Details
Brand
Adidas
Heel To Toe Drop
10 mm
Breathability
7/10
Latest Version
No
Terrain
Trail
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Outsole TRAXION technology uses Continental rubber and rugged lugs on the underfoot to prevent slippage through aggressive grips.• The Continental rubber is the same material used in race car tires.• The ankle cuff protects the ankle from the foot and ankle from debris and potential ankle injury• Classic EVA foam in the midsole creates a cushioned and supportive ride.
Upper
The first thing you’ll notice on this shoe is its upper. It’s made of a high neck that resembles a built-in crew sock. The addition of this cuff is particularly designed to give the ankle extra support and protect against strains or twists. It also protects against debris from the environment infiltrating the shoe and creating discomfort during the run.;The durability and protection are only two amazing features afforded by the upper. The upper of this shoe is also very breathable, snug and responsive. The snug construction of the breathable mesh creates a secure fit that reduces friction and unwanted movement during your activities. Add to this the fact that the laces are adjustable and you are left with a customizable fit for every runner.
Midsole
The midsole of this shoe offers protection, mild stability, and supportive cushioning. The midsole is made of a traditional EVA foam that runs the length of the midsole. This foam offers the runners great cushioning and bouncy feedback. This foam is durable but still lightweight. The EVA foam is shock absorbing and reduces pressure to the joints, which in turn reduces the risk of injury in the long run.
Outsole
Trail runners know that the outsole is the heart and soul of the trail running shoe. These shoes offer large lugs along the underfoot to add traction and durability. In addition to the lugs, the Adidas Adizero XT Boost uses TRAXION technology to increase the durability and comfort. Whether you are moving up or downhill, over jagged or smooth surfaces, the design of the outsole will ensure you safe travels. Adidas follows suit by using a popular material to construct their outsole, rubber, but they take it a step further and uses the same rubber that is actually used on racing cars, Continental Rubber.
Breathability
Breathability is so important to a trail running shoe, and this shoe delivers. For one, breathability is key for keeping the foot cool and dry during runs. The synthetic mesh material of the upper gives the runner a nice airflow and does just that. The cuff around the ankle looks deceivingly dense, however, it is actually made of a breathable material as well and doesn’t feel cumbersome in any way. It is also important to consider the breathability of a trail shoe because runners know that it isn’t uncommon to run through streams and puddles while out on the trail. You need a shoe that not only works hard to keep your feet dry but allows them to dry quickly if they get wet.
Comfort
This shoe receives high marks for comfort. The EVA foam midsole gives the shoe a cushioned feel. The responsiveness in this shoe is also high which keeps the foot from feeling fatigued and adds to an overall more comfortable ride. You can’t go on a good run in a pair of uncomfortable shoe, and Adidas addresses that need with this shoe.
Style
If you are a runner who likes a unique look, or if you are a runner who isn’t concerned either way with the style of the shoe, this could be a great shoe for you. It’s important to remember, that style without function means nothing to the serious athlete. Sure it’s a mix between an old school high top and a wrestling shoe, but remember that beauty is only skin deep!
Durability
When you are out in the elements, sloshing through puddles, sprinting through mud, hauling yourself up steep hills and down rocky, you need a shoe that can hold up to the beating your giving it. The outsole of these shoes is made from the same rubber, Continental rubber, that is used on race cars. The underfoot is lined with lugs and even the upper is made with a synthetic mesh that gives the runner a breathable feel that doesn’t feel confining. This material can hold up against weather and the unexpected elements of the trail. Any trail runner knows that a trail shoe that can not hold up against the elements is a useless shoe. This shoe lasts and lasts, making it worth every penny you’ll spend on it.
Protection
This shoe is the secret service of trail running shoes. What I mean by that is that you will have a hard time finding a shoe that does a better job of protecting your feet and ankles during trail runs. The cuff on this shoe, which looks similar to a crew sock keeps your ankle safe from passing prickers and rocks. It also safeguards against the outside world making itself at home inside your trail shoe collection.
Responsiveness
Even though this shoe provides extra cushioning and protection, runners reported the shoe is great at energy return and responsiveness. For as thick and rugged as this soul is, runners reported that they were still able to feel the trail beneath them.
Support
Usually, when I comment on the support offered from a shoe, I’m commenting on the midsole or outsole, but in this review, I can’t talk about support without addressing the upper, and in particular, the added cuff above the ankle. The ankle cuff provides extra support to the ankle which is so needed in trail running. Avoiding a twisted ankle is a constant battle for trail runners, and the added cuff provides a touch of extra support and stability to the runner.
Terrain
While there are some trail shoes that can transition from the trail to the road and do double duty as road and trail running shoes, this model is not that shoe. If you purchase these, you are looking for a trail specific shoe. This shoe can take you on any type of trail due to their durable outsole and slip resistant underfoot. Runners appreciated that the grip on these shoes in dry or wet conditions is equally as powerful.
Price
This is an affordable trail shoe. For starters, the shoe comes in under one hundred dollars. Add to this the fact that the Adidas Adizero XT Boost are extra durable, and really you are getting the shoes for an additional value.
Drop
This shoe has a classic drop of ten millimeters. This is not the shoe for runners looking for a natural or minimalistic feeling running shoe.
Stability
This is primarily a shoe for the neutral runner. It does offer some added arch support but is not made for the runner who is looking for extra arch support or for the runner who is looking for correction to overpronation.
Flexibility
Similar to the level of responsiveness, the flexibility of this shoe is surprising. It is not uncommon to trade flexibility for a thicker, more rugged outsole and midsole, however, in this case, even though the shoe is very rugged, it still offers a flexible feel. Runners will appreciate the movement offered in this model.
Traction
Dry or wet terrain is no match for this shoe. Adidas created The TRAXION™ technology and uses it on the outsole of this shoe. It is created using heavy duty lugs to create extra grip. This is a perfect shoe to take on your off-road adventures. You can trust the construction to keep you safe and secure on all different types of terrain.
Bottom Line
This is the shoe for you if you are seriously into trail running. It offers a unique design and thoughtful construction. The ankle cuff keeps out debris from the environment and protects the ankle from the elements and potential twisted or sprained ankles. This is a trail running shoe for the serious trail runner. This shoe can keep you protected but still provide a breathable, comfortable ride.
