Adidas Runfalcon 2.0 review

Adidas Runfalcon 2.0 review

The Runfalcon 2.0 is a neutral, budget-friendly running shoe from Adidas that looks stylish and can double as a lifestyle shoe. It is great for beginners and casual runners who run no more than 10 miles per run.

Who should buy it

The Runfalcon 2.0 is ideal for:

• beginners and casual runners
• runners who are on a tight budget
• runners who prefer a firmer underfoot feel

Who should NOT buy it

Look away if: 

• you overpronate; Adidas Ultraboost ST offers stability and is in the same walking+jogging realm. 
• you're an experienced runner. This shoe won't meet your needs but other shoes might (for example, Adidas Ultraboost 21 is praised as a great long-distance shoe and Adidas Adizero Adios Pro is super fast and lightweight)

The Runfalcon 2.0 runs large 

For my size of 12.5 US, it ran a wee bit long. My shoe size is between 12 and 12.5, so you may want to size down if you are between sizes like me.

Works best for short and slow runs

After my first run in the Runfalcon 2.0, where I tested various paces (fartlek and tempo), I realized this shoe is best for base runs where you are just trying to eat up some miles during the week. It is not a race day shoe, and trying to run fast in these just isn't going to happen. Slow runs are fine as long as it's not too long of a distance (3 to 10 miles in them per run).

Uninspiring ride

Overall, I would say the ride was basic or even uninspiring. I’m kind of a shoe snob, and after running in shoes with the latest midsole technology, the Runfalcon 2.0 is just meh for me. The midsole is firm, not too firm, but I would like a bit more padding in the forefoot. The EVA is not lively, and you will not feel a lot of bounce or energy return.

However, I think that beginners with no prior knowledge of shoe technologies won't be left wanting more - these will suffice for short daily runs. 

Don’t worry about hotspots and blisters

The step-in feel is comfortable. The lightly padded tongue and heel hug your foot nicely. The upper mesh material is flexible enough to stretch to the foot. I experienced no hotspots, and my feet had no blistering after runs.  

Good lockdown at all times 

I had to use the lace lock to prevent heel slippage. Once I got the lacing figured out, my foot stayed secure in the shoe. 

The padding on the tongue and heel counter helped hold my foot in place. There was no shifting of my foot while cornering. The tongue stays in place nicely thanks to its rounded shape. The tongue hugs the top of your foot in combination with the lace keeper, which prevents any shifting. 

Good to go right out of the box

Many shoes need a break-in period, but these already felt broken in. I don’t believe an adaptation period will be necessary for most people. 

Runfalcon 2.0 doesn't weigh you down

I would not call this a lightweight shoe, but it is not overly heavy. My US men’s size 12.5 weighs 11.3 oz (320g), which is comparable to many daily trainers (average weight 300g). It doesn’t feel heavy on foot, running, or walking. 

Adidas uses a Stretchweb outsole on many of their running shoes, and I think the Runfalcon 2.0 would benefit from this as well, as it would reduce weight without sacrificing traction.  

A few durability concerns

I have not logged enough miles to give a good prediction on how long this shoe will last. Based on the full rubber outsole, I think it is safe to predict at least 300 miles. 

A few concerns:

• The upper may go before the outsole. The mesh material seems thin enough where holes could wear in 
• The midsole is not very resilient, and after a few hundred miles, the EVA material used could feel like a dollar store pair of flip flops.

Dry and wet: the grip is superb

All of my runs with the Runfalcon 2.0 have been on road/concrete surfaces. The grip has been good, and I even got to run in them during some rain and had no issues.

Adidas Runfalcon 2.0 is not breathable at all

Although comfortable, the Sandwich mesh upper is not breathable. This has been very noticeable during my summer runs. My foot did sweat quite a lot, and the shoe was damp after every run.