Adidas Solar Boost review: A fully balanced training and running pair

Adidas Solar Boost absorbs and pushes back. No wonder the high knees warm-up seemed easier with them on. The black pair I tested comes with a thick white outsole. The blue and orange solar propulsion rails, which support the mid foot and keep it from over-extending, also make the pair look attractive. The other options are black and grey with the same white outsole and no dash of bright colours for those who like to deflect attention.

At the gym, the pair is like a springboard. When lifting heavy weights standing up, the bounce gives the extra push while the thick outsole and a cushioned insole keep the feet stable and grounded. 

Adidas has experimented with both the shoe's fit and fabric. The uppersole weave of the Solar Boost is not as breathable as other shoes from Adidas’s Boost stable. The uppersole creates a lockdown above the laces for a fine working balance between the heel and the forefoot — like two parts of a machine working in tandem — during runs. But its snug fit and thicker weave increases the temperature after a few kilometres. The shoe might feel stuffy in summer during long runs.

It sprints a lot better, though. The Continental rubber sole sticks to the ground and provides great traction even on moist grass. It also keeps the foot steady during sharp turns. Adidas’s flexible heel counter protects the heel by keeping it from moving.

Like the Ultra Boost, despite being thicker and heavier than core running shoes, the Solar Boost feels featherweight. Over the speed of 30 km an hour, the torsion system makes you feel like your foot is barely touching the ground before taking off again. It's rare for a shoe this broad to achieve that. I tried a 400-metre sprint on uneven terrain and while I could feel the road underneath to measure my steps and adjust my pace, the shoe also provided enough cushion to keep my feet from hurting later. It's been over 24 hours and my feet are itching to go again. 

The Solar Boost is a fully balanced training and running pair. The raised temperature during long runs remains my only concern. Okay, the price too: Rs 13,999.