Adidas Springblade Drive

Eye-opening design and innovation are right up Adidas’ alley and the Adidas Springblade Drive easily tops the list of these eye-catching shoes. The design’s showcase is the 16 polymer blades that are featured in very lively colors. This is an innovation unlike any other in the shoe industry today.
The idea behind the blades is to compensate for the supposed performance restrictions of the more traditional or injected midsole foams that are commonly used in most shoes today. The blades compress upon impact for unmatched cushion and then spring back for even better energy return. Superior forward propulsion is the promised result with this ingenious innovation. Midsole and outsole durability, courtesy of these scientifically tested blades, is another intended purpose by Adidas.

Arch support and pronation control

This is a shoe that runners who have an Alfred Flintstone type of the foot should stay away from. The Adidas Springblade Drive is built for runners with high arches. Since this type of arch naturally offers support on its own, the shoe provides very little arch support or stability features. The blades are designed for cushioning and propulsion and not for any sort of stability. Neutral runners and even slight underpronators could maximize the most out of this shoe.

Terrain

The shoe is best suited in paved tracks and can be used on the treadmill. Excellent shock absorption and cushioning would make running on tracks or even on asphalt a breeze. The blades dissipate shock and should bode well for the knees and joints. Despite the repetitive striking on hard surfaces, these body parts would not be as battered compared to using other models.

That being said, the blades would not be ideal for use on uneven surfaces or on the trail. It is safe to say that the blades could be a snagged when used for off-road running.

Use

The Adidas Springblade Drive would be really great for an every training partner. This gets an 8 when used as a daily and high-mileage shoe. Great cushioning and responsive ride are readily available, especially for heavy runners or heavy heel strikers. The shoe also has a zero option as a racing shoe.

Durability

With this kind of price, durability should also be more than what is average. However, durability is typically the same as those traditional shoes in the market. There are instances when the blade is broken after getting snagged on something especially when used for everyday wear.

Outsole

The 16 individually-tuned polymer blades are the dead giveaways for the outsole construction of the Adidas Springblade Drive. This is a radical design that offers exceptional cushioning, excellent shock absorption, and superb rebound features. The momentum going forward is enhanced with these polymer blades.

Adiwear Technology at the bottom of the blades is used. This is a sturdy carbon rubber built to increase the shoe’s outsole durability.

Midsole

Since the bulk of the cushioning is handled by the blades, midsole construction is made practically out of the plump, but removable insole. The insole could be detached for a more personalized fit and cushioning if the runner decides to do so.

Upper

The popular Adidas TECHFIT technology is utilized for a more dialled in fit. Personalized fit is made possible by adapting to the natural shape and form of the foot. This is glove-like fit at its best.

AirMESH upper is used for great shoe breathability. Sweat and moisture are negated with the use of this porous upper.

Stiffness

This is a neutral shoe and carries minimal stability features. It carries a 3 out of 10 in the score sheet for stiffness.

Stability

Stability is another feature that is not of prime importance in this shoe. It gets another 3 out of 10 for stability.

Kudos should be given to Adidas for coming up with a design that has no equal in the running industry. The shoe has held its end of the bargain by maintaining Adidas’ great comfort, fit and style, but for every new technology that comes, there is always an area that could be improved. Foremost of this area is the much-publicized “explosive” responsiveness. Despite the revolutionary concept, the responsiveness is very much like that of traditional lightweight and responsive foams.
Although it is still uncertain whether Adidas could improve or back its claim of explosive responsiveness in later versions, one thing is sure though, good things are bound to happen when a revolutionary design or concept comes along.

Price

Retailed at $180, this is a significant investment for a running shoe. There are other options that basically offer the same kind of performance at a lower price tag.