It’s fair to say Adidas and running are having a bit of a moment. The sub-2-hour marathon barrier was broken for the first time by an Adidas athlete running in an Adidas shoe that weighs less than a bar of soap.

Record-breaking super shoes aside, Adidas has been rolling out shoes for us mere mortals that are still fun to go fast in or just enjoy the ride, while still squeezing in some of its most groundbreaking and innovative technologies.

While I’ve not stepped foot inside of the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3, here are three Adidas running shoes I have laced up that I think deserve their flowers.

1. Adidas Adizero Evo SL

The Evo SL is arguably as important a running shoe as the Evo 3, because it’s everywhere and for good reason. This is the running shoe I wear the most because it can do a bit of everything. It also looks great, which means you can keep it on when you’ve ticked off a speed session in them.

Adidas’ Lightstrike Pro midsole brings the bounce and liveliness to help them come alive at faster paces without needing a carbon plate. They feel great for comfortable daily runs, and this is a shoe you could stick on for a race, or you’ve got a speedy Parkrun on the agenda.

The Evo SL has now spawned new versions, including one with a woven upper. I think the OG Evo SL is the standout one and is always a joy to get out running in it.

2. Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4

The Pro Evo might be the talk of the town right now, but we shouldn’t ignore the other carbon racer Adidas has in the ranks; that’s not too shabby. That’s the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4. While carbon racers can be pricey, this is one of the more affordable top-tier options you can now pick up for a far more budget-friendly price. In return, you’re still getting a nice, lightweight shoe with a very breathable upper and Lightstrike Pro foam that’s both soft and springy. Match that up with Adidas’ carbon energy rods and your faster paces, and being in the Pro gets fast and lively quickly. Whether you’ve got more focused speedwork to tackle or need something to cruise at target marathon pace in training, the Pro 4 remains a beaut of a shoe.

3. Adidas Adizero Evo SL ATR

The Evo SL ATR takes the already great Evo SL and sticks a bit more outsole on it. That doesn’t turn it into an all-out trail shoe. It does make it better equipped to handle wetter and muddier routes. Matching up the Continental rubber with 1.5mm lugs gives you that extra reassurance underfoot that you’re not going to be slipping and sliding around. The upper is also a breeze to wipe down when you’ve had to tackle more challenging conditions. It includes all the same shoe ingredients that make it a standout Adidas shoe. The Lightstrike Pro still brings the enjoyable bounce with a ride that’s versatile enough to let you mix up the paces. I’d say it takes a few runs to get that same great Evo SL feeling, but you will get it plus that tougher, grippier outsole.

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I test running shoes for a living, and I love my job. I’m a keen marathoner myself, and having exciting new shoes to try out during my training helps keep me motivated to get out there and run each day. In 2025, I’ve tried out more than 65 new sneakers during my 3000 miles of running.

That’s a lot of shoes, and some of them have been pretty forgettable. Many more of those shoes have been fine — they’ve felt good on the run, but aren’t sneakers that I’ve made part of my own rotation after testing them out.

A select few have been very special indeed, and these are the shoes I still use regularly when I’m not testing something new. I’ve picked out my five best running shoes of 2025 below and even put them in order because who doesn’t love a ranking? Drum roll, please…

1. Adidas Adizero Evo SL

An emphatic winner of my favorite shoe of the year, the Adidas Adizero Evo SL offers exceptional performance at a surprisingly reasonable price, which is something that’s becoming a rarity in the running shoe market.

It’s very light and has a generous stack of springy foam in its midsole, and I’ve found the Evo SL great for a wide variety of runs, from track sessions to easy plods. Some might find it unstable for easy runs, though, in which case it still stands out as a great speed shoe for rotation.

Most shoes that can match its performance cost nearer $200, or even over that, while the Adidas Evo SL is $150 and is now sometimes in sales for less than $100.

Asics Megablast

The Asics Megablast is one of the few shoes that I find more versatile than the Adidas Evo SL, but it loses out on the top spot in my ranking because of its high price of $225. The fact that it’s still in my top five at all, given that price, shows just how fantastic it is to run in.

It has a mega-stack of responsive foam in its midsole but is still surprisingly lightweight and stable, and the Megablast is great for anything from easy or tempo long runs to short interval sessions.

I took the shoe away as my only sneaker for my summer holiday this year because I knew it could handle any kind of run I did, and I like the pink/purple color for general use myself. If you have the money, this is a wonderful running shoe.

Nike Vomero Plus

The Nike Vomero Plus is the first max-cushioned daily trainer that I’ve ever really loved, because unlike most shoes in this category, it’s not just built to be as soft and protective as possible on easy runs.

It’s certainly comfortable, but the springy ZoomX foam in the midsole means that the ride is bouncy and fun, rather than feeling like you have to wade through soft foam, a problem I sometimes have with high stack cruisers.

While the Vomero Plus isn’t as effective for faster runs as the Evo SL and Megablast, it’s the perfect option for picking up the bulk of your easier daily training if you have a shoe rotation, and will certainly work as an all-rounder for new runners.

Asics Metaspeed Sky Tokyo

I love carbon plate running shoes and have used them for pretty much all my races ever since I got my hands on the original Nike Vaporfly 4%.

There have been several excellent carbon super-shoes launched in 2025, and I considered the Puma Fast Nitro Elite 3 and Asics Metaspeed Ray for this spot in my top five, but the Asics Metaspeed Sky Tokyo won my heart when I used it to set my half marathon PR and run 2:24 at the Loch Ness Marathon this year.

