ADIDAS CLIMACOOL (CC) RIDE
BACKGROUNDER
LIGHTWEIGHT TRAINER/RACER
- Recommended for efficient runners as a fast-paced trainer or short distance racer
- A very flexible shoe that can perform well on a variety of different surfaces
- Weight: 8.2 Oz. (Size 10)
The Adidas ClimaCool (CC) Ride should have been lumped in the minimalist shoe category, as with the Nike Free Run+2 or the Saucony Kinvara but it’s being marketed as a conventional running shoe that provides a 360-degree CLIMACOOL cooling system which makes it extremely breathable for the entire foot.
When i tried it on the first time for a test-walk, i felt that this shoe was even lighter than the Adidas F50 Runner which i reviewed a few months ago (here), and it leaves very little between your foot and the ground and has very little stability than the latter shoe. It has a very thin, perforated sock liner and runners who frequently suffer from blisters will find this to their liking because of its adequate ventilation.
CONSTRUCTION
The upper is minimally constructed with thin layers of open mesh, similar to that of the Saucony Kinvara, simple and nothing fancy, just designed with air-channels to emphasize breathability. It seems that this shoe was built for runners who run in hot, tropical weather. The only one that’s padded is the heel area, a non-woven fabric lining to give additional comfort.
The outsole has a soft, zigzag design that has similarities with the Reebok Zig Tech and the Nike Free versions. The crevices between the zigzag design gives it its flexibility on the forefoot. The arch is partly supported by 3 extra ports running from the outsole to the midsole, just under the arch part.
FIT AND FEEL
The CC Ride is half-size bigger than the sizes you usually wear and has a remarkably smooth feel for such a minimalist shoe. For my first test-run, i went to the Ultra Track Oval and gave it a few spins. Even when running on the tartan track, i felt the rubber ground underneath which would be favorable perhaps for lean and efficient runners who would like a feel of the surface underneath when running fast tempos.
The fit was snug from heel to toe. Moreover, with its lightness, it was very responsive and because of its flexibility, it allowed your foot to move freely as if running on barefoot. Me and my friends ran repeat up the stadium stairs and felt nothing to hinder the steps up.
I took it the next day on the roads and anticipating some rough terrain, i decided to insert silicone heel pads on both shoes to give it additional cushioning. Ran it on asphalt, cement, short dirt trails and hills to check how the shoe felt on the different surfaces. I still felt the terrain underneath specially when i intentionally stepped on small pebbles and stones so i sticked on running on the smoother surfaces and felt just fine.
PERFORMANCE
Performance of this shoe was highly satisfactory as expected, and runners who race frequently would appreciate the smooth, agile ride and the responsiveness was evident, great for mid-foot or forefoot strikers.
OVER-ALL IMPRESSION
My over-all impression of the Adidas CC Ride is generally positive. It feels fast and it got that natural feel, just a smooth ride from toe-off to landing. The flexibility and agility you feel when running on them is immediately instant. As an afterthought, there was really no need to break in the shoe.
Nevertheless, the thing i wished for this shoe was they should have put a little stability on it and add more cushioning if they had it intended as a conventional running shoe. Otherwise, this would be one shoe minimalist runners would like to have. It’s an excellent neutral shoe for those who would do lots of speed work on their runs and to those who want to incorporate barefoot-like training into their routine. It comes in different color combinations.
A caveat: Heavy runners or over-pronators who need greater stability and cushioning should look elsewhere.
JAZZRUNNER 
i like!
Thanks, Eman!:-)
checked out a pair and it is a good alternative for nike free. the forefoot area is very flexible. if it only comes with a thinner sole, id probably get one myself 🙂
@Daves–Yup, the drop is not so low like those of the usual minimalist shoes. I also like its flexibility.:-)
nice review kuya rene. maybe manufacturers could request bloggers or elite runners to have their running shoes tested first before marketing it whether it is a minimalist, neutral or stability shoe.
Right so, Mark! Test-runs are essential to see how the shoe fits and performs and make an assessment if its the particular shoe for your foot type.
My comment disappear so I am reposting it. If you have the time, could you measure out the height of the sole at the heel and forefoot? It would be nice to know the heel drop since you mentioned it is a minimalist shoe.
RB, i’ll see if i can get it measured accurately.
RB, i couldn’t find anybody from adidas-phils who may know the heel to toe drop of this shoe. However, according to a friend who is a minimalist shoe enthusiast and who owns both the free run2 and the cc ride, he says that while the nike free run2 has a drop of about 7-7.2 mm, the heel to toe drop of the cc ride comes at approximately 6.5mm. That is his estimate.
Thanks.
Thanks for the review! Is this something that I can use for (light) cross-training (e.g., aerodance workouts)?
RC– yes you can. Thanks for dropping by!:-)
Is this shoe ok for a half-marathon?I’m neutral and slightly under-pronate runner.
Your foot type should be a match for this shoe even if you are a supinator. I suggest you have your gait and foot analyzed further at Running shops (RUNNR, Secondwind, ARC) to give you a more accurate detail if this shoe fits you.
how long cc ride would last if i take asphalt every day?
Christian, depends on your foot strike.. if you’re a heel striker, then expect some wear and tear under the heels in about 3 to 4 months if you were to run it everyday. If i were you, get another pair (a cheaper one) so you can alternate your shoes and extend the life of each pair.
How is the upper material holding up? Any rips or seams coming undone?
None that i noticed but so far so good, RB! It has about 90 kms to it usually on short runs and at the track. I’ll have to check again closely the next time i use it. Thanks!
Is there any wear on the mesh near the big toe or pinky toe?
I have 180 miles on a pair, usually run between 4 to 7 miles at a time. There are no issues with the mesh, although the mid sole cushioning is compressed and the sole is showing signs of wear.
magkano kaya to sa market??
Hi, it’s about P4,500.00 i think.