BACKGROUNDER
LIGHTWEIGHT TRAINER/RACER
- Recommended for biomechanically efficient runners who wants a responsive lightweight trainer or racer
- Good second shoe for fast work-outs or as a flat-out racer
- Weight: 8.4 (oz.)
Picking up where the equally light Adizero Ekiden (reviewed here) left off, the Adizero F50 Runner blends a lot of cushioning, lightness and space, so roomy in fact that the size seems to be half an inch longer than your regular shoe size.
I usually don’t wear light shoes as a training shoe except when I go out for tempo runs or fartleks but the F50 seems to have enough support for those short uptempo runs. Last Tuesday morning, I wore-tested them for the first time and set-off for an easy 6 km run and found them to be lavishly comfortable and extremely smooth and soft from heel to toe.
Later that night during our aNR sessions at UP, I wore it again and tested how it responded to faster paced running. I did 2 laps at the academic oval (4.4kms) at tempo pace and the shoe was indeed responsive which should please runners looking for a “quick” shoe for fast-pace runs or racing.
CONSTRUCTION:
The upper has a retro-look that reminded me of uppers that were constructed during the 80s. You feel that it was made of canvas but it’s actually composed of layers, a net-like layer of open mesh contained into a semi-transparent outer layer. You will only notice the transparency when you look from the inside. Naturally, this gives a lot of breathability that would provide for maximum ventilation when running.
The positioning of the three (3) stripes has been altered as it is now laying horizontal-like rather than the usual vertical positioning. The layering of the stripes gives it a “faster”, sporty look.
The shoe has an extended heel notch which I assume was made so the Achilles tendons won’t get irritated or rubbed against especially in fast-paced running.
Insole: Molded respoEVA lining that provides an ergonomic fit
Midsole: adiPtene and ForMotion technology that covers full forefoot to give that extra propulsion and increased responsiveness.
Outsole: molded lightweight rubber
FIT AND FEEL:
The midfoot fit is quite snug although the heel part seems to be a bit roomy and opens up a bit and you’ll notice it when walking. However, I find the feel inside “homey”, meaning comfortable and secure enough with no irritations whatsoever.
PERFORMANCE:
Performance-wise, it made a very good impression based on the easy run and tempo run tests. The agility and responsiveness are palpable in the mid-foot and forefoot.
DRAWBACK:
There’s a slight drawback I noticed about this shoe. As Adidas Ph provides me shoes to use and review (for the aNR series), this particular shoe they sent me had a minor flaw. Before wear-testing any shoe I review, I usually put the new pair on top of a table, observe it at the rear and check if the whole shoe would lay flat-out on the surface and would stand upright.
I noticed however, that the right pair tilted a little on its left side as if an overpronator had used them. It also didn’t lay flat on the surface like there was a small gap underneath the forefoot (see picture below).
With this slight glitch, I didn’t think it would cause any problem while running as it hardly made any difference when I was wear-testing them.
CONCLUSION:
Except for this minor flaw, the Adizero F50 Runner is still an excellent option for faster-paced runners with neutral or high arches who want a lightweight trainer or those looking for speedwork or a race day shoe.
However, I would not recommend this for over-pronators or heavy runners who need greater support.
JAZZRUNNER 
hmmm…
i am interested.
Ling–should be available in all aDIDAS stores by next week.:-)
That’s a beautiful shoe, how much would it retail?
Dhentz–i think its about the same price as the adizero ekiden, around P5,200.
Pingback: Shoe Review: Adidas CC Ride | JAZZRUNNER
should include price review also
I am looking at these shoes for parkour believe it or not! I was wondering if you could tell me anything about the grip and how this shoe lasts over time. especially on walls, if you could just go up to a brick wall and try to jump UP off of it, I would love that!
Doing PK with this shoe should be beneficial. It’s light, agile–close to minimalist shoes as you can feel the ground when running, as the midsole is thin. Grip is great on cement, asphalt and trails but haven’t tried it on walls.:-(
Hi! I’m a 165 lbs weight woman. Do you recommend F50 runner to me?
