Adidas Runfalcon review
Lab test
New version:
Runfalcon 2.0
80
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
This shoe has a 10% penalty on its expert reviews because it has fewer than 5 reviews. This is to avoid that shoes with few reviews unjustly receives high scores.
Learn moreVerdict
Pros
- Great value for price
- Lightweight
- Smooth transitions
- Accommodating fit
- Flexible
- Affordable
- Stylish
Cons
- Firm cushioning
- Not for fast runs
Any color
Men
Women
80% say it's true to size.
Amazon
$60$52
Zappos
Running Warehouse
REI
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Similar and cheaper
Rankings
- Top 16% most popular running shoes
Comparison to similar running shoes
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Table of contents Best PricesCoreScoreVerdictProsConsComparisonWho should buy the Adidas RunfalconWho should NOT buy itSmooth and easyThe Adidas Runfalcon is NOT for summerLocked-in fit with no slipsHey there, good lookin'The Adidas Runfalcon is a bust in the comfort arenaThe amount of cushioning is moderateWon't hurt the bankQuality that doesn't disappointThe Runfalcon is so light, it disappearsComplete lab-specs overviewFacts / SpecsPopularity
Overview
Who should buy the Adidas Runfalcon
The Adidas Runfalcon is the perfect match for runners who:
- look for a budget-friendly option to mix for daily runs, walks, and casual wear
- run on roads and other maintained surfaces
- have neutral pronations and don't need any arch support
Who should NOT buy it
If you expect plush cushioning, you can write off the Runfalcon. Consider the Adidas EQ21 or the Adidas Galaxy 5 instead.
And if you want a pair of speed trainers to set new personal bests, check out the Adidas SL20.2.
Smooth and easy
It has the same EVA midsole as the Duramo shoes, and it runs just as seamlessly.
It allows effortless and smooth heel-to-toe transitions, making the ride easy.
The Runfalcon also appears to be pretty flexible. It is 31% more flexible than the average. This also helps in making the heel-to-toe transitions more seamless.
The Adidas Runfalcon is NOT for summer
Although the shoe uses a mesh upper with large perforations, it fails to provide proper ventilation. Thus, it cannot be recommended for summer runs. Look how little smoke passes through the fabric in our breathability test below.
And in our transparency test below, you can see ZERO light passing through the mesh. This is what waterproof shoes normally look like on this test.
Locked-in fit with no slips
The shoe's upper conforms to the shape and size of the foot, stated multiple testers.
On top of this, there's a synthetic cage that locks the foot in place.
And in the rear, there's a heel cup that provides extra stability. Translation: Expect a supportive fit from the Adidas Runfalcon.
Fact check
Feeling the heel counter, we gave it 3 out of 5 on the stiffness scale (5 is the stiffest).
Hey there, good lookin'
A lot admire the "eye-catching" design and colorways of the Adidas Runfalcon.
The Adidas Runfalcon is a bust in the comfort arena
Contrary to how Adidas billed the Runfalcon, critics find its cushioning underwhelming. According to them, it doesn't live up to the comfort required from a long-distance shoe.
Fact check
First, we checked how soft the cushioning is on the Runfalcon. Outs durometer shows that it is right at the average of our lab-tested running shoes (only 3% softer).
Disclaimer: We take 5 measurements with the durometer to make sure we got it right. The photo shows one of the takes.
However, the foam gets significantly firmer when exposed to cold temperatures. We put the shoe in the freezer for 20 minutes and measured the softness again. It got 39% stiffer. This is a bit firmer compared to how other foams react to cold. Those running in chilly conditions may find this insight helpful.
On the bright side, firmer cushioning makes the shoe feel a little bit more stable.
The amount of cushioning is moderate
The Adidas Runfalcon cannot brag with how much cushioning it packs underfoot.
Fact check
The heel stack of the shoe measures at 26.5 mm, which is 6.1 mm thinner than the average. And the heel-to-toe drop turned out to be 1.1 mm lower (8.9 mm) than what the brand claims (10 mm).
Disclaimer: We measure the heel and forefoot stack with insole included. In case of the Runfalcon, the insole is 4 mm thick. For reference, the average is 4.5 mm.
Won't hurt the bank
At $65, the Runfalcon is what we consider an affordable running shoe. The average price of Adidas running shoes is $123, while the average across all running shoe brands is $125.
Quality that doesn't disappoint
A lot of reviewers lauded the Runfalcon for delivering what's expected from an Adidas running shoe.
According to them, it's made of "high-quality" materials; they don't see it wearing out quickly.
The Runfalcon is so light, it disappears
At 9.4 oz, the Adidas Runfalcon is not exactly the lightest on paper. But on foot, everyone is in unison in claiming that it doesn't drag the feet down.
Complete lab-specs overview
| Adidas Runfalcon | Average | |
| Whole shoe |
||
| Weight (g) | 249 | 270 |
| Drop (mm) | 8.9 | 8.3 |
| Flexibility of the shoe (N) | 21.3 | 30.7 |
| Flexibility of the shoe (Freezer 20 min) (N) | 37.8 | 43.0 |
| Flexibility of the shoe (% of change) | 77.9 | 43.4 |
| Longitudinal flexibility (1-5 scale, 5 being the stiffest) | 2 | 3.1 |
| Torsional flexibility (1-5 scale, 5 being the stiffest) | 2 | 3.2 |
| Upper |
||
| Thickness - Tongue (mm) | 4.0 | 5.8 |
| Width Upper - Forefoot (mm) | 94.4 | 98.2 |
| Width Upper - Heel (mm) | 75.0 | 75.3 |
| Flexibility of the heel counter (1-5 scale, 5 being the stiffest) | 3 | 2.8 |
| Tongue: gusset type | none | - |
| Heel: pull tab | none | - |
| Midsole |
||
| Width Midsole - Forefoot (mm) | 109.5 | 111.8 |
| Width Midsole - Heel (mm) | 89.7 | 88.8 |
| Stack - Forefoot with insole (mm) | 17.6 | 24.3 |
| Stack - Heel with insole (mm) | 26.5 | 32.6 |
| Durometer Midsole Heel (Room temperature) (HA) | 26.5 | 27.4 |
| Durometer Midsole - Heel (Freezer 20 minutes) | 36.8 | 34.5 |
| Durometer Midsole - Heel (% of change) (TEST) | 38.7 | 24.9 |
| Outsole |
||
| Outsole thickness (Heel) (mm) | 3.2 | 3.5 |
| Durometer Outsole Heel (Room temperature) (HC) | 81.5 | 80.8 |
| Insole | ||
| Insole Heel Thickness (mm) | 4.0 | 4.5 |
| Insole: removable | yes | - |
Facts / Specs
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