adidas Solar Ride

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adidas Solar Ride: Review

β€œA budget-friendly shoe for neutral runners seeking durability and comfort.”

Overview


The adidas Solar Ride is a running shoe designed to offer a budget-friendly option for those seeking a reliable daily trainer. This shoe is known for its balance of affordability and functionality, making it a practical choice for many runners.

Key Features:

  • Bounce Midsole: Provides flexible cushioning and energy return for a comfortable stride.
  • Adiwear Outsole: Offers durability and traction on road surfaces.
  • Forgedmesh Upper: Delivers support and breathability with strategic reinforcement.

The adidas Solar Ride is an ideal choice for neutral runners who prioritize affordability and durability for everyday running. Its Bounce midsole offers a dynamic response, making it suitable for longer distances.

With an average review score of 69%, 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 20% of running shoes today.

Verdict

The consensus on the adidas Solar Ride


The adidas Solar Ride is a budget-friendly option within the Solar lineup, offering a balance of affordability and functionality. It features a Bounce midsole, which provides flexible cushioning, though it may not be as responsive as the Boost foam found in more premium models. The Adiwear outsole is durable, ensuring longevity even with frequent use. However, the upper's breathability is limited, and some users may find the fit constrictive, particularly in the midfoot area. Despite these drawbacks, the shoe offers good stability and is suitable for everyday running. While it may not match the performance of higher-end models, it remains a valuable choice for those on a budget. Overall, the adidas Solar Ride is a solid entry-level shoe for neutral runners seeking a cost-effective daily trainer.

6 adidas Solar Ride Pros & Cons


3 Pros

Low price point makes it accessible for budget-conscious runners.
Durable Adiwear outsole provides reliable traction and longevity.
Bounce midsole offers flexible cushioning for longer runs.

3 Cons

Constrictive upper may require adjustments for a comfortable fit.
Limited breathability due to thick upper material.
Bounce midsole is less responsive compared to Boost foam.

In Depth


Upper

The upper of the adidas Solar Ride is crafted from Forgedmesh, which aims to provide support and breathability. However, the thick material can feel constrictive, especially in the midfoot area, requiring adjustments for a comfortable fit. The external stitching adds stability but may contribute to the tightness experienced by some runners. While the design includes thinner grooves for ventilation, the overall breathability is limited, leading to warmth and moisture retention during runs.

Midsole

The midsole of the adidas Solar Ride features Bounce technology, which offers flexible cushioning and energy return. This design aims to provide a more dynamic and comfortable stride, suitable for longer distances. While not as responsive as the Boost foam found in premium models, the Bounce midsole still delivers adequate cushioning for everyday running. It is particularly beneficial for those who prefer a softer ride.

Outsole

The Adiwear outsole of the adidas Solar Ride is designed for durability and traction on road surfaces. This full-length rubber outsole ensures longevity, even with frequent use. While it lacks the premium feel of Continental rubber, it still provides reliable grip and wear resistance, making it a practical choice for daily running.

Size/fit

The fit of the adidas Solar Ride can be a point of contention for some runners. The upper's thick material and external stitching can create a constrictive feel, particularly in the midfoot area. This may require adjustments to achieve a comfortable fit. The heel counter design is unique, with a separated structure that may not suit everyone's preference. Overall, the fit may vary depending on individual foot shape and size.

Comfort

Comfort in the adidas Solar Ride is largely dependent on the fit and cushioning. The Bounce midsole provides a soft and flexible ride, which many runners find comfortable for longer distances. However, the upper's constrictive nature can detract from the overall comfort, especially if adjustments are needed to achieve the right fit. Despite this, the shoe offers a stable and cushioned experience for everyday running.

Cushioning

Cushioning in the adidas Solar Ride is provided by the Bounce midsole, which offers a flexible and soft ride. This design aims to deliver a comfortable experience for longer runs, though it may not be as responsive as the Boost foam found in higher-end models. The cushioning is suitable for neutral runners seeking a softer feel during their daily training sessions.

Breathability

Breathability in the adidas Solar Ride is somewhat limited due to the thick upper material. While the design includes thinner grooves for ventilation, the overall breathability is not as effective as in other models. This can lead to warmth and moisture retention during runs, which may be uncomfortable for some runners, especially in warmer climates.

Stability

Stability in the adidas Solar Ride is enhanced by the external stitching in the midfoot area, which provides additional support. This design helps to keep the foot secure during runs, though the tightness may require adjustments for a comfortable fit. The shoe is suitable for neutral runners who need moderate stability for everyday running.

Durability

Durability is a strong point for the adidas Solar Ride, thanks to the Adiwear outsole. This full-length rubber outsole is designed to withstand frequent use, providing reliable traction and wear resistance. The shoe's construction ensures longevity, making it a practical choice for runners seeking a cost-effective option for daily training.

