Adidas Solar Boost

A few years ago, Adidas released the first Solar Boost, a road running shoe designed for neutral runners.

Now, the new Adidas Solar Boost has a street-ready design packed with innovative technologies designed for long distance runs. It also offers responsive cushioning and precision support.

What’s new with the Adidas Solar Boost?

One of the updates of the Adidas Solar Boost is the Tailored Fiber Placement (TFP). It is specifically placed in the midfoot for added stability and secure fit.

The Solar Propulsion Rail is also placed in the midsole of the Adidas Solar Boost which is designed for increased stability. It aids the foot to move more naturally, reducing pressure and fatigue miles after miles.

Technologies and design

Upper

• Tailored Fiber Placement (TFP) – Sewn into the neoprene upper of the Adidas Solar Boost is the Tailored Fiber Placement. It is made from thousands of threads stitched together to provide midfoot support and enhanced fit.
• TechFit – The TechFit overlays deliver adaptive fit without affecting the flexibility of the upper and the weight of the shoe.
• FitCounter – Heel’s FitCounter offers improved fitting without compromising natural foot motion.

Midsole

• Boost Technology – One of the notable midsole technology from Adidas which is designed to deliver responsive, long-lasting cushioning. The Boost absorbs impacts efficiently for a smoother running transition.
• Solar Propulsion Rail – Working together with the Boost technology, the Solar Propulsion Rail helps the foot to move naturally, increasing stability all throughout the run.

Outsole

• Continental Rubber Outsole – Widely known as durable outer sole material, the Continental rubber offers dependable traction on varied surfaces. It also offers added flexibility without affecting the shoe’s overall cushioning.

Performance of the Adidas Solar Boost

Cushioning. The shoe uses the Boost Technology and as usual, the technology works efficiently in providing a more responsive and smoother ride on the roads. The cushioning absorbs the shock during landing and it offers a powerful toe-off. The Solar Propulsion Rail technology is also effective in providing stability for a more satisfying run.

Traction. The Adidas Solar Boost offers high-level of grip on varied running surfaces. Aside from being durable, the Continental Rubber Outsole also offers traction, flexibility and added cushioning.

Fit and durability

Durability. I admired the overall sturdiness of the Adidas Solar Boost. The shoe is made from high-quality, premium materials, from the upper to the bottom.

The neoprene looks good as new even after several miles of running. The Continental rubber also offers impressive durability as well as the Tailored Fiber Placement which offers structural durability.

Fit. The fit of the shoe is a bit annoying. There is no enough room in the toe box. It is not constricting but not enough for the toes to move comfortably.

The midfoot area felt tight because of the stitched threads. Unfortunately, it gave too much pressure on my foot.

Comfort and breathability

Breathability. The neoprene material in the upper is durable but it is not breathable. There are no enough perforations for the air to pass through.

It also gives the foot a warm environment, especially in hot weather. Compared to a mesh material found in some of my Adidas running shoes, the neoprene is less breathable.

Comfort. The smooth internal fabric lining of the Adidas Solar Boost offers a very comfortable in-shoe feel. It feels so smooth on the skin but unfortunately, there are other factors to consider in determining the overall comfort that this running shoe provides.

Since the fit in the forefoot is a bit narrow and the threads in the midfoot put pressure on my foot, I think this shoe is not as comfortable as I expected it to be.

Review summary

Pros

• Street-ready design
• Lightweight
• Responsive cushioning
• Durable
• Roomy toe box
• Traction is impressive

Cons

• Tight fit in the midfoot area
• The upper is not breathable
• Expensive shoe

Conclusion

Overall, I think the new Adidas Solar Boost is a successful release because the cushioning is very responsive, durable, and light. It also succeeds in delivering a more precise midfoot fit through the Tailored Fiber Placement.

The tight fit can be addressed by getting a larger size. Despite the breathability issue, I would still recommend the shoe because of its overall performance and good-looking design.

The Adidas Solar Boost uses the famous Adidas Boost technology that utilizes little compressed round pellets to propel you forward. This together with a completely new upper and some NASA inspired technology forms the basis for the new Adidas Solar Boost.

