Adidas Adios Boost 2 Review

  I've wanted to try the Adidas Adios Boost for some time.  I didn't have the guts to drop $140 on a shoe until I went home to Portland, OR for my 2 week break from DPT school between the summer and fall semesters.  Thanks to Foot Traffic (the store I work part time in when I'm home) I was able to pick up a pair of the Adios Boost 1.  It was quickly exchanged as I did not like the upper at all.  It felt like a hard plastic that seemed to squeeze my foot in a bad way.  Instead I picked up the Adios Boost 2 as I was still set on getting this shoe in some variation.  The upper was much better (more on that later) and I was very intrigued by the boost sole.  Years ago when I worked for Fit Right Northwest I made fun of our Adidas rep when he showed off this new midsole material.  I told him that putting styrofoam in the shoes was probably not a good idea.  I still remember the look he gave me because I was clearly being an dick.  He was completely justified too.  However, like Peter Quill I am not 100% a dick.  Boost is the real deal and Adidas is way ahead of the entire market.  Especially with the Adidas Adios Boost 2.

Sole:  This is where the magic happens.  The Boost midsole perfectly combines the feeling of responsive and cushioned.  In the Adios it is more on the side of responsive, but both are present.  I thought Brooks did a good job with this combination in some shoes with Biomogo DNA, however after experiencing what Adidas has done I realized the DNA is really just soft and cushy compared to Boost.  The Adios Boost 2 also has a combination of a flexible and snappy ride.  The harder you push this shoe, the more it will slingshot you forward thanks to the extended torsion system in the forefoot.  I had the same experience in the non-boost Adios 2, but that shoe was extremely firm.  The Adios Boost 2 has the benefit of having the Boost midsole, which will give you enough protection to be used as a lightweight trainer.  I have used this shoe for everything from lydiard hill circuits to flying 150s to 6 mile tempo runs.  It really does everything.  I know I've said that before about other shoes, but I didn't realize how those other shoes paled in comparison to the Adios Boost 2.  I have also used this shoe for long runs and recovery runs, but really it should be used to run fast.  Slow recovery runs can be difficult in this shoe, but it works for me since I like training in shoes that boarder on the responsive and somewhat firm side (and I usually hate soft cushy shoes).
    There is really nothing else out there like the Boost midsole.  If you have not tried it I highly suggest you do as it can be difficult to describe how awesome it is in words.  Combined with the fast adios ride there is no other shoe out there like it.

Upper/Fit:  As I mentioned early, the Adios Boost 1 upper was stiff and uncomfortable.  As soon as I picked up and started running in the Adios Boost 2, the upper disappeared.  I immediately noticed that a 10.5 Adios Boost 2 fits just like a size 10 Adios Boost 1 or almost any other shoe, so make sure you go up a 1/2 size.  When I first tried it on I thought it was unremarkable, but on the run I can say this is the first shoe I've had that has felt comfortably snug.  The upper forms to your foot, keeps it from moving, but does not squeeze your toes.  I have not had any hot spots, slippage or points of pressure on my foot running in the Adios Boost 2.  Granted it is not the most breathable upper out there, but I have not had any issues with my feet sweating.
    There is a heel counter, but it is moderately flexible and has not bothered my heels at all.  Normally I am very sensitive to them, but I have not had a single issue.  The Adios Boost 2 just continues to impress me.

Responsiveness:  Heck yes this shoe is responsive.  Push the pace and you'll go flying.  That being said the ride is not rock hard firm.  It has that taste of cushioning that I would associated with a marathon racing shoe.
 At the same time I understand how elite athletes have used it for everything from the 5k (the 2014 Carlsbad 5000 was won in a pair of Adios Boosts) to the Marathon (I don't need to tell you how many elites have won major marathons in this shoe).  I know it is more about the athlete than the shoe, but the Adios Boost 2 has some amazing versatility.

