Adidas vs. Nike: Which Is a Better Running Shoe?
Old running shoes have been linked to changes in impact and pressure across the foot, resulting in foot pain, bunions, and injury. In fact, the more worn out your running shoes are, the higher your risk of injury!
If you have a favorite pair of shoes that you’ve been wearing far past their lifespan, it’s time to let go. A new pair of shoes can revolutionize your running experience and even prevent injury. But, with so many brands out there, how do you pick the right ones?
In this article, we’ll be comparing Adidas vs. Nike, two of the best and biggest brands of running shoes on the market. Read on to learn how to pick your next favorite shoes!
Nike Shoes
Since its humble beginnings in 1964, Nike has become the most valuable apparel brand in the world. They offer everything from training clothes to sports equipment, but they started with shoes. Their shoes remain one of their best products.
Of course, they have some of the flashiest basketball shoes in the game with the Air Jordan line, but their running shoes are nothing short of exceptional. Their most well-known model is the Nike Vaporfly.
The Vaporfly shoes use a new combination of carbon plating and foam to provide an extra bounce in each step. This means you have to expend less energy with every push-off, so you can run longer and faster. The Vaporfly and its successor the Alphafly have been integral to shattering athletic records across the globe.
In fact, EliudKipchoge ran a sub-two-hour marathon in a pair of Alphaflies, setting a new record. His average speed was 13.16 miles per hour!
Even if you’re not shooting for running a marathon at breakneck speed, you can use Nike’s shoe technology to set your own records and enjoy your runs a lot more. Nike has a staggering array of shoes for everyone from beginners to professionals. For reliable daily trainers, we suggest the Air Zoom Pegasus which incorporates all the latest in shoe design without being quite as severe.
While their shoes can be a little pricier, the advanced technology makes them durable and long-lasting running partners.
Adidas Shoes
Adidas is a German company that was founded in 1924. Although they had a bit of a jump on Nike, both have been prime competitors since Nike’s founding. They’re easily the largest sportswear company across Europe and have a healthy following across the rest of the world.
Their signature technology is the Boost foam. Boost foam uses thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) which offers extreme shock absorption, which makes them great for endurance runs. It also means they’ll keep their shape after you put in the miles.
When it comes to running shoes, world records are an important benchmark. Of course, the athlete running the race is important, but the shoes on their feet can make or break the run.
Nike certainly has plenty of world records, which has given the Vaporfly a reputation as the fastest shoe in the world. In response, Adidas launched the Adizero Adios Pro. The Adizero has revamped the standard carbon plating with an ENERGYRODS system, which is intended to reduce energy loss.
Immediately after launch, the Adizero allowed athletes Agnes JebetTirop and SenbereTeferi to set world records in 10km and 5km races. Before the Adizero, these records were in place for 19 years and were thought to be untouchable.
Adidas vs. Nike
These two competitors have been neck and neck for years, so when it comes to picking a pair of running shoes you can’t go wrong. Both have great quality and advanced carbon plating technology. And, they offer a wide range of shoes for both beginners and professionals.
Nike has a greater reach and more brand recognition, although Adidas has a devoted fanbase across Europe. It can be said that Adidas keeps the customer’s needs in mind, and focuses on functionality, while Nike focuses on high performance and cutting edge technology.
So how do you pick between the two?
Terrain
The type of running you do will dictate which shoe you should pick. Be sure to wear road shoes for road running, treadmill shoes for the treadmill, and all-terrain shoes for the trail. Failing to do so can set you up for sprained ankles and other injuries.
Distance
In addition, keep your usual running distance in mind. If you like doing long slow runs, you don’t want a lightweight racing flat. A shoe designed for speed across short distances will end up hurting your feet.
Similarly, if you like going for short runs, you don’t need the bulk of a marathon shoe.
Give Them a Try
With these two factors in mind, you can narrow down your list to a few types of shoes. When it comes to the final decision, use your feet to decide. Pick up a few pairs, and give them a test jog!
Studies have found that the shoes that you personally find comfortable are the ones that match your gait and movement patterns. So, if they feel good they probably are!
To save money on both Adidas and Nike shoes, you can go to KicksCrew and snag a few pairs.
Take Your Running to the Next Level
Hopefully, you can see that the differences between these two brands are small and will depend on your style as a runner. In other words, you can’t go wrong. Whether you buy Nike or you buy Adidas, you’ll be getting a dependable pair of shoes that can help you set your next PR!
If you enjoyed learning about Adidas vs. Nike, we have lots of content like this on our blog. Check it out for more!
