7 Best Adidas Running Shoes in 2023

Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen on
7 Best Adidas Running Shoes in 2023
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Adidas is one of the top brands in the athletic gear scene and continues to be a popular choice for running shoes.

To help you navigate the brand’s extensive selection of running footwear, we have selected the best models in five different categories. More than 100 pairs of Adidas shoes had gone through our lab and wear tests before we made our choice.

Do you want a stylish trainer to double for jogging and fashion statement? Are you planning to hit a race and need a speedy horse? Or are you headed for the trails to crush the rocks and mud? See our top picks below to find your best.

How we test running shoes

We are a team of running shoe fanatics with an independent shoe testing lab. We spend at least 7 hours per shoe, taking it on a series of runs, measuring over 30 different parameters, and even cutting it into pieces:

  • Our inspection includes every imaginable aspect, from shoe flexibility and cushioning softness tests to shoelace slip tests.
  • We even built a custom smoke machine to demonstrate each shoe’s ventilation capacity.
  • To make sure we cover all 200+ Adidas shoes on the market, we also gather feedback from thousands of runners, shoe experts, and regular users.
  • We receive no free shoes from Adidas and purchase them at retail with our own funds.

Finally, we use a scoring system called CoreScore to sort out the cream of the crop among Adidas running shoes. It is a number from 0 to 100 which reflects each shoe’s overall performance based on the review process described above.

Best Adidas running shoes overall

What makes it the best?

The Adidas Ultraboost 22 is a super-comfy daily runner that doubles as a piece of show-stopping streetwear. Using chunky amounts of the infamous Ultraboost foam, the 22 is a modern, plush runner for slower days.

Pros

  • Fits true to size
  • Dreamy cushioning
  • So light you forget it's there
  • Excellent lockdown
  • Grips both wet & dry tarmac
  • Looks amazing
  • Very popular as a sneaker
  • Great for long slow runs
  • No break-in period needed
  • Great for heavy runners
  • Supreme comfort

Cons

  • Not for wider feet
  • Tight toe-box
  • No energy return
Full review of Adidas Ultraboost 22

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Grey (GX5460)
Black (GX3062)
Non Dyed Core Black Almost Lime (GX5573)
Almost Lime/Almost Lime/Solar Yellow (GX5557)
Black (GV8829)
Pink (GX6643)
White (GX5459)
Flash Orange / Core Black / Cloud White (HR1029)
More colors

Best Adidas running shoes for race

What makes it the best?

Top-tier race shoe from Adidas gets an update. In 2020 V1 won a ton of praise and world records with its carbon rod (and plate) design and Lightstrike Pro midsole. The super shoe category was once owned but just one brand but in 2021 there’s some serious contenders for best in show.

Pros

  • Breathable
  • Responsive
  • Carbon rods
  • Soft midsole
  • Laces stay tight
  • Price

Cons

  • Runs narrow
  • Unstable at slow speeds
Full review of Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2.0

Today's best price

Unisex
Any color
Legacy Indigo/Turbo/Sky Rush (GX3117)
Pulse Lime/Real Teal/Flash Orange (GX3124)
Sonic Ink Screaming Green Ftwr White (FY4082)

Best Adidas trail running shoes

What makes it the best?

Most trail runners haven't been very KEEN on Adidas trail shoes. They seemed like an afterthought given that the brand's focus was admittedly on sneakers and soccer cleats. But then the Adidas Terrex Speed Ultra arrived. It performed so well out on the trails that many runners have chosen it as their go-to.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Nimble ride
  • Grippy outsole
  • Breathable
  • Dries quickly
  • Great lockdown
  • Reflective elements

Cons

  • Feels a touch minimalist
  • No heel pull loop
Full review of Adidas Terrex Speed Ultra

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Green (GZ8921)
Blue (FW2806)
Black / Grey / Red (GY6113)
Black (GZ8920)
Black (FW2830)
orange (HR1120)
ftwr white/crystal w (FW2805)

Best Adidas daily trainer

What makes it the best?

