Science of the Shoe
The first thing you'll probably notice is a more breathable and virtually seamless upper. There are very few stitches sewn into the lightweight mesh fabric, which allows for greater freedom.
The seamless upper combined with the lightweight mesh results in move overall flexibility. The adidas Glide 5 still offers the same control in the upper that neutral strikers crave. The classic three-stripe overlays and laces grip the top of the foot well, ensuring a desirable fit. Likewise, a firm heel counter and GEOFIT heel collar are employed to wrap around your heel Achilles tendon, decreasing slippage and sliding.
adidas has strategically implemented Continental rubber on the outsole to ensure that your foot strikes the ground safely. Compared to shoes with outsoles comprised non-Continental rubber, the Glide 5 provides 21% more traction amid dry conditions and 23% more traction on wet days, a nice touch for trail lovers and road warriors alike. When durability is the name of the game, the Glide 5 passes the test with flying colors.
Similar to the Glide 4, adidas has maintained the same FORMOTION technology in the heel of the newest model, keeping your gait efficient from footfall to toe-off. The TORSION SYSTEM beneath the arch provides ample support and complements the FORMOTION well throughout your gait cycle.
AdiPRENE--a mixture of light EVA foam and rubber-like material--is placed in the heel for cushioning shock absorption upon impact with the ground. AdiPRENE+ in the forefoot yields greater responsiveness and forward propulsion for a more dynamic toe-off.
Feel of the shoe
As a mild to moderate overpronator, I was impressed that the Glide 5 could suit my needs. The shoe felt firm enough to provide a touch of stability. Some mild overpronators who don't care for the posting of stability shoes may find a running ally in the Glide 5. For neutral runners who want zero stability, don't sweat. The adidas Glide 5 maintains its integrity as a true, neutral shoe.
As soon as I slipped the Glides on, I immediately sensed the blend of cushioning and responsiveness. It wasn't too soft, nor did I feel the road just beneath my feet. As someone who values a responsive footwear, I was happy to stride out in the Glide 5s on any surface. The shoe still had plenty of resiliency on softer surfaces, an element that can be lacking in softer neutral-cushioned shoes. Whether an aficionado of trail, track, or roads, you'll be quite comfortable in this model.
If your schedule calls for a steady-state run or a tempo, you may feel as though the shoe is a tad heavy. Yet, the cushioning and responsiveness is undeniable. You may find it worthwhile to warm up and cool down in the Glides and then switch to lighter shoes, if you are really concerned about setting a fast pace. The Glide 5s are far from clunkers, so the vast majority of runners won't think twice about running intervals or fast miles in them.
I usually wear a size 11 for running shoes, but felt as though 10.5 was the appropriate size for this version of the Glides. There is still a nice snug fit in the forefoot, but the toebox may feel slightly loose if you wear your normal size. With regard to sizing, this model could really go either way.
Bottom Line
A cushioned ride combined with excellent responsiveness make the Supernova Glide 5 shoes a prime choice for transforming your runs into a more enjoyable and plush experience. adidas designed the shoes with durability in mind, so you don't need to worry about excessive wear and tear.
- Category: Neutral Cushioning
- Recommended for: Neutral-Footed Runners and Mild Overpronators
- Heel Height: 23.5 mm
- Forefoot Height: 11.5 mm
Shop adidas Supernova Glide 5 running shoes.