Best Adidas Trail Running Shoes Currently on the Market
It’s almost impossible today to see the recognizable three stripes and not have Adidas pop into your head right away. The brand is so popular and well-recognized all over the world that you would be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t recognize a pair of Adidas shoes or their tracksuit within the first two seconds of seeing it.
Although they started by making shoes for track-running athletes only, they’ve evolved and expanded to cater to the general public’s needs over the last century. That’s why now we can find Adidas equipment fitting for whichever sport we like to practice.
In recent years, they have been putting out shoes that are simply perfect for trail running and specifically designed for this activity. As there are many models, which are diverse and have their advantages over each other, we’ve decided to create a list with explanations that should help you compare their qualities and pick out the pair that suits you the most.
In this article, we’ve put together a quick rundown on what the brand is in its core, in the form of a short history of the company and its successes. We’ve also assembled the list of their top models that are made and suited for trail running, which should give you quite a bit of insight if you are looking to purchase a pair.
A Short History of Adidas Sports Equipment
Although we try to keep it short, it’s almost a century that the company has been operational, and that’s a lot to cover. That’s right, a century – even though the company’s founder Adolf Dassler was making shoes even before 1924. That’s the year his brother, Rudolph, joined him to found the ‘Dassler Brothers Shoe Factory,’ which later became the Adidas we know today.
But back in that day, in the German town of Herzogenaurach, the Dassler brothers were just making shoes, predominantly track-running ones also known as spikes. They worked on the development of shoes for multiple sports events, and over the years, decided to replace the heavy metal spikes on running shoes with ones made of canvas and rubber.
This, of course, made the shoes much lighter, and evidence of that is the US sprinter Jerry Owens who won 4 gold medals in the 1936 Olympics while wearing Dassler Brothers running shoes. That success made the Dassler name widely recognized, and business started flourishing.
In 1949, the company changed its name to Adidas AG, derived from the founder’s name – Adolf ‘Adi’ Dassler. They went on to make shoes for various fields in sports, and in 1952 acquired their now-iconic three-stripe logo from a Finnish company for what would today be around 1600 euros and two bottles of whiskey.
As the medals from their original products for sports kept rolling in, the company decided to expand. It started making shoes that aren’t necessarily for professional athletes, clothes, accessories, and much more. They became an even more significant part of pop culture, gaining popularity within the hip-hop community in the 80s and groups like RUN DMC even making songs about their Adidas shoes.
All that kept evolving and expanding to the scope we know Adidas has today, and it shows no signs of stopping soon. These days, you can find Adidas equipment in any sporting event, as well as see their streetwear wherever you go – but the quality hasn’t changed; it’s still the Olympic gold medal-winning brand it was.
What You Will Find in These Reviews
Trail running is somewhat hard to explain to those who haven’t tried it. Essentially, it’s a nature run that can sometimes include running over difficult terrain and sometimes is more like a jog through the woods. Whatever your preference in terrain type is, the fact is you need good shoes to cover it with ease.
The shoe type you need is influenced by plenty of factors like the shape of your feet, the type of trails you will be running, and your area’s weather conditions. What we’ve assembled in these reviews is information on how certain models of Adidas shoes will act in different environments and which models are suitable for which terrain.
When it comes to the type of shoe your foot needs, you should consider the width of the shoe, heel-to-toe drop, and stability. All of those parameters factor into what kind of shoe will be the most comfortable for you, and there isn’t a one-shoe-fits-all type of situation, as everybody has subjective preferences.
Before getting a pair of shoes, you should also think about what terrain type you will be traversing. Is it flat or steep, smooth or jagged, and will you be crossing any bodies of water? Once again, you should pick the shoe depending on both the terrain you will be running and your personal preference in the shoe’s height and width.
Best Adidas Running Models
Adidas has been making running shoes since the beginning, but some models are much better suited for particular types of running. What we focused on with this list are the models that have been designed to cater to a trail runner’s needs and the challenges that rough terrain can present.
We tried to gather up the Adidas models best suited for trail running based on the customer experience and the shoes’ actual physical properties. Hopefully, you will be able to find the model that caters to your needs and the requirement your trail imposes. Of course, you want the shoe to look good, but with Adidas, that is a given.
1. Adidas UltraBoost 2020
Adidas UltraBoost 2020 is an extremely light shoe suited mostly for easier terrain, like forest paths or parks. It’s very comfortable and energy-conserving, making it the right choice for both trail running and your daily jog, as they are built for both equally.
You won’t be running up a rocky ridge in these, but your run along a forest path will feel like you are running on clouds. They are made of very lightweight material and don’t impose any restrictions on your movement, making them a favorite for a more casual variety of trail running.
2. Adidas Solar Boost ST 19
Adidas Solar Boost ST 19 is another lightweight shoe meant to be used in neutral terrain, but with a special kind of responsive cushioning that has a good energy return. So, if you have a long run, somewhere along the way, you will start feeling the bounce that returned energy provides in your run, making it easier to withstand uphill trails and long distances.
They are very balanced and generally comfortable, so they can be used in other activities as well, but that doesn’t take away from their sheer power when it comes to running. A great choice if your trail is relatively casual, but they also have a good grip if you are thinking of going through some trickier terrain.
3. Adidas Adizero Boston 8
Adidas Adizero Boston 8 is superior when it comes to hugging your feet on your run, both in senses of comfort and the support they provide. MicroFit technology and a lace closure system lock your foot down, resulting in a faster and more stable run.