The Adidas Supernova+ is a less cushioned shoe with neutral support. Made of durable recycled materials, it’s ecologically conscious as well as functional. It can be recommended to anyone of average-to-light weight as a training shoe for a road race. It may not suit heavy strikers who typically wish for more cushioning and motion control. But this is also an excellent shoe for beginners up to intermediate runners and makes an excellent daily trainer with a lot of style.

Pros

  • Excellent energy return
  • Very lightweight
  • Durable
  • Secure lockdown
  • Reasonably-priced
  • Reflective elements
  • Eco-friendly materials
  • Stylish

Cons

  • Not for wet roads
  • Not for hot weather
  • Fits narrow
Full review of Adidas Supernova+

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Men
Women

Best Adidas running shoes for speedwork

What makes it the best?

The Adizero Adios 7 from Adidas "continues to be that simple, traditional racing flat," remarks one expert. It provides a low-stack firm ride, taking you back to the good old days before the dominance of supershoes, but with the addition of modern-day technology, such as a chunk of ultra-reactive Lightstrike Pro located in the forefoot.

Pros

  • Snappy ride
  • Great for fast track workouts
  • Well ventilated
  • Amazing ground feel
  • Lighter than ever
  • The outsole lasts forever
  • Grippy Continental rubber
  • Modestly priced

Cons

  • Not for cold weather
  • Heel slippage
  • Needs more Lightstrike Pro
  • Ride is too firm
Full review of Adidas Adizero Adios 7

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Grey Three Zero Met Grey Five (GV7070)
Cloud White/Core Black/Grey Three (GX6646)
Grey (GX6647)
Black (GY8408)
White Tint Silver Met Court Green (HQ3699)
Vert Noir (GV9059)

Best Adidas running shoes for long distance

Adidas Adistar
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What makes it the best?

Often dubbed as Adidas' version of the Hoka Bondi, the Adidas Adistar is a max-cushioned running shoe that's a no-brainer for long easy days. With its highly cushioned design, it provides ample protection from shock during impact. On top of this, it nails the hallmark stability of the past Adidas Adistar collection despite it being a neutral shoe. However, one drawback worth noting is that most runners found the shoe to be too firm.

Pros

  • Stable landings
  • Maxed-out cushion
  • Relaxed and accomodating fit
  • Roomy toe box
  • Tongue stays in place
  • Durable
  • Summer-ready breathability
  • Recycled upper
  • Grippy on ice
  • Great for long runs

Cons

  • Could be more responsive
  • Firm for heel strikers
  • Heavier than most trainers
  • Becomes a brick in winter
Full review of Adidas Adistar

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
White/Blue/Red (HQ9795)
black (GX2995)
White (GY3446)
Grey (GY1684)
Cloud White/Core Black/Crystal White (GX2980)
Blue (GX3000)
Black (GY1687)
Blå (GY1685)
More colors

Best value Adidas running shoes

Adidas Duramo 10
87
Great!

What makes it the best?

The Adidas Duramo 10 is a budget running shoe that's great for beginners who want a cushy ride to ease their way into running. With its down-to-earth price, there's nothing down about it when it comes to being an all-rounder. Whether it's for the short or long haul, you can rely on the Duramo 10. And if you want to take it outside of running, it's an excellent pick for walks, casual wear, and gym training.

Pros

  • Comfy for all-day wear
  • Lightweight for its kind
  • Stable even during sharp turns
  • Breezy on warm days
  • Perfect for beginners
  • Can handle gym training
  • Durable for the price
  • Soft upper
  • Affordable
  • Eco-friendly upper

Cons

  • Break-in period for wide feet
  • Lacks spring for fast runs
Full review of Adidas Duramo 10

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Black (GW8336)
Better Scarlet Ftwr White Solar Red (HP2382)
Blue Rush/Sky Rush/White (GW8349)
Carbon/Night Metallic/Solar Red (HP2379)
White/White/Almost Lime (GX8708)
Halo Silver/White/Dash Grey (GW8344)
Legend Ink Solar Yellow Almost Lime (GW8337)
Core Black/Team Royal Blue/Ftwr White (HR1200)
More colors

Comparison of the 7 best Adidas running shoes

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Best
CoreScore
Users rating
Experts
Best price
Ranking
Popularity
# of colorways

Why choose Adidas running shoes?