The Solar Boost is a neutral running shoe with moderate cushioning. It has a forefoot stack of 22 mm and a heel stack of 32 mm, which makes the offset 10 mm. It is a road and easy trail shoe and comes in more neutral colors as well as some more flashy ones.

First Impression

Initially, the Solar Boost didn’t feel that comfortable to walk around in and even the first few kilometers felt a bit strange since it initially felt a bit like a stability shoe.

However, the Solar Boost is actually a neutral running shoe and I quickly got used to running in it. The Solar Boost does not require a lot of breaking in. After a while, the Solar Boost felt like a neutral shoe with a bit of added stability around the midfoot.

Upper

The front of the shoe is made of a thick kind of mesh that is very flexible and feels a bit like a thick sock. It has some plastic overlays added to it to give the toe box a bit more structure. The toe box is surprisingly spacious, but you do not slide around in it.

I have a pretty wide forefoot and I had enough space in the toe box, which I appreciated. Even though the toe box is not very high, the material is stretchy and flexible enough to compensate, making it a very comfortable toe box. However, I did not find the mesh very breathable, which makes for a bit of a hot shoe.

The midfoot cage of the upper wraps nicely around your foot in quite a firm way in order to give the shoe more stability. The cage is partially made from Parley plastic (Parley is a company that upcycles plastic they get out of the ocean), which I think is a plus.

The heel counter is actually made up out of two parts in order to still give support, but also to allow your Achilles to move better within the shoe in between the two heel cups. The back of the shoe is higher to make it easier to put the shoe on and to make sure you don’t slip out at the back.

Midsole

The midsole is the most important part of this shoe. The midsole is for 85% made up out of the Adidas Boost material, which are round little pellets compressed together and which looks a bit like styrofoam (luckily, it doesn’t make the same squeaky sound). It does not deteriorate as fast as EVA foam and should give a good energy return as well as be responsive.

The midsole doesn’t feel super plush, but it does feel quite cushiony while running. It is very responsive, especially when you toe off. However, since the midsole and outsole both aren’t very thick you are able to feel the surface underneath your feet quite well.

Outsole

The outsole is made of a web-like pattern of rubber underneath the shoe. It is just a thin layer of Continental rubber (yes, like the rubber on the tires of your car). It does give sufficient grip while running on the road or through a city but won’t help you much on technical trails.

Sizing

I found that I could wear my standard size with the Adidas Solar Boost and did not need to go a size up or down.

Conclusion

I was pleasantly surprised by the Adidas Solar Boost. Initially, I had my doubts about the cushioning and the stability of this shoe, but in the end, I found this shoe to be really comfortable.

It would not be my go-to shoe for those long slow runs, but I did enjoy running in them for shorter runs around the city.

It’s a nicely responsive shoe with moderate cushioning and the toe box is nice and roomy, although the materials used are a little too hot for those summer runs.

As long ago as 1924, Adolf (Adi) Dassler and his brother Rudolf, began building sports shoes at home. Eventually, they formed the Gebrüder Dassler Schuhfabrik (Brothers Dassler Shoe Factory) in the small Bavarian Mittel Franken, town of Herzogenaurach, Germany.

Adidas shoes went to the Olympics for the first time in 1932 and, later helped Jesse Owens win 4 Gold medals; all while setting both World and Olympic Records in the 1936 Berlin Olympics.

The shoe that is the subject of my review today is the Adidas Solar BOOST; a very well-constructed, medium weight, road running shoe.

The Solar BOOST is listed as a neutral running shoe; however, with its Torsion System and arch wrapping support…I say that this model blurs the distinction between Stability and Neutral.

This model may indeed become the Swiss Army Knife of running shoes!

Outsole

From the AUTOBAHN to MARATHON, Continental is very well known for their tires. They also make the outsoles used in this very model of Adidas.

These outsoles are optimistically thin, which obviously saves weight.

This part of the shoe sets a new standard for durability; with some runners reporting running over 750 miles in Continental outsoles and, with little noticeable wear.

Midsole

The heart of this Adidas, is truly a world-class design and, it uses a substance called BOOST foam to achieve this fame.

BOOST foam, I discovered, is made from a TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) that is not simply cut from a solid block of foam, but is composed of individual pellets as well. 

