, cushy feel. Runners described it as “little pillows for your feet.”
Style
Expect to see the classic Adidas insignia (the repeated single stripe) along the side of these shoes. However, this is not a trail shoe that looks like your typical trail shoe. These shoes have more of a sleek, almost sneaker look to them. They come in a variety of colors too, but your choices are much more on the tame side, so if you love a colorful shoe, this might not be your top pick.
Durability
For starters, the Continental rubber of the outsole is going to give you long lasting durability and protection. In a good trail shoe, you should expect a durable outsole, but what really sets this shoe apart is the durability of the upper. The upper uses a synthetic material that is both protective and breathable. This is a rare combination to find and runners loved these unique details.
Protection
This is a highly protective shoe, and for those of us who love to run trails, we know the importance of a highly protective shoe. To begin, the upper is very rugged and durable and does a great job of protecting the foot from weather-related obstacles and the myriad of harmful roughage that any runner can experience on the trail. Add to this the tiny details that Adidas incorporates in this shoe, like the “speed-lace” system that allows you to adjust the length of the laces and actually tuck the laces into a small pocket on the tongue to avoid tripping and annoyance.;What’s worse than a rock in your shoe in the middle of an intense run? Well, in this model, you won’t have to worry about that added annoyance. Another impressive protection feature of this shoe is the Compression Collar, which protects against various trail debris.
Responsiveness
Because of the unique midsole material of this shoe, runners can expect a highly responsive ride that also eliminates impact to joints. Runners loved this because a reduction in impact means fewer injuries. When you are out on the trails, you certainly don’t want to feel disconnected to the ground below you. Not only for safety purposes, but one of the biggest perks of outdoor running is the connected feeling to the natural world that runners experience. It isn’t easy to find a shoe that leaves you feeling protected in the great outdoors and still totally connected to it, but the Adistar Raven Boost pulls it off.
Support
This shoe offers the runner good support. In the upper, midsole, and outer, the runner can expect to find features that help with durability, protection, and comfort. The underfoot is lined with protective lugs that support the runner on treacherous terrain and slippery conditions.
Terrain
This is a dependable shoe that can take you on any terrain you can think of. It is certainly among the top contenders for the highest rated trail shoe.
Price
This is a great shoe at a great price. We know it is not unheard of to spend upwards of $200 on a quality trail shoe, but you can purchase these for around $100. This shoe is great for the trails and great for your wallet.
Drop
This shoe has a good old-fashioned 10mm drop. This is going to come in handy on rugged terrain to protect the foot from discomfort.
Stability
There are tons of great running shoes available for the runner who is looking to improve their gait and get extra support because of overpronation or irregular arches, but this shoe is designed with the neutral runner in mind.
Flexibility
Although the underfoot of this shoe is made of a highly durable rubber, Constellation Rubber, which can limit the shoe’s flexibility, you can expect to find a very flexible upper on this shoe. It’s soft and it doesn’t limit the natural movement of the foot. The mesh material is durable, breathable, and flexible, which is a rare combination to find in a shoe that is this rugged.
Traction
This shoe offers traction for days! The underfoot of this model has sizable lugs and the Continental rubber makes this a very grippy shoe. Runners loved that they could run even in the rain or along wet surfaces and still feel totally safe and protected from slips and falls.
Bottom Line
Are you looking for a top quality trail shoe? Do you want a durable shoe that can go the distance with you on one adventure after another? Do you want an affordable shoe but you are not willing to sacrifice quality and style? If you answered yes to all of these questions, the Adidas Adistar Raven Boost is your new best friend. This shoe offers pillow-like cushioning on top of an outsole that is literally made from the same material as race car tires. You’re going to like this shoe.
