Details
Brand
Adidas
Heel To Toe Drop
10mm
Breathability
9/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Cushioned
Key Features
• Cloudfoam technology• Adiwear technology• Multiple color options• Carbon rubber outsole
Upper
The upper incorporates a mesh like material that is very porous. A midfoot cage constructed of TPU connects to the heel counter at the rear of the shoe. The tongue of the shoe and collar of the shoe both have an adequate amount of padding.
Midsole
The midsole of the shoe is constructed from Adidas’s patented Cloudfoam technology. This material reaches out to claim a portion of the outsole as well. The material is approximately the length of the midsole and is particularly thick. The Cloudfoam material adds a great deal of cushion to the shoe.
Outsole
The outsole of the shoe is fashioned from carbon rubber. The infusion of carbon allows the rubber to take on properties dissimilar to those of blown rubber, a rubber compound infused with air during its production. Carbon rubber is a heavier and more rigid compound than its counterpart. Not uncommon, though, is the inclusion of this material in the outsole of a running shoe. It may, in fact, be one of the most common materials used and for good reason. Carbon rubber grants the outsole its tenacity and better equips it to take on the stress and impact forces of a stride. Do not take to this mean that blown rubber has no applicability in the manufacturing of a fine sneaker. Blown rubber is still incorporated in the forefoot and midfoot of this shoe.
Breathability
The shoe has an upper constructed from a synthetic textile. The upper of the shoe is complete with hundreds of micro perforations that allow the sufficient flow of air into the shoe. The design of the upper is ideal for letting free the heat and odors that if created in the chamber of another shoe would have no means of escaping, except, of course through the removal of the shoe.
Comfort
Many runners were pleased with the shoe’s level of comfort. The shoe is best suited for those with average foot measurements. The forefoot of the shoe is quite spacious so as to provide the wearer with extra room for their toes. Those in possession of wider than average feet may still find the toe box a bit too narrow and constricting. It should be noted that the shoes run true to size. It has been claimed that one can wear the shoe day after day, and for the duration of the day, without feeling any pain or discomfort. The shoe has adequate cushioning that gives it a plush feel, without being too soft. In terms of cushioning, it appears the Adidas Energy Cloud does live up to its name. The shoe also provides the wearer with a snug and secure fit. Some have even described the shoe as having a sock-like feel. A few runners have expressed their dissatisfaction with other ergonomic aspects of the shoe. There are plastic slats affixed to the medial sides of the shoe and some runners cite these plastic slats as a source of pain. Others have criticized the heel as being a little too stiff.
Style
The Adidas Energy Cloud features, in its palette, an assortment of eye-catching colors. These colors include, but are not limited to, blue, orange, and grey with some red. Its designers opted to use a fully soft body for the build of the shoe, forgoing the oft-used leather and canvas mix. This makes the textural quality of the shoe different from its competitors. The shoe includes plastic slats on its lateral sides. The iconic three stripe logo is prominently displayed on the lateral sides of the shoe. Another Adidas logo is affixed to the heel. The overall design of the shoe is a pretty minimalistic one. The shaft length of the shoe is 3”, which is noticeably different than the standard for a running shoe. The width is about average for a running shoe.
Durability
Many runners have applauded the ingenuity of Adiwear technology and claim that the outsole of these shoes has a lifespan noticeably longer than that of other running shoes in their closets. The shoe, as a whole, was built exceptionally well, and so runners need not stress about the Adidas Energy Cloud breaking down on them.
Protection
The shoe incorporates an Adiwear outsole. This technology was designed to better guard an outsole against abrasions or wear and tear. To elaborate, Adiwear is what prevents the heel and toe of the outsole from being filed away by the asphalt.
Responsiveness
The Cloudfoam midsole does a great job of soaking up the impact energies of the one-foot strike and channeling it into the next. Many runners have used the Adidas Energy Cloud for long distance runs, and very few have lodged any complaints about its energy absorption and redistribution.
Support
The shoe incorporates a neutral arch. The shoe features a standard lace system that allows the runner to determine and maintain the fit that best suits them. Unfortunately, the shoe does not have removable insoles, so those runners needing to insert orthotics for added support will not be able to do so.
Terrain
The Adidas Energy Cloud was designed to function optimally on roadways. Furthermore, some runners report wearing these shoes every day and argue that their feet and shins incurred little to no undue stress.
Price
These shoes are very affordable. They currently occupy a price range that is considerably lower than that of some other shoes that provide a similar function.
Drop
The shoe sports a drop that is 10 millimeters. A drop of this size is not uncommon for a running shoe of this kind, making it neutral for the average runner.
Stability
The Adidas Energy Cloud bolsters a skeletal housing that, in essence, bridges the midfoot to an external heel counter. This mechanism grants the shoe its much-needed lock-down, thus increasing the overall stability of the shoe.
Flexibility
Occupying the outsole is an unusual tread pattern that grants the shoe a great degree of flexibility. It has been ergonomically designed so that it can bend and contract in accordance with the feet’s movement.
Traction
The Adidas Energy Cloud will maintain their grip on most asphalt roadways. The tread along the outsole should not be easily worn away. However, those willing to traverse wet pathways may be disappointed as some runners have voiced complaints about its slippage.
Bottom Line
The Adidas Energy Cloud is a great shoe that takes serious consideration into function and how it adheres to its namesake. The shoe features exceptional cushioning. Most other shoes on the market will be regarded as considerably less comfortable to the runner who has transitioned to the Adidas Energy Cloud. The Cloudfoam midsole, for instance, gives the runner a buoyant feel. The shoe does a great job of absorbing the impact energies of a stride and redistributing them as propulsive energy to send the runner forward with greater momentum.;The shoe also manages to provide runners with some much-needed support and stability, so that runners can prevent the dreaded ankle roll and other such injuries. The shoe is lightweight and flexible so it is ideal for everyday use. Not only does the shoe succeed in terms of functionality, it’s pretty good looking too. The Adidas Energy Cloud comes in an assortment of interesting and fashionable colors. For some, coordinating the colors with their workout clothes will definitely be a part of the fun.;There are some downsides to the Adidas Energy Cloud and while relatively minor and few in number, they are still worth reiterating. The heel has been considered by some runners to be too stiff. The plastic slats that occupy the medial sides of the shoe have also been cited as a source of discomfort for some runners. The shoe also does not have removable insoles so those with foot problems may find it hard to make the accommodations necessary for a more comfortable experience. All in all the Adidas Energy Cloud is a great shoe for an even better price. For most runners, it will be as comfortable as its name suggests, and is an example as to why Adidas has been able to maintain its enormous popularity throughout the years.
