As the name indicates, ADIDAS have launched their new star-shoe for the one who needs the right support and propulsion for long and slow runs. ADIDAS Adistar is unlike any other Adistar shoe you have seen before. This shoe is built for distance-running and with its carefully thought-out design, you get a shoe which literally pushes you forward. It provides comfort, support and a developed geometry, a ”rocker”, which pushes you forward, step by step.
I have tested this shoe on my runs and I think it works really well with the integrated rocker. I clearly feel how the shoe, thanks to its design "pushes" me forward and changes my style of running slightly, so my racing becomes more economical.
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Designed for comfort on long runs
Long-distance running was clearly the main focus when ADIDAS produced this shoe and it is best suited for long, slow runs - all runs in between 5 and 100 km! ADIDAS are introducing new ways of thinking with this shoe and also introduces a whole new type of foam:REPETITOR and REPETITOR+. The name indicates that this foam is designed to handle lots of repetitions and lots of miles.
The weight of the shoe also reflects that it is well suited for the really long runs.I have a US 9 (41 ¹/₃) and it weighs 320g. However, for me it doesn't feel so heavy at all. Compared to ADIDAS Ultraboost 22 which only weighs 16g less, I think it feels much lighter.
My experience is that even though this is a shoe with a very solid expression, you shouldn´t be intimidated by it. It feels just like it should; light but robust, stable where it is needed and generally it like a shoe that can just keep going forever.
Upper with a great conscience
ADIDAS have developed the upper with the Cage-fit system on the inside in a soft but firm fabric to provide the protection and fit you need for your long runs. It is produced with a high-performance yarn which contains at least 50% Parley Ocean Plastic, which is plastic waste gathered from nature. The other 50% are made from recycled polyester.
When you as a runner go through quite a lot of running shoes and running gear, its amazing to see that some of the big companies in the sports market recognize their role in the climate-discussion - and act according to it. It provides you with a better conscience when you buy their products and its clearly something that I will keep an eye on next time I am going to buy a pair of running shoes.
The upper is nice and soft and designed with a double layer in the forefoot while the tongue is densely lined and contributes positively to the amazing running comfort. The shoe is relatively wide but as the upper provides a great fit, most runners will be able to use this shoe. I have a rather narrow foot but I just felt that the shoe had plenty of space instead of being too wide.
In Adistar they have chosen to return to the traditional heel cap which you typically find in somewhat older shoes and which is slightly low. I don´t think this creates any discomfort at all but if you often struggle with sore and irritated Achilles tendons and is often bothered by a tighter heel cap, then you need to be aware of this. In this case ADIDAS Ultraboost 22 will be a better choice with its "open" heel cap.
REPETITOR – designed to get you through many miles
In the development of this shoe, ADIDAS, as mentioned earlier have developed a whole new type of foam – REPETITOR. The purpose of this type of foam is that it is supposed to be able to carry you through many miles. Therefore it has to be light but also extremely durable. Compared to the BOOST-foam often used by ADIDAS, REPETITOR is a completely different type of foam. It feels much lighter but also much firmer, especially REPETITOR+ which they have used in the Adistar heel is very solid.
The construction of the midsole has been done with Dual-Density. This means that two kinds of EVA-foam with two different kinds of densities have been used - in this case REPETITOR+ has been used in the heel and REPETITOR in the forefoot. This provides great heel protection and return energy to make you travel even further. It has a 6 mm drop and a forefoot rocker geometry which guides the foot into bouncy toe-offs and pushes you forward at every step.
I instantly noticed the forefoot "rocker". It is as if my center of gravity is pushed slightly forward which makes me lean further forward. So, just by wearing the shoes, the shoe invites you forward.
Not everything is new …
ADIDAS are recognized for using a Continental rubber compound outsole and fortunately they have preserved this feature. The Continental rubber compound works perfectly with the REPETITOR midsole and provides a really good grip and extraordinary traction. Its a shoe suited for more solid surfaces like asphalt and hard-packed trail in the woods. And in this terrain the outsole provides a great grip, even in rainy conditions.
My running experience
The first time I saw the ADIDAS Adistar, I thought it looked somewhat ’chunky’ ud. You see a lot of shoes that take up a lot of space these days but I was quite sceptical if it would work for a running shoe. As mentioned earlier the heel is quite a lot bigger than you normally see in running shoes and the shoe is generally fairly wide.
But don´t get intimated by the somewhat overwhelming exterior! My first runs were generally a posiive experience. It has a great fit and even though it is quite wider than the shoes I normally use, it provides a great fit thanks to the ADIDAS’ Cage-fit system which makes sure that the upper wraps itself well around the foot. I had to get used to the fact that the heel takes up so much space, but the shape of the heel makes you land further up the foot which creates propulsion - just like ADIDAS promise.
Who is this shoe suited for?
I think that ADIDAS Adistar is mostly suited for the experienced runner. You don´t need to have several years of experience but I see this shoe as a really good supplement to a selection of shoes where you will also find shoes suited for shorter and faster distances.
As it is designed with a lot of foam and a wide foundation, this shoe will also be well suited for the heavy runner who needs great cushioning.
If you are a long-distance runner, this shoe could easily become a regular part of your equipment for long and easy-going Sunday runs. These shoes will help you forward with great comfort, a pleasant fit and a midsole that wants the best for you.