These pellets are molded while under pressure and, with steam, partially keep their original shape after leaving the mold. The resulting BOOST technology provides durability, cushioning, and a rebound that is hard…if not impossible to match.

Upper

These uppers really deserve the term "Engineered” mesh. The forefoot has multiple narrow overlays running across it, with a thin internal toe cap added to keep the shape of the front end.

These uppers are built with a yarn that features Parley Ocean Plastic™ and, are made from recycled plastic waste. Better in the shoes than in the world's oceans…bravo adidas!

There is an internal bootie that adds a second layer of durability to the forefoot, something I greatly appreciate. I have had my toes wear through many other models.

The internal bootie runs from the tip of your toes to the rear sides of the tongue. This provides extra comfort and, tempts me to consider running sans socks.

The forefoot material is compliant to the shape of your foot, and all those multiple narrow overlays assure that the original shape is maintained.

At midfoot, there is a generously woven saddle extending from the midsole arch and, going up to meet the laces…anchoring your foot securely. The three stripe logo, on the lateral side of each shoe, helps with support and, looks cool.

The collar extends upwards in the back, making it easy to grab while you are inserting your foot. This is an excellent feature…as you cannot easily insert your foot without mashing the collar.

The Run

Running in these shoes has been very enjoyable. They seemed to open up a new level of excitement for me. I am totally pleased with the performance. They actually excelled in every category that I could think of, comparable to my Nike Structure 21. See review here.

My first run was my usual 7-mile hilly route, at 43 degrees F. There was no wind, and immediately, I noticed that the forefoot was very airy…a very pleasant feature for runners during the summer months. The big news, however, was in the bounce…it was an enjoyable and lively feeling.

I think that the outsole is helping to provide some of the energy return by stretching, and them releasing energy, at the end of the gait cycle. Working together in unison, with the BOOST foam, this provides a snappy and responsive ride.

My longest run in these shoes, thus far, has been a slow 11-mile tour of the local hills. I must admit, the comfort on this longer run seemed to be on par or, even better than, any of the Asics models and their patented Gel.

The SOLAR BOOST does not feel as heavy as the scale indicated; perhaps that is due to the energy return.

The outsole doesn't pick up rocks and, the laces do stay tied…there is almost no heel slippage. The winter socks that fit so well in my Nike Structure 21s are a bit too tight in the Solar BOOST…making this Adidas a true summertime, sunshine shoe.

A thought

Running in this model of Adidas shoes will make you feel as if you were running in the shadow of the great Norwegian marathoner Greta Waitz and, you couldn't be in better company!

Economics

As quickly as many of us go through running shoes…our yearly costs can soon become something we might not want to think about.

However, by considering the durability of the BOOST foam-Continental outsoles, you will likely find them to be a more affordable alternative than less expensive shoes, such as the Brooks Ghost. See my review of the Ghost here.

Specifications

Pros

• Great cushioning
• Excellent transition
• Terrific responsiveness
• Superb workmanship
• Unequaled durability
• Fantastic traction
• No false claims in advertisements

Cons

• No reflectors
• Tongue could be padded better
• Ankle hits top of collar for some of us

Conclusion

Running is a science of physics and physiology and, running shoes are simply the tools that are used in that discipline. The Boost midsole and its Continental outsole are years ahead of most of the competition.

If you have a favorite brand of shoe or color you like best, it may serve you to put those thoughts aside. You owe it to yourself to try the Adidas Solar Boost and, when you do, you'll know what I am talking about.

Thanks for reading... see you at the starting line!

I opened the box and, wondered what our friends from Herzogenaurach have been up to.

I had been expecting more of a lifestyle-running shoe, something more like the Brooks Revel. However, I was surprised and pleased to discover a pair of the most serious, and competent looking, road running shoes that I have ever seen.

Initial Thoughts 

• Looks like a neutral shoe, with a touch of stability.
• Miami-Vice retro colors…so many colors in one shoe!
• Only 10 lace eyelets on each shoe (instead of 14).
• Obviously, lots of engineering went into this shoe.
• Typical German attention to detail.
• Wow, I had continental tires on my Volkswagen…now they are on my shoes!
• I wonder if these stripes are reflective, thinking of safety.
• These things must be very expensive to build.
• Is there enough toe box height?
• Adidas doesn't follow a cookie-cutter approach; these shoes actually dare to be different.

