Details
Brand
Adidas
Heel To Toe Drop
N/A
Breathability
8/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Stability
Key Features
• Specifically placed small lugs on the outsole will help protect your joints from shock and will aid in a smooth heel to toe ride• Torsion system will help your forefoot and hindfoot move independently of one another, resulting in more natural movement• The stylish retro design makes this sneaker versatile as both a performance sneaker and running shoe• Comfortable EVA foam midsole and padded ankle collar will give these sneakers a comfortable fit• Burrito tongue hugs the foot efficiently and keeps it snug and secure• Ortholite insole will wick away moisture and add comfort
Upper
The most notable part of the Adidas EQT Support RF is its retro-looking upper. The silhouette is designed after the popular original Adidas EQT sneaker developed in the early 90’s. This sleek silhouette gives the shoe sort of a slanted look, slanting downwards toward the toe and gives a nod to the track running shoes of the 90’s. The upper is made from three different materials: mesh, synthetic suede, and synthetic nubuck giving them a vintage look. Along with the integrated three stripes found on the midsole, you will also find the three stripes placed on either side of the upper which run up the sides of the shoe and finish with a reinforced hole for the lacing system. A unique feature of the EQT Support RF’s upper is the “burrito tongue”. The tongue of this sneaker is attached on one side of the upper (the medial side) and wraps over the foot underneath the lacing system. This unique tongue provides a snug fit and delivers ample comfort. The inside of the upper boasts a Terry signature mesh lining for a soft feel that provides ventilation. At the back of the sneaker, you will find an external heel cage for added support and a generously padded heel collar.
Midsole
The EQT Support RF features a compression molded EVA midsole that offers a soft and supported ride. On either side of the midsole, you will see that Adidas integrated their popular three stripes. On some of the colorways, both of these integrated stripes are white, while on other colorways, the lateral side of each sneaker boasts black stripes while the medial features white stripes. The most impressive feature of the midsole is the included Torsion System placed within the midsole around the midfoot area. This system is a thermoplastic arch support and is designed to allow the forefoot and rearfoot to move independently of each other and will adapt to different surfaces without straining your foot through excess motion. With the help of the Torsion system, your midfoot will be supported, and your foot will be able to more naturally adapt to ground changes resulting in a smooth heel to toe transition. This sneaker also features a removable Ortholite supportive insole which is a flashy green color.
Outsole
The outsole of this highly anticipated stylish sneaker is made from rubber and provides excellent traction. Spanning most of the shoe’s sole, you will see oval nubs that are half smooth and half textured. These little lugs will grip the ground well and offer a superbly stable underfoot experience. The lugs on these shoes were given extra focus to reduce the impact of the ground and help prevent injury to your knees and joints. The far back of the outsole’s heel features a smoother grippy semi-circle that will prevent your heel from catching on the ground. Since the EQT Support RF comes in multiple colorways, the outsole also comes in three different colors: black, white, and a neutral tan, depending on which colorway you opt for. If you take a look at the shoe’s outsole, you’ll notice Adidas’ Torsion system is visible around the midfoot, which is a stability feature that is integrated into the midsole.
Breathability
Although this sneaker has more of a built-up upper with synthetic nubuck and suede, it also has breathable mesh material making up much of the sneaker. The EQT Support RF won’t be the most breathable shoes out there but they do offer ventilation through the synthetic mesh on the upper and the visa terry signature mesh lining inside the shoe. This sneaker is also equipped with an Ortholite insole which is designed to wick away moisture from the foot.
Comfort
Not only are these sneakers great to look at, but they are great to wear. The EQT Support RF was engineered to be a very comfortable sneaker with its molded EVA midsole and Ortholite insole. The midsole will absorb shock and provide a comfortable ride with almost no ground feel under your foot. The Ortholite sock liner adds comfort and aids in wicking away moisture to keep your feet cool and comfortable. The ankle collar is generously padded and will hug your ankle softly and securely. This sneaker’s unique burrito tongue attaches on the lateral side of the upper and snugly wraps around your foot to keep you snug and secure within the shoe. There are many consumers who have commented on how incredibly comfortable these shoes are, even after wearing them all day.
Style
Modeled after Adidas’ original EQT running sneaker back in the early 90’s, the EQT Support RF has a vintage-like appeal. The RF in the shoe’s name stands for “refined” and tags the sneaker as a sophisticated looking versatile performance and casual shoe. The silhouette bears a strong resemblance to the original with a higher heel stack and a lower forefoot with the molded rubber outsole wrapping up over the toe. Another nod to the original is the synthetic suede and nubuck embellishments that are placed on the shoe’s upper, over the breathable mesh. Even the sneaker’s liner has a retro feel with the Terry lining. The EQT Support RF comes in an impressive number of colorways for both men and women, ranging from classic black and white to camo.
