Details
Brand
Adidas
Breathability
7.8/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Removable insoles• Attached tongue for better fit• Fewer eyelets for lacing• Heel tab to help with taking shoes off and putting them on• TPU heel counter for added support
Upper
The Adidas Alphabounce AMS features a FORGEDMESH upper that gives wearers a snug fit. The mesh material is more resistant to tearing than with the previous Alphabounce model. The mesh is also more breathable compared to the previous iteration. The shoe also features a new heel tab to help with getting the shoe on and removing it. A soft interior adds comfort, and an attached tongue improves the overall fit. You’ll notice the Adidas Alphabounce AMS has fewer lacing eyelets than an average pair of running shoes, some actually found the laces way too long and ended up replacing them. Some runners mentioned that they quite enjoyed the roomy forefoot area. The more spacious toe box provides a bit of relief especially when heat builds up inside the shoe.
Midsole
The Adidas Alphabounce AMS has a midsole that features unique Bounce cushioning. It provides excellent energy return for wearers. In this particular shoe, the Bounce cushioning feels rigid and provides a responsive ride. A new heel counter made up of TPU provides support for the wearer. Some reviewers found the midsole material felt a bit too hard underfoot, but that’s likely a preference since others found the cushioning to be comfortable and supportive. The shoe is not the best option for long distances. It’s much more suited to short and middle distance running.
Outsole
The outsole of the Adidas Alphabounce AMS is made of ADIWEAR material. The ADIWEAR component is made of highly resistant rubber that won’t degrade as quickly as other materials. If you take a look at the shoe, you’ll notice that the tread pattern of the Adidas Alphabounce AMS is circular. Numerous round lugs underfoot, paired with a wave design, cover the outsole for maximum traction.
Breathability
The Adidas Alphabounce AMS offers some ventilation thanks to its FORGEDMESH upper. The mesh construction of the upper helps to enhance airflow. Some reviewers found the shoe was not as breathable as they had expected and even though they felt relatively lightweight, the shoe did tend to feel a bit hot on the foot.
Comfort
Reviewers did find the Adidas Alphabounce AMS very comfortable. Many mentioned that they wore the shoe for day to day training and were often using it as a casual wear option. The firm midsole cushioning pleased quite a few reviewers although some found it a bit too hard of a landing. Whether you find a firmer midsole comfortable will largely depend on individual preference.;Quite a few reviewers pointed out that the shoe was a bit tricky to put on. The super narrow opening of the shoe felt almost too small for some. The new heel tab helps runners get a grip on the shoe to wedge it onto their foot, but some found the process of slipping on the shoe difficult regardless. The fused tongue makes the opening even harder to maneuver. Once the shoe is on, though, it’s comfortable and easy to wear.;Some reviewers also mentioned that the sizing felt off. They wished they had opted for a larger size. For some, the instep felt too shallow, so watch out if you have an unusually high instep.
Style
The Adidas Alphabounce AMS is a super attractive shoe. There’s a reason many non-runners purchase this running shoe. It looks that good. It’s available in three separate colorways, black, white, and dark grey. Motion capture technology actually inspired the shoe’s design. The motion capture tech is meant to allow designers to see the areas on the foot that require a greater range of movement. The technology, called Aramis, provided the inspiration for the shoe’s aesthetic. The Adidas Alphabounce AMS is the second Aramis running shoe released by Adidas. The colorways for the AMS version of the Alphabounce are a bit different. Some reviewers were disappointed in the limited color choice, but the gorgeous upper design definitely makes up for the limited options. It’s a great looking trainer and is comfortable to wear outside of running. Many reviewers mentioned that they purchased the shoe for its looks alone and that they had no intention of using them for training or exercise.
Durability
The Adidas Alphabounce AMS features a more durable upper than before. The FORGEDMESH upper is less prone to ripping. The ADIWEAR outsole is highly resistant to wear and tear. The midsole cushion, being more rigid than soft, won’t collapse and lose its rebound qualities as quickly as other materials.
Protection
The Adidas Alphabounce AMS is a somewhat protective shoe. Even with such a lightweight FORGEDMESH upper, the shoe still feels sturdy. The outsole protects from slips and falls. The midsole cushioning protects from impact forces, and the overall fit of the shoe, secure and snug, ensures protection from any kind of instability.
Responsiveness
The Adidas Alphabounce AMS is pretty responsive. The firm Bounce cushioning provides a nice amount of energy return.
Support
The Adidas Alphabounce AMS is relatively supportive. The FORGEDMESH upper fits well around the foot and the firm cushioning holds the foot quite well as runners move forward. The laces have a tendency to come untied, which some reviewers complained about, but otherwise, the Adidas Alphabounce AMS is able to support wearer quite effectively.
Terrain
The Adidas Alphabounce AMS is a road shoe meant to daily training. Although it does have grippy outsole, it’s not supposed to be taken off-road. First off, it gets dirty very quickly. Runners wouldn’t want to have an encounter with muddy trails in this shoe. Second, the Adidas Alphabounce AMS is stable but not enough to handle any kind of technical ground. The round lugs are likely to catch small rocks and pebbles and get mud lodged between them.
Price
The Adidas Alphabounce AMS is priced relatively high compared to other running shoes. The moderate neutral cushioning is effective, but it’s no doubt that what brings up the price is the fashion-forward styling. The technology used to bring the Adidas Alphabounce AMS design to light also likely factors into the overall cost. If you’re a runner that’s at all concerned with the look of your shoe, the price is well worth what you get. It’s a super attractive shoe, unlike others you’ll find for sale. If you’re a casual runner who wants a shoe that can work double time as a regular fashion sneaker, this is an excellent choice. Some reviewers felt the shoe was overpriced which is understandable if you’re not planning to wear these outside of training.
Drop
The Adidas Alphabounce AMS features a standard 10mm drop. Reviewers didn’t have anything positive or negative to say about the drop. It’s a good choice drop height since most wearers will spend at least some of their time wearing these casually. A regular drop will feel the most comfortable for extended periods of time and won’t bother those who are used to wearing traditional shoes.
Stability
The Adidas Alphabounce AMS is a neutral shoe. There’s some stability in this shoe that mainly comes from the snug fitting FORGEDMESH upper. The upper provides support and stability while still ensuring a bit of movement is allowed for comfort. Reviewers felt the stability of the shoe could be better, but some also noted that the ankle opening felt almost too stable because it was much too tight. Making sure you get the right fit will make all the difference in the world.
Flexibility
The Adidas Alphabounce AMS features a fairly rigid midsole. The Bounce cushioning provides plenty of rebound, but the cushioning is indeed hard. The wave design of the outsole does help to offset this rigidness a bit. Reviewers didn’t seem to complain too much about any kind of lack of flexibility, after all.
Traction
The Adidas Alphabounce AMS features a grippy ADIWEAR outsole. The sole is durable and features many round lugs for additional traction. They protrude only slightly but provide plenty of grip for runners hitting the roads. Some reviewers felt that traction could be better overall.
Bottom Line
What you get out of the Adidas Alphabounce AMS is a stylish shoe that’s also comfortable enough to run in. It’s probably not an ideal shoe for the serious runner who’s putting in a lot of mileage. The shoe is a good option for the occasional runner who also spends time at the gym and wants a shoe that can work for casual wear as well. The unique Motion Capture design provides a unique look that will attract a variety of runners and non-runners who will get a shoe that’s comfortable, versatile, durable, and easy to wear. A few small issues like unruly laces and a small foot opening are far from being deal breakers.