First Fit

These shoes offer a really smooth interior, with a wide toe box and, even though the toe box height is a bit low.

The material was so compliant to the shape of my foot; that the actual height didn't matter.

Outsole

From AUTOBAHN to MARATHON!

The outsole rubber is optimistically thin, the famously durable, Continental rubber makes up the outsole and, is said to be good for 500 or more miles of road running wear and, I intend to find out.

Midsole

This shoe proves my theory that the midsole is the heart of any running shoe. With BOOST at work and EVA forming support rails, (Adidas may have a more formal product name for them) along either side, leading back to an external heel counter, which is a thin two-piece hard plastic component.

There is a clever plastic piece called, the "Torsion System," running forward from under the arch and, forward along both sides of the forefoot. This “Torsion System” also extends to the rear along the medial edge of the heel and, provides extra stability.

Upper

Not simply a single piece of mesh; this upper really deserves the term "Engineered” mesh. The forefoot has multiple narrow overlays running across it with a thin internal toe piece added for structure.

There is an internal bootie that conforms to the shape of your feet, running from the tip of the toes to the rear sides of the tongue, providing a comfortable and durable forefoot.

The forefoot material is compliant to the shape of your foot, and the multiple narrow overlays assure they return to their original shape.

At midfoot, there is a generously woven saddle extending from the midsole to the arch and up towards the laces; serving to anchor your foot in place.

The collar extends upward in the back, making it easy to grab when you are inserting your foot.

On The Run

I didn't know how bad things were until I tasted the BOOST!

No, I didn't exactly eat my new Adidas midsoles, but I did get a taste of what has got to be the most resilient foam ever dreamed up and, if they were edible, they would taste like the finest Lasagna from the very finest old world Italian restaurant. 

I love these shoes; I may put my Nike Structure 21 away, with the winter socks, until next winter.

First run was my usual 7-mile hilly route, at 43 degrees F; there was no wind. Initially, I noticed that the forefoot was airy, but the big news was in the bounce…it was an enjoyable and lively feeling.

My ankles did touch the collar on uneven roadways. However, I am going to ignore this and, rather than putting an insert under my heel, and risk maligning the character of this shoe.

I am looking forward to getting in many more miles with these shoes.

The outsole doesn't pick up rocks and, the laces do stay tied… there is no heel slippage. The quality of material and workmanship appears to be very high.

Size

12 D U.S. / 46.5 E.U. / 11.5 U.K. / J.P. 300.

A complete review with, a total listing of specifications will follow, here on RunRepeat.

The new, colorful Adidas Solar Boost initially appears to be a stability running shoe. But the seeming medial post is actually there to stabilize the heel during running.

Moreover,  it also has the appearance of a light trail running shoe with an outsole that’s flared at the front of the shoe and excess rubber that extends beyond the heel at the rear. However,  it’s not a stability shoe or a light trail shoe, it’s a neutral running shoe.

The Solar Boost weighs 8.95 ounces and feels light on the road. It has a 10mm heel drop and offers the same midsole found on the Adidas UltraBoost.

To me, the Solar Boost feels like a cross between the PureBOOST DPR performance trainer and the Adizero Tempo 9.

It feels low to the ground, like the PureBOOST DPR – deconstructed performance racer, and yet offers the same rebound properties delivered by the Tempo 9.

The Solar Boost provides nice, bouncy responsiveness no matter what the surface; concrete, asphalt or a light trail road with dirt and crushed gravel.

As usual, the Continental Tire rubber outsole provides legendary grip which makes for fun runs on light trails.

The Solar Boost is as stable as needed by the great majority of runners and one of its strengths is a mid-foot Torsion System shank.

The shank provides a sense of structure at both low and high speeds – which is why they are often found in premium racing flats, and it ensures that the shoe never feels flimsy.  As per Adidas, the Torsion System shank provides for smooth landings and midfoot-support at push-off.

The key feature of the Solar Boost is an upper with what Adidas calls Tailored Fiber Placement (TFP) technology.

