adidas Terrex Speed Ultra Trail Running Shoes Men's Review
The adidas Terrex Speed Ultra Trail Running Shoes in black, size 9.5, are designed for athletes who demand performance without sacrificing comfort. These shoes have undergone rigorous testing, including insights from endurance runner Tom Evans, who helped refine their design over two years. His endorsement comes from real-world success, having won the Tarawera race while wearing these shoes, showcasing just how effective they can be for trail running enthusiasts.
The Terrex Speed Ultra excels in blending several cutting-edge technologies to provide runners with an optimal experience on varied terrains. The shoe's lightweight construction makes them easy to wear for extended periods, while the innovative features ensure excellent support and traction.
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Features
- BOOST midsole for superior cushioning
- Lightstrike cushioning for energy return
- Continental Rubber outsole for enhanced grip
- Padded tongue and heel tabs for added comfort
- Light and breathable upper material
- Drainage-ready design for wet conditions
Pros
- Exceptional comfort for long runs
- Excellent traction on various surfaces
- Lightweight design promotes agility
- Innovative cushioning technology enhances performance
Cons
- May require a break-in period for some users
- Limited color options available
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | adidas Terrex Speed Ultra | Salomon Speedcross 5 | Hoka One One Speedgoat 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | Lightweight | Moderate | Lightweight |
| Cushioning Type | BOOST/Lightstrike | EnergyCell | Meta-Rocker |
| Outsole Material | Continental Rubber | Contagrip | Vibram |
| Breathability | High | Moderate | High |
Detailed Review
When it comes to trail running, the choice of footwear can significantly influence your performance. The adidas Terrex Speed Ultra stands out due to its combination of advanced features tailored for the avid runner.
Cushioning: The BOOST midsole along with Lightstrike cushioning provides extraordinary comfort and energy return. This dual-layer cushioning ensures that your feet feel supported during long runs while delivering a responsive experience with each step.
Traction: The Continental Rubber outsole is a highlight of the Terrex Speed Ultra. Its lug pattern draws inspiration from gravel bike tires, allowing for exceptional grip on rocky and uneven trails. Whether you’re navigating through mud or loose gravel, you can count on these shoes to keep you stable.
Comfort: Every aspect of the Terrex Speed Ultra has been crafted with comfort in mind. The padded tongue and heel tabs prevent chafing, while the breathable upper helps maintain airflow, reducing moisture build-up during intense workouts.
Durability: While primarily focused on performance, durability shouldn't be overlooked. Constructed with high-quality rubber materials, these shoes are built to withstand the rigors of trail running while providing long-lasting support.
Overall, the adidas Terrex Speed Ultra Trail Running Shoes represent an effective blend of innovation, comfort, and performance, making them an excellent choice for both seasoned runners and those new to the sport.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Cushioning | 9.5/10 | Outstanding comfort and energy return. |
| Traction | 9/10 | Excellent grip on difficult terrains. |
| Comfort | 9/10 | Well-padded and breathable design. |
| Durability | 8.5/10 | High-quality materials ensure longevity. |
User Reviews
I am an avid road runner (50-60 miles per week) who occasionally ventures onto trails.Cons - I tried running on the road in these shoes the first time I wore them, and it wasn't great – I got a few blisters. The cushioning is minimal, so they probably aren't great trail runners for everyone. They feel almost like a minimalist shoe.They are very stiff and take a little while to break in.Pros - Of the 50+ pairs of running shoes I have gone through in the past few years, these might have the best construction. I mostly wear them for light hiking, and they work great. They have an extremely grippy sole, and the upper feels amazingly well-constructed. I imagine they might work well for highly technical runs or scrambles, but for most runners these are not going to work great on trails.They also look great.
I got these shoes for backpacking not trail running. I went on a 37 mile backpacking trip through the Ozarks and prefer the versatility of trail runners over hiking boots. They grip very well except for on wet rock. They are very lightweight, comfortable, and exceptionally agile. The agility was a detriment when carrying a heavy pack and moving quickly over rocky terrain as I twisted my ankles numerous times because there is no lateral stability. But I found if I slowed down and stepped more carefully they did just fine. I like them for backpacking because if I want to put my pack down and go exploring I have the freedom and agility to do so versus being stuck in lumbering hiking boots. If you are light on your feet these are exceptional shoes, and very light, I will continue wearing them backpacking I just have to move 1/2 mph slower than I prefer.
I bought these shoes to NOT use them for their intended purpose. Grass volleyball is played on a soccer field, on low cut grass, with lots of jumping and lateral movement. I had previously used some new balance trail running shoes, and they got old so i UPGRADED to these shoes. They are: 1. Light 2. Breathable 3. Durable 4. GrippyThese shoes were worn all day in 85 degree sun, jumping at max height and landing hard a lot. diving and sliding in these was a dream, and they look NEW OUT OF THE BOX after playing for 10 hour of HARD physical activity. If you're a volleyball player looking for a quality pair of grass volleyball shoes, you can't go wrong with these. They might run a TINY bit small, but stretch a bit with wear and fit my feet awesome.
Years of playing soccer on turf has done damage to my knees, ankles and I've suffered from Achilles tendonitis. Typical turf soccer shoes don't provide any cushion and I believe this, to be the cause of my problems. This shoe has solved all of that.They have a low profile needed for shots and passes that require a little lift.The sole tread is good (not great ) for grip on the turf. Rain can cause slippage.The base of the forefoot is reinforced and bonded to the sole. I have very little wear after 6 months of playing 3 times a week. The kicking motion that drags a bit on the turf hasn't damaged the show at allThey are light and don't absorb water like leather shoes.And finally, the have Boost cushioning in the heel and throughout the sole. This alleviates the pressure from my feet pounding on the hard turf as I run and jump.The only negatives are the previously mentioned poor footing in wet conditions and that the upper is thin and doesn't provide any protection from kicks or stomps.I love these shoes and have purchased 2 more for when these wear out.
The shoes are not too bad. Run small imo but are generally comfotable. Not impressed with the wear on the soles. Seem to break down quicker than most. If i ordered again would definitely go a 1/2 size or more larger.
Chunks of sole start to ripping off right after first 10 miles or so but these are grippy, fast, not durable, not so much cushioned, best trail racing shoesUPDATE:after 200 miles the soles cracked, shoes showed insane perfomance and control on steep ups and downs, grip is insane, if that's what you do, running up mountains, get these, I go for a second pair
These look like great shoes. I did not get to try because the toe box is slightly too narrow. I do not have wide feet. The length is true to size, but I think most would require half size up so your big toe is not crammed against side of toe box. I wish they made 13.5 because they seem perfect and got a really good deal. I wear 13 and 14 just feels too long to make up for the defective toe box shape. I do not think breaking them in would help.