Details
Brand
Adidas
Heel To Toe Drop
N/A
Breathability
9/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• NEW colorways• NEW midsole block (from multiple to a single large block)• NEW slightly bigger overlays• NEW plastic lacing eyelets have been removed• Primeknit upper• Boost midsole cushioning• Rubber outsole• Suede sock liner
Upper
The upper hasn’t changed very much since the previous version of the Adidas sneaker. The Primeknit looks and feels essentially the same with a few small updates. The same stretchy foot-hugging fit awaits wearers choosing the slip-on R2. The lacing system is mostly the same but Adidas has removed the plastic eyelets, which has added a little more flexibility. Suede lines the interior of the shoe for a bit of luxurious comfort. The upper features slightly larger overlays, but other than that, it basically identical.;Reviewers found the R2 just as breathable as before. Instead of complaints pointing to an oversized fit, most reviewers found the Adidas shoe too narrow. Reviewers also disliked the fact that the sneaker seemed to get dirty quite easily.
Midsole
Like the R1, the R2 features Adidas’ popular Boost cushioning. The cushioning offers the same responsive ride feel as the previous edition of the shoe. The Boost midsole is protective, snappy, and comfortable. One significant difference since the R1 is that the R2 features only one midsole block component. Instead of a group of blocks surrounding the midsole, the updated version of the shoe features a single large block in the midfoot area. One block, instead of several, means a slighter lighter package overall without reducing stability.;While reviewers appreciated that the R2 provided the same degree of stability as the R1, quite a number of users complained about the midsole block piece causing discomfort due to its placement.;At the rear of the R2, the midsole Boost cushioning flares out slightly for an extra degree of stability.
Outsole
The outsole hasn’t changed since the R1. It’s the same simple rubber sole seen on the previous edition of the shoe. All in all, it does the job and provides adequate traction for a variety of activities. Reviewers had no problems or complaints about the outsole.
Breathability
Like its predecessor, the updated NMD is super lightweight. A thin, yet durable, Primeknit upper fits just right around the foot without cutting off circulation of air. The material is stretchy, like before, which offers some give to users with potentially odd foot shapes. There’s enough wiggle room for air to move in and out of the shoe and cool users down. The suede interior seems like it might be a poor choice for breathability but if reviews are any indication, that’s simply not the case.
Comfort
Adidas made minimal changes to the NMD and kept the components that make it such a successful sneaker. One of those things is the Boost midsole. Another is the lightweight Primeknit upper. No matter the activity, the shoe delivers a comfortable, responsive ride. Lightweight enough to feel almost ghostly, the R2 fits just right.;The suede interior feels nice and soft, too. The sizing, instead of being too large like with the R1, seems to be the opposite this time around. Reviewers complained of a very narrow fit, although the stretchy upper is fairly forgiving. The biggest comfort-related complaint? The new single midsole block. A number of reviewers complained that it seemed to protrude and deliver a weird sensation inside the shoe. For some, it even caused blisters. Reviewers also felt the midfoot lacked arch support. For some, this was a deal breaker.
Style
The NMD hasn’t changed too much from the R1 to the R2. The most glaring difference is the removal of the R1’s multiple midsole blocks. Instead, the R2 features a single block located around the midfoot area. The shoe’s upper overlays have also increased slightly in size, but overall, the look is pretty much the same. Adidas has kept the same classic styling as the R1 and simply introduced new colorways for the R2. The shoe is offered is a variety of patterns and colors for both men and women.
Durability
While some reviewers did negatively comment on durability with the R2, the majority were pleased with the shoe’s ability to hold up over time. The R2 features a nearly identical construction to the R1, one that’s resistant and durable. Even with the same ultra-lightweight Primeknit upper, the shoe doesn’t feel flimsy. The same Boost cushioning appears in the midsole and sports an equally eternally springy feel. The midsole’s block component, although paired down in this version, helps provide overall structure to the entire shoe. The outsole, also identical to the last version, remains resistant, as well.
Protection
The same standard rubber outsole adorns the bottom of the Adidas R2. Like its predecessor, the R2’s outsole performs adequately. Users will feel most protected by the responsive Boost midsole. Firm and snappy, the midsole delivers the same impact protection as in the R1. Reviewers of the R2 were just as pleased with the cushioning in the updated version of the shoe as they were with the R1 which is not as surprising, since the midsole is essentially the same.
Responsiveness
Same cushioning in the NMD R2 means the same responsive feel, which reviewers really liked. Like its predecessor, the R2 offers plenty of snap thanks to its firm yet comfortable Boost midsole.
Support
Removing the multiple midsole blocks might seem like a way to reduce support, but reviewers were fine with the amount of support they got from the NMD R2. Some did complain about the lack of midfoot arch support, but otherwise, most users found the newly solo midsole block to work as intended. The Primeknit upper also delivers a similarly supportive feel as in the R1. Despite its ultra-lightweight feel, the knit material provides a secure fit with a bit of stretch for added comfort.;Compared to the R1, however, the NMD R2 is not as roomy as its predecessor and instead has the opposite problem. While it ensures a more supportive feel, quite a few reviewers felt the need to size up for a comfortable fit.
Terrain
With the same outsole design, the R2’s bottom construction acts equally well as its predecessor when used repeatedly on rough surfaces. Reviewers did find, similarly to the R1, that the new edition got dirty pretty easily. Thankfully, this is just a cosmetic issue. On pavement, the shoe holds up well. The airy Primeknit performs well on sunny hot days and keeps wearers cool.
Price
Price-wise, there’s no difference between the R1 and R2. You’ll surely find some discounted R1 models around, but both shoes featured similar price points when released. That said, the NMD isn’t a cheap shoe, but most reviewers had no qualms about making the purchase for this ultra stylish sneaker.
Drop
We had no luck pinpointing the exact drop on the NMD R2. The fairly flat profile of the shoe hasn’t changed much since its previous iteration and that leaves us to believe that the drop height isn’t particularly severe.
Stability
Adidas hasn’t suddenly changed the NMD’s categorization, so like the R1, the R2 is a neutral shoe. The stretchy Primeknit upper does have some give, but it holds in the foot quite nicely. In fact, unlike the previous version of the shoe, the R2 features a slightly snugger fit, with slightly better stability. The shoe’s midsole block also helps keep wearers stable. Despite the change from multiple midsole blocks to one, the shoe feels as stable as before, according to reviewers. The R2 also features a flared out midsole construction at the rear of the shoe, which helps to increase stability, as well.
Flexibility
The Primeknit upper on the NMD R2 is quite flexible. Like the R1, the new version of the Adidas shoe is stretchy and accommodating and there were no complaints from reviewers as they liked the overall flexible feel.
Traction
The NMD’s outsole isn’t terribly made, but it isn’t meant for off-road adventuring. The rubber outsole has a fairly flat profile that’s not particularly great on a wet ground but otherwise performs just fine on pavement.
Bottom Line
The Adidas NMD R2, like its predecessor, is a great buy. The comfortable Boost cushioning and sleek design represent the perfect combination. Whether you’re looking for an everyday walking shoe or want a lightweight trainer for speedwork, the R2 looks attractive and feels awesome.;The Boost cushioning isn’t just responsive, it offers up protection, too. A slightly tighter fit than the R1 means the shoe offers more support and stability. The R2 is similarly durable, compared to its previous edition and just as lightweight and breathable. A few smart fixes make the Adidas brand shoe likely to be a surefire hit. Add to that a slew of colorful new styles ready to appeal to the masses and it’s clear Adidas has hit a home run.
