This week I came across a pair of Adidas Lite Racer Adapt 5.0 , a sneaker model that I was long waiting to give a try and write a review. At $70 the Racer Adapt is a budget every day sneaker from the German manufacturer, in the same category with the Kaptir 3.0, the VL Court and the Grand Court. Like these, it’s made with basic materials to appeal to those on a budget. Now at its fifth edition, the adidas Lite Racer Adapt is for me the best looking sneaker from this brand in this price range. With its laces going from side to side and the oversized logo it features a look that it’s quite unique. But is it comfortable? Would I make it part of my rotation? When I got this pair in white, black and white and decided to review it I knew I ‘ll get my answers.
How Does It Fit?
The adidas Lite Racer Adapt 5.0 fits true to size but you have to keep in mind that it is, in essence, a slip-on shoe. So yes the oversized laces are for looks only. That being said, because I have slight high arches and wide feet I was barely able to put them on. They also come in a wide variety, but even so, I would say that if you’re like me, these will not work out for you. Those with normal to narrow feet will get the best out of these as they are made to mold on your feet as you get them on.
Upper
In terms of design, the upper is made as a slip on with laces just for decoration. The one piece mesh is very similar with the one from the Kaptir 3.0 which is pretty durable and provides decent air flow. Per Adidas’s description it is made of at least 50% recycled materials so you can feel a bit better about your purchase. It also allows the shoe to mold on your feet without being too stretchy. This makes it even more difficult to put the shoes on so for the next version Adidas may want to consider adding some elastic pieces where the heel collar and tongue join.
Sole Unit
The sole unit features the Cloudfoam cushioning, same as the Kaptir 3.0. It is advertised by the brand as being like walking on clouds which may be the case if you think how light the shoe is. Size 11.5 weighs just 10.72oz which is very good for an everyday, casual shoe. But in terms of cushioning I only see the Cloudfoam as an upgrade to the classic EVA which is soft but with not a whole lot of responsiveness. So if you may consider running in these you want to keep that in mind. Jogging for short distances or taking them to the gym may work for some but your feet will hurt if going the distance. A big drawback is the outsole which is made of a rubber that wears out pretty easily.
Bottom Line
The adidas Lite Racer Adapt 5.0 is a very good looking shoe that offers a good value for those looking for an everyday sneaker that they can occasionally take to the gym and run. However It is not a shoe that you can turn into your “beater” as it tends to wear out quite quickly, at least when it comes to the outsole. As I barely put them on due to my high arch I could not review them thoroughly but I got a good sense of their pros and cons. I can totally see how many would have this as their favorite athletic sneaker, especially ladies and kids.