Heel-Toe Drop/Ramp:  The Adios Boost 2 is listed as having a 9-10mm drop.  That is only half the story.  The boost midsole compresses to point where it never seems to interfere with your stride.  This shoe has an incredibly smooth ride to the point you will stop caring about heel-toe drops.  Additionally, the drop does not feel as it is listed.  If you are really hard nosed about knowing the drop, it feels more like a 7-8mm drop shoe. What I've also noticed is that when switching to low-drop racing shoes, I have not experience any residual DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness).  Normally switching between traditional and low drop shoes usually causes significant calf soreness, but this time I came away with only general body fatigue.  Again I am impressed with Boost.

Durability:  Adidas is known for using Continental Rubber (yes, the same used for tires) as outsole material.  At 220 miles I am seeing significant wear on the outsole but the sole feels almost exactly the same.  The same responsive/snappy/just enough protected ride.  I fully expect to get at least 100 more miles out of this shoe if not more.
     The upper has remained completely the same other than continuing to break in nicely.  It feels like a really comfortable pair of jeans that just get better with time.  I have not noticed any seems, tears or other issues with upper.  As I mentioned before with regards to the fit, I am really impressed!

Weight:  The Adidas Adios Boost 2 is listed at 8.0 ounces, which in my mind is a little heavy for a racing flat.  As a lightweight trainer/workout/marathon shoe, I think it is perfect.  As I mentioned in the heel drop section, the shoe never feels like it is in the way.  The ride is very smooth and it has just the right amount of cushioning and responsiveness for my tastes.  If you want something a bit more cushioned, check out the Adidas Boston Boost (I'm working on getting my hands on a pair soon.  Review to come).

Thoughts as a PT (Student):  I really love this shoe, but it does have some toe spring (see above).  I've touched on my views of this in my previous posts.  I do understand that it allows the shoe to ride smoother and may be one of reasons I can train full time in it.  However I am worried due to the fact that excess toe spring does keep your toes in an extended position.  This can lead to various toe deformities but only after wearing shoes with high toe spring for many years (think decades).  The toe spring is not that bad in the Adios Adios Boost 2 but it is noticeable.  I would prefer it if they returned to the reduced toe-spring of the Adidas Adios Boost 1 as that contributed to a very snappy ride when I briefly tried them on.  Would I be still be able to use them as a lightweight trainer as opposed to a workout and race only shoe?  Would they lose the smooth ride I love?  That remains to be seen.  Most brands have this incorporated into all their shoes now, so it is really not significant. This aspect has not deterred me from wearing them at all.  In fact I already purchased a second pair and admit that the Adidas Adios Boost 2 has overtaken the Saucony Kinvara 1 as my favorite shoe of all time.

Final Thoughts:  Yep.  I just said that.  The Adidas Adios Boost 2 is my favorite shoe of all time.  I have purchased a second pair and I'm sure I'll purchase a third.  Will I still keep testing shoes?  Of course!  I still would like to see what happens if that toe spring got reduced.  And if it doesn't I'll just stockpike this version.     The Adidas Adios Boost 2 really showcases the new Boost midsole in a way that has pulled me in.  I realize the Boost material has been around for a year or two, but sometimes I like to hold back and see if things are really worth the hype.  This has been a bit of an Adidas gateway shoe for me.  I am also currently training in the Adidas Sequence 7 Boost (review on the way) and am eyeing the just released Boston Boost 5.  And although it is not a Boost shoe yet (you'll have to wait until early 2015), I am getting closer to pulling the trigger on getting a pair of Takumi Sen 2s.  I've always wanted a pair of those and they are getting harder to resist.  I may have to hold out for the Takumi Sen 3 Boost but it is going to be difficult.
    If you have not tried on a pair of Boost shoes yet, I highly suggest you do so.   Even the experience will be interesting.  I honestly didn't like Adidas Energy boost because the toe spring was so excessive and the upper was too tight, but the Supernova Glide Boost (only if you have a very neutral gait), the Sequence Boost (if your foot is narrow.  More on that in the review), the Adistar Boost (only tried briefly) or the Boston Boost (out 9/1... or today as I write this review).  At least try them on.  I think Saucony, Brooks, Altra, Asics, Mizuno, Nike and everyone else needs to start thinking about moving away from EVA midsoles.  Never have I tried a shoe that had the same ride constantly for so long and such a good ride at that!  Adidas has definitely raised the bar with this midsole and this shoe.  I am excited to see where they take it and how the rest of the industry will catch up!

