Summary
We spent 6.4 hours reading reviews from experts and users. In summary, this is what sneaker fanatics think:
9 reasons to buy
- This Adidas NMD_R2’s minimalistic yet trendy design was well-received by many Adidas fans.
- Most purchasers, including buyers who suffer from joint and back pains, were impressed with the super comfortable in-shoe feel the Adidas NMD_R2 offered on feet.
- 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 of the Adidas NMD_R2 reviews.
- Nearly all thought this sneaker was easy to slip on and off.
- Compared to other Adidas NMDs, the Adidas NMD_R2, are 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.
3 reasons not to buy
- When it came to comfort, a small number have disclosed that they liked the NMD_R1’s in-shoe feel better than this iteration.
- Most dissatisfied buyers have complained about the block located on the medial side, stating that it feels uncomfortable and causes blisters.
- Compared to other NMDs, this model is not as breathable, others have advised.
Bottom line
Labeled under Adidas Originals, the NMD_R2 possesses the unmistakable look of an Adidas NMD silhouette. Featuring the Primeknit and Boost technology, it delivers superior comfort and sock-like fit.
The signature NMD midsole blocks, however, are removed on this iteration and are replaced by a bigger midsole plug on the medial side. While some are pleased with the changes as it significantly improved the shoe’s cushioning and overall fit, others have remained faithful to its predecessor, the NMD_R1.
Facts
| Top: | Low |
|---|---|
| Inspired from: | Running |
| Collection: | Adidas NMD |
| Closure: | Laces |
| Designer: | Nic Galway |
| Material: | Knit, Rubber Sole |
| Technology: | Boost |
| Season: | Spring, Summer |
| Features: | Breathable |
| Price: | $130 |
| Colorways: | Beige, Black, Blue, Brown, Green, Grey, Orange, Pink, White |
| Special editions: |
Rankings
Expert Reviews
Experts are sneaker fanatics, 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.
Are you an expert? Apply to contribute here.
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 Adidas NMD_R2 shoes are available for both sexes.
On the lookout for versatile footwear that can keep up with your nomad-like lifestyle? Search no further.
The Adidas NMD_R2 radiates the sleekness of its brother model R1 and tones down its facade by a notch. The famous bumper inserts on the lateral sides are stripped out, employing a slicky-slimy, unencumbered Ultraboost tooling to which one can boast for.
Created with everyday living in mind, the brand made sure that the Adidas NMD_R2 women’s sneaker had a minimalistic design that would look great in various types of outfits. Leggings, t-shirt dresses, jeans, and shorts included.
Moreover, the Adidas NMD_R2 men’s shoe 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.
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.
Initially, the men’s and women’s Adidas NMD_R2 casual shoes were released in a Primeknit construction, visible with the sock-like form and elastic entry at the collar. Eventually, subsequent versions closed out the seams of the collar to give a more sturdy and sporty look. Aside from that, it also provides a distinctive feature to further classify if the said iteration is of the Primeknit type or other materials like knitted-mesh.
Adidas NMD_R1 vs. NMD_R2
From the looks of it, the noticeable difference between the Adidas NMD_R1 and the R2 is the positioning of bumper inserts. It is more prevalent in the R1, on the lateral side specifically, while the Adidas NMD_R2 contains one Lego block on the medial portion of the sneaker. Eight uneven diagonal notches are featured on the outer panel of the R2 on the heel area.
There are also discrepancies between both of the shoe’s outsoles. The NMD_R1 has a different toe and heel tread which features lugs on the former and concentric semi-circles on the latter. The Adidas NMD_R2 utilizes parallel lines for its traction in the toe and heel area.
Since the invention of the Primeknit and Boost, people just can’t get enough of 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 Adidas Tubular and the Adidas 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 as 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 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.
The colorways
The world wasn’t ready when the Adidas NMD_R2 was first released on December 3, 2016. The inexplicable hype from the earlier NMD_R1 has not died yet and releasing a promising follow-up was a bold move, even for a global conglomerate like Adidas. Nevertheless, the general reception was still outstanding, and the R2 received an equally heartwarming welcome from its fans.
The very first incarnation of the Adidas NMD_R2 was in the form of a Primeknit upper. As mentioned earlier, the sneaker’s December 2016 launch unveiled two striped versions of the silhouette. The Adidas NMD_R2 Black and Olive Green were the colorways that debuted the sneaker’s existence. The black and charcoal were eventually named as “Trace Cargo.”
Both of the shoes contain random striping across its Primeknit upper with a sock-like collar which doubles as a tongue. Eventually, this iteration would become another model of the R2 franchise and would be dubbed the Adidas NMD_R2 PK (Primeknit). To spurt out more flair to its overall chicness, the outsoles for both shoes were made to match the pigment on its uppers.
It took several months before Adidas realized that the NMD_R2 needs a dainty makeover. The Adidas NMD_R2 was seen in white on April 2017 re-embellishing the same stripe pattern as the OG release but now in tonal cues. Breaking the clean look is a red outsole and pull tab at the heel. Heck, even the delicate Three Stripes accents on the sides are drenched in white.
Of course, a prim silhouette displaying a tint with the presence of all colors has a counterpart in the absence of light. The Adidas NMD_R2 in Core Black was simultaneously dropped in April showcasing the same design elements of etched striping on the upper with a complementing red outsole and heel loop. Leather was used for the tongue and heel patches which display Adidas Originals branding.
The White Mountaineering collab with the R2’s was probably one of the colorways that stood out the most. First teased in the Spring/Summer 2017 Collection, the White Mountaineering x Adidas NMD_R2 features a decorative white Three Stripes branding on the forefoot and a revamped lace-up enclosure. It was generally released later that year in two different color tones of black/white and olive.
Dipping the Adidas NMD_R2 in black was probably the next big thing that the German-brand did after a year since it was introduced. The Adidas NMD_R2 debuts in a Triple Black colorway covering the whole part of the shoe in black, including the sole and laces. The only outliers are the heel-loops which showcase a white print. For the more scrutinizing ‘heads, the Triple Black colorway is a Primeknit edition.
- 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 Adidas NMD_R2 has several pink versions including Wonder Pink, Linen, and Ash Pink.
- 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.
- The “R” in Adidas NMD_R2 stands for "runner."
