Details
Brand
Adidas
Heel To Toe Drop
10 mm
Breathability
7/10
Latest Version
No
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Breathable woven mesh upper• Additionally padding around tongue and ankle for comfort• Climacool technology keeps the foot cool regardless of the weather conditions• Traditional EVA midsole foam• Durable rubber outsole
Upper
The upper of this shoe features Adidas’s patented ClimaCool Technology. This is a technology designed to provide maximum airflow and breathability to the runner in order to keep the foot cool and dry regardless of the weather conditions. The upper is constructed using a breathable, woven mesh. This material is seamless and provides the runner with a comfortable ride. Athletes report that this shoe is very comfortable and they didn’t have to worry at all about blisters or hot spots while wearing the Climacool Fresh. Additionally, the tongue of this shoe features a breathable material that is also padded for added comfort. Runners were pleased with the added padding found along the ankle which helps alleviate friction and irritation. Runners can expect to find a traditional lacing system that keeps the foot securely in place.
Midsole
The midsole of this shoe features a traditional EVA foam. This foam does a great job of absorbing the shock of each footfall and keeping the runner protected from joint injury. The cushioning in this shoe isn’t very robust, keeping it from being an acceptable long distance running shoe. Instead, the Climacool fresh opts for lightweight over additional midsole cushioning. The midsole also features a removable insole. This is a great feature for runners who want to use a medical orthopedic insert to assist in arch support to help with over or under pronation issues.
Outsole
The outsole of this shoe features a combination of traditional and unique features. The outsole uses a traditional, durable rubber material. Runners were pleased with how long lasting this outsole was in comparison to other shoes at the same price point. To increase the flexibility, runners can expect to find a collection of flex grooves along the bottoms of the shoe. These flex grooves promote the natural movement of the foot and don’t offer cumbersome stability features that lock the foot in place. Additionally, the outsole of this shoe features six ventilation holes. This adds to the Climacool technology to provide the runners with a breathable ride. This is a unique feature because in general, and breathability that is offered to the runner comes via the upper design of the shoe. This shoe provides 360-degree ventilation to keep the foot comfortable.
Breathability
The most impressive design element of this shoe is based around its breathability. The upper is constructed using a lightweight, breathable woven mesh and Adidas’s CoolingClim Technology. This technology works with the upper as well as the outsole to ensure that the maximum amount of airflow reaches the foot. The outsole features a series of six ventilation holes. Runners reported that the ventilation holes helped air enter the shoe, but also provides the shoe with a way to expel hot air away from the foot. Overall, this equates to a wearing experience that is free of moistures, irritation and hot spots.
Comfort
This is a great shoe for everyday wear. Runners found the breathable upper to provide a comfortable ride because their feet stayed cool and dry regardless of the weather conditions outside. Additionally, the EVA midsole foam provides the right amount of cushioning that protects the runner by absorbing shock but it is also flexible enough to support the natural movement of the foot. Many athletes commented that they didn’t feel restricted in their movement at all, and this made the shoe a comfortable choice for all day wear.
Style
Adidas is known for their stylish shoes and the Climacool Fresh is no exception to this rule. Athletes can expect to see the signature Adidas insignia along the side of the shoe, and the shoe is offered in a plethora of color options that range from basic to bright. Since this shoe is designed as a lifestyle shoe, Adidas offers this shoe in a wide variety of styles and colors with the intention of creating a wearable, stylish shoe that can go with any outfit. Runners commented that this shoe looks great with a pair of jeans and as a stylish accessory to your everyday attire.
Durability
The rubber used in the outsole creation of this shoe is very durable. For the price tag, runners were surprised at how well these shoes held up against extended wear. Additionally, the woven mesh upper didn’t fray or rip like some other similar shoes on the market. Runners were pleased that this shoe was able to keep its form and function, but also maintain a new look as well. Runners reported that the midsole has great energy return and bounce back. It maintains its form even after standing all day.
Protection
This shoe is designed as a lifestyle shoe, and for that reason, it doesn’t provide added layers of protection to keep the runner safe against the elements. However, this shoe does an EVA midsole foam that works to protect the runner against the harmful shock of each footfall. Runners reported that this helped protect them against long-term injury.
Responsiveness
The EVA midsole foam provides a responsive ride. This midsole provides good energy return to the runner while absorbing the shock of each footfall. The outsole of this shoe is not designed for logging long miles, so it is thinner and therefore, runners reported that they could feel the road below them in these shoes. The drop of this shoe is low and provides the runner with a minimalist feel. All of these details translate to a responsive ride for the runner that responds quickly and efficiently to changes in direction and terrain.
Support
This shoe is not designed as a support or stability shoe. Adidas has stripped the shoe of cumbersome support elements that can weigh the shoe down, and instead, they have opted for a lightweight, flexible model. The downside to this design is that the runner is left with little to no additional supports.
Terrain
This shoe is designed as a lifestyle shoe which means it is great for running errands around town or going on long walks. This shoe can also be used in the gym for cross-training. Runners found this to be a great shoe for light running o the treadmill or workouts on the elliptical or stair master. However, the outsole of this shoe is thinner, and the supports are lacking, so this is not a shoe that is designed or suggested for rugged off-road adventures or extensive road running either. Athletes reported that this is a great shoe for walking on pavement.
Price
The price is one of the key elements that attracted runners to this shoe. It comes in way under the average price for a road running shoe on today’s market. Additionally, runners were very surprised at the high level of durability provided by this shoe and found it to be an overall great value because it lasted longer than many other shoes they have tried in the past. Since this shoe is good as a fashionable accessory to your everyday outfits as well as a shoe for cross training and light running, it offers a higher value because it is as if athletes are getting two shoes in one.
Drop
Runners who are looking for a minimalist feel and a lower drop will like the fit of this shoe. The Adidas Climacool Fresh is a good transitional shoe for the runner who is used to running on a traditional drop of ten millimeters or high but wants to switch over to a natural running shoe. Experts suggest paring down slowly to build up the muscles in the legs and foot, and this shoe offers a midlevel drop that will help the runner move down safety.
Stability
This shoe is not a stability shoe which means that it is not a shoe that is designed for the runner looking for added support with over or under pronation. This shoe is designed as a neutral running shoe and works with the natural movement of the foot as opposed to working to improve the runner’s gait in any way.
Flexibility
Runners were pleased with the overall flexibility that they experienced while wearing this shoe. From the upper to the outsole, this shoe supports the natural movement of the foot. The woven mesh of the upper provides a bootie-like fit and acts more like a second skin than a protective shell. Runners also found the thinner material of the outsole to bend freely with the foot. What this shoe lacks in support and stability it makes up for in flexibility.
Traction
The outsole of this shoe is made of a durable rubber that provides a decent amount of traction to the runner. This shoe is not designed for aggressive workouts or off-road adventures, but runners found the traction to be adequate for running errands around town or cross training.
Bottom Line
The Adidas Climacool Fresh is an entry-level running shoe for the athlete who is looking for a light running shoe, a great cross trainer, and a fashionable accessory to their everyday wardrobe. The shining glory of this model is the Climacool technology of the upper and outsole. This technology is designed to provide maximum airflow to the foot to keep it cool and dry in all weather conditions. A unique feature of this technology is six ventilation holes along the outsole that help circulate cool air into the shoe and move hot air out to avoid hot spots and irritation. Athletes love the multiple styles and color options offered in this shoe and found it to be a fashionable companion to their gym clothes as well as their everyday outfits too. The price of this shoe is well below the cost fo the average running shoe on today’s market which makes it an unbeatable value.