It’s unbelievably light for such a high-stack shoe, and the combo of energetic foams and the carbon plate in the midsole makes it feel incredibly fast over any distance.

Carbon shoes don’t work for every runner — they’re expensive, unstable and not that durable — but if you use them, this is my favorite of 2025.

Puma Velocity Nitro 4

The Puma Velocity Nitro 4 is not a flashy shoe compared to the other sneakers I’ve picked out here, but that’s partly what makes it so endearing to me. It's simple, but effective, and it will suit a wide variety of runners.

It’s a good value, cushioned enough for easy runs without being overly stacked, has a great outsole that grips well in wet conditions, and uses a lively midsole foam that feels energetic when you push the pace.

I recommend the Velocity Nitro 4 regularly to friends and runners at my club as a result, and I have yet to get a negative report on the shoe (aside from notes that it’s a little narrow).

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I’ve tested more than 60 pairs of running shoes and run around 2800 miles this year, and the sneaker that has stood out the most for me in 2025 is the Adidas Adizero Evo SL.

It’s light, comfortable, bouncy and great for any kind of run, from easy plods to fast track sessions and even races. It’s also good value at $150, given that similarly impressive all-rounders can cost you over $200 these days (I’m looking at you, Asics Megablast).

So the news that Adidas is launching a winter-ready version of the Evo SL was music to my ears. As someone who runs almost every day through the wet British winter, I can’t wait to get my hands on the Adidas Adizero Evo SL ATR.

Built for wet and slippery conditions

The main changes to the ATR version of the Evo SL compared with the standard sneaker are found in the upper and outsole.

Up top, you now have a ripstop woven mesh upper that offers water repellency and has reflective details to make you more visible on your runs in dark conditions. The fit has also been improved, with increased security around the heel.

On the bottom of the shoe, you now have a lugged outsole for better grip on wet sidewalks and light trails. The 1.5mm lugs aren’t designed to grip on serious off-road terrain, but provide more security on road runs when it’s wet or slightly icy.

The same springy midsole foam

The midsole sticks to the same setup as the standard Adidas Evo SL, and that’s a good thing, because the bouncy Lightstrike Pro foam used is key to the versatile, fun ride of the shoe.

You get a lot of energy return at faster paces, but the Evo SL is also comfortable for cruising along, making it my favorite all-around daily trainer.

One potential drawback for those who need extra stability on the run is the cutout on the medial side, which can make it easier to roll inwards.

If you’re a neutral runner, this isn’t a problem in my experience, but if you overpronate and use shoes with more support, the Evo SL ATR might not work well for you at easy paces.

When is the Adidas Adizero Evo SL ATR available?

The Adidas Adizero Evo SL ATR will go on sale on 4 December 2025 and costs $160 in the U.S. and £140 in the U.K., which is $10/£10 more expensive than the standard model of the shoe.

It’s available in three colors, with the all-black option likely the best pick for most people worried about their shoes getting dirty during winter runs.

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The Adidas Adizero Evo SL is a new addition to the Adidas range, and aims to take some of the features of the Adidas Pro Evo 1 carbon plate running shoe and bring them to a lightweight daily trainer at an affordable price.

It’s one of the best running shoes I’ve tested in some time, with a versatile, comfortable ride that can handle almost any kind of run. It’s good value too, and stylish enough to wear when not running, though the pronounced forefoot rocker makes it feel a bit odd for walking around.

In my Adidas Adizero Evo SL review I’ll explain why I love it so much, and compare it to rival daily trainers from Adidas and other brands.

Adidas Adizero Evo SL review: price and availability

The Adidas Adizero Evo SL initially launched in limited numbers in October 2024 before its full release in March 2025 in the U.S. (February in the U.K.). It costs $150 in the U.S. and £130 in the U.K. which is good value for such a versatile shoe with Adidas’ Lightstrike Pro superfoam in its midsole.

Adidas Adizero Evo SL review: design and fit

The Adidas Evo SL is set to launch in three colors including the white and black shoe I tested. It’s impressively lightweight at 7.9oz in my US men’s size 9.5, especially considering the high stack height of 39mm at the heel and 33mm at the forefoot, which gives the shoe a 6mm drop.

I found that the shoe fit me well in my normal running size. Shoes in the Adidas Adizero range often come up a bit narrow and tight, but the Evo SL is fairly roomy and also a bit more padded around the heel than others like the Adidas Boston 12.

Upper

The Adidas Adizero Evo SL has a lightweight and breathable mesh upper that has just enough padding to make the shoe comfortable for regular use. The lockdown is still secure enough to use the shoe for fast runs without any slippage, but it’s a more relaxed fit than you get on racing shoes or many plated trainers.

As someone who found the uncomfortable upper on the Adidas Boston 12 to be the only real drawback of the shoe, the extra padding and slightly looser feel of the Evo SL is welcome, and makes it more enjoyable to pull on for daily runs.

Midsole

The midsole of the Evo SL is made from Adidas’s springy Lightstrike Pro foam, which is the best foam in the brand’s line-up though the exact make-up of the material varies between shoes. This feels like the firmer version of Lightstrike Pro used in the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 racer, as opposed to the softer version in the Pro 4 and Pro Evo 1.

This firmer feel means the Evo SL is still quite stable for a high stack shoe, though it wouldn’t be one I recommend to runners who overpronate. There is a sharp forefoot rocker on the shoe to aid faster turnover, with the design of this rocker inspired by the Pro Evo 1 racer.

