Facts
Road
Shoes best for road, track and light gravel. See the best road shoes.
Trail
Shoes best for trail, off road, mountains and other unstable surfaces. See the best trail shoes.
Good to know
As long as you stick to the road or path, and if you want just one running shoe, buy a road running shoe.
Neutral / cushion / high arch
Shoes for runners who do not need any additional arch support (Around 50% of runners). Best for people with high or medium high arches. See the best neutral shoes.
Stability / overpronation / normal arch
Shoes for runners who need arch support (Around 45% of runners). Best for runners with a normal arch. See the best stability shoes.
Motion control / severe overpronation / flat feet
Shoes for runners who needs a lot of arch support. Best for runners with flat feet. See the best motion control shoes.
Good to know
- Rule of thumb: If in doubt, buy neutral shoes to avoid injuries.
- More about arch support in this video.
- Find your arch type by following steps from this video.
Daily running
Cushioned shoes for your daily easy running. Great comfort. See best shoes for daily running.
Competition
Lightweight shoes good for races, interval training, tempo runs and fartlek. Here are the best competition running shoes.
Good to know
If you want just one pair of shoes, buy a shoe for daily running.
The height difference from the heel to the forefoot, also known as heel drop, toe spring, heel to toe spring or simply drop.
There are many opinions about what a good heel drop is. We do not recommend any in particular. Lean more in this video.
Road
Shoes best for road, track and light gravel. See the best road shoes.
Trail
Shoes best for trail, off road, mountains and other unstable surfaces. See the best trail shoes.
Good to know
As long as you stick to the road or path, and if you want just one running shoe, buy a road running shoe.
Neutral / cushion / high arch
Shoes for runners who does not need any additional arch support (Around 50% of runners). Best for people with high or medium high arches. See the best neutral shoes.
Stability / overpronation / normal arch
Shoes for runners who needs arch support (Around 45% of runners). Best for runners with a normal arch. See the best stability shoes.
Motion control / severe overproanation / flat feet
Shoes for runners who needs a lot of arch support. Best for runners with flat feet. See the best motion control shoes.
Good to know
- Rule of thumb: If in doubt, buy neutral shoes to avoid injuries.
- More about arch support in this video.
- Find your arch type by following steps from this video.
Daily running
Cushioned shoes for your daily easy running. Great comfort. See best shoes for daily running.
Competition
Lightweight shoes good for races, interval training, tempo runs and fartlek. Here are the best competition running shoes.
Good to know
If you want just one pair of shoes, buy a shoe for daily running.
The height difference from the heel to the forefoot, also known as heel drop, toe spring, heel to toe spring or simply drop.
There are many opinions about what a good heel drop is. We do not recommend any in particular. Lean more in this video.
Summary
We spent 7.9 hours reading reviews from experts and users. In summary, this is what runners think:
9 reasons to buy
- Several testers were impressed at how comfortable the Adidas AlphaBounce AMS is.
- The modern look of the shoes was admired by those who love wearing running shoes that can also be worn casually.
- A number of users observed that the materials used for the shoe are of high quality.
- The pull tab and the slight extension of the heel cup were helpful features for a lot of users because it helped them put their feet into the shoe.
- Testers were impressed with the general durability of the shoe.
- The Bounce technology was lauded by testers who wanted more of a firmer feel and a springier rebound when running.
- The inner cushioning is not too plush. According to testers, it provided the right amount of foot stabilization and support.
- Despite the limited color choices, users still applauded the available colorways.
- The shape of the AlphaBounce AMS looks narrow and pointy, but many users observed that there is actually more room in the forefoot than meets the eye.
4 reasons not to buy
- A majority of those who tested the shoe commented that it was not true to size. Users went half or a whole size down to get the right fit.
- The tongue of the Adidas AlphaBounce AMS being sewn on both sides made users feel a little tight at the top of the foot.
- A couple of users remarked that the AlphaBounce AMS was not efficient for long-distance running.