The TFP upper holds the foot securely in place while not causing discomfort for the top or sides of the foot. I found the fit on the Solar Boost to be reminiscent of a well secured flat, but without being tight. And there’s no irritating pressure on the top of one’s feet.

Is the Solar Boost snug?

Yes. Some will be able to run in their usual running shoe size; but fortunately, I received a sample that was a full size up from my walking shoe size. The fit was perfect; a smaller size might have been uncomfortable on a longer run during which feet may experience some swelling.

Note that the Solar Boost comes with a large, thick insole that reduces the available foot volume. I removed it immediately and replaced it with a racing flat insole. This switch made for a more comfortable fit.

Having wider, non-narrow feet is not an issue with the Solar Boost. As Adidas notes, the shoe is “built on a wider last for a more accommodating fit.” This is a positive development. Let’s hope that some other running shoe companies follow suit!

The Solar Boost will be available on May 17, 2018, and will retail for $160.00.

While I was limited in the time I could spend in this new model, it quickly grew on me like a new favorite song. (As with a new tune, one may not immediately bond with it but its attributes become apparent pretty quickly.)

The Solar Boost is a comfortable, protective, responsive and durable trainer.

Intrigued?

Stay tuned for two detailed, comprehensive reviews of the Adidas Solar Boost that will appear in the near future on RunRepeat.

The Adidas Solar Boost was comfortable right out of the box. The upper has a sock-like feel, with some extra room in the toe box, without leaving the foot too free to move within the shoe.

Each stride meets the pavement with a pillowy softness and a smooth transition from a midfoot strike to toe off. The Solar Boost adds a bit of stability to the flexible, smooth, heel to toe transition that has previously been seen in the Adidas Ultra Boost.

Upper

The upper is a bit thicker and doesn’t allow for moisture release as well as a lot of other shoes on the market today. For this reason, the shoe may not be quite as good of an option for some runners during the hot summer months.

The best quality in the upper is the secure and comfortable tongue, heel and ankle liner. The tongue is securely attached to the upper to prevent slipping. The high ankle and tab prevent heel slippage and movement while running.

Adidas shoes have typically run very narrow on me and the Solar boost is an exception. The foot has plenty of freedom to move naturally in the shoe, without feeling too big.

Midsole

The Adidas Boost technology offers incredible energy return with a smooth heel to toe transition. When landing, the heel strike feels incredibly pillowy soft.

The Solar Boost is a bit more structured than other Adidas offerings, this is due to the Solar Propulsion Rail that works with the Boost technology to increase stability.

Overall, the Solar Boost feels like a typical neutral trainer and not quite a stability shoe.

Adidas shoes tend to feel a bit more flexible and unstructured however the Solar Boost offers just enough stability so that it doesn’t feel like you are running in socks.

Outsole

The Adidas Solar Boost outsole includes the Continental bottom that grips the road like no other shoe in the market.

Adidas shoes are currently head and shoulders above any other shoe in terms of traction and connection to the ground with every stride.

In any conditions where footing is the least secure, the Continental traction system excels and provides the runner peace of mind in knowing they are less likely to experience slipping in any stride.

Overall

The Transition phase from landing to toe-off is incredibly smooth.

The combination of the Adidas Torsion System, the traction of the Continental outsole, and the spring of the Boost technology make the Adidas Solar Boost a great everyday training option.

In addition, the wide toe box makes the shoe adaptable for all runners and allows the foot to move more freely than other Adidas models.

I bought the Solar Boost to take some of the load off my Adios and to give a bit more cushioning on longer runs.

Adidas is in a rich vein of form with their boost range at present; they are a stylish trainer that can just about be worn casually but also cater for serious runners.

Solar Boost epitomizes this dual-pronged attack as a good looking and comfortable trainer, but that hold up to the demands of the daily runner.

Solar Boost is a neutral trainer aimed at a wide range of runners. They have a high level of cushioning intended for mid to long distances.

They are designed to be snug fitting and supportive for a range of foot shapes which they mostly succeed. They have a right amount of toe box, which is vital for me with wider feet. I take a 10.5 which is half a size smaller than the narrower Adios.