Outsole

Unsurprisingly for such a light shoe, the Adizero Evo SL doesn’t have the thickest or most extensive outsole coverage, but Continental rubber under the forefoot delivers reliable grip while Adidas’s Clear Rubber is used in patches at the heel to increase traction and durability there.

Adidas Adizero Evo SL review: running performance

If I was to design my own dream daily trainer from scratch, it would look a lot like the Adidas Adizero Evo SL. A lightweight, versatile shoe with a generous stack of superfoam in the midsole and a fast rocker, with a thin but comfortable upper. As a result it’s perhaps not surprising that I loved running in it.

The ride is springy out of the box, but softens after the first 20 miles or so and gets more comfortable and bouncy. There is a good amount of cushioning at the heel, and then the rocker design pushes you onto your forefoot and off your toes.

As a runner with a high cadence I appreciated the light weight of the shoe, which makes it easier to keep my legs turning over during longer efforts.

Although you do get a bit more propulsion from a plated shoe — something I checked by doing a track workout where I did reps in both the Evo SL and a carbon plate shoe — the Evo SL is still a good option for fast runs – I’ve done tempo and interval sessions in it and enjoyed it for both.

It also has the comfort for more relaxed efforts, even extending to short recovery runs. I’m not sure I’d use it much myself for longer easy runs, because it’s not the most stable shoe and the rocker pushes you to run fast, but the Evo SL can handle most paces well and I found it ideal for the progression runs I do a lot of during marathon training.

The Evo SL reminded me of other simple, lightweight shoes I’ve loved over the past year like the Hoka Mach 6 and New Balance Rebel v4, but has a bit more bounce in it thanks to its impressive midsole foam. I think it can even rival the excellent, and much more expensive, Asics Superblast 2 for the title of most versatile plate-free shoe, though the Asics is more stable for long runs.

Should you buy the Adidas Adizero Evo SL?

The Adidas Adizero Evo SL is one of my favorite running shoes and certainly worth considering as a lightweight daily trainer that can handle almost any kind of run. It fits well in a shoe rotation as a fast trainer, but can be used as an all-rounder too if you find it stable enough for easy runs.

It’s a good alternative to super-trainers like the Hoka Mach X2 or Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 for those who don’t want to train in a plated shoe, or don’t want to spend big on their trainer, and I think it’s better than any of its lightweight plate-free rivals like the Mach 6 and Rebel v4.

I also prefer it to the Asics Superblast 2 for fast runs, though the Superblast’s greater stability and higher stack makes it a better all-rounder since it’s more comfortable for long, easy runs. I would pick the Evo SL over the Adidas Boston 12 too, because it has a more comfortable upper and feels as fast and more comfortable than the Boston, which has rods in the midsole.

Now is a great time to shop for Adidas sales. If you've had your eye on running shoes, hiking gear, or winter apparel and winced at the price tag, these Adidas deals are almost too good to be true. Except they're real.

If you're anything like me, the holiday season could leave you stumped at what to buy your loved ones, but has anyone ever been disappointed when receiving an Adidas gift? Unlikely! And now, Adidas is running a last-minute gifting sale. 

We test as many products as we can on the fitness desk, and these holiday deals are some of my favorites so far, which should help steer you in the right direction if you're frantically looking for big spends or stocking fillers. I adore Adidas clothing and shoes, and I'm hoping for a few of these deals myself this year. 

So if you're shopping for the Adidas lover in your life, here are a few deals worth snagging in the Adidas sales, whatever your budget or exercise preference.

7 best holiday gifts during the Adidas sales

If you plan to shop online during the holidays, Adidas sales are expected to continue with more discounts dropping at this time of year. Fear not, we'll update this page as and when we see new deals fly in. 

If you're looking for more fitness deals and holiday savings, including brands like Nike, here are the best fitness gifts 2023 tested and approved, the best gifts for runners and the best tech gifts of the year.

I've worn a few iterations of the Adidas Terrex AX4 shoe, and I still can't work out how a hiking shoe can be so lightweight yet so durable, but here we are. And with 41% off and still available during Cyber Week, I wouldn't miss this Cyber Monday deal as we head toward those wet winter months. 

The best part? You can access discounts In the UK and US, but the deals differ between locations.

I take the dog out on countryside walks wearing the Terrex AX4 GORETEX hiking shoes and have also done some light hiking in them, and I've got no complaints about fit, comfort, or waterproofing. The shoe handles all three with total ease. I'm shocked you can save over $51 during Cyber Monday deals. 

You can choose from a variety of colors and sizes (my favorite is all black) and grab the Adidas Terrex AX4 hiking shoe for just $39 @ Amazon.

The Adidas brand isn't the first place I'd turn to when looking for hiking gear, but I have been pleasantly surprised by this hiking shoe over and over again. I recently hiked the Alps for 3 days wearing the Columbia Facet 75 Alpha's, and I switch between both if I need grip and durability during wet and rough outdoor terrain.

Also, access the best Cyber Monday Patagonia deals and Nike Cyber Monday sales.

I would probably size up if you plan to buy these shoes during the Cyber Monday sales. I like to wear a thick pair of warm socks underneath, and while the shoe is true to size, the toe box can feel quite tight. That comes down to personal preference, and you might prefer a lighter sock when hiking. 

You won't need much time to wear in the Terrex hiking shoe, but a few laps around your local park can help you get a feel for the tread and traction of the AX4s before taking any long hikes or big trips. All in all, this is a reliable and hardy hiking shoe that is also surprisingly lightweight and easy to pack. The shoes look more cumbersome than they feel, and I would highly recommend them for outdoor adventures.

