Details
Brand
Adidas
Heel To Toe Drop
8mm
Breathability
7.6/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Cushioning
Key Features
• Breathable mesh upper• adiPRENE midsole for added protection• adiWEAR to extend durability• Outsole grooves for great traction
Upper
Like many running shoes, the Performance Powerblaze’s upper is made of a mesh, which allows air to circulate well throughout, as a mesh is woven and features small holes throughout. The upper also features Adidas’ Techfit technology. This design and material makes the upper more flexible and also allows the upper to conform better to the foot and fit more snugly. In general, the upper of the Performance Powerblaze is decent, though arguably could offer a bit more in terms of design or technology.
Midsole
The Performance Powerblaze midsole is made of EVA foam. EVA is a very common choice of material in running midsoles. It is lightweight but still offers very solid energy return upon every step. This makes the midsole fairly efficient, and also light, which makes the overall shoe more efficient. The midsole also features Adidas adiPRENE technology within. adiPRENE technology refers to a very high impact resistant material, which is placed near the heel and forefoot of the shoe. This material serves to protect the foot from harsh impacts and provide overall cushioning with every step. The midsole of the Powerblaze is definitely one of its stronger assets.
Outsole
The Performance Powerblaze has a durable rubber outsole, specifically featuring a carbon rubber at the toe and the heel. This carbon rubber dubbed adiWEAR allows the outsole to last longer as it is more resistant to impact than ordinary rubber. Adidas in particularly well known for their adiWEAR shoes, as they are known to last quite long in comparison to other common trainers. In addition to this, the outsole features Flex Grooves, which allow the shoe better traction in various terrains.
Breathability
The Performance Powerblaze, in particular, the mesh upper, provides good breathability. Air can flow in and out of the shoe thanks to the mesh design. Mesh isn’t groundbreaking, but it certainly gets the job done, by keeping the foot cool and dry during a run.
Comfort
For the most part however, the Performance Powerblaze is pretty comfortable. Starting at the midsole, the adiPRENE technology excels at providing the wearer comfort. As previously mentioned, the adiPRENE design shields from strong impacts in high impact areas, in the heel and forefoot. The upper contributes to the comfort of the shoe as well. The Techfit design of the upper makes the shoe fit quite snugly and comfortably around the foot. With the flexibility offered as well, the upper of this shoe is solidly comfortable. In tandem, the midsole and upper do a good job making the Powerblaze a comfortable shoe overall.
Style
Adidas tends to be towards the front of the pack amongst running shoes, being very popular amongst non-runners as well. The Performance Powerblaze, though visually appealing with its design is probably not the most cutting edge in terms of fashion. For a running shoe, they look sleek and well designed but do not appear to be as usable as a casual, around-the-town shoe. That said, the Powerblaze is offered in several vibrant colors, for both men and women, so there is sure to be a design for everyone. Overall, the Powerblaze is a stylish running shoe, but arguably a less stylish everyday shoe.
Durability
The Performance Powerblaze is definitely a durable shoe that will last you many miles. The outsole, as previously mentioned, has a carbon rubber located at the heel and toe of the shoe. This helps improve the lifespan of the outsole. Also, the Adidas adiWEAR technology adds even more durability. The midsole EVA foam material should also last a fairly long time. Overall, as Adidas shoes tend to be, the Performance Powerblaze is a durable shoe.
Protection
When it comes to protection, the Performance Powerblaze is solid, though not necessarily outstanding. The midsole’s EVA foam does a good job of protecting from impacts, as does the previously mentioned adiPRENE technology. This in tandem with the upper, which is a durable mesh construction create do a solid job of protecting the foot from most grievances. Overall, the protection offered by the Powerblaze is decent but does not really stand out.
Responsiveness
The Performance Powerblaze offers a good amount of responsiveness, mostly because of the midsole material. EVA foam is a standard in running shoes for this reason, as it provides good energy return while remaining lightweight. However, that being said, the Powerblaze does not offer any major new technology in terms of energy response, though this is understandable when the low price of the shoes is taken into consideration. Overall, the Powerblaze offers good responsiveness.
Support
The Performance Powerblaze does offer some support. Again, the solidly constructed upper comes into play, securing the foot and stabilizing it, while also not being too tight or restrictive. The midsole and its material also come into play again, as does the construction of the heel and forefoot. All these features together work to create a well-supported shoe in the Performance Powerblaze.
Terrain
The Performance Powerblaze works best on roads, pavement, track, and treadmills. The construction of the outsole is consistent with the construction of most popular running outsoles and also features grips designed to aid in traction. The Powerblaze will do well on most surfaces, except most extreme terrains. It also works well on wet surfaces, but the upper is not waterproof.
Price
The Powerblaze excels here, retailing at a lower cost than many shoes on the market. In a sense, the Powerblaze can be considered value shoes. They aren’t the most cutting edge by any means, but they offer a good return for the price you pay for them.
Drop
The drop on the Powerblaze is 8mm. This is just below a standard drop. However, this still allows for additional heel cushioning and assists runners who are prone to heel striking. Many runners will be comfortable with this drop.
Stability
The Powerblaze is a neutral shoe that does provide some stability based on the strengths of the midsole, outsole and upper, which have all been previously discussed. The midsole and outsole provide a stable base underfoot, while the upper locks the foot down for a secure fit. This shoe does not correct issues such as overpronation, so runners who need help correcting pronation issues, should look for a stability or motion control shoe.
Flexibility
Flexibility is generally a product of the midsole and the upper, as those are the parts that require flexibility in order to create an efficient stride. In the case of the Powerblaze, both do a pretty good job. The midsole’s EVA foam is flexible and springy, allowing for good movement. The upper is flexible thanks to Adidas Techfit design. In tandem, these make for a flexible shoe.
Traction
The Performance Powerblaze’s traction is fairly solid due to its outsole. Again, the rubber grips come into play, making the Powerblaze fairly versatile in terms of traction on most terrains. That said, traction tends to be best on road surfaces. Overall, the Powerblaze should not have any major traction problems.
Bottom Line
The Adidas Performance Powerblaze are a great pair of shoes for any runner looking for a good value on trainers. They definitely do not offer the most cutting edge or top of the line technology, but what they return is very good for the price they come at. Added to the fact that they are fairly stylish and durable, the Powerblaze is a very solid shoe.
