Adidas Adistar review

Who should buy the Adidas Adistar

If you're any of the following, don't write off the Adistar from Adidas: 

• neutral runners looking for a shoe that's stable and guides the foot
• road runners who want daily trainer with plenty of padding
• runners who want a protective shoe for recovery days and long runs
• heel strikers who want to change their running stride

Who should NOT buy it

Adidas fans who want something lighter and cushier can go for the Adidas Adistar Boost ESM. Alternatively, experts also recommend the Altra Paradigm 6.0 and Hoka Clifton 8 to runners who want a soft yet responsive ride.

And for heel strikers who want a more forgiving rearfoot, opt for the Saucony Triumph 19 instead. 

The Adidas Adistar screams surefooted

Fashioned after the highly stable Adistars of the past, this Adidas Adistar keeps your strides steady and anchored. With a pronounced heel flare and a firm rearfoot cushion, loads of testers claim that it "guides" their feet. 

The midfoot area also has raised sidewalls that prevent excessive rolling inward and outward. And in the forefoot, the base is wide for planted steps. 

Mutes out ground feel

The Adidas Adistar is one heck of a chunky shoe, reported several runners. Because of this, it's an easy pick for days where protection from impact is needed, especially high-mileage efforts. 

Heel strikers, beware! 

This is also because of the firm midsole compound in the heel. It's a double-edged sword. It's "ultra firm" and "brick-like" for heel strikers and stabilizing for midfoot and forefoot strikers. 

Fits just right! 

The upper is very stretchy, almost like those of the early Boosts; it adapts to the shape and size of the foot. According to reviewers, there's no need to lace-lock at all. 

The overlays keep the foot in place. And in the midfoot, the fit is neither too snug nor too sloppy. 

Your toes can splay all they want

It's very roomy, experts say it's close to toe boxes from Altra and Topo. There's ZERO restriction up front. 

Tongue amps up lockdown

It's not gusseted but it does an "excellent" job in tucking the foot in position. Even better, almost everyone agrees that it stays in place through the entire run. 

Built to take a beating

After 30 miles of wear test, there's barely any dent on the shoe's Continental outsole. 

Don't worry about hot weather conditions

The upper is very porous and light, runners say they can feel the air "breeze on their skin." So much so, they highly recommend it for summer runs. 

Cares for the planet

To lessen their impact on the environment, Adidas uses 50% recycled polyester and 50% recycled sea plastic in the upper. 

And don't worry, although it's partially made with plastic, there are NO reports of it being scratchy. 

Clings like claws

Like other Adidas running shoes with Continental rubber, the Adidas Adistar's traction is "top-notch." Commenters say that on icy steps, they feel confident. 

The Adidas Adistar runs dull

Because of the rigid heel, the Adistar has an uninspiring ride. It focuses more on protection and cushion rather than faster strides. 

Clunky ride

Daily trainers, on average, weigh in at 10 oz. or 286 g. (in men's US 9). The Adidas Adistar tips the scales at 11.2 oz or 318 g.