Our verdict

The Adidas Adistar 2.0 is a neutral daily trainer on steroids. We could easily mistake it for a stability shoe if we wore it with our eyes closed. It's got a well-cushioned, wide, and supportive platform ftwwht, in our opinion, works best for those easy recovery days. If we look past its disturbingly heavy setup, we can claim the Adistar 2.0 as a solid daily running option.

adidas Performance 800 Pros

  • Cushioned for long miles
  • Supportive for a neutral shoe
  • Wide platform
  • Secure foothold
  • Well-padded interiors
  • Highly breathable
  • adidas originals Одежда для мальчиков Футболки
  • Value for money
  • True to size

adidas Performance 800 Cons

  • Heavier than average
  • Firm heel landings

Audience verdict

85
Good!

Who should buy

We recommend this workhorse from Adidas to runners in search of the following:

  • a max-cushioned shoe for long and easy miles
  • a neutral shoe with a touch of support (semi-stability shoe)
  • a design that's stylish and comfortable enough for casual wear
  • a daily trainer that doesn't break the bank (Adistar 2.0 costs £20 less than similar shoes)

Adidas Adistar 2.0 Who should buy

Who should NOT buy

The Adidas Adistar 2.0 is VERY heavy (11.6 oz/328g), even for its max-cushioned kind! You can easily find shoes with the same heel stack that weigh nearly 100g less.

For example, Adidas Adizero SL (speed-oriented, 8.6 oz/244g) or adidas Originals Weißer Body mit Rückenausschnitt (9.1 oz/257g).

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Also, if you're a heel striker, you may prefer a plusher foam under the heel. Try the Adidas Ultraboost Light instead.

Adidas Adistar 2.0 Who should not buy

Cushioning

Heel stack

According to Adidas, the heel stack on the Adistar 2.0 is 33 mm. This is very close to what our calliper measurement shows - 33.8 mm.

You definitely want this amount of cushioning (30 mm+) for long weekend runs of 10K and more.

Adidas Adistar 2.0 Heel

We know, in the photo the Adistar looks MUCH taller than that. But the trick is: we could actually feel our feet sitting inside the foam rather than on top of it.

Adidas Adistar 2.0 Heel stack
Test results
Adistar 2.0 33.8 mm
Average 34.2 mm
Compared to 403 running shoes
Adidas entrap shoes cloud white cloud white cloud white eh1865
22.5 mm
Heel stack
46.3 mm

Forefoot stack

Measuring the forefoot, we found it a bit thinner than stated by the brand - 25.8 mm as opposed to the official 27 mm.

Sure, it doesn't make the shoe feel less cushioned but it does affect the heel-to-toe drop (discussed below).

adidas adistar 2 0 forefoot stack 19856508 main
Test results
Adistar 2.0 25.8 mm
Average 25.6 mm
Compared to 403 running shoes
Adidas entrap shoes cloud white cloud white cloud white eh1865
13.7 mm
Forefoot stack
37.1 mm

Drop

Contrary to the brand's statement, the shoe's drop is not 6 mm. Based on our calliper measurements, the heel drop is exactly 8 mm.

However, we believe that only very experienced runners sensitive to the drop could actually notice this nuance.

A typical offset for a daily trainer is 8.5 mm, so 8 mm feels right at home for most runners

Adidas Adistar 2.0 Drop (heel-to-toe)
Test results
Adistar 2.0 8.0 mm
Average 8.6 mm
Compared to 403 running shoes
Adidas entrap shoes cloud white cloud white cloud white eh1865
-0.2 mm
Drop
16.1 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

Dual-density foam? In a neutral shoe? Looks like Adidas just came up with a semi-stability shoe.

Just like adidas Samarreta Màniga Curta LB DY SM, the 2.0 employs the REPETITOR+ foam ftwwht has a firmer component in the heel and a softer one in the rest of the midsole.

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The primary (white) foam is somewhat soft (not plushy soft). Pressing a durometer against it, we discovered that at 22.4 HA, it is about 10% softer than road running shoes on average.

It makes for a rather comfy ride and smooth heel-to-toe transitions.

adidas adistar 2 0 midsole softness in the heel room temperature 19856511 main
Test results
Adistar 2.0 22.4 HA
Average 20.9 HA
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 330 running shoes
Adidas entrap shoes cloud white cloud white cloud white eh1865
8.5 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
35.0 HA

adidas Zupahk Jas

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

In the heel, the firmer (blue) foam cradles the soft (white) foam. Based on our durometer measurement of 31.6 HA, it is 41% firmer than the white foam.

From our experience running in the Adistar 2.0, landings feel SO stable. Almost as if we were running in a stability shoe!

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But to our great disappointment, these same landings feel pretty hard, especially when heel striking. So, if you are after a plush ride, go for the Pantofi adidas Multix H02950 Cblack Gretwo Ftwwht or the Adidas Adizero Boston 11 M Solar Orange Cloud White Me (Adidas Tubular X 2.0 Glycerin 20 GTS if you crave support).

