Details
Brand
Adidas
Heel To Toe Drop
N/A
Breathability
10/10
Latest Version
No
Terrain
Road
Type
Cushioned
Key Features
• Energy Boost midsole for additional cushion and a responsive run• Breathable knit upper with lightweight textile overlays keep the foot cool• External blocks add to additional structural integrity and stability• Sock-like fit hugs the foot
Upper
The primeknit upper of the Adidas NMD R1 has a sock-like construction of knit material that hugs the foot, wrapping it with adaptive support and ultra-light comfort. A rib-like design dots the upper, giving additional support. The stretchy construct makes this shoe easy to slip on and its singular component design makes for a flawless fit.;Secure lacing at the top of the foot with a heel pull at the Achilles make this shoe easier to slip into without adjusting laces at each wear and removal. The lightweight, airy design keeps feet cool and comfortable through any activity.
Midsole
Adidas features its trademarked Boost cushioning in the NMD R1 Primeknit. This adds cushioning necessary for any kind of training. The outer midsole features molded blocks connecting the outsole to the knit upper and adding both structure and stability to the feel of the shoe. It also contains a heel reinforcement box for additional stability and support.
Outsole
The Adidas NMD R1 Primeknit outsole is composed of the standard rubber used by Adidas manufacturing. The base features round lugs for traction, reminiscent of the early football cleats the company pioneered. The lugs themselves aren’t very prominent so they don’t allow for excessive traction on terrain featuring slippery rock or mud.
Breathability
Transitioning from the gym to the street, breathability is a necessity. The foot should stay cool and dry to avoid moisture friction, sliding, or foot injuries. The Adidas NMD R1 Primeknit has an open mesh upper that is lined with a breathable textile to keep the weight down and keep the foot cool. The tongue of the shoe is made with the same material and secured to form a singular unit for a uniform, breathable fit. The lack of an insole, while enhancing the sock-like sensation, reduces moisture wicking.
Comfort
The Adidas NMD R1 Primeknit is designed specifically for style and comfort. It features open, knit uppers with a breathable textile overlay to keep the shoe lightweight. The Boost Energy midsole adds an extra element of cushion to pair with a reinforced heel piece to add stability and comfort together. The midsole support block adds to the structured design and to the stability of the shoe, providing the confidence that the shoe is securely built and stable. The round lugs on the rubber outsole create an increase in traction for intermediate terrain. The solid, supportive base combined with the sock-like upper creates an extremely comfortable trainer that is responsive and gives just the right amount of bounce back.
Style
While Adidas is known for performance, they also have a firm grasp on stylish, new designs that appeal to the fashion ideal rather than performance only. Since they have adapted their apparel line to extend beyond the gym and track, their shoes have followed suit. The NMD line has been created for the urban nomad, connecting the past to the future and fashion to performance. With those incredible combinations, original and dynamic designs followed.;The Adidas NMD R1 Primeknit is presented in a number of fresh, new designs that have a modern, stylish feel to them. These shoes are perfect for training or for hanging out with friends. The slip-on upper with the sock-like design enables the wearer to forego socks completely if they choose. The outsole is uniform with a fairly flat, typically white colored base. The external supports on the midsole are generally an accent color to the base. With designs like “color static” and “data mosh,” Adidas appeals to the computer generation as well as anyone with a discerning eye for fashion.
Durability
The Adidas NMD R1 Primeknit has a solid build and holds up to wear and tear. While the Primeknit feels light and delicate to the wearer it is not a flimsy design. The singular piece upper has no seems or overlays so no fraying or unraveling will be found externally. The heel reinforcement piece adds to the structural integrity and solid feel to the shoe. With no insole, there is no need for replacement insoles due to wear and tear. With a well-constructed rubber outsole, the years of Adidas experience are on display. Not just a design element, the external support blocks on the midsole add to the structure and increase durability.
Protection
The outsole protects the base of the foot overall with average traction from the round lugs Adidas specializes in. The Adidas NMD R1 Primeknit also provides protection to the foot with the Energy Boost cushioning to give an especially comfortable construct. The heel reinforcement holds the foot in place at the base, protecting the foot from friction and excessive rubbing when sized appropriately.
