An ideal 'do-everything' shoe
Anonymous runner · Jan 3, 2018
5/5
Overall
The Adidas Glide 8 shoe lives up to its reputation as a versatile, comfortable, durable running shoe suited for all manner of training runs and races. Across the board, the Glide 8 exceeds expectations for a mid-tier shoe, and is of the same visual and material quality as the highest-priced shoes in the Adidas range - as such it offers tremendous value for money, particularly for a beginner or low-mileage runner looking for one pair to rule them all.
Ride quality and cushioning:
The Glide 8 strikes a good balance between plushness and firmness underfoot - the Boost foam is the primary cushioning material, and it is concentrated under the heel and mid-foot, with a thin EVA layer above. The Boost layer tapers towards the forefoot and toe, and the last inch or so is primarily the traditional EVA foam - this helps the shoe in transition as the softness and springiness in the heel and midfoot cushions initial impact while the firmer forefoot aids in pushing off. Therefore although the shoe feels heavier than some other training models and has a substantial wedge of cushioning, on the run it is responsive and feels fairly quick. Compared to a Nike Pegasus 32 (my other primary training shoe), there is more of a 'spring' quality to the cushioning, which is the benefit of the Boost foam over Nike's more traditional foam-and-Zoom construction. However, the shoe lacks a certain 'snap' at faster paces - the Peagsus, by contrast, is firmer all-around and so feels quicker at tempo/interval paces.
Please note, there are two versions of the Glide 8 out there - the initial launch version (which I have in the Bold Orange/White/Black colourway) most notably has a Continental-branded outsole rubber, whereas the latter version (in Core Black/White/Metallic and other revised colours) has a non-branded outsole rubber. The first version, with the Continental rubber, is significantly more durable than the second - after over 300 miles there has been minimal wear/rubber loss on the outsole of my V1 pair, but I have seen some loss of tread etc. on my V2 pair after only 100 miles or so. If you can find them, get the V1 pair as you will find they will last longer.
Upper and fit:
The Glide 8 has a high-level of step-in comfort, owing to the combination of plush Boost foam in the midsole, a thick blown-foam insole (removable if you prefer to use a different insole), and the generous use of soft textiles in the upper. The overall fit is accurate to Adidas's sizing, and is wonderfully even and comfortable. The heel counter is fairly stiff and holds the heel comfortably and securely, although the lining fabric has a somewhat smooth texture which may give the feeling of heel slippage if not laced properly. The collar is plush, as are the tongue and internal lining, and there are no irritating seams or other internal elements that might cause blisters or hot spots. The lacing connects to synthetic panels bearing the classic three stripes on the medial and lateral sides - this provides a feeling of stability to the fit, and along with the plush tongue create a smooth distribution of lacing pressure across the midfoot.
Durability:
As noted above, I own both versions of the Glide 8, and apart from the differing outsole materials and the corresponding effect on durability, they are of identical build quality and material quality. After 300 miles on one pair, the upper is still in great shape, with no tears, loose seams etc. Likewise, there has been no noticeable decline in cushioning quality over this time - this extremely long lifespan is probably the key advantage of the Adidas Boost foam. As one would expect, the blown-foam insole has worn in, but still retains some plushness and does its job well.
Overall:
In summary, the Adidas Glide 8 is a fantastic, well-rounded shoe suitable for almost any runner and any type of run. Although it has recently been replaced in the Adidas line-up by the Supernova, the Glide 8 can still be found in running shops and all over the internet - as such it can be found at discounted prices, which further increases the value for money you get from the shoe. I'd definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a new multi-use or or training shoe for the new season.
- Comfort
- 5/5
- Durability
- 5/5
- Appearance
- 5/5
- Value
- 5/5
