The History

Adios Boost 1

Advertised as neutral shoes that have been designed for marathon running. The technology of the moment was ADIPRENE®+ in the forefoot to fuel your stride.

• Weight: 7.8 ounces (size 9)
• Lightweight mesh upper; ADIPRENE®+ in the forefoot maintains propulsion and efficiency; Non-slip lining
• TORSION® SYSTEM for midfoot integrity; Compression molded EVA midsole; Molded EVA sockliner for anatomical fit and great step-in comfort
• ADIPRENE® under the heel for superior cushioning at impact
• ADIWEAR™ outsole offers the ultimate in high-wear durability

Adios Boost 2

The Boost 2 introduced the energy-returning boost™ foam midsole, a super-breathable Coolever mesh upper with earth-friendly synthetic suede overlays, and extended TORSION® SYSTEM support in the midfoot.

• boost™'s energy-returning properties keep every step charged with an endless supply of light, fast energy
• Coolever mesh upper for maximum breathability
• Extended TORSION® SYSTEM for energy return in the forefoot and natural integrity in the midfoot
• Coolever mesh shoe lining; Moulded responsive EVA sockliner for anatomical fit and great step-in comfort
• QUICKSTRIKE outsole decreases weight and increases flexibility and durability; Continental™ Rubber for optimal grip in wet conditions

Adizero Adios 3 - Boost 3 - The Claim

Again developed for marathon-running and in keeping with the heritage of the style. Low profile for a neutral runner featuring a breathable mesh upper and full boost™ midsole.

• Weight: 230 g (size UK 8.5)
• boost™'s energy-returning properties keep every step charged with an endless supply of light, fast energy
• Open mesh upper for maximum breathability; Synthetic overlays for durable support
• Coolever mesh lining for superior moisture and heat exchange between the foot and the outside air; TORSION® SYSTEM for midfoot integrity
• ADIWEAR™ outsole offers the ultimate in high-wear durability; Continental™ Rubber outsole for extraordinary grip in wet and dry conditions
• Runner type: neutral; Stack height: 27 mm / 18 mm (9 mm differential)

So the new feature introduced on paper seems to be the partnership with Continental™. No one can argue with Continental’s ability to sell us rubber. Let’s hope they work as well in footwear as they do in our car and bike tyres.

What is the Boost Technology?

Adidas say their boost technology features thousands of visible energy stores that store and unleash endless energy every-time your foot hits the ground.

On the Adidas website there are some very positive reviews from Adidas customers. This is a pair of training shoes I am looking forward to running in.

Why the Adizero Adios 3?

These are trainers that are designed or a neutral foot position / foot strike. This means when you run your heel is the not first point of contact and is arguably a better, more efficient way of running.

To test yourself if you should let your heel strike when you run get a skipping rope. When you skip you are (more than likely) bouncing up and down on you toes. If you try and land on your heels it is likely your mind will stop you. If your heel strikes first the impact will shoot right up your body, through your knees on the way up. If your toes or forefoot hit the floor first then it will absorb a lot of the impact from the foot strike and save your keens and cartilage giving you more healthy, pain free years in the future.

The Adidas running shoes we have to test are colour Bright Royal/Core Black/White (AF6555)

The adidas adizero Adios 3 running shoes have arrived. Time to run and time to review.

Adidas Adizero Adios 3 Running Shoe Review

Adidas full boost midsole

The low-profile design when sitting the trainers next to other pairs of shoes do not seem too low-profile. But I think they are classing them as low-profile compared with a typical air cushioned / cushioned running shoe. Not necessarily a neutral shoe.

Their Boost technology is also a new addition and a groundbreaking innovation in cushioning. Adidas claim more energy return than any other foam cushioning in the industry. When it comes to running, however, typically your feet are not firing back in the air direct where they land. They are travelling under your body for a split second. So if there is a special energy system maybe it will work better for skipping.

Running in these shoes however, the cushioning is definitely noticeable. They feel very padded with each strike, but I can not say I feel my feet firing into the air with their energy return. The thousands of energy capsules can been seen in the following photos. They look like a bit of natural sponge. They definitely do offer a lot of support.

Adidas full boost midsole

Size and Fit

When it comes to size options Adidas have them all. That’s right. UK half sizes that seem to be getting forgotten about more and more by most brands as the dominance of the Euro sizing kicks in. It has been a while since I have hand the option of ordering a half size, so I go for the 9.5 UK. The length is spot on, but trying these shoes on for the first time I haven’t had my feet so crammed in on the width for a long time. Day to day I wear VivoBarefoot shoes. So plenty of room to move. But even compared against the New Balance Vazee Pace shown below the Adidas are about 1.5 cm narrower. This may be fine for you if you are not used to a particularly wide fit trainer, but if you want your feet to have space to flex then it may be a deal breaker.

These shoes are advertised as a neutral shoe and most people I know who run with a forefoot strike do prefer a wide shoe.

Style

The adidas adizero Adios 3 running shoes have a typical ‘adidas’ originals look about them. Even though they are running shoes. They have that type of look about them that will only be enhanced once they are a little muddy and tatty from all your road running. These are definitely cooler looking than the New Balance but you should be buying a running shoe for function over style. YES you should!