Thanks for reading and don't forget to Tack On!

These shoes were a personal purchase and I put at least 100 miles on every pair of shoes before I review them (except racing flats which I put on at least 75 miles).  Currently I have 220 miles on my first pair and a second pair in waiting!

As always, my views are my own.  

-Matt Klein, SPT

*Images obtained from the Adidas website.  Go down to your local running specialty retailer to check them out!

Saucony Kinvara 5 Review

Rarely do I buy more than two pairs of a certain shoe in a row.  This comes from being fairly picky and being curious about new stuff on the market.  The first shoe that I went past 2 pairs in a row of was the Saucony Kinvara 1.  Right as the minimalist wave was hitting the market, I was looking for a low drop that still could handle the 80 mile weeks of intense training I was doing at the time as a sophomore on a competitive college team.  I distinctly remember trying on the original Kinvara and thinking it felt like I was running in shoe boxes.  I still gave them a shot because I was desperate to find a 4mm drop cushioned shoe that fit my foot well.  A few runs later I was hooked.  I went through almost a year of only training in this shoe.  For only getting 200-250 miles a pair, I went through a great deal of Kinvaras before transitioning to the Altra Instinct after that track season.  To this day I have not worn the same model for anywhere near that long.  Needless to say when I begin to have trouble running hard +100 mile weeks in the Altra Instinct/Provision/ Torin/Instinct 1.5, I came back to the Kinvara 4.  It was disappointing because either the toe-box wasn't shaped the same or my feet had been spoiled by Altras.  I still had some awesome and blazing fast runs that reminded me of the shoe bliss of the Kinvara 1, but I ended up blowing through the upper of the 4th version at 170 miles.  The shoe also felt dead at 120 miles, so I sadly retired them and got myself to move on....

     Then everything changed when I heard Saucony was making some big changes to the Kinvara 5.  A bigger toebox, full length powergrid and a special heel cup.....  I was excited but didn't want to get my hopes up.  Then when they finally dropped.... I felt like it was a combination of Hanukkah and Christmas (I come from a multireligion household).  The Kinvara 5 is everything I hoped it would be.  Read on to find out my thoughts.

Sole:  The first thing I have to say about the new sole is that it feels nice and simple.  No crazy bells and whistles.  The new sole has just enough cushioning for long runs but enough pop for all out sprint strides.  The powergrid cushioning along with Saucony's EVA+ is very noticeable to me as I vividly remember the Kinvara 4.  The Kinvara 5 has a softer feel in such a way that reminds me that this shoe wants to protect my  feet but also has the responsiveness I would associate with a lightweight trainer/marathon racer.  I would call it the Brooks Launch of 4mm drop shoes (or is the Brooks Launch the Kinvara of lightweight trainers?).  I could definitely see someone using this as a lightweight trainer or a half/full marathon racer.  It can really do everything and I have used it as such.  Hills, tempo runs, 300 repeats, sprints.  The lugs on the bottom work well on trails as well.  Obviously the Kinvara 5 isn't the Peregrine, but it definitely is much more road friendly and can handle any terrain you throw at it. I would really call the Kinvara 5 the Jack of All Trades shoe.

Upper/Fit:  Oh yes.  It's so good.  The second I put this shoe, the upper fit perfectly to my foot.  I'm usually a size 10 and the Kinvara 5 fit me perfectly in that size.  The toebox is much improved and roomier than the Kinvara 4.  No longer does the front dive in and smash my 1st and 5th digits.  The Kinvara 5 has the perfect width for me in that I have plenty of room in the front but do not slide around at all.  This shoe has the Goldilocks of uppers.  I really like the ProLock technology in the midfoot as it hugged my foot nicely without being compressive and secured my foot extremely well.  And that heel cup?  It feels SOOOOO good on bare skin.  Every mile after the first 60 miles I ran in the Kinvara 5 was sockless.  Completely sockless.  I never had a single chaffing issue and I took this shoe up to 17 miles on trails.  Rumor had it that the Saucony Team was trying to design this shoe to be worn sockless.  I would say they achieved this goal.  However, on my second pair (yep, already working through the second one), I had some chaffing issues the first 50 miles and then after was fine.  So the upper needs some time to break in.  As always, everyone is different, so proceed with caution on the whole sockless running thing.  I do love my Injinji socks a great deal.

