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 