Details
Brand
Adidas
Breathability
8.5/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Cushioning
Key Features
• The SUPERCLOUD™ midsole provides maximum comfort• Mesh upper and perforated rib cage provides great breathability• As stylish as more expensive trainers without the cost• The outsole’s ADIWEAR design provides great traction and responsiveness• An affordable, durable running shoe that still delivers performance-wise• Performs well on various ground conditions without losing responsiveness• Spacious toe box for comfort and new heel tab that allows for easy removal
Upper
The Madoru 2.0 upper features a very breathable double layer mesh upper that allows for maximum ventilation while the trademark 3-Stripe Adidas logo placed on the sides along the rib cage are also perforated, providing even more breathability. The rib cage itself keeps the foot firmly in position, and its lace-up closure provides and maintains a secure fit through any active workout or run.
Midsole
Perhaps the best feature of the Adidas Madoru 2.0 is its upgrade to the proprietary Adidas SUPERCLOUD™ midsole, providing immediate step-in comfort which runs from front to back that lasts long after a pair of Madorus have become well-worn. The plush, durable SUPERCLOUD™ cushioning is made of lightweight Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), providing effective shock absorption without added bulk to the shoe.
Outsole
The Adidas Madoru 2.0 features a full contact outsole covered in carbon rubber that enhances its durability and also has micro lugs that aid in gripping wet surfaces and terrains. Midfoot and forefoot cuts provide additional flexibility and support on soft and slippery surfaces while its flex grooves promote forefoot flexion and provide natural movement on any terrain.
Breathability
Given that the Madoru 2.0’s rib cage is perforated with larger holes than the original, runners will be pleased by its breathability. Thanks to the new air mesh upper in the 2.0, which is more open than the original Adidas Madoru, runners are guaranteed a cool, dry run for miles.
Comfort
The fit of the 2.0 is similar to the original Madoru, but with its major upgrade to the SUPERCLOUD™ midsole, plush comfort is felt every step of the way. And while this maximum comfort support makes the 2.0 a trainer you could wear casually, there have been some complaints that it’s a little too soft for a serious running shoe. Another modification from the original design is a larger heel tab that makes taking off and putting on the Madoru 2.0 easier than before. While the overall fit is average, with sufficient space in the toe box for breathability, the Madoru 2.0 has been criticized for allowing perhaps too much space in this section. The Madoru 2.0 is available in widths both medium and wide.
Style
Some of the most universal acclaims the Adidas Madoru 2.0 has received is its stylish look: looking more like a high-end casual sneaker than a running shoe, the Madoru 2.0 has miles of style not normally seen in a “budget” trainer. In fact, its suspiciously similar look to higher-end Adidas lines has made the 2.0 a popular choice for runners who don’t want to sacrifice style for economy. With its sharp 3-color blocking (available in Super Orange, Mineral Blue and White), the Madoru 2.0 offers an expensive aesthetic at a reasonable price.
Durability
The durability of the 2.0 is another of its standout feature, particularly at its price point. The full contact carbon rubber adiWEAR outsole retains its grip even after breaking the shoes in, as does the rib cage, while the upper mesh synthetic materials are similarly durable. Supported by a thick rubber sole, solid ribcage, and still flexible in its upper mesh, the Adidas Madoru 2.0 is a budget running shoe that will hold up through regular active use.
Protection
Since the Madoru 2.0 offers extensive breathability thanks to its perforated rib cage and mesh upper, it’s not an ideal trainer for muddy or wet conditions, but that’s also not what the shoe is made for–it’s a lightweight running shoe that is best in dry conditions. That said, the rib cage offers nominal protection to the top of the foot while the Madoru 2.0’s thick rubber outsole absorbs much of the shock of running on concrete and solid ground while also providing protection and grip on wet surfaces.