It's worth noting that the shoe cuts below the ankle, which I love. Some might prefer a different design for more ankle support, but I had no problem on uneven ground and my ankles still felt supported.  

If you're looking for more great deals on outdoor apparel and activewear, this year's Cyber Monday deals have been epic so far. You can find my favorite The North Face running jacket for 49% off during Cyber Monday sales and save on Under Armour workout T-shirts for a limited time.

We’re living in a time where headphones can do almost anything. They allow us to enjoy music wirelessly over Bluetooth connectivity. Some of the best noise-cancelling headphones block out environmental distractions for peaceful listening. Headphones even let us execute common daily tasks and interact with smart home devices through digital assistant programs (e.g., Siri, Google Assistant). Now, we have wireless headphones that charge themselves via solar-powered technology.

A headphone that can draw the power it needs to power its drivers and any ANC tech purely from direct exposure to sunlight is a brilliant idea. And what's more, the tech sets new sustainability standards by decreasing our reliance on non-renewable energy sources. 

As of right now, only two audio brands are selling solar-powered headphones: Adidas and Urbanista. Their respective models — the Adidas RPT-02 Sol ($229 @ Amazon) and Urbanista Los Angeles ($139 on Amazon) — are experimental successes that demonstrate this headphones sub-category’s potential. At the same time, they’ve proven to only benefit one crowd: fitness users. 

Advertisements and marketing may convince you that solar-powered headphones are ideal for all kinds of leisure. But I beg to differ. Here’s why.

Wearability is more tolerable for working out

Even some of the best sport headphones are uncomfortable due to their tight fit, and solar-powered headphones are even more uncomfortable for some odd reason.

Seriously, wearing Adidas' or Urbanista’s cans for 30 minutes feels like your head is in a vise, and that sensation increases the longer you wear them. It makes sense for the RPT-02 Sol to feature such a tight fit since that keeps them stable during heavy lateral movements. There’s no excuse for the Los Angeles’ intense clamp force.

Hardcore exercisers don’t usually feel or notice any discomfort from sporty headphones until after their workouts. Soreness tends to occur around the ears and atop the skull. Solar-powered headphones have that same effect, which makes them bearable for physical activities. Using them at home or on commutes is impractical, especially if you have a low pain threshold.

Craftsmanship favors physicality

The RPT-02 Sol was designed purely for tough workouts. Adidas built them from 51% plastic that’s mostly covered in breathable mesh with IPX4 certification (sweat and splash-proof). You can also remove the inner headband and ear cushions to wash them. 

While the Los Angeles are marketed towards fashion-forward consumers, they’re premium construction has sporty qualities. These headphones are composed of plush, matte-finish aluminum, with vegan leather wrapped around the padded earcups and headband. We’re talking high-end materials built for longevity; vegan leather can last anywhere between 2 to 20 years. Their fit and sturdiness meet the standards of a fitness headphone, but their lack of IP rating suggests otherwise. 

It's not uncommon for people to exercise with luxury models that have delicate frames and no IP rating like the AirPods Max or several of the best Bose headphones. All I’m saying is that the Los Angeles stand out as the better workout companion due to their robust build quality.

Who’s staying outside to recharge their headphones?

Runners who actively sprint in the blazing sun get more out of solar-powering experience by automatically juicing up their cans during runs. Adidas and Urbanista let you monitor solar-charging levels on their companion apps, which show how much power your headphones have gained or lost.

Unless you’re routinely sunbathing by the pool or in your backyard for several hours, there’s no reason to bake outside to extend your headphones’ playtimes. The better solution for standard use is USB-C charging. It’s stronger than the Powerfoyle technology employed on solar-powered headphones and will net you 80 hours of use on either headphone faster than the bright yellow dot in the sky.

Should you even consider solar-powered headphones for working out?

There are plenty of better options for working out. Many of them are listed on our best sport headphones page. However, if you fancy solar-powered headphones, there’s some satisfaction in knowing they’re best suited for exercising. The Adidas RPT-02 Sol are the only pair worth looking at based on battery life, design and sound quality.

In the meantime, we’re still waiting to see what other brands can do with solar-powered headphones. My suggestion: start by making them comfortable.

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The FWD-02 is the latest entry in Adidas’ expanding true wireless lineup. Boasting a similar aesthetic as some of the brand’s popular running shoes, along with a secure fit and Zound-led audio technology, the FWD-02 strives to become one of the best workout headphones available. 

However, several missteps keep this mid-range model from competing with the upper echelon. Short battery life is an issue Adidas continues to ignore. The charging case doesn’t provide full protection. Then come the bugs that affect different functions.

See which models rank among the best running headphones we’ve tested. And if a bargain is what you really seek, then look at our picks for the best cheap running headphones.

In the meantime, read our full review of the Adidas FWD-02 to see whether these buds should join you at the gym. 

Adidas FWD-02 Sport review: Price and availability

You can purchase the Adidas FWD-02 Sport for $170 via the Adidas website or through online retailers including Amazon and Best Buy . They're available in light gray or night gray. Inside the box are a charging case, USB-C charging cable, quick start guide, three sets of different sized ear tips, and four sets of different sized ear wings. 

The market isn’t short on mid-range workout headphones. Two of the more popular selections out there include the Beats Fit Pro ($199), which is essentially a sporty version of the AirPods Pro with the same features, and the five-star-rated Jabra Elite Active 75t with its excellent overall performance.

For all of the latest wireless earbuds sales, bookmark our best headphones deals page.

