Our verdict

For $60, we think that the Adidas Galaxy 6 is a real steal—unless you're put off by its noticeable weight and lackluster breathability. But if you can roll with these, you're in for some premium perks: generous comfort in the upper, comfy cushioning, amazing stability, and a sleek look—all without breaking the bank. Oh, and we do believe that it's a stellar pick for those just starting their running journey!

Pros

  • Ideal for wide feet
  • Well-padded midsole
  • Comfortable upper material
  • Suitable for winter runs
  • Stable
  • Great for beginners
  • Ideal for easy runs
  • Excellent value

Cons

  • Subpar breathability
  • Excessively heavy

Audience verdict

81
Good!

Who should buy

The Adidas Galaxy 6 stands out in its own unique way. At only $60, we think it's a fantastic pick for budget-conscious runners who crave a well-cushioned and stable shoe. With more than 30 mm of foam in the heel, it offers the softest ride we've seen in a budget-friendly Adidas shoe. Oh, and in our experience, it's also a great choice for those runners with wide feet.

Adidas Galaxy 6

Who should NOT buy

If heavy shoes aren't your thing, you definitely want to avoid the Galaxy 6. It's not just heavy—it can feel like you're dragging your feet when you attempt to pick up the pace. From our tests, the Runfalcon 3 could be a better, lighter and still budget-friendly choice from the Adidas lineup.

Runners living in warmer climates might also want to pass on the Galaxy 6. Its breathability is one of the poorest we've tested, and there are certainly better options available for a similar price point. The Saucony Axon 2, for instance, is a much more breathable alternative.

Adidas Galaxy 6

Cushioning

Heel stack

A significant factor contributing to the weight of this shoe is its high heel stack height. Although, at 33.9 mm, it's seen as pretty standard in today's running shoe world. But it packs a Cloudfoam EVA midsole that is far from being light.

Adidas Galaxy 6 Heel stack
Test results
Galaxy 6 33.9 mm
Average 34.0 mm
Compared to 369 running shoes
Number of shoes
22.5 mm
Heel stack
46.3 mm

Forefoot stack

The forefoot of the shoe is slightly thinner than we would prefer, measuring only 22.9 mm.

Adidas Galaxy 6 Forefoot stack
Test results
Galaxy 6 22.9 mm
Average 25.4 mm
Compared to 369 running shoes
Number of shoes
13.7 mm
Forefoot stack
37.1 mm

Drop

This shoe presents an 11-mm heel-to-toe drop, a characteristic quite typical for Adidas training shoes that usually surpass the 10-mm mark.

Considering this feature, it's evident that this shoe is designed for beginners and heel strikers.

Adidas Galaxy 6 Drop
Test results
Galaxy 6 11.0 mm
Average 8.6 mm
Compared to 369 running shoes
Number of shoes
0.0 mm
Drop
16.1 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

With a softness rating of 22.9 HA, the Cloudfoam midsole is surprisingly cushy for a $60 shoe, which typically offers a firmer ride.

Adidas has been criticized in the past for the firmness of their midsoles in shoes like Lightstrike or other Cloudfoam models. Now, it seems they are fine-tuning this compound to truly deliver a cloud-like feel that lives up to the name.

Adidas Galaxy 6 Midsole softness
Test results
Galaxy 6 22.9 HA
Average 21.2 HA
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 296 running shoes
Number of shoes
8.5 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
38.9 HA

Midsole softness in cold (%)

Next, we left the shoe in the freezer for 20 minutes to simulate winter conditions before taking more measurements in the lab. Regrettably, the shoe became significantly firmer, registering at 31.3 HA.

This marks a 36.6% increase, which is steeper than the average but understandable given the foam is EVA-based.

EVA is the only decent foam that can be used to produce a shoe this affordable. Unfortunately, as we proved, this type of midsole tends to become significantly firmer in cold temperatures.

Adidas Galaxy 6 Midsole softness in cold
Test results
Galaxy 6 37%
Average 26%
Compared to 296 running shoes
Number of shoes
0%
Midsole softness in cold
63%

Insole thickness

It's apparent that the designers at Adidas recognized they were working with a shoe on the heavier side. It seems they chose to trim down on some of that weight by opting for a thinner insole.

We measured this one at 3.8 mm, which is less than the average shoe.