Oh baby.  It's so good.  That upper.

Responsiveness: As I mentioned this shoe has just enough cushioning and responsiveness to handle any type of workout you undertake.  The 7.7 ounces really helps make it light enough to never be in the way of high leg turnover and the sole responds well to high speeds.  Even on trails the shoe feels fast enough to race in but protective enough to do a long slow recovery.  I began training in this shoe during a recovery period of my training.  By that I mean I wasn't doing very many workouts because I felt like the end of the summer semester of the 1st year of DPT school was eating me alive (everything turned out great though).  The workouts I did do were surprisingly fast.  3 mile tempos at 5:10 pace, uphill trail tempo runs, 200m hill repeats.  All of these went very well despite the high level of stress I was under.  I'd like to partially credit the Kinvara 5 for having enough of a lightweight and responsive feel to remind me that it was time for a workout.
    And just the way it is responsive enough workouts, the shoe has just enough cushioning to handle longer runs without destroying my feet.  I would again liken it to the Brooks Launch but just a hair firmer.  Again... a Goldilocks shoe.

Heel-Toe Drop/Ramp:  As always the Kinvara is listed as a 4mm drop shoe, but it feels a bit more than that.  Obviously the heel-toe drop will feel different depending on the shoe.  To me the Kinvara 5 felt more like 5-6mm drop but in a good way.  My calves weren't completely wrecked when I got up in the morning but my stride never felt inhibited.  There was just enough there to be a middle child between the current 8-10mm drop shoes and the 0-4mm drop shoes.

Durability:  The most surprising part?  I took my first pair of Kinvara 5s to 350 miles.  The most I ever got out of the Kinvara 1 was 230 miles.  I probably could have kept going on my first pair of 5s but didn't want to chance an injury.  Really the only thing that wore out was the sole.  Long gone are the days when you would blow a hole in the upper at 150 miles.  This upper is extremely durable.  I never saw any signs of wear (other than dirt and scuff marks) or seams busting.  I am extremely impressed by what Saucony has done with the upper of this shoe.  Everyone knew the stereotype about how terrible the upper durability was on the previous 4 versions.  The 5th version is a completely different shoe in that regard.

Weight:  Saucony lists this shoe at 7.7 ounces and I would agree with that.  Other sources will tell you there is some 0.1 ounce variation between models, but who really cares about 0.1 ounce in a lightweight training shoe.  This falls in the perfect weight category that I like in a training shoe.  High 7 ounces to mid 9 ounce shoes.  Being on the lighter side of that spectrum, you could definitely get away with doing some serious racing in the Kinvara 5.  It has a fantastic balance between weight, cushioning and responsiveness that can handle any distance (obviously depending on the person).

Thoughts as a Physical Therapy Student:  I just like how simple this shoe.  Any support comes from the higher arch that Saucony is known for and the ProLock technology.  But the arch is EVA so it does not intrude into your foot.  Instead your foot will be cupped nicely and held to the platform (the Kinvara 5 is listed as a neutral shoe).  There are no crazy bells or whistles in the sole of this shoe so just protects your foot and lets it do its thing to a degree.  Combined with the wonderful toebox and the (what feels like) 5-6mm drop it is a fantastic shoe.  I have no complaints with this shoe from a medical or biomechanical standpoint.  Obviously if you have a severe restriction in calf length, foot/lower extremity foot strength or have some kind of foot deformity that requires you to have an orthosis, this shoe may not work for you.  Otherwise, I highly recommend this shoe.  Even just to try it, have a lightweight shoe in your rotation or to use as a racing shoe.

