adidas Solarglide 5

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adidas Solarglide 5: Review

“A stable and cushioned running shoe for daily mileage.”

Overview


The adidas Solarglide 5 is a running shoe designed for comfort and stability on daily runs. This shoe is part of the adidas Solar Glide family and is known for its energy-returning Boost midsole and supportive design.

Key Features:

  • Boost Midsole: Provides a responsive and cushioned ride.
  • LEP Torsion System: Enhances stability and energy return.
  • Engineered Mesh Upper: Offers a breathable and secure fit.
  • Continental Rubber Outsole: Delivers reliable traction on various surfaces.

The adidas Solarglide 5 is an ideal choice for runners who prioritize a cushioned and stable ride for daily training. Its robust design offers durability, making it suitable for long-term use. While it may not be the lightest option available, its features provide a comfortable experience for those looking to log consistent miles.

With an average review score of 73%, it's in the lowest rated 10% of similar running shoes. Based on our monitoring of prices across the internet, it's currently in the cheapest 30% of running shoes today.

Verdict

The consensus on the adidas Solarglide 5


The consensus among runners is that the adidas Solarglide 5 excels in providing a stable and cushioned ride, ideal for daily training. Its Boost midsole and LEP torsion system work together to offer a responsive feel, while the Continental rubber outsole ensures reliable traction. However, the shoe's weight is a notable drawback, potentially limiting its versatility for faster-paced runs. Despite this, the Solarglide 5 is praised for its durability and comfort, making it a valuable investment for runners seeking a dependable shoe for longer distances or gym workouts. Its roomy toe box and breathable upper contribute to its overall appeal, although some improvements could be made in the tongue design for better comfort. Overall, the shoe's performance and price point make it a solid choice for those who don't mind a heavier shoe and are focused on stability and cushioning.

Updates to adidas Solarglide 5


The adidas Solarglide 5 introduces several updates from its predecessor, the adidas Solar Glide 4. The most notable changes include a redesigned midsole with an increased Boost platform and the integration of the LEP system for enhanced stability. The upper has also been updated with a more accommodating fit and the use of sustainable materials. These improvements aim to provide a smoother ride and cater to a wider range of runners.

Comparable Shoes


The adidas Ultraboost 22 is often compared to the adidas Solarglide 5 due to their shared use of Boost foam. However, the Ultraboost 22 offers a thinner forefoot, lower weight, and a closer-to-the-ground feel, making it a more versatile running shoe. It's also perceived as a lifestyle sneaker, which adds to its appeal for casual wear.



The Brooks Dyad 11 is another shoe that shares similarities with the adidas Solarglide 5 in terms of its supportive and cushioned ride. The Dyad 11 is slightly lighter and provides a different fit, which may appeal to runners looking for an alternative to the Solarglide's heavier build.



The Saucony Echelon 8 is comparable to the adidas Solarglide 5 in weight and price. It offers a softly cushioned ride and a plush upper, which might be preferred by runners seeking a more luxurious feel during their runs.

7 adidas Solarglide 5 Pros & Cons


4 Pros

Highly cushioned and responsive Boost midsole.
Stable ride with the integration of the LEP torsion system.
Durable Continental rubber outsole with reliable traction.
Breathable and accommodating engineered mesh upper.

3 Cons

Heavier weight may limit versatility for faster runs.
Tongue design can lead to discomfort and shifting.
Some runners may find the shoe runs slightly long.

In Depth


Upper

The adidas Solarglide 5 features an engineered mesh upper that provides a breathable and secure fit. The upper is designed to accommodate a variety of foot shapes, thanks to its spacious toe box. However, the tongue design has received criticism for its lack of padding and tendency to shift, which can lead to discomfort during runs. Despite this, the overall fit is true to size and the upper's construction is robust, contributing to the shoe's durability.

Midsole

At the heart of the adidas Solarglide 5's comfort is its Boost midsole, which offers a responsive and cushioned ride. The integration of the LEP torsion system adds a layer of stability, making the shoe suitable for runners who value a secure and neutral stride. While the midsole provides ample cushioning, it also contributes to the shoe's overall weight, which may affect its suitability for faster-paced activities.

Outsole

The outsole of the adidas Solarglide 5 is made from Continental rubber, known for its durability and traction on various surfaces. This makes the shoe a reliable option for road running, and it can handle mild off-road conditions as well. The outsole's design has been slightly modified from previous versions, but it continues to deliver the grip that runners expect from adidas.

Size/fit

Runners have noted that the adidas Solarglide 5 fits true to size, with a generous toe box that accommodates a range of foot shapes. The shoe's fit is secure, and the engineered mesh upper adapts well to the foot's contours. However, some runners recommend going down half a size for a better fit, as the shoe can run slightly long.

Comfort

Comfort is a standout feature of the adidas Solarglide 5, with its Boost midsole providing a plush and bouncy ride. The shoe's wide platform enhances stability, making it a comfortable option for long runs. While the upper is generally well-received, the tongue design could be improved for better comfort and pressure distribution from the laces.

Cushioning

The adidas Solarglide 5's cushioning is primarily driven by the Boost foam in the midsole, which delivers a bouncy and well-cushioned feel, particularly in the heel area. The shoe's cushioning is suitable for runners who prefer a softer ride without sacrificing responsiveness.

Breathability

The engineered mesh upper of the adidas Solarglide 5 offers good breathability, keeping feet cool during runs. The use of recycled materials in the upper also contributes to the shoe's sustainability efforts.

