The running market is more crowded than ever, making it difficult for even heritage brands to stand out. And yet, few lineups feel more exciting than best Adidas running shoes. The Three Stripes have always brought it when it comes to the sport, but recent introductions into the market have made their products real head-turners amongst run club casuals or diehard track nerds. In short, Adidas never really left, but allow them to reintroduce themselves.
Whether it’s one of the best daily trainers on the market, a lightning-fast race day option, or a trail runner that punches well above its price tag, it’s high time to take a look at Adidas’ offerings if you haven’t lately. If you’re not sure where to start, we’ve compiled a list of our seven favorite Adidas running shoes, covering a range of use cases to give you a solid starting point. Whether this is your first dance or you’re a long-term believer looking for a new favorite, we’ve got you covered with our picks.
The Best Adidas Running Shoes, According to GQ
Best Adidas Running Shoe Overall: Adidas Adizero Evo SL Running Shoe
Adidas
Adizero EVO SL Shoes
Ask any runner who’s worn the Evo SL, and you’ll likely hear them gush about it. We can certainly verify that enthusiasm; we’ve tested a few daily trainers throughout this year, and as good as they are, the Evo SL might be our absolute favorite. They’re easily the complete package: smartly priced, super comfortable, lightweight, fun to look at, and high-performing. The trainer’s best feature is its Lightstrike Pro technology, which sits throughout the whole midsole; the fan-favorite superfoam offers plenty of both durability and performance, providing a cushioned ride with plenty of springy return, lending itself quite well to both long and short-distance runs. It’s tough to find a running shoe that’s a competent all-in-one solution, but the Evo SL comes pretty damn close to doing just about all of that. Just thank us after you’ve snagged a pair.
Best Adidas Running Shoe for Race Day: Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 Running Shoes
Adidas
Adizero Adios Pro 4 Shoes
Adidas’ race day shoe is all killer, no filler. The Pro 4 is capable of tackling anything from a 5K through to a marathon with plenty of high-end features rolled into a more accessible package. Fans of the Pro Evo (more on that in a moment) will be happy to know that elements of carbon fiber Energy Rods are present in the Pro 4, giving the shoe a maximum energy return improved by the Lightstrike Pro foam. That’s a bunch of fancy jargon to say that the shoes will help to propel you further and faster on race day (I hit a 5K PR in these during the adidas Roads to Records Event earlier this year) while ensuring you have comfort to match, especially helpful for long-distance runs. Additionally, the upper has a woven feel to it, as if it’s enveloping your foot like the Venom suit does to Spider-Man, but in this instance, that’s a good thing. Quick tip: consider trying a pair in person to see if the heel pinches your ankles (it does for me), and ensure you don’t experience the same issue.
Best Multi-Purpose Adidas Running Shoe: Adidas Adizero Boston 13 Running Shoe
Adidas
Adizero Boston 13 Shoes
If you couldn’t tell by its namesake, the Boston was introduced back in the ’80s as a road-running shoe many slipped on to prep for the famed marathon. Then, in 2010, the Three Stripes reconfigured the shoe to be more of a race-day option. Now the Boston 13 is more of a souped-up daily trainer that’s capable of handling faster speed workouts—it’s pretty well-suited for tempo runs, as well as long runs, too. In fact, it works quite well as a shoe to pack when looking to bring just one shoe on a trip to cover most training needs in one swoop. The Lightstrike foam is a little firmer than, say, the Evo SL, so it might not be the best option for really long training runs if you’re a runner who prioritizes cushioning. Otherwise, the super breathable mesh upper will keep your feet nice and cool while the padded heel ensures you won’t leave your runs without blisters.
Best Entry-Level Adidas Running Shoe: Adidas Supernova Rise 2
Adidas
Supernova Rise 2 Running Shoes
Those looking for a great entry-level running shoe from the Three Stripes should start their search with the Supernova Rise 2. Supportive and light, the shoes are designed for various daily activities, prioritizing comfort. We like that these have a significant amount of cushion to them; the plush feeling is great to keep you on your toes for all kinds of slow and steady miles or as a walking shoe to wear around an office or the neighborhood. Plus, the super ventilated mesh upper further helps with that all-day wearability, ensuring your feet won’t overheat when putting in those steps.
Best Budget Adidas Running Shoe: Adidas Adizero SL2
The most affordable option on this list isn’t a slouch. The Adizero SL2 is another lightweight option, but its combination of Lightstrike foams makes it great to consider for both daily runs and faster-paced track workouts. The speed and agility it provides make it snappy and responsive (again, suitable for a track session) while also yielding good energy return during a longer run. While there’s not quite enough cushion in these to go tens of miles in, these are great to work into the rotation for most sub-ten-mile runs or even a tempo run, making it rather versatile for those looking at getting one shoe that can tackle a few different activities.
Most Comfortable Adidas Running Shoe: Adidas Ultraboost 5 Running Shoes
Adidas
Ultraboost 5 Sneaker
Ah, the Ultraboost. Remember during the peak streetwear days when everyone was rocking a pair of UBs in an attempt to get flicked up during fashion week? While streetwear has evolved a bit in the years since, so have the Ultraboosts, now firmly cementing itself as adidas’ most comfortable running shoe. Thanks to plenty of plush cushion and an overall lighter build, the Ultraboost 5 also features a responsive midsole that’s really flexible, helping to accentuate the glide of your stride. But the best feature might be the Primeknit upper, which is roomy, grippy, and highly breathable. Best suited for easier days, you might feel like you’re gliding along the road, the ease of which is only matched by the high of getting a fit off.
Best Adidas Trail Running Shoes: Adidas Terrex Agravic GTX Running Shoes
Adidas
Terrex Agravic GTX Trail Running Shoes
Trail running shoes can get pricey as you add more features. Which makes sense on paper, given the intense conditions of the trail and all the things a shoe needs to do in order to combat that accordingly. The good news for prospective trail runners is that the Terrex Agravic GTX has just about everything you could want in a trail shoe. The GORE-TEX outer helps to keep out the mess and muck you might encounter on the trail, while the Lightstrike 2.0 midsole and rocker-style shape of the shoe keep you light on your feet and moving forward. The four millimeter lugged tread on the outsole ensures the grip is there even on the wettest of days or slickest of rocks. If you’re looking for a shoe that doesn’t skim on features while ensuring you can push on the most demanding trails, look no further.