Adidas FWD-02 Sport review: Design and comfort

The FWD-02 pairs perfectly with many of the brand’s black or light grey sneakers. Even some of the details are spot-on, from the embossed logo to the etched patterning to the plastic wings that resemble the clear sole of some Adidas shoes.   

The plastic used to construct these buds is sturdy and staves off scratches and scuffs. IPX5 certification makes them sweat and water resistant.

Adidas got creative with the charging case. It’s compact, slim, showcases the buds nicely, and has a pairing button in the middle to assist with connectivity when Bluetooth acts up. As appealing as the thin synthetic mesh covering looks on top, it’s also a major liability. Adidas claims the material is used to ventilate and air out the buds after workouts. What happens if the case falls into a pool or huge puddle of water? The mesh isn’t thick enough to stop water from seeping in and damaging the entire product. At least with a fully covered lid the case and buds have a stronger chance of survival.

I did find the FWD-02’s comfort equal to the Adidas Z.N.E. 01 ANC. The oval design rests gently on the concha and the contoured bottom makes it easy to grab and remove each bud. Fatigue sets in after wearing the buds for 2.5 hours straight, though that is considered high for many sport headphones. 

Fit is another area where the FWD-02 hits its mark. Adidas’ ergonomic wings seamlessly mold and latch onto the cymba, while the silicone tips form a tight seal around the canal to keep the buds locked in.

Adidas FWD-02 Sport review: Controls and digital assistant

Adidas claims that both earbuds take on multiple functions. My experience showed otherwise. None of the assigned commands (call management, customized action) on the right earbud worked. I had to rely on the left bud to do everything, and even then, touch accuracy was so bad that it required performing tap gestures a few times to execute something as simple as skip track.

The long hold gesture was the only touch control that functioned properly, which the custom action feature is tied to and lets you assign one of four different commands. You can enable noise control (more on this later), digital assistance, Spotify Tap to access your favorited playlist or jump right into the Adidas Running app.

I found the FWD-02’s motion detection more reliable than its tap gestures, automatically pausing music whenever taking off the buds and resuming playback when placed back on my ears.

Google Assistant and Siri are compatible, but neither digital assistant is fun to use. The feature is buggy (something I suspect the touch controls suffered from too), lag is common, and can be a hassle to activate on iOS/macOS devices. Google Assistant isn’t any more user friendly, failing to execute basic tasks like opening an app or website, which often led to a blank screen.

Adidas FWD-02 Sport review: Sound quality

Since partnering with Zound Industries (the team behind Marshall headphones), Adidas has put out acceptable-sounding wireless earbuds. The Z.N.E. 01 ANC’s sound profile was well balanced and produced just enough oomph to kickstart intense workouts. These buds carry the same bass-heavy resonance, though the midrange isn’t as clean as what you hear from their noise-cancelling sibling. 

The booming drums on Jamiroquai’s “Shake It On” knocked hard and revitalized my energy levels near the end of runs. That’s what you want most from a pair of sporty wireless earbuds. I thought the synths and vocoded vocals were also reproduced well. Other models in the category can pull off this same sound and not damage certain elements in a song, which, unfortunately, the FWD-02 is guilty of. Hearing the soft-spoken chorus slightly recessed wasn’t so pleasing.

If the default sound profile doesn’t do anything for you, there’s an EQ to play with in the Adidas app. You can either create your own profile by manually tweaking frequencies or select from five different presets: Rock, Pop, Hip Hop, Electronic or Vocal Boost. Some of them sound identical to each other (Electronic and Rock are nearly the same), but they each serve well for their respective categories. 

Vocal Boost made a significant difference on neo-gospel gems like Laura Mvula’s “That’s Alright,” making the singer’s voice clearer, granted the low end still came in too heavy to fully hear the soaring chorus.

These buds support AAC, SBC, and aptX audio codecs. The latter was clutch for playing Spotify playlists on my Google Pixel 6 Pro, providing high-quality streaming over Bluetooth. My MacBook Pro served as my main audio source during the day and delivered similar results when indulging in Apple Music tracks. 

Noise isolation isn’t that great. I could hear my mom-in-law chatting with clients over speakerphone, as well as other mid and high-frequencies noises. The FWD-02’s inability to passively block out these noises means you won’t get much peaceful time at home.

Adidas FWD-02 Sport review: Special features and app

The Adidas Headphones App is the hub for extended functionality. I already touched on a few perks, including control customization, Equalizer, and select third-party integration (Adidas Running, Spotify). What else is there? 

Awareness mode is the last big feature. This is Adidas’ ambient listening mode designed to let you hear your surroundings clearer. While not as effective as the Z.N.E. 01 ANC’s version, it allowed me to identify certain noises like cars passing by and dog barks from a few yards away. Anything farther than a block was inaudible. In addition, vocals weren’t as transparent as I would have liked.

As previously mentioned, the FWD-02 can connect with the Adidas Running app to automatically start/stop runs when enabling the custom action command. Any activity tracking recorded is done through your smartphone, not a smartwatch, so take any recorded stats with grain of salt.

Adidas FWD-02 review: Battery life and charging case

Adidas needs to step it up in the battery life department if they want to compete with the big boys. The FWD-02 gets you 6 hours per charge. This might be sufficient for 4 days of workouts, but there are many rivals that offer more playtime. Two that come to mind are the Beats Powerbeats Pro (9 hours) and JLab Epic Air Sport ANC (11 – 15 hours), the latter selling for nearly $100 less. I guess we should be grateful for the FWD-02 not falling into AirPods Pro territory (4.5 – 5 hours), though bear in mind that Awareness mode and high volume can drop playtimes by about an hour.

