adidas Rapidmove 2 Trainer: análisis y review

We believe that the adidas Rapidmove 2 works for gym goers who:

• want an affordable yet versatile shoe for general training
• prefer a firm, low platform that feels connected to the floor
• need breathable trainers for sweaty indoor workouts

The Rapidmove 2 wouldn't be our first choice for cardio and jumping-heavy classes because of its low forefoot cushioning. 

We found the Nike Free Metcon 7 much better equipped for both cardio and strength training. And if you want a trainer that feels comfortable enough for walking and running, the HOKA Solimar is another great alternative.

With its firm, low-stack platform, the adidas Rapidmove 2 can only provide this much cushioning for high-impact training.

Looking at the results of our shock absorption test, we found that it offers little impact protection in the forefoot at only 51 SA. That can feel somewhat jarring on the toe joints and the ball of the foot during jumping-heavy workouts.

But for heel landings and walking, this adidas trainer offers a generous buffer with an above-average shock absorption of 95 SA.

The responsive nature of its Lightstrike foam helped the Rapidmove 2 achieve a solid energy return of 54% in the forefoot and 53.5% in the heel.

It has a decent springback for general fitness, agility work, and plyometrics but isn't too bouncy to throw off control.

With a caliper reading of 23.6 mm, the heel stack of this adidas trainer falls squarely into the category average.

However, its forefoot stack sits much closer to the ground at only 14.9 mm.

Although it sacrifices some cushioning, the benefits include improved flexibility, maneuverability, and a better sense of control.

At 8.7 mm, this adidas shoe's heel-to-toe drop is a little taller than the typical training shoe offset. But given the Rapidmove 2's overall low profile, it doesn't feel too elevated.

The shoe features a full-length, single-density Lightstrike foam, which creates a rather firm underfoot experience.

With a durometer reading of 51.9 AC, the Rapidmove 2's midsole is just as hard as the brand's sturdier Dropset 4 trainer. And because its compression is minimal, we were able to hit heavier squats (up to 265 lb/120 kg) without a problem.

The adidas Rapidmove 2 offers a fairly accommodating fit for a medium-width training shoe. But to be more precise in our assessment, we filled the shoe with a special liquid to create a one-to-one gel cast of its interior.

Once the replica was solid, our caliper measured its widest point at 99.6 mm. That's an exceptionally generous forefoot space for a training shoe.

However, a sharp taper angle prevents the Rapidmove 2 from feeling truly foot-shaped. Its toebox gets considerably narrower towards the front, measuring only 71.6 mm at the big toe.

Luckily, the shoe's ample vertical space prevents it from feeling restrictive.

We measured its toebox height at a standard 27.2 mm, proving that there is enough room above the toes to avoid potential pressure points.

Despite being adidas' more budget-friendly gym shoe option, the Rapidmove 2 still features the brand's high-quality Continental rubber outsole.

The blend showed off its grippy nature in our traction test, measuring a solid CoF of 0.38. That's a great amount of friction for common gym surfaces like rubber, maple wood, interlocking foam, and synthetic turf.

The Rapidmove 2 features a futuristic-looking segmented outsole design. It has denser rubber coverage in the forefoot and heel for maximum grip and stopping power where it's most needed, while leaving the midfoot more stripped back to keep the shoe's weight down.

A stiff Torsion System plate limits the Rapidmove 2's pliability, but not critically.

At 10.3N, our test showed that this adidas shoe's forefoot flexibility is still on par with the category average. It bends freely enough to support lunges, planks, burpees, sled pushes, and other exercises where foot bending is essential.

Not too burdened by heavy overlays and burly components, the adidas Rapidmove 2 weighs slightly less than the average cross-trainer.

At 9.6 oz (272g) in a men's US size 9, it feels rather light on the foot for fast-paced HIIT workouts, plyometrics, agility work, and conditioning-heavy sessions.

The adidas Rapidmove 2 relies on a large and stiff Asymmetrical Torsion System plate and extended midsole outriggers for lateral support and stability.

What's more, its low-stack platform, made of firm Lightstrike foam, already provides considerable inherent stability, inspiring a good deal of confidence for strength training.

The Torsion System plate takes up a large area of the Rapidmove 2's midfoot, extending into the forefoot and heel as well. It acts as the primary stabilizer that prevents the shoe from twisting under load.

Our test showed that it requires much more torque (16.0 Nm) to twist this adidas shoe by 10 degrees in both directions than it does for the average trainer. As a result, it minimizes undesirable foot wobbling and lowers the risk of ankle rolls during lifting and intense side-to-side movement.

The shoe's moderately stiff heel counter also plays its part in keeping the foot securely locked inside the Rapidmove 2. Structured but not excessively rigid, it earned a middle-range stiffness score of 3 out of 5.

The shoe's forefoot outrigger extends well beyond that of the average training shoe. Measuring the platform at its widest point, we recorded an exceptionally generous width of 118.2 mm.

Its heel, on the other hand, proved to be more moderate and on par with the average at 86.8 mm. Yet it offers a solid landing surface for general training needs.

Frankly, the mesh upper of this adidas trainer looked much sturdier than it turned out to be in our durability test. Developing a see-through hole in a matter of seconds, it earned the minimum toebox durability score of 1 out of 5.

The mesh textile inside the shoe's collar was a bit more reassuring, and, with moderate damage, it scored a higher 3 out of 5 for heel padding durability.

But at least the Continental outsole did not disappoint: after 18 seconds of Dremel drilling, it lost as little as 0.7 mm of material, which is a fantastic result for training shoes.

But please note that the shoe's rubber layer is relatively thin at 2.3 mm, so we wouldn't recommend it for regular use on concrete and other rough outdoor surfaces.

Training in a hot and stuffy gym won't be a problem thanks to the Rapidmove 2's fantastic upper ventilation.

The smoke we pumped into the shoe passed effortlessly through its porous mesh toebox, escaping in a thick, steady plume. This raised its breathability score to a high 4 out of 5.

There is barely any foam padding inside the Rapidmove 2's tongue, measuring only 3.2 mm on our caliper. This helps keep the shoe lighter and airier but offers minimal buffer between the laces and the instep.

The lack of gussets can lead to unwanted tongue shifting, sliding, and bunching in this adidas trainer, especially during intense movement.

A 3.9 mm insole creates a moderately soft layer of cushioning between the foot and the shoe's firm platform.

But if you need even more underfoot plushness or arch support, the shoe's insole is easy to remove and swap for a custom orthotic.

Sliding into the Rapidmove 2 is made easier thanks to a large finger loop on its heel collar.

None of the Rapidmove 2's elements showed reflectivity in low-light conditions.

Priced well below the category average, the adidas Rapidmove 2 offers excellent value for money for beginners and recreational gym goers with a limited shoe budget.