Responsiveness
Fitted with micro lugs on its outsole and featuring midfoot and forefoot cuts, the Madoru 2.0 excels at being responsive to various surfaces: dry concrete, slick pavement, uneven grass – the 2.0’s outsole has been designed with responsiveness in mind. But there is a tradeoff here: while the outsole has been designed for kinetic movement over various terrains, the SUPERCLOUD™ midsole has received criticism for being too plush for some runners, who complain that this element dulls responsiveness, however, others have also noted that the SUPERCLOUD™ midsole provides comfort without diminishing responsiveness, so this may vary from runner to runner based on their own experience and preference of cushioning in running shoes.
Support
Depending on how much material a runner enjoys in their trainers, the SUPERCLOUD™ midsole provides maximum comfort to the wearer and also works as a shock absorber. For a low heel running shoe this sort of cushioning may seem a bit excessive, but for the runner looking for moderate arch support and a plush midsole, the Adidas Madoru 2.0 easily beats its competition.
Terrain
As a lightweight running shoe, the Madoru 2.0 is best on dry surfaces and in dry conditions, the mesh upper allows for breathability but not much protection against the elements. That said, the rubber outsole is fitted with micro lugs and midfoot and forefoot cuts that are responsive to both dry and wet terrains. As long as you don’t run through too many puddles or muddy fields, the Madoru 2.0 will hold up in various conditions–but these aren’t designed for hiking. Running, training, and light athletics are ideal activities to engage in while wearing the Madoru 2.0.
Price
What makes the Adidas Madoru 2.0 such an attractive trainer is its moderate price. For what a runner gets with these shoes -from style to responsiveness to durability – the Madoru 2.0 is a steal. Many reviews of this shoe have specifically mentioned the cost-to-value ratio for good reason. For any of the downsides of the Madoru 2.0 (including its lack of versatility when it comes to varying terrains and conditions and the supposedly “too plush” midsole), its affordable “budget” pricing easily helps runners overlook these potential negatives.
Drop
The Adidas Madoru 2.0’s 10mm heel-to-toe drop should present no problem for a runner transitioning to this trainer. While the minimalist trend of “ zero drop ” has gained traction in the running world, Adidas continues to follow standard drop convention in the Madoru 2.0.
Stability
The SUPERCLOUD™ midsole runs front to back and provides a great deal of stability while a spacious toe box allows for the foot to sit naturally. However, it has been reported that the plushness of the midsole can also throw off one’s perception of stability when first breaking the shoe in.
Flexibility
While the rubber ADIWEAR outsole keeps firm even after heavy usage, the Madoru 2.0 never feels stiff. Thanks to midfoot and forefoot cuts that provide additional flexibility and flex grooves that allow for full foot flexion, the Madoru 2.0 provides adequate flexibility. However, the softness of its SUPERCLOUD™ midsole may throw off the user’s perceptions of the Madoru 2.0’s flexibility.
Traction
The many features of the Madoru 2.0 outsole provide great traction – from flex grooves to micro lugs, the outsole is designed to gain maximum traction on running surfaces. While ideal on dry surfaces, the carbon rubber outsole will also grip slick pavement and wet grass equally so that your run isn’t interrupted by changing surface conditions. Although not a shoe for rugged climbs or rough terrain, its sturdy and well-constructed outer sole will keep runners and sports lovers firm on both dry and slick surfaces.
Bottom Line
The term “budget trainer” may have negative connotations for serious runners, but in this case it’s a positive. For its price point, the Adidas Madoru 2.0 features a dynamic outsole design for maximum grip and versatility on varying surface conditions. Most notable is its stylish aesthetic, which would lead casual observers to assume the Madoru 2.0 is a much more expensive trainer than its actual cost (and has often been mistaken for a more high-end Adidas line of shoes), and its style has been cited as one of the most attractive features for a pair of trainers in its price range. Featuring high breathability and a plush midsole that acts as an effective shock absorber, the Madoru 2.0 is a running shoe for beginners to break in and experienced runners to keep on-hand. Although some may not appreciate the potential loss of tactile responsiveness due to its plush midsole, the Madoru has been praised as both a very comfortable running shoe and an everyday trainer that can be worn like a casual sneaker.
