Review: Adidas Solarglide 5 Running Shoes Offer a Burst of Energy with Every Step
While the running shoe market has caused the big-name brands to offer the most unique, innovative, and often outlandish tech in their releases, Adidas also appreciates that some runners just want something straightforward, lightweight, and suitable for all types of runners and foot-types. Enter the Adidas Solarglide 5, this everyday running shoe takes it back to basics, offering a more well-rounded runner for street striders to enjoy, without too many frills and gimmicks.
Built with daily running in mind, the Adidas Solarglide 5 builds upon the foundation of the previous Solarglide models, with the intent to provide runners with the perfect fit rather than too many distractions. Trying on this shoe for the first time felt like I was slipping on a pair of well-worn favourites. There’s no need to break them in, they fit like a glove right from the first wear and are so comfortable you’ll want to wear them for so much more than just your daily runs.
But, while the Solarglide 5 is all about offering a great running shoe without all the extra bells and whistles, there are some little tricks Adidas has implemented to help with a smoother and softer run.
The shoe features a Bubble Boost midsole consisting of hundreds of ‘Boost capsules’ — essentially soft, air-injected foam — which are fused together and said to deliver energy return in each step. The result is a softer and ‘squishier’ feel with each step, providing a fair bit of cushioning. These are aimed at those who want a soft, comfortable run; so if you prefer more stiff and firmer strides with that barefoot feel, then it may feel a little too plush for you. I personally can’t get enough of the plush feeling of this shoe. It feels great underfoot and the added boost you get with every step makes them easy to fall in love with.
There is a good heel-raise on the Solarglide 5 too, giving you some good go-forward with its slight lean. The upper is a soft knitted-material — you know, Adidas’ now-beloved PrimeKnit — giving you a lot of give and flexibility for your foot, which is thankfully complemented with a solid heel counter to keep your foot in place.
So, how do they feel on-road? While some running shoes are a bit of an adjustment to get used to their nooks, crannies, and unusual feeling on-feet, the Solarglide 5 really is a put-on-and-run type of shoe. The wider and softer base makes for a very comfortable and more stable run, where you don’t have to be concerned about planting your foot awkwardly, and the soft upper makes the sensation around your foot feel very minimal and unobtrusive.
What’s more, they’re a little kinder to the planet too. The Solarglide 5’s Primeblue knit upper is made in part with Parley Ocean Plastic. The shoe consists of yarn which contains at least 50% Parley Ocean Plastic – re-imagined plastic waste, intercepted on remote islands, beaches, coastal communities and shorelines, preventing it from polluting our ocean. The other 50% of the yarn is recycled polyester, which is a really nice touch if you’re concerned about the impact your running shoes have on the environment.
Should you invest in a pair?
While they aren’t going to showcase some running technology you’ve never seen before or shift the paradigm of what running shoes are, the Solarglide 5 has all the basics in place to make it an appealing runner for just about any person. You’ve got all the essentials without too much fuss, and the comfort level of this shoe is sure to impress even the pickiest runner.
The Adidas Solarglide 5 is available in Flash Orange x Turbo Red for men and a Light Flash Orange x Flash Orange colourway for women. The Solarglide 5 is available at adidas concept stores and on the Adidas online store at the suggested retail price of R2,499.