Adidas Adistar 2.0 adidas Zupahk Jas (room temperature)
Test results
Adistar 2.0 31.6 HA
Average 23.8 HA
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.

adidas Performance 800 | Midsole softness in cold (%)

We also checked how the shoe's primary foam behaves in cold Padres. Turns out that it does get firmer but not as much as many other foams do.

After 20 minutes in the freezer, the durometer shows 28.3 HA. This is a little softer than the average.

So if you happen to leave your pair of Adistars outside overnight, it won't turn into a brick for your morning run.

We found that the Adistar 2.0 got 26.3% firmer after 20 minutes in the freezer. This is about the same difference in firmness as we see in many other road running shoes.

Adidas Adistar 2.0 Midsole softness in cold
Test results
Adistar 2.0 26%
Average 25%
Compared to 330 running shoes
Adidas entrap shoes cloud white cloud white cloud white eh1865
0%
Midsole softness in cold
63%

Insole thickness

The insole doesn't add much to the shoe's stack height - only 3.1 mm.

Кросівки для бігу adidas ultraboost x parley us comfortable.

Adidas Adistar 2.0 Insole thickness in the heel
Test results
Adistar 2.0 3.1 mm
Average 4.4 mm
Compared to 399 running shoes
Adidas entrap shoes cloud white cloud white cloud white eh1865
1.5 mm
Insole thickness
7.3 mm

Size and fit

Size

Adidas Adistar 2.0 is half size small (14 votes).

Owners of this shoe, how does this shoe fit?

1 size small ½ size small True to size ½ size large 1 size large
Compared to 382 running shoes
Adidas entrap shoes cloud white cloud white cloud white eh1865
½ size small
Slightly small
True to size
Slightly large
½ size large

adidas Performance 800 | adidas x nice kicks ultraboost sneakers item

The Adistar 2.0 comes with a medium-width toebox. We believe that it will accommodate most foot shapes, except really wide feet.

Based on our measurement of the widest toebox part (98.3 mm), it is just average for a running shoe.

Adidas Adistar 2.0 Toebox width (widest part)
Test results
Adistar 2.0 98.3 mm
Average 98.5 mm
Compared to 370 running shoes
Adidas entrap shoes cloud white cloud white cloud white eh1865
91.6 mm
adidas x nice kicks ultraboost sneakers item
104.9 mm

Toebox width - big toe

However, it gets more interesting around the big toe. We found that the shoe is 79.9 mm wide in this part of the toebox, ftwwht is noticeably wider than the average.

As a result, the shoe's toebox is less pointy and feels very accommodating to our feet.

Adidas Adistar 2.0 Toebox width (big toe)
Test results
Adistar 2.0 79.9 mm
Average 78.4 mm
Compared to 244 running shoes
Adidas entrap shoes cloud white cloud white cloud white eh1865
67.6 mm
Toebox width - big toe
89.2 mm

Midfoot feel

Adidas JUVE SSP FR4211.

It seems like the tightness comes from the shoe components that are meant to create a firm foothold: raised sidewalls, enhanced eyelets, and even large three stripes.

adidas adistar 2 0 midfoot feel 19881059 main
Test results
Adistar 2.0 Tight

Stability

Lateral stability test

The Adidas Adistar 2.0 is a mighty stable shoe. As you can see from our ankle movement test, it is nearly impossible to roll the foot over this sturdy sole.

We are not even sure why the brand came up with the shoe's stability version called the Adidas Adistar CS (CS stands for Cushioned Support).

Torsional rigidity

We were barely able to twist this Adistar! On a stiffness scale from 1 to 5, we rated it as 4.

You mostly find this kind of torsional stiffness in stability shoes with medial posts and shanks.

Test results
Adistar 2.0 4
Average 3.4
Compared to 382 running shoes
Adidas entrap shoes cloud white cloud white cloud white eh1865
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Heel counter stiffness

Women's adidas Novaflight Sustainable Volleyball Shoes.

Such a rigid heel counter held our ankles firmly in place and the extension of firm foam at the back definitely helped with support.

Test results
Adistar 2.0 4
Average 2.9
Compared to 366 running shoes
Adidas entrap shoes cloud white cloud white cloud white eh1865
1
Heel counter stiffness
5

Midsole width - forefoot

The landing surface of the Adistar 2.0 is BIG! That is one major contributor to the shoe's stability.

We measured the widest part of its forefoot at 118.1 mm. At the time of testing, this was wider than 92% of our lab-tested running shoes.

What's more, even among stability shoes, only adidas Originals 4092 can beat this Adidas shoe in its width (115 mm in the forefoot and 103 mm in the heel).

