The evolution of the Adidas Supernova Sequence series, the Adidas Solar Glide ST is a moderate stability trainer for long and easy miles. I have run in the Sequence series before, but have always dislike the fit and heaviness of them. The Adidas Solar Glide ST, while similar in classification, is a completely different shoe. A new upper, a new addition of stability (solar propulsion rails) and a somewhat different sole design make for a new concept on cushioned stability.
Specifications (per Running Warehouse)
Weight: 10.2 oz
Stack Height: 27 mm / 17 mm
Drop: 10mm
Classification: Moderate Stability Road Trainer
FIT/UPPER
I have disliked the heavy and narrow toe box uppers of previous Adidas Sequence Boosts. The Adidas Solar Glide ST does a far better job. The shoe fits true to size with a stretchy mesh upper. There is plenty of room in the toebox and throughout the shoe. Those with medium to wider fitting feet should have enough space. Those with narrow feet may find the width a little too much, but snugging down the laces should do the trick (definitely try before you buy). There is a plastic piece over the big toe that was fairly irritating at first. It causes the mesh over the toes to crinkle somewhat, pushing down on the volar (top) surface of the foot. The feeling disappears after a few runs, but I found that piece completely unnecessary. Be wary of that when trying it on.
The design of the heel continues to be a favorite. Like I mentioned in my review of the Adidas Solar Boost (REVIEW), the split heel counter holds the foot well with zero pressure on the achilles. As someone with a haglund deformity (Heel bump) this completely relieves an pressure there, yet still holds my foot very well. The laces also respond very well with the Adidas logo on the side and it is possible to get a great fit. The fit of the Adidas Solar Glide ST is great for an everyday trainer.
RIDE/MIDSOLE
Like other members of the non-adizero Adidas running series, the Boost midsole provides a bouncy, soft albeit heavy ride. Despite being the lightest (10.2 oz) of the Solar series, the Adidas Solar Glide ST is a cushioned training shoe, not a workout or racing shoe. The ride is very smooth thanks to the protective Boost, the stable Solar Propulsion Rails, the gentle Dual Density Boost and decently flexible forefoot. The Boost provides a very bouncy and cushioned feel in the heel. The forefoot is thinner (17mm) and while it is cushioned, provides a hint of ground feel. This was surprising given the amount of midsole material. The forefoot feels like it wants to be faster, but is weighed down by the rest of the shoe. This gives the Adidas Solar Glide ST almost a duel personality, but the weight and softness holds it back from being fast and responsive.
While the heel-drop (or pitch as I have started calling it being the more accurate term) is listed at 10mm, it feels far lower than that. Thanks to the compression Boost, the dynamic pitch feel like it could be in the 6-8mm drop range. So for those afraid of higher drop, don't worry about it in the Adidas Solar Glide ST.
STABILITY
The Adidas Solar Glide ST does stability very well. The heel, midfoot and forefoot feel stable throughout. The stability is not extreme as it is combined with the softness of the Boost. However it remains effective without being controlling. The Duel Density Boost provides stability with firmer Boost on the medial side of the foot, which does a great job of guiding the foot without an aggressive post. I believe this only exists in the heel into the midfoot of the Adidas Solar Glide ST and not into the forefoot.
The Solar Propulsion Rails do a great job of guiding the foot forward rather than an aggressive post shoving the foot in one direction. The sole is full ground contact and I cannot feel the midfoot torsion system. The torsion does seem to extend along the medial midfoot, as opposed to just extending in the forefoot and heel like the Solar Boost. This may or may not add stability.
The flared sole of the forefoot makes for a very stable and smooth transition forward. I have discussed previously how sole flare provides stability (Sole Flare) by increasing the surface area under the foot. The Adidas Solar Glide does this well, giving stability without being controlling. That is a key theme to this shoe.
SPEED
The Adidas Solar Glide ST is a training shoe meant for long runs and recovery runs. The extensive amount of Boost weighs the shoe down and prevents it from speedy workouts. I have done strides and hill repeats in this shoe, but would recommend other far lighter shoes like the Adidas Tempo (REVIEW) or Boston 7 (REVIEW). The softer midsole provides great protection, but is not optimal for leg turnover or high speed running.
DURABILITY
The Continental rubber outsole has fantastic durability. I have well over 200 miles on my pair with minimal wear. The Boost has been extremely resilient, providing a similar ride throughout the life of this shoe. I fully expect to get well over the traditional 300-500 miles out of this shoe. The upper is extremely durable as well and despite using them on aggressive trails, there has been no wear or seems loose.
THOUGHTS AS A DPT
While I still enjoy plenty of posted shoes (I will have a review of the Asics Tartherzeal TS 4 up soon, which is a rare Japanese forefoot posted racer), I am happy footwear companies are exploring other avenues for stabilizing the foot. The Solar Propulsion Rails provide guidance without forcing the foot in a certain direction. The fact that the rails exist on both the lateral and medial side should work well for a variety of foot types. The duel density boost is mild and I am not even sure if I notice it. This could also be due to the softness. As I have stated before, the softer a shoe is, the less stable it is. So a super soft stability shoe is an oxymoron often times. There are a few other things going on, but the point is that you don't need a hard post to make a stable shoe. Guide Rails are becoming more popular, especially with Brooks going after the Adrenaline 19, Ravenna 10 and Transcend 6 (although the Transcend has had this going on for a while). I had poor experiences with the Transcend early on, but time will tell how runners react to these new technologies. The key now is that people have options. Different things work for different people. If posting works well for you, stick with it. If you find yourself craving stability in a shoe but want something different, now you can find it. I continue to urge you to work on your strength and intrinsic muscle stability (Ankle Stability Post) as a stable musculoskeletal system will always beat shoe stability.
WHO THIS SHOE IS FOR (Conclusion)
For those looking for a stable and cushioned ride with a slightly wider fit for long training and recovery runs, the Adidas Solar Glide ST will fit your needs. Solar Propulsion Rails, Duel Density Boost and a wide last create a stable ride. The Boosted sole provide cushioned and protective landings. The Adidas Solar series continues with a great stability shoe worth checking out for high mileage needs.
GRADING
Fit/Upper 8/10
Ride/Midsole 7/10
Stability 8/10
Speed 5/10
Durability 10/10
Total Score: 76%
Thanks for reading!
Editor's Note: As always, the views presented on this website belong to myself or the selected few who contribute to these posts. This website should not and does not serve as a replacement for seeking medical care. If you are currently injured or concerned about an injury, please see your local running physical therapist. If you are in the Los Angeles area, I am currently taking clients for running evaluations.
Dr. Matthew Klein, PT DPT OCS
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist
Kaiser SoCal Manual Therapy and Sport Fellow
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist
Kaiser SoCal Manual Therapy and Sport Fellow
***Disclaimer: These shoes were received free of charge from Fleet Feet Rancho Cucamonga for winning the Megan's Wings 5k This in no way affected the honesty of this review. We put at least 50-75 miles on trainers and 10-25 miles on racing flats prior to reviewing them. Currently I have 212 miles on my pair. My views are based on my extensive history in the footwear industry and years testing and developing footwear. If you are a footwear rep looking for footwear reviews or consultations on development, we are currently looking to partner with companies to assist, discuss and promote footwear models. Partnership will not affect the honesty of our reviews.
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