Stability

Stability is a key aspect of the adidas Solarglide 5, with the LEP torsion system providing a stable base for runners. The wide forefoot and heel areas further contribute to the shoe's stable ride, making it a good option for runners who need extra support.

Durability

Durability is a strong point for the adidas Solarglide 5, with its robust construction and high-quality materials. The Continental rubber outsole is particularly noted for its longevity, ensuring that the shoe can withstand many miles of running.

Grip

The grip of the adidas Solarglide 5 is reliable, thanks to the Continental rubber outsole. This provides confidence on a variety of surfaces, from dry roads to mild off-road conditions.

Who should buy the adidas Solarglide 5?


The adidas Solarglide 5 is well-suited for runners who are looking for a daily trainer that offers a stable and cushioned ride. It's particularly beneficial for those who prioritize comfort and support over speed, making it ideal for long-distance runs or recovery days. The shoe's durable construction also appeals to runners who want a shoe that can withstand regular use without compromising on performance.

Who should not buy the adidas Solarglide 5?


Runners who prefer a lightweight and flexible shoe for faster workouts or races may not find the adidas Solarglide 5 to be the best fit. Its heavier weight and stiffer midsole may hinder performance in speed-focused activities. Those who experience discomfort with the shoe's tongue design might also consider other options with a more traditional and padded tongue for better comfort.

adidas Solarglide 5: What's it good for?


The adidas Solarglide 5 is particularly good for long-distance road running and recovery runs, where its cushioning and stability can be fully appreciated. It's also suitable for runners who split their time between the gym and the road, thanks to its supportive design.

4 adidas Solarglide 5 FAQs


Is the adidas Solarglide 5 suitable for runners with a neutral gait?

Yes, the adidas Solarglide 5 is designed for runners with a neutral gait. It provides a stable and cushioned platform without the need for additional support mechanisms.

Can the adidas Solarglide 5 be used for gym workouts?

The adidas Solarglide 5 can be used for gym workouts due to its stable midsole and supportive design. It's suitable for weight-training sessions and short-duration treadmill runs.

How does the weight of the adidas Solarglide 5 affect its performance?

The weight of the adidas Solarglide 5, at 335 grams, makes it less suitable for fast-paced running but provides a stable and cushioned experience for daily training and long-distance runs.

What type of cushioning does the adidas Solarglide 5 offer?

The adidas Solarglide 5 offers responsive and plush cushioning, thanks to its Boost midsole. This cushioning is ideal for runners who prefer a bouncy and comfortable ride.

adidas Solarglide 5 alternatives



adidas Solarglide 5
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productAthletes
Pro athlete users

Marta Galimany
Weight
Weight
335 g
M: 258 g
W: 227 g
283 g
M: 312 g
W: 278 g
M: 303 g
W: 261 g
Forefoot
Forefoot
26 mm
31 mm
M: 21 mm
W: 20 mm
34 mm
Heel to toe drop
Heel to toe drop
10 mm
10 mm
10 mm
9 mm
12 mm
8 mm
Heel
Heel
36 mm
39 mm
40 mm
M: 33 mm
W: 32 mm
42 mm
Brand
Brand
adidas
adidasBrooksNikePUMAASICS
Strike Type
Strike Type
Heel strike
Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeHeel strikeFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike
Shoe Type
Shoe Type
Maximalist
ComfortableMaximalistComfortableComfortableMaximalistMaximalistComfortableMaximalist
Orthotic friendly
Orthotic friendly
Removable insole
Removable insole
Rocker
Rocker
Carbon fiber plate
Carbon fiber plate
Techs
Techs
adidas UltraboostBrooks BioMoGo DNA
ASICS GelOrthoLite
Environmental Characteristics
Environmental Characteristics
Sustainable
SustainableVegan Ⓥ
0

adidas Solarglide 5: what the experts say (2 reviews)

adidas Solarglide 5: 4 Expert video reviews

adidas Solarglide 5 characteristics and specifications

Characteristics
SportsRunning (+2049)
TerrainRoad (+1362)
UsagesDaily running (+1132)
Brandadidas (+292)
Support TypeNeutral (+1603)
Pronation TypeNeutral pronation (+1578)
Strike TypeHeel strike (+1097)
Arch TypeHigh arch (+1525)
Shoe TypeMaximalist (+428)
FitMedium toe box (+855)
FeaturesBreathable (+753)
MaterialsKnit (+212)
Environmental CharacteristicsSustainable (+175)
ColorwaysBlack, Carbon / Sandy Beige Met / Turbo, Carbon / Silver Metallic / Turbo, Cloud White / Core Black / Pulse Lime, Cloud White / Silver Metallic / Pulse Lime, Cloud White / Wonder Steel / Beam Pink, Core Black / Almost Blue / Beam Pink, Core Black / Cloud White / Grey Six, Core Black / Core Black / Solar Red, Core Black / Flash Orange / Mint Rush
Specificationsvs Average
Released
Apr 2022
Measurements
Weight
335 g
Heel to toe drop
10 mm
Heel
36 mm
Forefoot
26 mm

Evolution of the adidas Solar Glide product family

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AuthorTom Green
Tom is the founder of geerly. Based in West London, he found his passion for running in his mid-30s. He’s best at longer distances, and is a regular at the London Marathon, where he's edging closer to sub-2.40. He started geerly because he found it frustrating when shopping for running shoes spending ages trying to find the best deal in his size, and wading through verbose, waffling reviews clearly designed to appeal to search engines rather than be helpful to users. For geerly he's passionate about writing reviews that get straight to the point, and helping runners find the right gear at the best price.
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