Details
Brand
Adidas
Heel To Toe Drop
10mm
Breathability
8/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Adiwear outsole that proves to be extremely durable• Bounce midsole offers a new level of shock absorption and energy transfer• ForgedMesh upper provides both support and flexibility, but not breathability• Sizes do run larger than advertised• An excellent balance of sturdiness and pliability• Expands and contracts to allow a natural range of motion• Available in a number of unique color options
Upper
Made with a specialized ForgedMesh material created by Adidas, the Alphabounce’s upper proves to be yet another standout feature. It has been formulated to expand and contract with every movement the wearer makes, allowing for a surprisingly natural range of motion. The padded, inner textile material is able to keep the foot free of irritation, and some reviewers have even found it comfortable to wear without socks. The only downside, according to some reviewers, is that this material doesn’t offer a lot of breathability.
Midsole
When it comes to the midsole, most athletic shoes on the market rely on various forms of foam material for shock absorption. Adidas was no different until they began to develop new materials, including their recent creation of Bounce material which this model is named for. As expected, not only does it provide a higher level of shock absorption than regular foam, but its energy transfer also offers a noticeably higher spring to every step, stride, and jump. Reviewers who play basketball are pleasantly surprised by this and rely on this model for even casual games.
Outsole
Compared to other popular running shoes, the outsole of the Adidas AlphaBounce is known for being extremely durable thanks to the brand’s trademarked Adiwear. This incredibly sturdy, rubber material is specially formulated to resist abrasion and wear while providing strong traction and leaving no marks behind. Thanks to these qualities, reviewers are highly impressed with how well the Alphabounce holds up after many months, and even a year, of heavy usage for running and various athletics. Even children who wear this model, and play a number of sports, are surprised by how long it lasts.
Breathability
Though there isn’t a ton of online information that can be found about how breathable the Alphabounce’s ForgedMesh upper is, there are some reviews stating that this original model does not provide much ventilation. While this is not nearly enough to turn consumers away from this shoe, certain things do have to be considered. Because sweat can’t be wicked away, this shoe would be better suited for use in cooler temperatures or during evening activities. Consumers that are dead-set on finding a breathable athletic shoe would fair better continuing their search.
Comfort
A majority of online reviewers are raving about the level of comfort the Adidas AlphaBounce shoes have offered them. Between the cushioning offered by the Bounce midsole and flexible padding within the ForgedMesh upper, both athletes and everyday consumers alike are extremely pleased with how comfortable these shoes are. Even after knee surgery, or with lingering pain from an ankle injury, reviewers have stated that the AlphaBounce still proved to be comfortable and supportive. However, a common complaint among nearly all Amazon reviewers is that these shoes run much larger than expected. Buyers are advised to order them at least half a size down to ensure a perfect fit.
Style
It would be wholly unlike Adidas to never consider style when designing their footwear, so the AlphaBounce model was always sure to be unique. Its ForgedMesh upper and Bounce midsole come complete with textured ridges along the sides, running in a zig-zagged pattern from the toe to the heel. It comes in a variety of unique color and pattern options, from basic black and marbled grey to baby pink and ivory. Some options are even offered with a gradient, speckled pattern that extends from the toe of the shoe towards the ankle.
Durability
With durability being a defining factor of Adidas’ Adiwear material, and its Bounce midsole being more pliable and resistant to damage than regular foam, it’s no wonder that multiple reviewers are in awe over how long-lasting the AlphaBounce model is. Parents with active children who typically go through several shoes within a year have noticed that these particular shoes have stayed durable for much longer than their other pairs. Even adults themselves are impressed with how well the AlphaBounce is able to hold up after many months of jogging.
Protection
Along with durability comes strong protection from both motion impact and the elements, so reviewers of the Adidas AlphaBounce are far from disappointed. Its Adiwear outsole not only protects the foot from rougher terrains and sharp objects but also guards the rest of the sole from gradual abrasion. The Bounce midsole’s level of energy transfer cushions the impact of each step and aids in preventing foot, leg, and back pain. Finally, the ForgedMesh upper’s ability to adapt with the foot’s natural motion protects against blisters and infections while also keeping out mud, rainwater, and other outside elements.