They are also made of a material that isn’t only light but also lets your foot breathe while running. Amazingly flexible, they make for an all-around shoe suited for trail running in its purest form, whatever your terrain or trail might be.
4. Adidas Adizero Adios 5
Adidas Adizero Adios 5’s are the first shoes on this list that have a rubber sole instead of a foam one, and they provide surprising amounts of traction and grip while you run. That said, they are still extremely flexible and lightweight and engineered for a comfortable and fast run.
You can feel free to overcome some more challenging terrain with these, and you won’t be disappointed in their performance. On the other hand, you can also take them on an easier run, or even on some long distances without feeling the strain a heavier shoe would provide.
5. Adidas Solar Glide ST 19
Adidas Solar Glide ST 19 is a beast when it comes to trail running in its purest form, easily conquering rough uphill sections and flatter surfaces alike. It also has a rubber sole that provides copious amounts of grip, making it one of the best shoes to take on a more challenging trail.
The specialized sole also provides excellent traction in both dry and wet conditions, making them a solid choice for whatever climate you are going to be running in. They are also notably durable, with Stretch Web running across the entire surface, making them both flexible and able to take some punishment.
6. Adidas Terrex Agravic XT
When on the subject of rough terrain, we can’t go without mentioning the Adidas Terrex Agravic XT trail running shoes, simply because they are so adapted to it, they almost ignore any bumps on the road. That’s mostly due to their strong rubber sole and a molded toe cap that has been specifically engineered to protect your foot from any jagged rocks or roots you might come across.
Along with protection, they also bring bounce to your step with a boosted midsole, giving an energy return boost you will come to appreciate. They are also designed in a sock-like fashion, making them hug your foot perfectly, providing so much more stability and comfort.
7. Adidas Pureboost Go
A bit of a mellower option, Adidas Pureboost Go are great shoes for running more casual treks. They are unbelievably lightweight and impose no restrictions on your movement whatsoever. They still have a rubber sole that is suited for some uneven terrain, but their construction is suited better for longer runs on more forgiving surfaces.
They have a very high level of breathability, once again making them a fantastic choice for some longer trails. Also, Adidas Pureboost Go is one of the most comfortable running shoes out there while still providing enough support to your foot and Achilles tendon to ensure stability.
8. Adidas Terrex Free Hiker
The definition of an all-terrain shoe, the Adidas Terrex Free Hiker, is suitable for any environment you could possibly throw it in. They can essentially act as hiking boots, but they are much lighter and not as clunky, making them easier to pack if you are planning to take them on a road trip somewhere.
However, hiking is not the only thing you can do with them, as they are light enough that you can very plausibly take them for a run in some unforgiving terrain. They are also designed in a way that hugs your ankle and provides ample support and balance to your step.
9. Adidas Terrex Agravic XT GTX
An improved version of the running shoe, Adidas Terrex Agravic XT GTX is an exceedingly lightweight and comfortable shoe fit for tamer terrains and even urban running. One of the advantages is that they are suited for any weather conditions you might be experiencing.
They are also equipped with high energizing rebound cushioning that can make your step tread lighter and makes the shoe suitable for long-distance runs, but the rubber sole is designed in a way that can take some punishment, so you can take them out on a more challenging trail as well.
10. Adidas Alphaboost
Designed for speed and power, Adidas Alphaboost is a shoe for athletes who want to push themselves. They are ideal for some explosive and dynamic movements and hug the ankle in a way that reduces the chances of injury.
The dual-density synthetic sole that they employ gives more stability and control to the wearer when performing quick changes in direction, which works perfectly with the challenges trail running presents.
11. Adidas Adizero Tempo 9
Another shoe that is fit for a couple of different terrains, the Adidas Adizero Tempo 9, is made for comfort and balance in different circumstances. It has a rubber sole and uses dual-density boost cushioning to provide adaptability to different kinds of surfaces while still keeping you comfortable.
On top of all that, it’s still a very light shoe that won’t slow you down for a moment. It also takes advantage of the air-mesh that makes it one of the most breathable shoes out there. All of the elements of this shoe combine and work in cohesion to bring you a balanced and comfortable running experience.
12. Adidas Aerobounce 2
If you are looking for a sturdy and durable pair of shoes, Adidas Aerobounce 2 is your best bet. They are made to last and can take quite a bit of wear and tear that trail running presents with ease – not that they will show any tears with the TPU banding integrated into their design.
They offer a rubber sole and bounce cushioning that results in a stable and well-balanced run. They are incredibly breathable, lightweight, and all-around designed for running without a worry on your mind.
Conclusion
That concludes our list of the top models of Adidas shoes for trail running. Of course, there are plenty of other Adidas models to look into, as well as their other equipment – however, you would be hard-pressed to find shoes that perform in the field better than those above.
Trail running is an enjoyable activity, but it’s also challenging, and that’s why we want you to have support in the form of good running shoes that both save your energy and provide comfort.
The important thing is to focus on what your body tells you it needs and what your terrain dictates. If you need more support in your ankle or a bouncier cushioning because of previous injuries, some shoes can accommodate that need. If you are running in a particularly rough area that almost requires hiking boots, there are running shoes Adidas produces that can cover that role easily.
With this list to help you out, you should be able to approximate what model might work for you best, and maybe you’ll have a new pair of running shoes ready for your next trek through the woods, badlands, or mountains in your area. Whatever the terrain might be, Adidas provides the solution to it, and all you need to do is accept it.