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 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 6.4 hours reading reviews from experts and users. In summary, this is what sneaker fanatics think:
10 reasons to buy
- This shoe’s minimalistic yet trendy design was well-received by many Adidas fans.
- The majority of the reviewers mentioned that the NMD_R2 lived up to their expectations and was highly recommended.
- Most purchasers, including buyers who suffer from joint and back pains, were impressed with the super comfortable in-shoe feel the shoe offered. Others noted that the shoe even felt comfortable right out of the box.
- Those who have tried this sneaker for long walks and light hikes as well as gym training, squatting and weightlifting, were happy with its performance.
- This versatile and stylish sneaker can be worn day and night and on any occasion, some remarked.
- The shoe was light, flexible and bouncy, based on some reviews.
- Nearly all thought this sneaker was easy to slip on and off.
- Compared to other NMDs, the R2, sold at $130, was considered reasonably priced by a few purchasers.
- Some liked the detailing on the sneaker’s heel.
- The shoe looked better in person than online, a couple of buyers observed.
8 reasons not to buy
- When it came to comfort, a small number disclosed they liked the NMD_R1’s in-shoe feel better than this iteration.
- Some thought the shoe’s size runs smaller than expected.
- A few revealed that this sneaker was not recommended for wide-footed consumers due to its slightly tight and narrow fit.
- Based on a couple of reviews, the shoe, especially the Boost midsole got dirty easily. The midsole was also difficult to clean.
- Most dissatisfied buyers complained about the block located on the medial side, stating that it felt uncomfortable and caused blisters.
- The NMD_R2 failed to provide proper arch support, not many noticed.
- Less than a handful griped about the shoe’s quality stating that the PK tore after a few uses. The sole and striping fell apart quickly and the inner lining creased easily, a few also noted.
- Compared to other NMDs, this model was not as breathable, others advised.
Bottom line
To date, the NMD line is considered the most popular out of all Adidas’ collections. Composed of a variety of lifestyle footwear that boasts modern aesthetics and groundbreaking tech, its hype continues to grow.
The NMD_R2 possess the overall look of its predecessor, the NMD_R1. Featuring the iconic Primeknit and Boost technology, it is known not only for its superior comfort but also for its sock-like fit. The signature NMD midsole blocks, however, were removed on this iteration and were replaced by a bigger midsole plug which can be found on the shoe’s medial side.
It is notable that the updates made on this version earned varying opinions from the brand’s fans. Some were pleased with the changes stating that it greatly improved the shoe’s cushioning and overall fit. Others, however, felt the exact opposite. Regardless, a good number remains loyal to the product for its versatility, good looks and premium comfort.
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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Adidas NMD_R2 History
Since the invention of the Primeknit and Boost, people just can’t get enough ot it. As proof of its popularity, many Adidas’ creations, whether new or old, have adopted these technologies, the NMD included.
The NMD, short for “Nomad”, made an appearance in December 2015, the same year when other tech-filled creations were launched. These included the Tubular and Yeezys. All of which were products of Nic Galway, VP of Global Design, and his team’s divergent thinking.
Interestingly, designers of the NMD also had to dig through their archives and adopt the design of three Adidas models namely the Boston Super, Rising Star and Micro Pacer. All had a silhouette that was considered ahead of its time.
“Nomads” are commonly referred to a person or a group of people who frequently travel from one place to another. In order to travel stress-free, nomads would have to bring just the essentials. True to its name, the NMD is a type of casual footwear that has been stripped down of any excess weight only to feature functional parts.
This minimalistic approach to designing shoes led to the creation of the NMD_R1, the first model developed under the NMD line. This low-top sneaker combined the Primeknit upper and the Boost sole. Fans addicted to these innovations greeted its entrance with much enthusiasm. In fact, this shoe instantly sold out without the need for real celebrity endorsements.
The production of the NMD R2 followed a year after. A few minor updates were made in order to enhance the shoe’s fit and feel. This includes the removal of the NMD plugs found on the lateral side of this shoe and the addition of a big midsole block on its medial side.
This rendition, however, is not as popular as its sibling. It has earned its fair share of rave reviews as well as criticisms. Adidas, nevertheless, continues their pursuit of excellence. Confident that these models have the potential of becoming future classics.
Adidas NMD_R2 Style
On the lookout for a versatile footwear that can keep up with your nomad-like lifestyle? Search no further.
Created with everyday living in mind, the brand made sure that the NMD_R2 had a minimalistic design that would look great in various types of outfits. Leggings, t-shirt dresses, jeans and shorts included.
Moreover, it is lightweight and multi-functional, not to mention, ultra comfortable, making it an ultimate travel essential. With this shoe, people always on the go need not worry about carrying any unnecessary weight or excess baggage.
Fit & Sizing
Built with a stretchy and breathable Primeknit upper, expect this stunning creation to keep your feet comfortable and happy all day long while providing adequate support.
The NMD_R2 is available for all genders. Commonly fitting true to size, men’s shoes range from sizes 4-14 while women’s versions are offered in sizes 5-11. Both are released in Medium width.
Notable Features
Common to all NMD shoes, this version features the iconic Primeknit upper and Boost midsole. The former offering adaptive fit and the latter providing responsive cushioning. To complete the look, a molded EVA midsole block is added on the NMD_R2’s medial side. This also improves the shoe’s cushioning and stability.
Additional Info
- The sneaker’s structure is improved with the help of the heel patch and the medial quarter panel. The quarter panel can either be made of nubuck or jersey, depending on the colorway. The heel patch’s look may also vary.
- A heel pull tab is added for easy slip on and off.
- The shoe’s sock liner is made of leather. Some feature a camouflage print.
- Durable rubber outsole provides reliable grip and traction.
- Shoe’s interior can either be lined with all-textile or a mixture of synthetic and textile.
- Some colorways’ feature an engineered graphic upper.
- The plastic eyelets, previously present on the NMD_R1, are removed on this iteration.
- Secure and snug fit is achieved with the help of the shoe’s traditional lacing system, which includes flat laces.
- The famous three-stripe logo can be found on the shoe’s lateral and medial side.
- Adidas branding can also be located on the tongue and outsole.
- A version called the NMD_R2 Primeknit is also available. This model features a sock-like stretchy collar and is sold at a higher price.