A 15-minute quick charge nets you 1 hour of playtime, which is low compared to most other true wireless models. 

The charging case holds up to 24 hours (four extra charges). It’s the same amount of portable power held by the AirPods 2 and AirPods Pro cases.

Wireless charging is not included on this model.

Adidas FWD-02 Sport review: Call quality and connectivity

The FWD-02 is sufficient for voice and video calls, but there is occasional muffle, and the mics pick up lots of ambient noise. Only when it was quiet outside could my wife hear me loud and clear; cars, wind, and other incidental sounds caused interference. I preferred using the buds indoors, especially for business calls; clients were impressed with the clarity on my end. 

Bluetooth 5.2 range is strong, but pairing connectivity can be unreliable. Getting up to 60 feet of wireless range allowed me to move freely around the house without any dropout. One-tap Google Fast Pair also simplified the pairing process for Android devices. Oddly, the buds would randomly unpair from my devices, and sometimes wouldn’t play music despite successfully reconnecting to my last recognized device.

Adidas FWD-02 Sport review: Verdict

The Adidas FWD-02 presents engaging ideas in a fun package, but nothing that warrants the $170 price tag. A water-resistant design (buds only), bold audio, and companion app support with unique features are all hallmarks available on other competitors in the same price range. None of them come with a cool-looking charging case like the one bundled with these buds. Then again, the compromise of function over fashion is one that many are willing to make.

The bigger problem, however, lies in the bugs that Adidas forgot to flush out, bugs that hinder usability on multiple levels. If it isn’t the erratic touch controls, then it’s the finicky voice assistant or unstable connectivity. The substandard battery life isn’t anything to brag about either.

Consider the Adidas FWD-02 Sport if you like your wireless earbuds to match your workout gear and pump out strong bass. Otherwise, look at top performers like the Jabra Elite Active 75t or Beats Fit Pro to meet your exercise needs.

When I look at the homepage on my Adidas Running app (formerly named Runtastic), my heart sings. Not only does it display every workout and run I’ve completed with a map, and photos (if I decide to upload them), but it details each with the total mileage, the duration and my average pace. That’s not anything out of the ordinary for a running app, but the ease of having it all in one place feels very motivating and appealing. 

Best of all, you can look into each run further by clicking on your activity and delving into more stats, graphs, and charts. You then have the option to challenge yourself on that particular route — a great motivator to help you improve and run a specific course a little quicker. 

In this Adidas Running app review, we’ll compare the free vs the paid version to help you decide whether or not the monthly $9.99 premium membership is worth it. Looking for more app reviews? Take a scroll through our round-up of the best running apps, to find one that matches your running style. 

Adidas Running app review: Free vs Paid membership

Adidas’ Running app has a free version or a paid membership. The free version includes real-time tracking with GPS, shining a spotlight on your duration, distance, calories burned, average pace, speed and heart rate data. You’ll also get basic running stats, such as your weekly activity and how far you are away from your personal goal (I challenged myself to running a marathon a week, 26.2 miles).

Users of the free app still have access to the Adidas running online community and blog posts, and the ability to join challenges and training groups. You’re also able to listen to a selection of the free “Story Runs” from the library (a bit like podcasts, designed to guide, coach or simply distract you during your workout). 

The premium package costs $9.99 monthly, or you can sign up for a full year for $49.99. Paying users can delve into a much deeper range of stats – such as personal bests, elevation, maximum speed and a personal record log. You’ll also be able to activate auto-pause, which stops tracking activity when you stop moving. Then there’s access to targeted training plans and interval training for running, walking or cycling. Plus, you can create personalized training plans for everything from weight loss to running a marathon. 

When you sign up, your log in details will also sync with the separate Adidas Training app, where you can follow guided workouts specific to your goals and particular body area.

Adidas Running app review: Interface

Tracking a workout on the app couldn’t be easier. You simply click the activity icon at the bottom panel and press: “start live running”. 

To end the run you just have to slide your finger across the screen, which actually isn’t the easiest with sweaty and often shaky fingers. Once you do successfully finish your run, you get a whole host of stats on one page and the chance to name your run, add photos, give your run a smiley face (or not) and choose an icon that best describes your run (hilly, countryside, beach, town etc). 

You can also add a note, the weather and see the current mileage that you’ve run in your trainers. You’ll also hear a voice telling you that you’ve completed your run with a summary, so there's no need to touch your phone again until you’ve taken your trainers off and had a drink.

Despite its name, the variety of activities you're able to track on the Adidas Running app is also extensive. You can track a total of 48 different sports including hiking, lacrosse, skipping, rowing, cycling and swimming. The tracking data is different for different sports and – although I only tested the walk, gym and circuit training settings – it’s a great way to get all your activities logged and stored in one place. 

The app is straightforward to use, and it's easy to join challenges and view your data.  The only fiddly part is finding all the settings – they’re in the settings section on the activity page. Once you’ve found them you can select your sport type, your workout or your training plan, as well as your soundtrack – be it music, Story Running or PowerSong. Adidas Running works with any and all music apps, so you can listen along to Apple Music, Spotify or any other platform. 

The more you explore the app over time, the more customizable features you find. There are certainly a few rabbit holes to go down, but for those looking for simplicity, you can track your runs very easily and get going without much set-up at all.

Adidas Running app review: Smartwatch apps

With Adidas Running, there’s no need to be a slave to your watch or phone when running because the audio updates notify you at every mile of your pace, distance and duration. 