Responsiveness
Its ability to adapt to all of the wearer’s movements is yet another standout trait of the Adidas AlphaBounce. Its Bounce midsole provides far superior shock absorption and energy transfer compared to much used EVA foam models, allowing for a cushioned run with an added spring to every step. And it’s able to stretch with the pressure on the toe, bouncing right back into shape when released. Additionally, the ridges within the ForgedMesh upper expand and contract with every single step, giving the runner an incredible range of motion and reducing the likelihood of blisters.
Support
Though there are no special support features for conditions such as fallen arches, the Adidas AlphaBounce still offers a good amount for long runs. The Adiwear outsole and Bounce midsole keep the foot protected and supported during hours of activity, and the ForgedMesh upper adapts to all foot motions while still remaining snug and secure. All three combined allow the wearer to feel totally supported, even while recovering from a minor injury. There are some reviewers who have experienced weak ankle support with this particular model, but this is most likely due to sizes running larger than advertised.
Terrain
The Adidas Alphabounce is a road running shoe, one hundred percent. Whether it’s regular cement or concrete, gravel, or even dirt, this model’s Adiwear outsole has proven to be incredibly durable on a number of everyday terrains. Its tread pattern, however, is not fit for usage during hiking, so buyers who participate in that activity would be wise to put these aside and find another option.
Price
The AphaBounce is very reasonably priced for a well-constructed running shoe. Across all online retailers, from Zappos and Amazon to Adidas’ own website, it averages at range from $100 to $120. To some shoppers, especially those not used to purchasing athletic wear, this is still considered a high price. But when taking the shoe’s advanced and fine-tuned features into account, as well as its reputation for being durable and long-lasting, it’s safe to say that a purchase like this would be well worth the price.
Drop
Online statistics list the Alphabounce as having a 10mm heel to toe drop for both men’s and women’s sizes. While this is not a significant drop measurement, it is still just enough for runners who prefer extra heel support during their runs. Yet it’s perfectly comfortable for those who prefer a natural running motion.
Stability
Very limited online information is given about the Alphabounce’s level of stability. Though its ForgedMesh upper’s inner lining is meant to conform to the wearer’s foot, it is meant to give more of a sock-like feel than be a corrective measure for foot conditions such as pronation. Consumers with this, or similar concerns, would do best searching for another option.
Flexibility
While it is extremely durable, the Alphabounce’s Adiwear outsole is just as known for the flexibility it offers the runner. And the shoe’s ForgedMesh upper allows the foot to go through its full range of motion without feeling restricted, as it easily contracts and expands to adapt to the wearer’s movements. It’s precisely this incredible balance of sturdiness and pliability that satisfies reviewers when it comes to finding their perfect athletic shoe.
Traction
Reviewers have noticed that the traction on the Adidas AlphaBounce is high quality when it comes to road running. The outsole’s rippled surface contains multiple raised and textured circles that start at the heel and work their way diagonally up towards the big toe. And thanks to its raised dots, the outsole even provides a fair amount of traction on dirt roads. While not fit for heavier activities such as hiking, it is still able to keep the runner going on a number of different terrains.
Bottom Line
Whether they are a dedicated athlete, a frequent gym-nut, or a casual runner who needs a shoe for both jogs and everyday wear, many consumers will have use for the original model in Adidas’ AlphaBounce line. With a number of features enhanced with technology perfected by Adidas themselves and a stylish look that pairs well with all casual wear, it shouldn’t be any surprise that buyers of all backgrounds are drawn to this shoe and consider it a staple for both their athletic and everyday activities. Be advised, however, that these shoes do run quite large, so it’s best to order at least half a size down for the best fit and comfort-level possible.