Fit & Feel

Somewhat strangely, a large part of this review considers the 'feel' of the Solar Boost, and that is because it is a little different to other shoes I’ve used.

Following in from the UltraBoost and its minimalist prime knit sock-like feel, the trainers are intended to wrap to your foot quite firmly. There are a lower number of lacing points presumably as a function of the shoe design which hugs the foot so well.

But this leads to one issue. If I tighten the laces to what I feel is correct, the shoe compresses the top of my foot just behind the ball which seemed to irritate a nerve or a blood flow giving me a dull ache for a couple of days afterward. 

Its fine now, and I don’t ace the shoes tightly, but something to be aware of when you try them on. Around the ankle and midfoot, the fit is perfect and feels well supported.

The material of the upper feels similar to neoprene. So when you first put the trainers on your feet, it feels warm and sweaty. But once air flows over them, they cool down quite quickly and almost feel a bit cold, which is a bit weird.

The shoes have a decent amount of cushioning which makes for a dreamy ride, perhaps a little too bouncy but only if I'm super critical. Generally, they are a very comfortable shoe.

The one downside to the feel, mainly when the shoe is new, is they feel cumbersome. That feeling has reduced with time but still feel bigger and have more significant ground contact than other boots.

Performance

However cumbersome they may feel, they do not appear to limit the performance. I have set 5 & 10k PB’s so far in these shoes recently.

I would say the increased cushioning seems to deliver a bit more spring than I can recall from previous well-cushioned shoes which seemed to absorb more momentum.

Unlike the Adios, the Solar Boost seems to have been built more durable, whether the tread is tougher wearing, but the grips appear to be holding up better so far with nearly 100 miles on the clock.

I use Solar Boost primarily for base miles and longer runs. I have run a couple of dry off-road races like park run and a Cross country for which they were excellent on wet surfaces.

Though I’m not sure how they will stack up when things get muddier this winter, the high level of cushioning does lead you more towards a heel strike form, so I find myself thinking a bit more about trying to remain neutral and midfoot. But it’s a minor comment and ultimately down to me as the runner.

Summary

A very competent and stylish all-rounder. Quite a different feel to other running shoes, but a nice fit and comfortable feel for most occasions.

They might have a little too much cushioning, but you could run a very long way in these, and they’d take care of you. Slightly cumbersome in their size, but not weight and offer decent grip on most.

I have been a fan of Adidas shoes since I was a kid, back in the late '80s. They were a synonym of German quality and engineering.

Unfortunately, since the '90s, things have changed. Their shoes became low quality, and they did not produce anything that would make them stand out when faced with competitors.

Just when I had given up on Adidas thinking they will never make a serious, innovative running shoe, they introduced the Boost foam.

The Boost foam was so good that after putting on a pair of Energy boost running shoes, I had forgotten that even though the sole is the most important part, it is not crucial in creating a perfect pair of running shoes.

That being said, I come to Solar Boost running shoe. To my disliking, I have to say that this is a mediocre shoe at best and if you don't get a discount almost an awful shoe.

Why so rough? Well, first of all, since the Boost came out, the competitors became busy and started coming out with similar foams, so Boost isn't as revolutionary as it was six years ago.

Secondly, it seems that Adidas once again turned to fashion instead of functionality. Instead of fixing things with the shoe construction from the first series, they made everything worse.

The cushioning in the heel area is great, but the forefoot cushioning is quite stiff. The upper is upgraded from the last series but is too tight and creates pressure in all the wrong areas.

When it comes to support, the trick with left and right sidebars is great. However, there is absolutely no support for the plantar fascia.

The heel cup is missing. Instead of that, there are two sides of plastic from each side but no middle, which makes the shoes slide up/down while running.

The good things about these shoes are the Boost foam, overall quality, feel, and design. But, why is it then such a bad running shoe?

Energy foam absorbs impact but returns part of the energy to runners feet. Meanwhile, the upper is very tight and puts pressure on top of the foot.

The sole is flat and provides zero support for foot arch. And lastly, the heel isn't doing its job. Combine all that, and you get a 'perfect storm' and an ideal environment for injuries.

After doing 15 km in them, my feet were falling apart from pain. My tendons were killing me, and it took me three days to recover.