However, if you do like to wear a watch, then you can also track your activities and upload the data onto the app. As a fan of Garmin, it was easy to pair my Vivoactive, which meant that all my activities were automatically uploaded onto the platform and onto my feed. To connect, simply, head to settings, then partner accounts, and press connect.

Adidas Running app review: The community

Adidas Running allows you to connect with fellow runners and your phone contacts in the community section. I quickly joined the Adidas Runners London group, where you can view and join local upcoming events, be part of a mileage leaderboard and interact with other runners (via the Facebook page or via the app). 

While I didn’t find any of my current running friends on the app, I certainly made a few new ones when I joined an organized nine mile run one weekend. It was easy to sign up via the events tab, which gave me all the details such as location, time and who else from the community would be there.

Adidas Running app review: Verdict

With a successful brand behind Adidas Running, you can’t fault its features, layout and attention to detail. I quickly set my weekly mileage goal and I loved being able to see all my activity on my home screen. I also found it helpful to see how many miles my current trainers had left in them before potentially causing an injury (it’s recommended that you change your trainers every 300 to 400 miles or so). 

The coaching support, the additional gym training (via the Adidas Training app) and the interval training session plans offer great variety for your training – which is good if you’re feeling a bit stuck, or just fancy trying something different. Nevertheless, it’s worth noting that this coaching support and in-depth tracking is also accessible and free via the Nike Run Club app. 

Adidas Running has been designed for those who are serious about improving their running and keeping check of their stats and mileage. I loved the interval training option and the thought of sticking to a dedicated program tailored to my personal goal. I liked the voice-guided coach, too. 

I did feel, however, that there wasn’t much community interaction. For me, Strava is where it's at, and it feels more lively with friends, contacts, segment awards and of course those all-important kudos. I didn’t get this sense of “I saw your run” interaction on Adidas Running — in fact, I had very little interaction at all. 

Overall, Adidas Running is full of useful information and you can certainly benefit from the free version. But if you’re looking for some tailored programs to help you prepare for an event, and really looking to challenge yourself and see those improvements, then you should pay and go premium.

Download Adidas Running app on Android and iOS here. 

The Adidas Z.N.E. 01 ANC is the sportwear giant’s latest true wireless release. These buds have plenty going for them, including active noise cancellation and audio anchored by Zound Industries (the same company developing Marshall headphones). Add a ruggedly charming design and some serviceable features into the mix, and all signs point to a new entry on our best sport headphones list. Right? Let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves.

• The best sport headphones, per category and style
• Find a bargain with the best Apple AirPods alternatives
• AirPods 3 vs Jabra Elite Active 75t: Which wireless earbuds win?

Although the Z.N.E. 01 ANC delivers energetic sound to keep your blood pumping during intense workouts, drawbacks like finicky controls and poor battery life cannot be overlooked. The MSRP may also be questionable for some consumers when considering the stiff competition out there.

Keep reading our full Adidas Z.N.E 01 ANC review to see whether it’s still worth the investment.

Adidas Z.N.E. 01 ANC review: Price and availability

The Adidas Z.N.E. 01 ANC goes for $189 on the Adidas website, but it is currently on sale for $155 on Amazon. Color options are limited to two: light grey and night grey. Inside the box are a charging case, USB-C charging cable, three sets of ear tips, user guide, and warranty. 

While listed lower than premium workout rivals like the Beats Fit Pro ($199), it is also more expensive than well-reviewed models like the Amazfit PowerBuds Pro ($149) and JLab Epic Air Sport ANC ($99). All these share similar traits such as ANC, personalized sound, and companion app support.

For all of the latest wireless earbuds sales, bookmark our best headphones deals page.

Adidas Z.N.E. 01 ANC review: Design and comfort

I’m feeling the Z.N.E. 01 ANC’s sporty aesthetic since it complements the style and function of Adidas running sneakers. Hard plastic and silicone form a durable shell that’s built to take beatings, plus sweatproof and water-resistant rating (IPX5) protects the buds from moisture damage. This is better protection than any Apple or Beats models.

The charging case is also created from the same materials, keeping the exterior scuff-free for the most part. Small details like the ridges on each side and soft-touch rubberized logo are nice touches. Compared to the AirPods Pro case, this one is bigger and bulkier, but not by much, and it secures the buds better, thanks to stronger magnets.

This model would have benefitted more from an ear hook or oval-shaped design; each is known for providing a stabler fit. Adidas’ tips create a decent seal around the canal that keeps the buds steady on your ears when exercising, but a little wetness causes some slippage.

Comfort-wise, the Z.N.E. 01 ANC is a pleasant wear for about 2 hours straight before fatigue sets in. Depending on your pain threshold, you may feel some soreness around the concha if used multiple times throughout the day, but this shouldn’t be a problem for shorter sessions.

Adidas Z.N.E. 01 ANC review: Controls and digital assistant

The controls are both intuitive and practical. Playback and call management are assigned to single (play/pause/answer call/end call), double (skip track), and triple (previous track) taps. A custom action command (long touch and hold) enables select features, including digital assistance, noise control, Spotify access, and Adidas Running app activation. Oddly, Adidas made this the only customizable control on the buds.

On-ear detection is here for auto-pause/play, plus Siri, Google Assistant, and Bixby are all available for use, depending on your device.

The three digital assistants respond to commands with accuracy, but the same can’t be said about the touch panels, which often misinterpret multi-tap gestures.