Final Thoughts:  I definitely think of the Kinvara 5 as the Goldilocks shoe.  I also realize I've already said that multiple times.  It really is the perfect balance of a shoe, although I wouldn't mind Saucony adding a bit more to the sole and bumping it up to 8 ounces.  I realize that sounds sacrilegious to the Church of Kinvara, but for all that it can do, the Kinvara is a lightweight trainer/marathon racer.  I tend to think of it more as a lightweight trainer and wouldn't mind just a hair more there.  That's personal preference.  Or Saucony could just keep it like it is because they really did an unbelievable job on this shoe.  The upper is fantastic, the sole is nice and simple, the shoe can handle any workout or race and it is surprisingly durable (at least compared to the previous versions).  I have really enjoyed my time training in the Kinvara 5 and plan to continue doing so.  I want to thank the Saucony team for rekindling my love with the Kinvara series.  I highly suggest giving them a try!

Thanks for reading and don't forget to Tack On!

These shoes were a personal purchase and I put at least 100 miles on every pair of shoes before I review them (except racing flats which I put in at least 75 miles).  Currently I have 350 miles on my first pair and 125 miles on my second pair.

As always, my views are my own.  

-Matt Klein, SPT

*Images obtained from the Saucony website.  Go down to your local running specialty retailer to check them out!

Mizuno Wave Sayonara Review

Once upon a time I was a die-hard minimalist runner and refused to train in anything with a heel-toe drop of more than about 5mm.  The Mizuno Wave Sayonara was the shoe that pushed me to being open to different shoes regardless of heel-toe drop.  I liked it so much I picked up a pair after trying them on and did a very hard Fartlek workout in them on my first run.  So much for breaking the shoes in.

As you can probably tell, we have the Mizuno Wave Sayonara on deck for a review!

    The Mizuno Wave Sayonara is a lightweight trainer that took the place of the Precision and the Elixir.  It is listed at 8.1 ounces and supposedly has a 10mm drop.  It was one of Mizuno's first shoes to debut their new U4ic midsole that is now in all or almost all of their shoes.

   Before I started training in this shoe I was wearing the Mizuno Wave Cursoris.  You know.  One of Mizuno's full on dives into the zero-drop market.  Which is now being taken off the US market.  However the Cursoris 2 and Levitas 2 are available now in Europe and Asia.  So if you're over there, check them out and tell me how they are.  Anyway, I was training in the Cursoris and was getting really tired of how the soles got torn off after about ~120 miles of use (that durability in the forefoot was horrible.  As I've said before, I am hard on shoes).  Right then Mizuno came out with the Sayonara and people were raving about it.  I tried a pair on during a quite moment while working at Foot Traffic and I was very surprised.  Surprised enough that I immediately bought them.  

     First what blew me away was how well they fit.  I'm very picky on the forefoot and toe box fit of shoes.  Having them too narrow is a major turn-off for me.  And that was one of many reasons I had been steering clear of traditional shoes, even with a nagging on and off peroneal injury that I kept running through (pressure was taken off that with higher drop shoes for me).  These had a very good fit in the forefoot.  I know the term "fits like a glove" is overused, but that's how they fit.  The upper is a little stiff, but has the combination of holding your foot down well and having a spacious fit.  The stiffness of the upper does break in a bit and form to your foot as you put more miles on the Sayonaras.  Even after breaking in, the upper remains very durable and I have not seen any tearing or wear in the +200 miles I'm put on them.  The midfoot and heel is on the narrow side in a way that will REALLY grip your foot.  Not uncomfortably so for me, instead in a good kind of "Lockdown" way.  I never had to worry about heel slippage in the Sayonaras, although I still did a lace lock because it's just a habit.  For those of you with narrow feet, you'll like these shoes through the heel and midfoot, then if you like a wide forefoot, you'll like them even more.  For those with wide feet, the midfoot and heel may be a bit snug.  The forefoot will feel fine though.  Again, that forefoot width is awesome.  Speaking of fit, these shoes fit about a half size big, so take that into consideration and go try them on at your local running specialty store.  

