Adidas Adistar BYD running shoes

The Adidas Adistar BYD Running Shoe is a premium, very comfortable neutral running shoe that is comfortable for longer distances and has good stability. The Adistar line is the high cushioning line from Adidas, the BYD or Beyond is a new product in this line that is a little above the Adistar shoes in quality and knowledge. The use of materials and the technical solutions in the shoe make the BYD more than the Adistar running shoe that has been released so far.

Adidas Adistar BYD Upper

The upper of the Adidas Adistar BYD running shoe is made of a engineered mesh material. The material of the upper is soft, cushioned and thicker than average, so the breathability is not so good, your feet can overheat in it on summer days or at the gym. In contrast, the tongue of the shoe is thin with only tiny pads, more like the tongue of a performance-optimized running shoe. The tongue is not fixed, it is free standing but does not slip to the side when running. The heel collar is also padded for comfort. The upper lock the foot well, but this is not the shoe’s strongest point. The upper fits true to size and is comfortable for those with wider feet.

Adidas Adistar BYD midsole

The Adidas Adistar BYD Running Shoe Midsole consists of 3 layers. On top is a lightweight, very soft and dynamic LightStrike Pro foam that Adidas uses in its performance-optimized running shoes. Underneath is a stiffer, but basically soft Repetitor+ or Repetitor 2.0 foam. Between the two layers of foam is a carbon plate (not carbon fiber) that does not cover the entire midsole. The plate runs along the edge of the midsole and through the middle of the sole, helping to keep the shoe stable and improve energy return. The 3-layer midsole is very comfortable, making the shoe ideal for longer runs. The Adidas Adistar BYD is also versatile in terms of speed, but you won’t be able to run fast for long distance in this shoe. Neither the weight of the shoe nor the geometry of the midsole make it suitable for long, fast runs. The plate in the sole of the shoe isn’t curved enough, so it plays more of a role in stability, not dynamics, it doesn’t throw forward. The plate is called Distance Drive, which also suggests that this plate is more for longer distance running, not fast running. Good stability is important in a shoe designed for longer runs because as the muscles get tired, the runner is less able to keep the foot in a regular, perpendicular position. To improve stability, the heel of the BYD is slightly heavier (both the midsole and the upper), which also hinders faster progress.

Adidas Adistar BYD outsole

The Adidas Adistar BYD Running Shoe outsole is made from a Continental rubber compound. The outsole is multi-piece, it does not cover the midsole in the metatarsus, so it does not make the shoe stiff. The outsole is deeply grooved (compared to running shoes for hard surfaces), so it has good traction. The outsole is thick and covers the midsole where it is exposed to the most wear, making it durable.

Summary

The Adidas Adistar BYD Running Shoe is a comfortable, cushioned running shoe for longer distances. Although the shoe’s weight and midfoot geometry do not allow for fast, long runs, beginners preparing for their first marathon may find it ideal for racing. The upper is very comfortable, though less breathable. The 3 layer midfoot is versatile, stable, comfortable and shock absorbing. The Continental outsole is not only durable, but also grippy. Due to its wide construction, it can be ideal for runners with a wide foot or runners with a heavier build.