Adidas Galaxy 6 Insole thickness
Test results
Galaxy 6 3.8 mm
Average 4.5 mm
Compared to 365 running shoes
Number of shoes
1.5 mm
Insole thickness
7.3 mm

Size and fit

Size

Adidas Galaxy 6 is true to size (12 votes).

Owners of this shoe, how does this shoe fit?

1 size small ½ size small True to size ½ size large 1 size large
Compared to 316 running shoes
Number of shoes
½ size small
Slightly small
True to size
Slightly large
½ size large

Toebox width - widest part

We measured the widest part of the upper, registering a comfortable 107.2 mm. This clearly signifies that the shoe is an excellent choice for runners with wider feet.

Adidas Galaxy 6 Toebox width at the widest part
Test results
Galaxy 6 107.2 mm
Average 98.5 mm
Compared to 370 running shoes
Number of shoes
91.6 mm
Toebox width - widest part
104.9 mm

Toebox width - big toe

Measuring in at 81.8 mm, the space surrounding the big toe provides ample room. This allows almost any feet the freedom to move and expand, especially during those warm summer runs.

Adidas Galaxy 6 Toebox width at the big toe
Test results
Galaxy 6 81.8 mm
Average 78.4 mm
Compared to 243 running shoes
Number of shoes
67.6 mm
Toebox width - big toe
89.2 mm

Stability

Lateral stability test

If you're on the hunt for an affordable shoe that offers excellent stability, your search is over. The Galaxy 6 remains steady and stable.

Torsional rigidity

A key reason for the excellent stability of the Galaxy 6 is its torsional rigidity. We gave it a 4 out of 5 rating, a score that aligns well with other stability-focused shoes and surpasses the average shoe.

However, there's a trade-off. The shoe may not be as comfortable as you would want for everyday wear.

Test results
Galaxy 6 4
Average 3.3
Compared to 347 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Heel counter stiffness

The heel counter of the Galaxy 6 is notably flexible, earning a rating of just 1 out of 5 from us.

Adidas Galaxy 6 heel

Still, it's worth mentioning that a significant reinforcement wraps around the heel, providing added stability.

Test results
Galaxy 6 1
Average 2.9
Compared to 331 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel counter stiffness
5

Midsole width - forefoot

An integral component in crafting a stable running shoe is a broad landing platform. The Galaxy 6 offers a remarkable forefoot width of 120.3 mm.

This expansive platform is amazing for stability, accommodating every runner with ease, regardless of their arch support requirements.

Adidas Galaxy 6 Midsole width in the forefoot
Test results
Galaxy 6 120.3 mm
Average 114.1 mm
Compared to 370 running shoes
Number of shoes
103.3 mm
Midsole width - forefoot
126.9 mm

Midsole width - heel

The heel area follows suit with a similar design. Measuring 103.7 mm, it is noticeably wider than what you'd find in most other shoes available today.

This extra width further contributes to the overall stability, although it also increases the weight of the shoe.

Adidas Galaxy 6 Midsole width in the heel
Test results
Galaxy 6 103.7 mm
Average 90.7 mm
Compared to 370 running shoes
Number of shoes
73.0 mm
Midsole width - heel
106.6 mm

Flexibility / Stiffness

Adidas designed this shoe with the understanding that most runners would use it for slower paces or easy jogs. Thus, there's no need for an overly stiff ride.

When we conducted our 90-degree bend test, it registered at 21.5N. This places it on the lower end of the stiffness spectrum.

Test results
Galaxy 6 21.5N
Average 28.2N
We use an average of four tests. The video shows one of those tests.
Compared to 352 running shoes
Number of shoes
2.2N
Flexibility <> Stiffness
72.1N

Stiffness in cold (%)

However, the story changes when we put the Galaxy 6 through the same test after 20 minutes in the freezer. The shoe became significantly stiffer in the cold, with a measurement of 36.8N in the same bend test.

This increase of 71.3% is a significant shift and rather disappointing even for a low-priced shoe.

Test results
Galaxy 6 71%
Average 33%
Compared to 352 running shoes
Number of shoes
0%
Stiffness in cold
105%

Weight

What we love of lab testing shoes is that you can't sugarcoat the numbers. This shoe is undeniably heavy.

