Adidas Leistung 16 II

90 Great!

Corescore

4.6/5 from 379 users

75/100 from 5 experts

Summary

We spent 7 hours reading reviews from experts and users. In summary, this is what training geeks think:

6 reasons to buy

A significant number of reviewers noted that the Adidas Leistung 16 II offered excellent stability for weightlifting.
The majority of wearers observed that the 25-mm heel height helped them improve ankle mobility and posture during squats.
Most athletes stated that the BOA system worked well and provided a solid lockdown.
A lot of purchasers found the design to be sleek.
The grip of the shoe made some wearers feel as if they were glued to the floor.
Several users appreciated the woven upper for its flexibility.

3 reasons not to buy

The shoe was a bit hot for several users.
Some buyers considered it too expensive.
A few athletes complained that the BOA system failed to deliver total tightness throughout the training session.

Bottom line

Overall, the feedback on the Adidas Leistung 16 II was mixed-to-positive. A significant number of training aficionados felt stable and in control when they exercised in the shoe. An elevated heel, excellent grip, a lockdown fit, and a wide, firm platform made it a solid choice for weightlifting. However, some detractors thought that the product was overpriced compared to similar models on the market.

Summary

We spent 7 hours reading reviews from experts and users. In summary, this is what training geeks think:

6 reasons to buy

A significant number of reviewers noted that the Adidas Leistung 16 II offered excellent stability for weightlifting.
The majority of wearers observed that the 25-mm heel height helped them improve ankle mobility and posture during squats.
Most athletes stated that the BOA system worked well and provided a solid lockdown.
A lot of purchasers found the design to be sleek.
The grip of the shoe made some wearers feel as if they were glued to the floor.
Several users appreciated the woven upper for its flexibility.

3 reasons not to buy

The shoe was a bit hot for several users.
Some buyers considered it too expensive.
A few athletes complained that the BOA system failed to deliver total tightness throughout the training session.

Bottom line

Overall, the feedback on the Adidas Leistung 16 II was mixed-to-positive. A significant number of training aficionados felt stable and in control when they exercised in the shoe. An elevated heel, excellent grip, a lockdown fit, and a wide, firm platform made it a solid choice for weightlifting. However, some detractors thought that the product was overpriced compared to similar models on the market.

Facts

Use

Weightlifting

Workout

Shoes with optimum cushioning, lateral support, and flexibility for daily workouts and studio sessions. See workout shoes

CrossFit

Versatile, low-profile shoes for constantly varied exercises including plyometrics, sprinting, weightlifting, and rope climbing. See CrossFit shoes

Weightlifting

Heavy-duty shoes with a wedge and an elevated heel that create a sturdy platform and promote ankle mobility. See weightlifting shoes

Walking

Shoes for daily wear that ensure a smooth walking gait cycle. Check out walking shoes
Arch support

Neutral

Neutral

For people with normal pronation. Also provide support for high-arched feet with underpronation (excessive outward rolling of the foot). See neutral training shoes

Stability

For people with low-arched or flat feet and moderate overpronation (excessive inward rolling of the foot). See stability training shoes

Motion control

Shoes feature stabilizing technologies for people with severe overpronation. See motion control training shoes

Good to know

Stability and motion control add-ons are uncommon for workout shoes and are never present in CrossFit or weightlifting footwear. They are mostly found in walking shoes where the gait is easier to correct.
Price

$225
Weight

Men: 17oz

Weight

Training footwear typically weighs between 200g and 300g per shoe to accommodate agile workouts. Minimalist trainers go as low as 150g, while weightlifting shoes can go as high as 500g.
Heel to toe drop

Men: 25mm
Heel height

Men: 38mm
Forefoot height

Men: 13mm
Women: 13mm
Width

Men: Normal, Wide
Women: Normal
Release date

Unknown

Show more facts

Rankings

Top 28% overall

Best training shoes

Best Adidas training shoes

Top 43% most popular

Most popular weightlifting training shoes

Expert Reviews

75 / 100 based on 5 expert reviews

Joel "joelxfit" Te

Level 5 expert

70 / 100 | As Many Reviews As Possible

That's not to say that these shoes cannot be used at a high-skill level, they're just not my cup of tea.
Jake Boly

Level 4 expert

76 / 100 | BarBend

To conclude, if you’re a fan of the BOA system, like a higher heel, and don’t mind spending a little extra money, then the Adidas Leistung 16 IIs may be your perfect fit.
R

Robbie Hudson

Level 2 expert

90 / 100 | BoxRox

This new edition improves and refines a model that has already broken many world records, and operates and delivers excellence at the highest levels in the sport.
J

Joe Taylor

Level 2 expert

85 / 100 | Joe Taylor - CrossFit Blog

I can’t recommend these as a workout shoe, but do recommend them solely for weightlifting.

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2018 UPDATES. The shoe is offered with a new upper made of structured mesh. It is meant to give a more comfortable fit and be more agreeable to breaking-in.
2017 UPDATES. The new version features a more understated design as well as more subdued color schemes. A solid synthetic leather cover of the previous version has been replaced by a woven synthetic material called Powerweave. The BOA closure has been altered too. Instead of serving as the principal lockdown mechanism, it functions only as a medial strap. The lacing system has been added for enhanced support. The platform of the new shoe still uses a non-compressible TPU wedge to provide stability for weightlifting. It also inherited the 25-mm heel height to optimize the body position for a better squat performance.

The Adidas Leistung 16 II utilizes a rubber outsole to shield the platform against abrasion. The rubber has a textured design which ensures all-around traction.

The outsole extends past the upper in the forefoot and heel sections to provide a wider pressing surface. It is also flat to ensure a stable and planted stance.

The Leistung 16 II features a non-compressible TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) heel wedge. Its purpose is to deliver a sturdy and durable base for the foot. It raises the heel height to 25 mm. A higher heel-to-toe drop helps athletes to achieve better hip and ankle mobility during squats. However, such elevation may not be appropriate for entry-level weightlifters as well as for those who do a lot of powerlifting. In these cases, it may be more beneficial to go with shoes like Adidas Power Perfect 3 which has a 19-mm heel height and also comes at a cheaper price point.

The external part of the TPU extends to the upper, forming a cradle for the heel. The walls of this structure help in keeping the foot in place when lifting weights.

A drop-in insole provides minimal cushioning. It can be removed for an even firmer underfoot feel.

The Adidas Leistung 16 II can be found in two variations of the upper: the woven Powerweave and the structured mesh. The Powerweave is a synthetic woven material with a texture similar to carbon fiber. It aims to deliver a strong, yet flexible support throughout the training session. The spaces between the weaves breathe air into the foot chamber, keeping it ventilated.

Another model makes use of structured mesh. Despite its seemingly soft texture, it is a sturdy material which gives the foot structured support. It is also made to be broken-in and conform to the shape of the wearer's foot more comfortably.

The upper is reinforced with synthetic overlays in the critical areas for added structure and support.

The micro-adjustable BOA Closure System is utilized to secure the midfoot. It consists of steel laces, low-friction lace guides, and a regulating dial, which tighten the straps on the lateral and medial sides.

A traditional lacing system secures the rest of the foot. It also features an extra pair of eyelets on the collar for additional ankle support.

Comparison