• Design: Sleek, good looking shoes; nice colours
• Sole: Boost still does its job right, especially heel area; forefoot area seems flat and hard
• Fit: This is the worst part of the shoe. There is no traditional heel cup, the toe box is rather small, and the middle section is too tight and puts too much pressure
• Traction: The sole is excellent due to Continental rubber; seems high quality
• Ride: Heel to toe offset is 10 mm, which in my opinion is optimal both for practices and competitions, nice toe-off and bouncy feel
• Quality: Overall shoe quality seems really good

Pros

• Nice design
• Nice colours
• Sleek-looking
• High-quality materials

Cons

• Cramped toe box
• Bad/lacking heel cup-lacking
• Inadequate forefoot cushioning
• Upper stiff and too tight causes pressure
• No support for foot arch

Usage

• Best used for short-distance recovery runs, going around town, casual walking

As many other running shoes today I have to say that this shoe will be great for doing daily choirs, making some fashion statement—but for running? NO.

The Solar Boost—a pair of highly functional trainers that Adidas says are inspired by NASA engineering. They promise to deliver lightweight support, superior cushioning, and precise comfort.

Will they the make miles I have planned in them any easier?

With this in mind, I take my Solar Boost for a 5-mile afternoon road run around my local park.

The first thing I notice about the shoes is that they are sturdy yet comfy. The outer of the shoe feels like it is enclosing your foot but not trapping it.

It is when I notice the Tailored Fibre Placement (TFP) used to construct the shoe. This means that Adidas is using recycled ocean plastics in the build of the shoes.

The shoes are hugging my feet! I have broad feet, but this snug fit is not a problem. The toe box is wide, and the stretchy fabric allows your foot to move naturally.

It is also reassuring at the top of the foot. It holds you into the shoe, unlike a flyknit upper.

From the first few hundred metres of this run, it's impossible not to feel that the Solar Boost is extremely cushioned. Thus, I know it's a shoe for the long runs.

Then, I’m hit by a crime: despite double lacing, I have to stop my run for an undone lace.

After this minor disaster, I'm back running.

I'm loving the cushioning that feels spread out under my feet, but what is surprising is that the Solar Boost also feels very quick. It's snappy, from the midsole and forefoot.

And, it turns out there is a reason why. The science: The trademark The midsole uses Boost cushioning—a bouncy foam-like material that's pebbled to the touch.

It's made from tiny 'energy capsules'—particles that, when welded together with steam, can absorb energy as you run and help drive you forward.

Now, I've entered the park so I can test the trainers on the uneven surface from concrete to tree roots and eventually grass.

I'm still feeling very snug and secure inside the trainer, and the cornering in the park is smooth due to the Continental grip (yes, the tyre manufacturer) underfoot.

The heel has been designed to reduce pressure on the Achilles. I like it although it is different from most of my other trainers that are not being held in place by a heel counter.

The Solar Boost appears to be finding the balance between cushioning and speed as it feels sponge-like. It cushions you into the floor but propels you forward.

This balance is due to the orange torsion piece that starts from the heel to midfoot to the front of the shoe. It creates a great transition from heel to forefoot.

Adidas describes the Solar Boost as a long-distance shoe and a neutral shoe. I could feel that from the off with them, but the main surprise was they felt so quick. In fact, I did a 5k PB in them.

At €160, they are priced just under Brooks Glycerin, Saucony Triumph, Asics Gel Nimbus, and New Balance 1080.

This is an Adidas main player, and for a shoe that is good for all kinds of runs, I think it ticks a lot of boxes. I love this shoe!

There is even little attention to detail in the tongue, with an indent for the laces to sit in snuggly. This sums up the feel of the shoe for me. I could run in this shoe every day.

I’m back home having finished my run on a surprisingly hot September afternoon in Dublin, five sub eight-minute miles.

I am blaming myself for not doing my laces up properly, ignoring the one faux pas from the shoes. I loved my run in the Solar Boost.

The Solar Boost after 180 miles

I think they have worn really well, personally. I've used them a lot over shorter distances as I was getting good parkrun times in them.

This probably explains the wear at the front where I'm working on my form and trying to be more upright in my running stance.

I told you they were good for long runs :-)