Adidas Solar Boost

First Look: Adidas Solar Boost

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The new, colorful Adidas Solar Boost initially appears to be a stability running shoe. But the seeming medial post is actually there to stabilize the heel during running.

Moreover,  it also has the appearance of a light trail running shoe with an outsole that’s flared at the front of the shoe and excess rubber that extends beyond the heel at the rear. However,  it’s not a stability shoe or a light trail shoe, it’s a neutral running shoe.

The Solar Boost weighs 8.95 ounces and feels light on the road. It has a 10mm heel drop and offers the same midsole found on the Adidas UltraBoost.

To me, the Solar Boost feels like a cross between the PureBOOST DPR performance trainer and the Adizero Tempo 9.

It feels low to the ground, like the PureBOOST DPR – deconstructed performance racer, and yet offers the same rebound properties delivered by the Tempo 9.

The Solar Boost provides nice, bouncy responsiveness no matter what the surface; concrete, asphalt or a light trail road with dirt and crushed gravel.

As usual, the Continental Tire rubber outsole provides legendary grip which makes for fun runs on light trails.

The Solar Boost is as stable as needed by the great majority of runners and one of its strengths is a mid-foot Torsion System shank.

The shank provides a sense of structure at both low and high speeds – which is why they are often found in premium racing flats, and it ensures that the shoe never feels flimsy.  As per Adidas, the Torsion System shank provides for smooth landings and midfoot-support at push-off.

The key feature of the Solar Boost is an upper with what Adidas calls Tailored Fiber Placement (TFP) technology.

The TFP upper holds the foot securely in place while not causing discomfort for the top or sides of the foot. I found the fit on the Solar Boost to be reminiscent of a well secured flat, but without being tight. And there’s no irritating pressure on the top of one’s feet.

Is the Solar Boost snug?

Yes. Some will be able to run in their usual running shoe size; but fortunately, I received a sample that was a full size up from my walking shoe size. The fit was perfect; a smaller size might have been uncomfortable on a longer run during which feet may experience some swelling.

Note that the Solar Boost comes with a large, thick insole that reduces the available foot volume. I removed it immediately and replaced it with a racing flat insole. This switch made for a more comfortable fit.

Having wider, non-narrow feet is not an issue with the Solar Boost. As Adidas notes, the shoe is “built on a wider last for a more accommodating fit.” This is a positive development. Let’s hope that some other running shoe companies follow suit!

The Solar Boost will be available on May 17, 2018, and will retail for $160.00.

While I was limited in the time I could spend in this new model, it quickly grew on me like a new favorite song. (As with a new tune, one may not immediately bond with it but its attributes become apparent pretty quickly.)

The Solar Boost is a comfortable, protective, responsive and durable trainer.

Intrigued?

Stay tuned for two detailed, comprehensive reviews of the Adidas Solar Boost that will appear in the near future on RunRepeat.

The Amazing Adidas Solar Boost: A first look

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I opened the box and, wondered what our friends from Herzogenaurach have been up to.

I had been expecting more of a lifestyle-running shoe, something more like the Brooks Revel. However, I was surprised and pleased to discover a pair of the most serious, and competent looking, road running shoes that I have ever seen.

Initial Thoughts 

• Looks like a neutral shoe, with a touch of stability.
• Miami-Vice retro colors…so many colors in one shoe!
• Only 10 lace eyelets on each shoe (instead of 14).
• Obviously, lots of engineering went into this shoe.
• Typical German attention to detail.
• Wow, I had continental tires on my Volkswagen…now they are on my shoes!
• I wonder if these stripes are reflective, thinking of safety.
• These things must be very expensive to build.
• Is there enough toe box height?
• Adidas doesn't follow a cookie-cutter approach; these shoes actually dare to be different.

First Fit

These shoes offer a really smooth interior, with a wide toe box and, even though the toe box height is a bit low.

The material was so compliant to the shape of my foot; that the actual height didn't matter.

Outsole

From AUTOBAHN to MARATHON!

The outsole rubber is optimistically thin, the famously durable, Continental rubber makes up the outsole and, is said to be good for 500 or more miles of road running wear and, I intend to find out.

Midsole

This shoe proves my theory that the midsole is the heart of any running shoe. With BOOST at work and EVA forming support rails, (Adidas may have a more formal product name for them) along either side, leading back to an external heel counter, which is a thin two-piece hard plastic component.

There is a clever plastic piece called, the "Torsion System," running forward from under the arch and, forward along both sides of the forefoot. This “Torsion System” also extends to the rear along the medial edge of the heel and, provides extra stability.

Upper

Not simply a single piece of mesh; this upper really deserves the term "Engineered” mesh. The forefoot has multiple narrow overlays running across it with a thin internal toe piece added for structure.

There is an internal bootie that conforms to the shape of your feet, running from the tip of the toes to the rear sides of the tongue, providing a comfortable and durable forefoot.

The forefoot material is compliant to the shape of your foot, and the multiple narrow overlays assure they return to their original shape.

At midfoot, there is a generously woven saddle extending from the midsole to the arch and up towards the laces; serving to anchor your foot in place.

The collar extends upward in the back, making it easy to grab when you are inserting your foot.

On The Run

I didn't know how bad things were until I tasted the BOOST!

No, I didn't exactly eat my new Adidas midsoles, but I did get a taste of what has got to be the most resilient foam ever dreamed up and, if they were edible, they would taste like the finest Lasagna from the very finest old world Italian restaurant. 

I love these shoes; I may put my Nike Structure 21 away, with the winter socks, until next winter.

First run was my usual 7-mile hilly route, at 43 degrees F; there was no wind. Initially, I noticed that the forefoot was airy, but the big news was in the bounce…it was an enjoyable and lively feeling.

My ankles did touch the collar on uneven roadways. However, I am going to ignore this and, rather than putting an insert under my heel, and risk maligning the character of this shoe.

I am looking forward to getting in many more miles with these shoes.

The outsole doesn't pick up rocks and, the laces do stay tied… there is no heel slippage. The quality of material and workmanship appears to be very high.

Size

12 D U.S. / 46.5 E.U. / 11.5 U.K. / J.P. 300.

A complete review with, a total listing of specifications will follow, here on RunRepeat.