- Testers observed that it took some effort to insert their feet into the shoe because the opening was too narrow.
Bottom line
The Adidas AlphaBounce AMS is a running shoe that’s versatile enough to be an everyday companion, whether one is going to the gym, going for a short run, hiking or going to work. This averagely priced shoe can also be a unique fashion statement with its futuristic design, monochromatic upper pattern and muted, yet stylish colorways.
Rankings
Popularity
Ratings
My Rating
Expert Reviews
Experts are running shoe geeks, who post reviews at youtube, directly at RunRepeat or at their own websites. Each expert is categorized from level 1 to level 5 based on expertise. See stats on expert reviews and how we calculate scores here.
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80 / 100 based on 1 expert reviews
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80 / 100 by Men's Style Pro • Sabir M. Peele • Level 1 expert
The AlphaBounce AMS gets high marks for style, fit, responsive & aesthetics, however; my only issue is that it could be more flexible in the toe box/ball of the foot area.
Updates to Adidas AlphaBounce AMS
- The AlphaBouns AMS is a neutral road running shoe that was inspired by Aramis testing. The Aramis is a motion capture system which is primarily used to better understand the material and component behavior relative to the shoe. It produces accurate information about a component’s shape and its response to strain and deformation.
- The design pattern on the upper of the shoe resembles the image processed by the Aramis system. A previous model with a similar Aramis-inspired look was released in 2016. Compared to that, the Adidas AlphaBounce AMS has color choices that are subtler, giving it a subdued yet contemporary look.
- Instead of the pattern seeming like it’s fading towards the heel on the shoe’s midsole, as with the case of the previous model’s color choice, the Aramis pattern on the Adidas AlphaBounce AMS is focused on the upper, leaving the mid-sole clean and minimal.
- The upper is made up of Forged Mesh material with ridges and perforations strategically placed on the shoe’s forefoot as well as on its lateral sides.
- The heel area contains the three bars logo of Adidas. The molded EVA heel clip is externally visible, as well as a TPU heel counter, which adds more support and protection to the runner. In the same area, you will also find a pull tag attached to the extended heel cup to assist in putting the shoe on.
Adidas AlphaBounce AMS size and fit
The Adidas AlphaBounce AMS comes in standard sizing for both male and female runners. Similar to the size, the shoes come in standard shoe widths for both genders. There are no wide width options for this shoe model.
Outsole
The outsole of the Adidas AlphaBlounce AMS is made of an abrasion-resistant material called adiWEAR. This material is rubbery, non-marking and very durable. It has been formed into circular nubs that have been positioned on different pressure points under the feet. Aside from the nubs, wave patterns have been set to further enhance the traction of the shoes.
Midsole
The midsole of this shoe is made up of Adidas’ infamous Bounce technology. It is a material that provides a springy sensation to every step. The Bounce technology on the AlphaBounce AMS is firm yet responsive, making the running experience feel adaptable.
Lateral ridges found on the upper can also be found on the midsole.
The insoles of the Adidas AlphaBounce AMS are removable. If additional support is needed, as with the case of runners with overpronation, the inserts can easily be replaced with orthotics.
Upper
The FORGEDMESH upper offers both support and a custom fit to the wearer. The stretchy characteristic of the material allows certain areas of the upper to adapt to the shape of the foot as well as the foot’s action with every movement.
The construction of this shoe is sock-like. The inner lining, as well as the tongue, is made of a soft textile that provides a snug fit. Both sides of the tongue are sewn in, simulating the experience of putting on a pair of socks.
As for the lacing system, the AlphaBounce AMS was designed with five eyelets and a lacing system that’s less traditional in pattern. The setup of the lacing system further secures the correct fit of the shoe on the foot.
A molded heel clip is placed in the rear section of the upper unit. It keeps the heel in place and prevents it from accidentally exiting the shoe.
A pull tab in the rear section makes it easier for runners to insert their feet into the shoe.