Weighing in at 11.7 oz (332g) for a US size 9, it isn't a deal-breaker, but we'd be happier if it could get closer to the 10 oz benchmark. Maybe in v7?

Test results
Galaxy 6 11.71 oz (332g)
Average 9.38 oz (266g)
Compared to 370 running shoes
Number of shoes
5.61 oz (159g)
Weight
12.59 oz (357g)

Breathability

If you're dreaming of running through any galaxy with these, you'd better aim with your spaceship for one that's consistently cool. Our state-of-the-art breathability test revealed disappointing airflow. So disappointing, in fact, we only gave it a 2/5 rating.

This score is low, even for a $60 shoe like this one. The budget-friendly price might explain some shortcomings, but we were hoping for at least average performance in this area.

When we shone a light through the upper, it barely let any light through. This explains the mediocre airflow.

Adidas Galaxy 6 micro

But it's under our microscope that the full picture emerges. Adidas opted for a design that includes a thick, dense engineered mesh, effectively destroying the shoe's ventilation. 

Adidas Galaxy 6

On a brighter note, it's important to acknowledge that the poor airflow does bring unparalleled comfort. The Galaxy 6 is not just any ordinary shoe—it's one of the most exceedingly comfortable shoes that we've ever had the pleasure to analyze in the lab. It's padded everywhere!

Test results
Galaxy 6 2
Average 3.8
Compared to 298 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Toebox durability

After handling the upper, we weren't surprised to predict a 1/5 score for this test.

It's a common problem with some engineered mesh uppers—especially ones that are thick and cushy—they simply don't hold up well against abrasion.

Adidas Galaxy 6 Toebox durability
Test results
Galaxy 6 1
Average 2.5
Compared to 232 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Toebox durability
5

Heel padding durability

The heel, being made of the same mesh, fares no better with another disappointing 1/5 score. 

We really wish Adidas had opted for a sturdier material in this area to stand up against the wear some runners subject this part to.

Adidas Galaxy 6 Heel padding durability
Test results
Galaxy 6 1
Average 3.2
Compared to 228 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel padding durability
5

Outsole hardness

While most budget-friendly shoes employ incredibly hard rubber to enhance durability—considering runners don't anticipate high-level grip from a $60 shoe—Adidas chose a different path.

Adidas Galaxy 6 outsole

They've aimed for maximum grip with a softer rubber, which we recorded at just 76.4 HC.

Test results
Galaxy 6 76.4 HC
Average 80.1 HC
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 350 running shoes
Number of shoes
60.3 HC
Outsole hardness
93.0 HC

Outsole durability

Despite the Galaxy 6 not featuring the premium Continental rubber found in the Adistar 2.0, it's admirable how well it stands up to our Dremel durability test.

It certainly proves its worth in terms of resistance, showing off an impressive resilience that we didn't expect.

Adidas Galaxy 6 Outsole durability
Test results
Galaxy 6 1.1 mm
Average 1.0 mm
Compared to 210 running shoes
Number of shoes
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

Given its thickness of 3 mm, we're confident that the outsole should not pose any durability issues.

Adidas Galaxy 6 Outsole thickness
Test results
Galaxy 6 3.0 mm
Average 3.2 mm
Compared to 369 running shoes
Number of shoes
1.0 mm
Outsole thickness
6.0 mm

Misc

Reflective elements

While we can't expect too many features from a shoe that costs $60, the absence of reflective elements is disappointing.

Adidas Galaxy 6 Reflective elements
Test results
Galaxy 6 No

Tongue padding

Given the outstanding weight of the Galaxy 6, we hoped for a lot of padding in the tongue. However, it's only 3.5 mm thick and leans toward the thinner side, which may impact comfort.

Adidas Galaxy 6 Tongue padding
Test results
Galaxy 6 3.5 mm
Average 5.8 mm
Compared to 367 running shoes
Number of shoes
0.5 mm
Tongue padding
14.2 mm

Tongue: gusset type

We wouldn't bet on finding a gusseted tongue in a $60 shoe and Adidas didn't surprise us this time around.

Adidas Galaxy 6 Tongue: gusset type
Test results
Galaxy 6 None

Removable insole

A major plus of the Galaxy 6 is that you can easily remove the insole, as it's not glued at all.

Adidas Galaxy 6 Removable insole
Test results
Galaxy 6 Yes