Many users prefer to buy Adidas running shoes just because of the name alone. After all, the brand is reputable when it comes to producing high-quality shoes. But aside from this reason, we’ll give you 3 more that could get you interested:

adidas-ultraboost-21

  • Adidas is an established brand. Since 1948, Adidas has been developing and evolving running shoes. If you want a running shoe from an “experienced” brand, Adidas is a good choice.
  • Innovation in shoe technology. The Boost cushioning is popular in the running shoe industry. It remains highly recognized because of its effectiveness, consistency, and reliability.
  • Reasonable pricing. They may not be the cheapest, but Adidas running shoes continue to sell because they meet users’ expectations in quality and performance (they are also usually available on discount!)

Top-rated Adidas running shoe series

Adidas offers many running shoe series and models, which may be confusing or overwhelming to new users. Here’s how to differentiate the most popular ones:

Adidas Ultraboost

The Ultraboost series is the most notable running line from Adidas. Known for their flexible yet durable cushioning, the Ultraboost models guarantee 20% more energy return than those with standard foam midsoles.

Adidas Ultraboost Notable qualities.png

Adidas Alphabounce

The Alphabounce series aims for a more adaptive running experience through the use of Aramis motion sensor. Alphabounce shoes are characterized as “soft and bouncy,” and are emphasized on allocating comfort on every area of the foot.

Aramis motion sensor.png

Adidas Pureboost

Another Adidas shoe series that uses the Boost midsole tech is the Pureboost. It is intended for short-distance runs in urban settings. In contrast to Ultraboosts that are built for responsive runs, Pureboost shoes are more focused on providing comfort.

Adidas Pureboost Notable qualities.png

Adidas Duramo

With the Duramo series, beginners don’t have to settle for less. These cheap running shoes are aimed towards newbies who don’t want to splurge just yet, but still want to get the benefits of a decent running footwear.

Adidas Terrex

The Adidas Terrex is the brand’s special line for outdoor gear. Running shoes that are part of this series are meant for trail running, as they are equipped with features that perform best on technical terrains. The Terrex line also carries hiking shoes and hiking boots.

3 things to consider in your next Adidas shoe

Terrain: Pavement or trails

For your regular running pursuits on paved surfaces, smooth gravel, or other urban landscapes, consider getting an Adidas road running shoe

If you are running on technical terrains that include rocks, mud, or puddles, the brand’s trail running shoes are suitable for you.

The graphic below summarizes the key differences between each shoe category:

Road vs trail.png

Use

Adidas daily running shoes are your best bet if you are looking for a go-to companion for your regular runs. These are also the most suitable for beginners.

For your speed workouts, training runs, or other athletic-level runs, the brand’s competition running shoes can help you achieve your goals. Adidas also offers several advanced racing flats with a carbon plate.

Here is a quick comparison between the two shoe categories:

Daily vs competition.png

Arch support

Runners with normal arches and neutral pronation can pick up a pair of Adidas neutral running shoes. These shoes are perfect if you have no issues with foot stability.

Conversely, if you feel there’s a need for additional arch support, or if you want to correct your overpronation (when the foot rolls inward excessively), Adidas stability running shoes are recommended.

If you are a beginner, or if your pronation does not interfere with your running at all, neutral shoes are always a good choice. You can also read more about pronation and running shoes in our arch support study.

Arch types and recommended shoes.png

Author
Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen

Jens Jakob is a fan of short distances with a 5K PR at 15:58 minutes. Based on 35 million race results, he's among the fastest 0.2% runners. Jens Jakob previously owned a running store, when he was also a competitive runner. His work is regularly featured in The New York Times, Washington Post, BBC and the likes as well as peer-reviewed journals. Finally, he has been a guest on +30 podcasts on running.