     That heel-toe drop obsession that I mentioned early?  The amount in the Wave Sayonara feels like 8mm to me despite the measurements of it being about a 9-10mm drop.  I felt it, but it didn't bother me.  Why?  Because these shoes are VERY responsive.  These are not cushioned trainers at all.  Do they protect your feet from the road?  Yes.  Would they work as a half/marathon racer?  Definitely yes.  I personally would opt for something lighter, but this would make an awesome long distance racing shoe.   This shoe has a ton of pop and I have very much enjoyed using it for tempos and fartlek workouts.  Should I have run my first half marathon in this shoe?  Maybe.  But I was Brooks crazed and only want to train in their gear because I was hoping to be sponsored by them.  Personally I think this shoe is much better than the Brooks Racer ST5.  The drop is lower, the shoe is lighter and there is more pop thanks to that amazing U4ic midsole.  And despite being lighter, the shoe does feel as if it has more protection, which may just be due to the lower heel drop and more material under the forefoot.  Every time I ran in the Mizuno Wave Sayonara I wanted to run really fast.  These shoes don't do recovery runs.  I mean.... they do, but they'll kick and scream a bit before giving in.  Not literally.  That would be freaky.  I don't think I would run in a shoe that actually kicked and screamed at me.  I have run very slow, tired and sore runs in them and they have done fine (I've only done a few of those though).  Really the Sayonaras are meant to go fast.  The sole is fairly firm and remains that way.  Not racing flat bone crushing firm, but responsive/protective firm.  

     I'm pretty happy with what Mizuno has done with the sole of the Wave Sayonara.  It almost has full ground contact, which Mizuno is generally not good about.  Like Asics, they like separating out the forefoot and heel, which I have problems with since I suspect that leads to a bend in the midfoot which could lead to some plantar fascia issues.  I have no study to back that statement up, only personal observations of hundreds of customers and runners working in running retail and biomechanics knowledge as a DPT student.  It's just a hypothesis at this point.  Mizuno has done better with that (that little lateral midfoot section could use some work) in the Sayonara.  The G3 sole pattern on the Sayonara is both very durable and grips the road very well. I have never had any slipping issues in this shoe (like other shoes.. cough pureproject shoes cough) and the sole provides an awesome base from which to push off from when running fast.  The black rubber on the shoe in the heel and the lateral forefoot is super durable.  Over the +200 miles I have on my pair, there is next to zero wear there.  So expect (from an outsole durability standpoint) these shoes to last a long time.   

     As the Sayonara is a replacement for the Precision and Elixir, Mizuno put some mild support elements in the medial heel to provide just a but more of a stable platform.  It is still listed as a neutral shoe, but know that those who need some support will get it from this shoe.  This comes both from the wave plate in the heel  as well as a fairly firm and narrow heel fit.  So again you can see why this would be a great choice for a long distance marathon/half marathon racing shoe for those who need just a bit more shoe.  Although granted the Adidas Adios/Adios Boost only weighs a few tenths of an ounce lighter.  So it's not that much more of a shoe.

    One of my few problems with the Sayonara is how stiff the actual heel is underfoot.  The forefoot is responsive and has some flexibility, but the heel has next to none.  So if you are a heel striker or someone who hammers down on their heel when they are tired (me), this shoe may not be the best option for you.  The lack of flexibility back there gives it a bit of a jarring sensation if you land really hard.  If you are a mild heel striker, midfoot or forefoot striker, these will be fine for training.  Heel strikers may want to save these for workouts or races.  

    Other than the heel inflexibility issue (which prior to Mizuno's current line, ie the Inspire 10, Rider 16, Paradox, etc was pretty common for their trainers.  Things have changed) I really like this shoe.  If you like a lightweight trainer with a wide forefoot, narrow midfoot/heel, that is very responsive, the Mizuno Wave Sayonara is your shoe.  It's great for workouts, uptempo runs and even racing.  That and it's a fairly durable shoe.  If nothing else try them on and tell me what you think!

Thanks for reading and don't forget to Tack On!

These shoes were a personal purchase and as always, my views are my own.  

-Matt Klein, SPT

*Images obtained from the Mizuno Running website.  Again, go down to your local running specialty retailer to check them out!