Adidas adiSTAR 3 Introduction
The Adidas adiSTAR 3 is a solid “do everything” shoe for the dedicated road runner. There really isn’t anything this shoe can’t do, from daily training to long runs, from speed work to race day, this shoe just does it’s job.
One thing I’ve come to really appreciate about this shoe is its durability. After almost 300 road miles in this shoe, I have no doubt that there are many more miles left in this shoe.
And while the Adidas adiSTAR 3 isn’t an expensive shoe by most standards ($130), I don’t like having to replace my shoes too frequently.
At this point, I’m expecting at least another 500 miles before I’ll need to start thinking of getting some new shoes, which is the type of value for cost that I want from my running shoes.
Adidas adiSTAR 3 First Impressions
My first impression of the Adidas adiSTAR 3 was a little bit of a mixed bag. I liked that the shoe wasn’t too heavy and the upper had the classic “3 stripe” look that Adidas is known for, but I was concerned that there might be a pretty significant heel-to-toe drop based on the look of the shoe. Thankfully, once I put them on, that worry proved to be unfounded.
Putting the shoe on for the first time, nothing really stood out to me as worrisome. The adiSTAR 3 fit true to size, was comfortably snug in the heel and mid-foot, and the sole felt good under my feet. As such, the first run in these shoes pretty much went exactly as I expected: smooth sailing in a quality running shoe.
Adidas adiSTAR 3 Upper
The upper of the Adidas adiSTAR 3 is a fabric-lined mesh that kind of ticks every box.
Every part of the upper, from the heel through the midfoot to the toe box, is snug yet comfortable.
There is just enough lining throughout the shoe to prevent any movement/sliding of the foot, but not enough to prevent the shoe from still breathing quite well.
And I was very pleasantly surprised at how quickly these shoes dried after a long run in a steady rain—I expected damp shoes for my next run but they were actually completely dry!
The fabric textile lining of the adiSTAR 3 is seamless, and I have not had any issues with rubbing, blisters, or hot spots in this shoe.
Adidas adiSTAR 3 Sole Unit
The sole unit of the Adidas adiSTAR 3 is about as good as it gets for a cushioned road shoe. The combination of the REPETITOR midsole and Adiwear outsole (35mm forefoot, 40 mm heel) combine to provide plenty of cushion while still being firm enough to provide a firm, smooth ride. There really isn’t any “squish” to this sole unit, you can feel the ground with every stride while knowing that your foot is still protected.
And when it comes to traction, I have nothing but positive to report on the adiSTAR 3. On both wet pavement and dry, uphill or down, I haven’t had a single traction issue in this shoe.
As is the case with just about every aspect of the Adidas adiSTAR 3, the sole unit of the Adidas adiSTAR 3 leaves me absolutely nothing to complain about.
Adidas adiSTAR 3 Conclusions
I have really enjoyed running in the Adidas adiSTAR 3, and I’m looking forward to many more miles in this shoe over the next few months.
The only pseudo-issues I have with this shoe are personal preference (I prefer a zero-drop shoe and a little more space in the toe box), but they are not enough to prevent me from continuing to run in these shoes until they are well and truly worn out.
As I’ve said a few times in this review, this is a solid shoe and I’ve yet to find any issues with its construction, design, feel, or performance. If you’re looking for a shoe that will do the job while you’re running on the road, look no further than the Adidas adiSTAR 3.
