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Adidas SolarBoost 3

Adidas SolarBoost 3 Review Analysis (2021)

Last update: March 2024

The Adidas SolarBoost 3 is a good road running shoe with high-stack stable cushioning for daily runs.

The Consensus

8.8Overall score
A good running shoe with effective and stable cushioning
The Adidas SolarBoost 3 is, along with the UltraBoost, one of Adidas’s most popular models. This new version delivers a steady and cushioned ride without being a stability shoe.

Like its colleague, the UltraBoost, the SolarBoost is heavy, with over 10.6 oz/300 g on the scale. Its three-piece midsole can explain this: Boost (of course) for cushioning, Control Rail for stability, and Linear Energy Push (LEP) for propulsion. The stack height is high, with 32 mm under the heel and 22 mm under the forefoot. The result is medium-density cushioning. Its main advantage is to absorb shocks and to be stable. For the rest, the feel is not very responsive. It’s a pity because, according to the testers, the cushioning is rather unimpressive at low speed. You have to increase the pace to start enjoying the ride, but at the same time, with its weight, the SolarBoost is not a shoe for tempo runs either.

The upper offers an effective lockdown but is a bit stiff. Ventilation is good, and overlays and reinforcements enhance the engineered mesh structure. Finally, the Stretchweb Continental outsole is sturdy and provides a good grip: you’ll even be able to stray onto easy dirt roads.

In short, the Adidas SolarBoost is a shoe for athletes looking for adequate cushioning that’s neither too soft nor too firm and stable. The shoe doesn’t exactly shine, but at the same time, it doesn’t disappoint either, and its durability helps justify its somewhat high price tag.
Comfort
8.5
Durability
9.5
Value for money
8.5
Design
9
PROS
  • Good overall comfort
  • Sturdy shoe
  • Stable cushioning that disperses impacts well
  • Good grip
CONS
  • Heavyweight
  • The upper is a bit stiff
  • Cushioning lacks responsiveness

Technologies

Outsole

  • Stretchweb Continental: sturdy rubber with traction nodes to ensure good grip on the road.
Adidas SolarBoost 3 rubber outsole

Midsole

  • The midsole uses Boost. This flagship cushioning technology of the German brand consists of thousands of TPU pellets merged together to support the foot and to improve the energy return.
  • Linear Energy Push is a torsion system that enhances the structure of the shoe to optimize rebound. Adidas claims that this configuration increases rigidity by 15% under the toes for a smoother toe-off.
  • Control Rail guides your foot for a smooth and more natural movement.

Upper

  • The Adidas SolarBoost 3’s upper features an engineered mesh that comfortably keeps the foot secure inside the shoe while letting it breathe, especially when you go faster.
  • The heel counter molds comfortably to the foot to offer a safe lockdown.

Facts

Technical Specs

TerrainRoad
Pronation typeNeutral
Drop10 mm
Heel stack height32 mm
Forefoot stack height22 mm
FeaturesHeavyweight runners
Weight (men)305 g/10.8 oz
Weight (women)287 g/10.1 oz
Release year2021

Cushioning

Softness (1-5)3 – Moderate
Bounce (1-5)2 – Low

Technologies

OutsoleStretchweb Continental
MidsoleBoost, Linear Energy Push, Control Rail
UpperEngineered mesh, heel counter

Use

SpeedModerate
DistanceMid, long, half marathon, marathon
WorkoutDaily runs

Reference: Adidas’s official website

Comparisons – Adidas SolarBoost 3 vs.:

Adidas UltraBoost 21

See the side-by-side comparison.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is this running model true to size?

Yes, runners who reviewed this model confirmed that it fits true to size. Therefore, you can buy your standard size for running shoes.

I overpronate. Are these shoes suitable for me?

Yes, this shoe aims to deliver a stable run with its Control Rail technology. While not purely a stability model, it should be suitable for those who run in stability shoes.

I’m a heavyweight athlete. Can I run in these shoes?

Yes, this model should be suitable for all weights. The shoe has a relatively high stack height (32 mm under the heel), and the cushioning density is moderate (i.e., the sole is not too soft), which is suitable for heavy runners.

Is the Adidas SolarBoost 3 a good choice to run a marathon?

This Adidas running shoe is very suitable for daily workouts of any distance. When it comes to marathons, you should rely on your experience first. If you find it comfortable during your long sessions, then there should be no worries. Note that this is not a shoe for going fast, but it’s sometimes more reassuring to wear the same shoes you used during your preparation.

Kevin Le Gall

Kevin Le Gall

Kevin is the founder and editor of Runner's Lab. He started running in 2015 and completed his first marathon in Rotterdam in 2016. He's also worked for Under Armour from 2016 to 2018 and helped launch their running collection in Europe (in particular the HOVR shoes). In addition, Kevin is a 300-hour certified yoga teacher (Sivananda) and uses this experience to run more mindfully with a focus on well-being over performance.

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