Responsiveness
Adidas NMD R1 Primeknit features the Energy Boost cushioning Adidas has trademarked in previous models. This cushioned midsole is a responsive, comfortable element of an already comfortable shoe. This shoe is perfect for walking or running but isn’t recommended for endurance runs or diverse terrain.
Support
The Adidas NMD R1 Primeknit provides ample support for those who do not have issues with pronation. While the stretchy sock-like upper is thin, it does keep the foot securely in place with the rubber dotted ribbing. The material hugs the foot but does provide a little stretch for foot swelling during use. The heel cup reinforcement holds the foot in place and supports the foot within the Energy Boost midsole, keeping the foot locked into the shoe. The external midsole support block provides additional support and holds everything in place, fusing the outsole and the upper together with a seamless feel.
Terrain
While Adidas does make shoes for all terrains, the Adidas NMD R1 Primeknit is primarily a road racing shoe. The standard rubber on the base is not excessively thick and the rubber lugs provide only nominally more traction to the overall base, this keeps the overall weight down and creates less traction with gravel or trails. Designed for an urban consumer, this shoe is great for treadmills, gyms, road running or just comfort wear around town. Because the upper has such great breathability, hotter weather would still be comfortable with this shoe.
Price
Because the Adidas name is famous worldwide, you expect their shoes to all be in the higher end price-wise. This shoe does meet that expectation. However, based on reviews, consumers feel they get the value of their money with the Adidas NMD R1 Primeknit. The design and the durability of this shoe, as well as the overall comfort, is well worth the price tag.
Drop
The drop of the Adidas NMD R1 Primeknit is not noted in any reviews online. There appears to be an average drop which would allow for a neutral ride with a natural feel. With such a light shoe, this shoe would be ideal for a smoother, fast run but is also very cushioned by design.
Stability
The installation of the heel cup reinforcement in the heel of the Adidas NMD R1 Primeknit adds to the stability of the shoe. Because it holds the heel securely, the distribution of weight sits naturally against the Energy Boost midsole construct. The rubber outsole distributes the weight evenly over the circular design that Adidas is known for.;The construction of the knit upper uses a dotted ribbing but also fits closely to the foot with thin textile overlays. This keeps the upper breathable but also holds the foot more securely into the shoe with a single unit design, forcing the weight of the foot into the base and adding to the overall stability.;On the exterior, Adidas strategically added blocks to the midsole, increasing the structural integrity and overall stability with more points of contact between outsole and upper.
Flexibility
Since the Adidas NMD R1 Primeknit features such a generous amount of cushion with the Energy Boost, there is a good deal of flexibility in both the outsole and the midsole. The rubber outsole has small individual circles molded so that each section of the forefoot can flex as the foot flexes. When toeing off, the shoe adapts to the natural bend and flexes exactly where the foot does naturally. The open mesh upper is also very flexible as it is breathable with a lightweight fit. The one-piece design fits the comfort of the wearer but the mesh will adjust for any swelling while on the run, allowing for added comfort over longer distances.
Traction
The Adidas NMD R1 Primeknit has a standard Adidas outsole with raised lugs to provide an increase in slight traction. Having a midsole with a lightweight, padded cushion effect also keeps the foot firmly entrenched into the base of the shoe, reducing any potential slippage. Compounding the lightweight cushion with a heel cup to secure the foot into the shoe also reduces slippage inside the shoe and supports external traction.
Bottom Line
In 1924, when Adolf Dassler started making sports shoes in his mother’s laundry room in Germany, he had no idea that he was starting an empire. They have branched into apparel and accessories as well as purchasing another brand, Reebok. Adidas, named for the original founder, is now a worldwide powerhouse company, known for elite, performance-driven athletic shoes and gear.;They have taken that reputation one step further with the Adidas NMD R1 Primeknit. By introducing the Originals line, they are embracing the past, the present, and showing their optimism for the future. The nod to the past is represented in the sole of the shoe with the circular tread and Energy Boost comfort. They also carry forward the 3 stripes that are the identity of the Adidas brand. This model has a selection of styles that don’t feature the 3 stripes as well, unlike many others.;The NMD R1 Primeknit is a fashionable and functional trainer. It can be used in the gym, on the street, or around town running errands. It is comfortable and stable but conveniently sock-like in design. Socks are not necessary. To be top of the line in style and still functional is quite a challenge and this shoe fits both nicely.