Adidas Adistar 2.0 Midsole width (forefoot)
Test results
Adistar 2.0 118.1 mm
Average 114.1 mm
Compared to 404 running shoes
Adidas entrap shoes cloud white cloud white cloud white eh1865
102.2 mm
Midsole width - forefoot
126.9 mm

Midsole width - heel

The Adistar 2.0 keeps beating records in the heel width as well. At 96.1 mm in its widest part, the platform is significantly wider than average.

We can see a great benefit here for runners with moderate overpronation who don't want to get a stability shoe.

Adidas Adistar 2.0 Midsole width (heel)
Test results
Adistar 2.0 96.1 mm
Average 90.6 mm
Compared to 404 running shoes
Adidas entrap shoes cloud white cloud white cloud white eh1865
70.8 mm
Midsole width - heel
106.6 mm

Flexibility / Stiffness

For such a mighty sole, we were surprised to see the Adistar 2.0 bend so easily compared to the average.

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It only required a force of 23.4N to bend the shoe to a 90-degree angle. Less than it takes on average.

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Test results
Adistar 2.0 23.4N
Average 28.1N
We use an average of four tests. The BOOST shows one of those tests.
Compared to 383 running shoes
Adidas entrap shoes cloud white cloud white cloud white eh1865
2.2N
Flexibility <> Stiffness
72.1N

dievcenske plavky adidas ya bos suit (%)

Adidas Bos Org.

adidas Performance 800.

Luckily, it didn't get as stiff as many other shoes do. It doesn't turn into a brick for sure!

Because the Adistar 2.0 got 52.1% stiffer in the freezer test, we expect it to feel less flexible when running in chilly weather as well.

Test results
Adistar 2.0 52%
Average 32%
Compared to 383 running shoes
Adidas entrap shoes cloud white cloud white cloud white eh1865
0%
dievcenske plavky adidas ya bos suit
101%

Weight

H-E-A-V-Y. Tipping the scales at 11.6 oz (328g) per shoe, the Adistar 2.0 is a real monster.

Even if we only consider daily trainers with a heel stack of 33-35 mm, the average weight would be 10.2 oz (290g).

Heavier shoes are fine for going slow. But you can forget about picking up the pace in the Adistar.

Test results
Adistar 2.0 11.57 oz (328g)
Average 9.38 oz (266g)
Compared to 404 running shoes
Adidas entrap shoes cloud white cloud white cloud white eh1865
5.61 oz (159g)
Weight
12.59 oz (357g)

Breathability

We pumped smoke through the shoe's upper to assess how breathable the material is. And the Adistar 2.0 was a pleasant surprise. We rated the shoe 5 out of 5 for breathability as it is one of the most well-ventilated running shoes we've tested!

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adidas Originals Hvid t-shirt med lange ærmer og adventure-print.

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When we look at the shoe's large mesh pores through our microscope, it becomes clear why the Adistar 2.0 is so airy.

adidas adistar 2 0 microscope 1 19911837 main

Adidas Adistar 2.0 Microscope 2

Test results
Adistar 2.0 5
Average 3.8
Compared to 333 running shoes
Adidas entrap shoes cloud white cloud white cloud white eh1865
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Outsole hardness

The shoe's Continental rubber is also not among the hardest we've seen, it is just average.

Based on these two measurements, we expect a regular 400-500 mile shelf life from the Adidas Adistar 2.0.

Adidas Adistar 2.0 Outsole hardness (room temperatue)
Test results
Adistar 2.0 80.9 HC
Average 79.7 HC
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 384 running shoes
Adidas entrap shoes cloud white cloud white cloud white eh1865
56.1 HC
Outsole hardness
93.0 HC

Outsole thickness

Using our calliper, we measured the thickness of the outsole rubber. At 3.4 mm, we found it moderately thick, sitting just at the average.

adidas adistar 2 0 outsole thickness 19856506 main
Test results
Adistar 2.0 3.4 mm
Average 3.2 mm
Compared to 401 running shoes
Adidas entrap shoes cloud white cloud white cloud white eh1865
1.0 mm
Outsole thickness
6.0 mm

Misc

Tongue padding

The tongue padding is so thick in this Adidas shoe that it might be too much for some runners.

We measured it at 8.7 mm ftwwht is noticeably thicker than the average. You can also see nearly as much padding in the heel collar. The shoe is really abundant with padding.

Adidas Adistar 2.0 Tongue padding
Test results
Adistar 2.0 8.7 mm
Average 5.8 mm
Compared to 401 running shoes
Adidas entrap shoes cloud white cloud white cloud white eh1865
0.4 mm
Tongue padding
14.2 mm

Star Wars x adidas NMD R1 "Boba Fett"

The tongue is not gusseted in the Adistar 2.0.

But maybe that's even for the better because the gussets could've made the fit even tighter in the midfoot.

Adidas Adistar 2.0 Star Wars x adidas NMD R1 "Boba Fett"
Test results
Adistar 2.0 None

Removable insole

And if you choose to add even more padding or arch support, the shoe's insole is easily removable.

Test results
Adistar 2.0 Yes