Adidas Z.N.E. 01 ANC review: Sound quality

Zound Industries sprinkled their sonic touch on the Z.N.E. 01 ANC. Lows are emphasized and hold up well on contemporary tracks, and mids and highs sound surprisingly good. There’s enough here to satisfy your music appetite during commutes and workouts.

Green Day’s “Basket Case” got me warmed up before hitting the road, fueling my tank with crashing cymbals and upbeat snare strikes that didn’t come on too aggressively. Some bass junkies may find the low end subdued, but I thought it was fairly balanced to keep production consonant. Ramping up my adrenaline one mile into a run was the pulsating bassline on Busta Rhymes’ “Turn It Up/Fire It Up (Remix).” It packed the right amount of oomph without compromising the track’s other standout elements like the classic Knight Rider synth samples.

An equalizer is built into the companion app to customize sound. There are six presets to choose from: Adidas (the default), Rock, Pop, Electronic, Hip-Hop, and Vocal Boost. Unlike rival EQs, the Adidas version doesn’t let you manually tweak frequencies and create your own sound profile. This isn’t a dealbreaker, especially since the presets do a solid job with their targeted music genres. Hip-Hop gives bass some extra punch and Vocal Boost is a no-brainer for ballads and podcasts.

Adidas Z.N.E. 01 ANC review: Active noise cancellation

From the looks and sound of it, these buds carry the same noise-cancelling technology as Marshall’s Motif A.N.C. wireless earbuds. There are 10 levels of ANC that can be adjusted in the app to control the amount of noise you want neutralized. The feature is effective for distraction-free listening during workouts, but only at Max level.

Low and mid frequencies were handled with finesse. Noises like household appliances (e.g., blenders, vacuums) and washing machine rumble didn’t break my concentration when using the buds around the house. High-pitched conversations sounded muffled, along with my infant son’s cries during nap time, but any tantrums he threw outside of the nursery were perceptible.

Other high frequencies crept onto the soundstage as well. Thankfully, sounds like bird chirping and whistles weren’t disruptive and blended into the background of most tracks. That doesn’t mean the occasional ambulance siren won’t catch your full attention.

Awareness is Adidas’ version of transparency mode, and it is a viable solution for joggers that want to keep their ears open to what’s happening around them. You can adjust the feature to decrease or increase the amount of noise you want to hear. Being able to keep tabs of oncoming traffic during runs felt great, but it was the alertness these buds provided during afternoon strolls with the baby that put my mind at ease. My only complaint is that voices didn’t come in clearly, and that made it difficult to communicate with people on the go.

Adidas Z.N.E. 01 ANC review: App and special features

Downloading the Adidas Headphones app will grant you extended functionality. There are several features to toy with, some of which were previously discussed such as adjustable ANC/Awareness, equalizer, and control customization. What else is there? Very little.

Battery indicators for each bud, toggle controls, a music player, firmware updates, and interconnectivity with the Adidas Running app round out the app. The latter is the most appealing, acting as a shortcut to the Running app that will start/stop runs when enabling the custom action control. Don’t expect meticulous results because all fitness activity is tracked through your smartphone. 

There is also an “eco charging” setting that caps battery life at 80% when charging to extend the buds overall lifespan.

Adidas Z.N.E. 01 ANC review: Battery life and charging case

Battery life is the Z.N.E. 01 ANC’s Achilles heel. A full charge only generates 4.5 hours of ANC playtime. We’re talking AirPods Pro numbers here. Disabling the feature extends it to 6 hours. High volume and other special features drop playtime by about 30 to 45 minutes.

You’ll need to always keep the charging case on hand, and make sure it’s fully charged. I stress that because the Z.N.E. 01 ANC’s case holds a measly 20 hours. Anything lower than the AirPods Pro case (24 hours) is considered abysmal. Furthermore, quick charging isn’t as powerful as other rivals: 15 minutes nets you 1 hour of playback. Wireless charging doesn’t come part of the deal either.

Adidas Z.N.E. 01 ANC review: Call quality and connectivity

Adidas isn’t known for their call quality, so to see the Z.N.E. 01 ANC not make our best headphones with a mic for voice and video calls list isn’t shocking. The mics are sensitive to ambient noise and movement, creating lots of muffling, as per my wife’s feedback during indoor and outdoor chats. Staying in place provided clearer results. Video calls were better with several clients stating how loud and crisp my voice sounded, though they could hear my baby crying in the background.

The Z.N.E. 01 ANC comes equipped with Bluetooth 5.2 for lengthy range (45 feet) and instantaneous pairing with compatible devices. Dropout rarely occurred when streaming music and walking around the house.

Google Fast Pair would have been appreciated for one-touch pairing with Android phones. The same applies to multipoint technology for pairing the buds to two devices simultaneously.

Adidas Z.N.E. 01 ANC review: Verdict

All things considered, the Adidas Z.N.E. 01 ANC is a respectable noise-canceller that serves well for fitness buffs that want strong audio and ANC in a sturdy package. Having the ability to personalize either through the Adidas Headphones app is huge, and not something you’ll find on many sporty models. 

If only Adidas focused that much attention on other key areas. There’s no excuse for why these buds come with the same ANC playtime as the AirPods Pro and mediocre quick charging. The lack of modern novelties like wireless charging is forgivable, but some won’t feel the same way about the finicky touch controls.

The $189 asking price also feels like a reach for Adidas, especially since the field is loaded with heavy hitters that offer more functionality for less. Adidas enthusiasts will get some satisfaction out of the Z.N.E. 01 ANC, but others may want to wait for a big price drop — or consider Jabra's Elite 7 Active as their next workout companion.

• More: The best noise-cancelling earbuds