Durability
The rubber outsole with its numerous little lugs will make this sneaker pretty durable in terms of how long you’ll be able to use it. The upper is layered with three different kinds of materials: mesh, synthetic suede, and synthetic nubuck. These will help the sneakers’ upper to keep its shape over a long period of time. However, some users have stated that, depending on which colorway you decide on, the suede and nubuck materials tend to trap dirt easily so they start to look dirty quickly. With that said, the sneaker does come with directions on how to properly clean them. In terms of the molded EVA midsole, it should keep its shape pretty well over time and will give a decent springy response. However, some users have said that the middle part of the midsole tends to “wrinkle” after a while.
Protection
This sneaker will protect you from underfoot debris thanks to the outsole with precision placed lugs. These little oval lugs will also help protect your joints because Adidas focused on making sure they would perform to protect you against the naturally jolting motions of running. The midsole is made of EVA foam and is designed to absorb shock from touch down to toe-off. Adidas also placed its Torsion system in the midsole which helps your forefoot and heel to move separately. This system supports the arch and adapts well to uneven surfaces, giving you a smoother transition from touch down to take off.
Responsiveness
Although there are no incredibly impressive responsiveness features included in this sneaker, they are pretty responsive considering the fact that they are engineered to be performance sneakers as well as casual sneakers. The EVA midsole absorbs shock and springs back into its original shape easily, which will propel you forward. The Torsion system in this shoe’s midsole will help keep your foot moving naturally and give you a smooth ride.
Support
The EQT Support RF obviously has “support” in its name. They are supportive because they include the Torsion system. This thermoplastic arch support helps the forefoot and hindfoot to move independently without excess strain. Even though it is labeled as arch support, it works well for almost any foot type and you won’t feel like you have a bowling ball under your arch. Rather, Adidas engineered the shoe to help you have a smooth walk or run without putting excess strain on your feet or joins. The ankle collar is also supportive because it is reinforced with a nubuck overlay to keep it solid against your ankle. With the burrito collar wrapping your foot and the three stripes/lacing system combination on either side of your foot, you will feel secure and supported with each step.
Terrain
Trail running is something that the EQT Support RF is not built for. Other than that, you can feel confident to run or walk on the pavement, sidewalks, well-groomed trails, or indoors in these sneakers. They are engineered and marketed to be a running sneaker but many people buy it simply as a casual shoe.
Price
For the quality and style, the EQT Support RF is priced well. Depending on which colorway you choose, you will be paying between $50 and $100 for this great looking sneaker.
Drop
These shoes have a higher stack in the heel as opposed to the forefoot so they have a higher drop than a more minimal sneaker. They are designed so that you don’t feel much underfoot as you walk or run and will support heel strikers.
Stability
There are a few stability features included in the EQT Support RF. The Torsion system is designed to help your foot move naturally within the foot chamber, so your foot stays stabilized while it flexes. The ankle collar is stiffer than the rest of the upper, so it will keep your ankle supported and stable while you walk and run. The upper of the sneaker is made up of stabilizing strong materials like synthetic nubuck and suede so they add a bit more stability over the top of the flexible mesh material.
Flexibility
The EQT Support RF is a relatively flexible shoe for what it’s made of. It isn’t the most flexible shoe out there due to the layered materials on its upper, but it does have a lightweight and flexible midsole. The Torsion system is designed to help the front and rear of your foot to flex and move separately and more naturally so that is one flexible feature. As far as the sneaker being extremely flexible, that it isn’t. But it will help your foot to move naturally over uneven terrain.
Traction
The rubber outsole of the EQT Support RF features a number of small oval lugs that provide excellent traction, whether on wet or dry surfaces. The Torsion system and precision-placed lugs will give you a safe and grippy run or walk.
Bottom Line
The Adidas EQT Support RF is a great looking sneaker and is engineered and marketed as both a performance and casual shoe. Many users have bought this particular sneaker based solely on its vintage appeal so it definitely appeals to the masses because of its looks. Currently, the trend is moving retro and this sneaker definitely scores high marks in this area. As far as performance goes, if you are looking to train hard or desire a running shoe that will give you excellent response, flexibility, and speed, then perhaps you should look for a more specialized shoe. However, if you are simply looking for a sneaker that you can wear to the gym, out on the town, and for a light to moderate run, this shoe might just suit your needs. One thing is for sure, your feet will definitely look stylish no matter where you choose to wear them.