Thanks 🙂
Hi Bianca! By just reading the numbers on your weight, i’d be tempted to immediately say NO, you can’t wear those shoes as they might not be stable enough to support you when you run. However, you didn’t tell me anything if you have been running already before or wore shoes similar with the one above. So i’ll just assume that you’re new to the sport and would like to take up running seriously.
I would suggest that you have your feet/gait analyzed first in a specialized running store so they could suggest which type of running shoe fits you. Those types would be stability, neutral, cushioned or motion control running shoes. The F50 (neutral) i would recommend to light, efficient runners who like to run fast in training or races. You might be more suited for STABILITY, cushioned or even motion control shoes depending on your bio-mechanics. So again, have your foot analyzed and they usually offer it free.
Whatever the type of shoe you wear, i hope you enjoy your running whether for fun runs, fitness or health! Gracias!:-)
OMG!! I’ve bought them right before I read your article because I read in a spanish site they are to less then 176 Lbs runners =(( I thought you weren’t answer my question, so I bought them…. I bought them by internet and I’m gonna try to change them for another one that fits me…. What would you recommend to a person who is 165 Lbs?? Oh yeah, I’m a supinator?neutral 🙂 and I’m 551.181 102 36 feet tall and I run for fun!!
Thanks very much
I would assume that your ordering a running shoe on-line makes you an obvious regular runner who knows her foot type and a bit of running shoes already? If that’s your real foot type (neutral/supinator) then go on with the F50, as it’s also a well-cushioned shoe best for supinators. If you don’t over-pronate even if you’re a little on the heavy-side and don’t get injured, then those F50s will do just fine. Again, i may still urge you to get a gait analyses to be on the safe side.:-)
Hello friend! I’d be happy if I could keep f50 running shoe 🙂
You’re right, I know my foot type and I know a little bit about running shoe! I’ve bought other kind of shoe to exercise at the gym. I’m grateful for your help 🙂 Bye
please also write reviews on neutral type of running shoes
Will do, Raul. Still too busy to review shoes i recently got.:-)
This shoe also rips very easily which is also a down side
Adizero F50 is under the Neutral category suited for PEOPLE WHO HAS A NORMAL PRONATION OR PEOPLE WHO IS UNDERPRONATED. There are some though there foot type is High arch but overpronates, so the recommented shoe for them is Stability shoes. It’s the pronation that matters in selecting the shoe category not the foot type. The Adizero F50 costs P5,696.00. It’s available also at RIOVANA, The Sole of Running.
Christa, there’s more to pronation that matters when selecting the right shoe: your body size and weight, the approximate shape of your foot, the amount and type of training and racing you do, whether you over-pronate, under-pronate or supinate. The key here is having a gait analysis and having your foot typed examined (almost all the specialized running store have this) whether it’s normal, flat or high-arched to determine the type of shoe best for you. These are only general guidelines and its best to try on a variety of shoes which will match and fit your feet the best.
Sir, will these shoes be good enough for beginners like me?, i mean, does this cover the necessary requirements that beginners need from a running shoe? i am left to two choices, this shoe or the adidas falcon elite. need ur advice on this. thanks
Hi Jessie! That will depend on your foot type and running style. I suggest you visit a specialty running store shop (Riovana, Runnr, Second Wind, A Runners Circle) so they can determine if your feet are neutral, over-pronator or under-pronator so they can recommend the right shoe for you. They will analyze your foot’s biomechanics for free. The F50 is a lightweight trainer more for the fast efficient runner. I’m not familiar with the Falcon Elite though if seems to be a good introductory shoe for the beginner. Again, it’s best to have your foot analyzed by the running stores i mentioned above.
Hi sir. jst a question, where can i have my feet or gait analysis? im from baguio city and i cant find any here.tnx!
Hi Jeff. I’m sorry, i don’t know of any store in the north that has the equipment to analyze your gait. But if you ever come to Manila, i’m sure you know where to go. Thanks for dropping by.
is it good enough for a full marathon??? thanks!
I’ve seen runners wear this in marathons, the lean and fast ones. If you belong to this group, why not?:-)