For most people the Adidas Ultraboost 5 is the one to buy: it is the best balance of comfort, performance and value in this group. If it is not quite right for you, the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 is the strong runner-up that suits a slightly different stride or budget.
Choosing a running shoe online is hard because every brand calls its foam responsive and every model is the most cushioned yet. What actually matters is a much shorter list, and we have done the legwork so you can skip straight to the pick that fits how you move. There is a lot to like across Adidas's lineup, but not every model suits every runner, so we narrowed it to the Adidas running shoes that genuinely stand out.
Below are the options that consistently rise to the top across independent lab measurements and large pools of verified owner reviews. We have grouped them by the job each one does best, so you can jump to the right pick rather than reading all six.
Quick comparison
The picks, in detail
Adidas Ultraboost 5
More lifestyle than racer now, but the Boost foam still makes it a plush, durable do-it-all cushioned shoe.
- Very durable
- Plush, energetic Boost
- Looks good casually
- Heavy
- Pricey for performance
Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3
Adidas' record-setting marathon shoe with Lightstrike Pro foam and energy rods for relentless rebound.
- Outstanding energy return
- Race-proven
- Light
- Narrow
- Expensive
Adidas Adizero Boston 12
Energy-rod-equipped daily-trainer-meets-tempo shoe: firm, fast, and durable for high mileage.
- Durable and fast
- Great for workouts
- Stable
- Firm ride
- Narrow
Adidas Terrex Swift R3
A fast, athletic hiking shoe with Continental rubber grip for day hikes and scrambling.
- Excellent Continental grip
- Athletic, light feel
- Durable
- Snug fit
- Less cushion
Adidas Dame Certified
An affordable Lillard signature shoe with Bounce cushioning and reliable outdoor-friendly grip.
- Affordable
- Durable for outdoor
- Good traction
- Firm
- Basic look
Adidas Harden Vol. 8
A cushioned step-back machine with Boost and a wide, stable base for crafty guards.
- Plush Boost cushioning
- Stable wide base
- Good grip
- Bulky
- Heavy
How to choose
- Match the foam to your runs. Soft max-cushion shoes suit easy and recovery miles; firmer, springier shoes feel better when you pick up the pace.
- Watch the weight. An ounce or two adds up over thousands of strides. If you want to feel quick, stay light; if most runs are slow, plush and heavier is fine.
- Mind the drop. A higher 10 to 12 mm drop eases the calves and suits heel strikers; a lower 4 to 8 mm drop loads the calf more and suits midfoot strikers.
- Get the fit right. Leave a thumb's width at the toe, lock the heel in, and pick a model with width options if your feet are broad. Fit beats every spec on paper.
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Frequently asked questions
How often should I replace running shoes?
Most trainers are good for roughly 300 to 500 miles. Replace them when the midsole stops bouncing back, the outsole wears smooth, or new aches appear. Rotating two pairs makes both last longer.
Should I size up?
Usually half a size up from your everyday shoe. Feet swell on runs and you want a thumb's width of room at the toe to avoid bruised toenails.
Is the Adidas Ultraboost 5 worth it?
For most buyers, yes. The Adidas Ultraboost 5 earned our top spot for offering the best overall balance in this group, which is why it is our first recommendation.
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