Often dubbed as Adidas' version of the Hoka Bondi, we think that the Adidas Adistar is a max-cushioned running shoe that's a no-brainer for long easy days. For that reason as well as the large geometry of the shoe, the Adidas Adistar is best for recovery runs, easy runs and long runs.

This shape and foam combination is said to have been tested over 4,500km to make sure it works as well as intended. However, we believe that only very experienced runners sensitive to the drop could actually notice this nuance. The Glycerin is Brooks’ long time big cushion trainer, and the 19 is one of the best they’ve ever made - but worn against the Adistar it feels only slightly cushioned. It did result in a more stable ride but really lacked the smoothness of the more flexible road shoes.And while Continental rubber in the adidas is impressive, Puma’s Pumagrip is on another level when it comes to tackiness. I would still gusset the tongue and provide additional reinforcement on the medial side as this will improve both comfort and upper stability. In this case, you are also responsible for the risk of loss or damage, therefore we recommed a postal insurance to cover the value. However, with socks this is a fairly comfortable upper that I had no issues with even over longer runs. And let’s face it, even if you’re training for a half marathon, most of your runs should be well under race pace, building the mileage and making sure your muscles and joints are used to the sustained moderate effort that is long-distance running.

It isn’t very rigid as the shoe moves up your foot, mostly counting on the ultra firm heel to create the foundation of rear stability. I did not this despite the heel collar cushioning, so those sensitive to them may not do well in this shoe. It looks unlike any other Adidas running shoe and if it weren’t for the stripes on the side or the logo on the tongue, I would have bet it was a Hoka. The large lateral heel bevel also creates some lateral bias at the posterior-most aspect of the heel, providing a guided transition at initial contact. This point in the gait cycle where the leg transitions from supporting the body and pushing forward to swing the leg back in front of the body is the most active the hip flexors are.They obviously make great shoes and sponsor some of the best athletes in the world, but I never found a shoe that really shined for me. THOMAS: I like the Ultraboost, but as lighter weight foams came out, Adidas got blasted for the weight. Follow myself and the select few who contribute on our journey to help you understand your body and the shoes you wear.