Grip

The grip of the adidas Solar Ride is provided by the Adiwear outsole, which offers reliable traction on road surfaces. While it may not match the premium feel of Continental rubber, the outsole still delivers adequate grip for everyday running. This makes the shoe suitable for runners who need a dependable option for their daily training sessions.

Flex

Flexibility in the adidas Solar Ride is achieved through the Bounce midsole, which provides a soft and dynamic ride. This design allows for a more natural stride, making it suitable for longer distances. The outsole's construction also contributes to the shoe's flexibility, ensuring a comfortable experience for neutral runners.

Who should buy the adidas Solar Ride?


The adidas Solar Ride is ideal for neutral runners seeking a budget-friendly option for everyday running. Its durable Adiwear outsole and Bounce midsole make it suitable for those who prioritize longevity and cushioning. Runners who prefer a softer ride and need moderate stability will find value in this shoe. It's a practical choice for those looking to cover longer distances without breaking the bank.

Who should not buy the adidas Solar Ride?


Runners who require a highly breathable shoe may find the adidas Solar Ride lacking due to its thick upper material. Those who prefer a more responsive cushioning system, like Boost foam, might not be satisfied with the Bounce midsole. If a precise fit is crucial, the constrictive nature of the upper may be a drawback. Consider alternatives like the Nike Pegasus or Brooks Ghost for a more premium experience.

adidas Solar Ride: What's it good for?


The adidas Solar Ride is well-suited for road running and daily training. Its durable construction makes it ideal for road surfaces, providing reliable traction and wear resistance. The Bounce midsole offers a comfortable ride for everyday running, making it a practical choice for those covering longer distances. Neutral runners seeking a cost-effective option will appreciate its balance of affordability and functionality.

5 adidas Solar Ride FAQs


What type of runner is the adidas Solar Ride best suited for?

The adidas Solar Ride is best suited for neutral runners who are looking for a budget-friendly option for everyday running. Its durable construction and Bounce midsole make it ideal for those covering longer distances.

How does the Bounce midsole in the adidas Solar Ride perform?

The Bounce midsole in the adidas Solar Ride offers flexible cushioning and energy return, providing a comfortable ride for longer distances. While not as responsive as Boost foam, it still delivers adequate cushioning for everyday running.

Is the adidas Solar Ride suitable for road running?

Yes, the adidas Solar Ride is suitable for road running. Its Adiwear outsole provides reliable traction and durability on road surfaces, making it a practical choice for daily training.

What are the main drawbacks of the adidas Solar Ride?

The main drawbacks of the adidas Solar Ride include its limited breathability due to the thick upper material and the constrictive fit in the midfoot area. Some runners may also find the Bounce midsole less responsive compared to Boost foam.

How does the adidas Solar Ride compare to other models in the Solar lineup?

The adidas Solar Ride is a budget-friendly option in the Solar lineup, featuring a Bounce midsole and Adiwear outsole. It lacks the premium materials like Boost foam and Continental rubber found in higher-end models, but offers a cost-effective choice for neutral runners.

adidas Solar Ride alternatives

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adidas Solar Ride
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adidas Solar Ride
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similarity
Similarity
Very similar
released
Released
Jan 2019
Nov 2016Feb 2015Apr 2017Apr 2017Jun 2017
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Expert Review Score
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Weight
Weight
320 g
255 g
M: 218 g
W: 181 g
M: 238 g
W: 190 g
M: 232 g
W: 179 g
M: 221 g
W: 176 g
Forefoot
Forefoot
20 mm
18 mm
M: 20 mm
W: 18 mm
16 mm
13 mm
Heel to toe drop
Heel to toe drop
10 mm
10 mm
10 mm
8 mm
8 mm
7 mm
Heel
Heel
30 mm
28 mm
M: 28 mm
W: 26 mm
24 mm
20 mm
Usages
Usages
Daily running
Daily runningDaily runningSpeed trainingDaily runningDaily runningDaily running
Brand
Brand
adidas
adidasNikeNikeNikeNike
Strike Type
Strike Type
Heel strike
Heel strikeHeel strikeFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike
Shoe Type
Shoe Type
Maximalist
LightweightLightweightLightweightLightweight
Techs
Techs
Nike Flyknit
Nike Flyknit
Environmental Characteristics
Environmental Characteristics
Vegan β“‹
Vegan β“‹
0

adidas Solar Ride: what the experts say (1 review)

adidas Solar Ride: 1 Expert video review

adidas Solar Ride 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)
ColorwaysBlack / Black, Black / Grey, Black / White, Grey / Black / Blue
Specificationsvs Average
Released
Jan 2019
Measurements
Weight
320 g
Heel to toe drop
10 mm
Heel
30 mm
Forefoot
20 mm

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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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December 10, 2024 at 9:55 AM
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πŸ“Š Stats by geerly πŸ‘Ÿ πŸ•’ Official time: 00:22:45 | Course PB 🚨 🏁 Overall position: 35/549 🚹 Gender position: 21/299 🎯 Age grade: 61%