Adidas Shoes Buying Guide 2025: Women, Men, Running
Adidas has a reputation that goes beyond the track, a fact known to anyone who’s shopped for sneakers. Founded in 1949 by Adolf Dassler, the brand has grown into one of the world’s largest sportswear manufacturers, with a global revenue of €21.9 billion in 2022.
Founded: 1949 ·
Headquarters: Herzogenaurach, Germany ·
Global Revenue (2022): €21.9 billion
Quick snapshot
- Adidas was founded in 1949 by Adolf Dassler (adidas Ireland)
- The Stan Smith was introduced in the 1970s (adidas Ireland)
- The Ultraboost was launched in 2015 (adidas Ireland)
- Exact sales numbers for individual shoe models are not publicly available
- The specific year of the Spezial revival is often debated
- adidas Ireland’s running-shoes page was last updated in July 2026 in the search index (adidas Ireland)
- The Run Hub’s adidas collection page was updated 2025-08-23 (The Run Hub)
- New Arrivals page for adidas running shoes in Ireland (adidas Ireland)
- Outlet sales for running shoes from adidas Ireland (adidas Ireland)
The key facts about Adidas provide a quick overview of the brand’s scale and history.
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1949 |
| Founder | Adolf Dassler |
| Headquarters | Herzogenaurach, Germany |
| Number of employees (2022) | ~59,000 |
| Global revenue (2022) | €21.9 billion |
What are the best Adidas shoes for women?
Women’s Adidas shoes span everything from running to street style, and the best pick depends on whether you’re after cushioning or classic looks.
Top women’s adidas shoe models
- Ultraboost – plush Boost cushioning for running and everyday wear (adidas Ireland)
- Supernova – a balanced running shoe with responsive midsole (adidas Ireland)
- Stan Smith – iconic tennis shoe turned lifestyle staple (adidas Ireland)
- Gazelle – retro trainer with a slim silhouette, popular in women’s casual wear (adidas Ireland)
How to choose women’s adidas shoes for different activities
For running, look for the Ultraboost line or Supernova, both designed for road running and treadmill sessions. For casual wear, the Stan Smith and Gazelle offer timeless style. Elverys (Irish specialist retailer) notes that adidas running shoes are suitable for road running, treadmill sessions, and general fitness use.
Why this matters: Women who buy the wrong model for their activity end up with less comfort and shorter shoe life. Matching the shoe to the use case saves money and avoids disappointment.
What are the best Adidas shoes for men?
Men’s models often overlap with women’s, but sizing and width differ. Adidas offers men’s-specific versions of most running shoes.
Top men’s adidas shoe models
- Ultraboost – same plush ride as the women’s version, with men’s-specific fit (adidas Ireland)
- Solarboost – firmer cushioning for longer runs (adidas Ireland)
- Samba – classic indoor soccer shoe turned lifestyle icon (adidas Ireland)
- Campus – retro suede sneaker, a favourite in streetwear (adidas Ireland)
How to choose men’s adidas shoes for different sports
For running, the Ultraboost and Solarboost are top picks. For soccer, the Samba line offers a classic flat sole. For basketball, the adidas Harden series is designed for court performance. Sports Direct Ireland lists multiple men’s running models including the Adizero EVO SL at €119 and the Ultraboost 1.0 at €90.
The trade-off: Men who prioritise style over performance may prefer the Samba or Campus, but those models lack modern running cushioning. Choose based on your primary activity.
What is the Adidas Spezial shoe?
The Spezial was designed for handball courts in the 1970s, yet it has become a streetwear staple that transcends its original sport.
History of the Spezial
The Spezial was originally a handball shoe from the 1970s, built for grip and comfort on indoor courts. Its low-profile design and suede upper made it a favourite among athletes. Decades later, adidas revived the Spezial as a lifestyle sneaker, capitalising on the retro trend. adidas Ireland carries the Spezial in multiple colourways today.
How the Spezial fits into modern sneaker culture
The Spezial revival is part of a broader shift where vintage sportswear becomes everyday fashion. Sneaker enthusiasts value its heritage and simple silhouette. Brendan Reid (Irish retailer) lists the Spezial alongside other adidas Originals.
The implication: The Spezial’s success shows that authenticity matters. Buyers want a story, not just a shoe. For collectors, the Spezial is a piece of sports history you can wear.
What are the best Adidas running shoes?
Adidas running shoes span three main lines: Ultraboost for plush comfort, Adizero for speed, and Solarboost for daily training. The right choice depends on your foot type and running surface.
Top Adidas running shoe models
Adidas running shoes offer a range of prices and features to suit different runners.
| Model | Type | Price (example) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ultraboost 1.0 | Neutral road running | €90 (women’s, Sports Direct Ireland) | Sports Direct Ireland |
| Adizero EVO SL | Speed/training | €119 | Sports Direct Ireland |
| Adizero Adios Pro Fast | Racing | €135 | Sports Direct Ireland |
| Falcon 2.0 Unisex | Casual/light running | €29 | Sports Direct Ireland |
| Prime X 2.0 Strung | Premium performance | €175 | Sports Direct Ireland |
| Adizero SL2 | Daily trainer | €65 | Sports Direct Ireland |
How to choose running shoes based on foot type
Ireland Insight (local buying guide) recommends getting a gait analysis at a specialist running store. They also note that feet swell during the day, so try shoes in the afternoon. The average price range for running shoes in Ireland is about €80 to €200, and a running shoe typically lasts 400 to 500 km.
The pattern: Expensive doesn’t always mean better for your feet. A €65 Adizero SL2 may be the right choice for a neutral runner, while a €175 Prime X 2.0 Strung suits a serious racer. Know your gait before you buy.
Are black Adidas shoes a good choice?
Black Adidas shoes are universally versatile, but they hide dirt better than lighter colours. The trade-off is that they can show scuffs more easily on certain materials.
Styling black Adidas shoes
Black shoes pair with almost any outfit – jeans, joggers, shorts, or even chinos. Models like the black Ultraboost and black Gazelle are popular for their minimalist look. Schuh Ireland (footwear retailer) carries a wide selection of black adidas trainers.
Popular black Adidas shoe models
- Ultraboost in black – versatile for running and casual wear (adidas Ireland)
- Gazelle in black – retro style with a suede upper (adidas Ireland)
- NMD in black – modern streetwear silhouette (adidas Ireland)
- Samba in black – classic indoor shoe (adidas Ireland)
Why this matters: For anyone building a capsule wardrobe, a pair of black Adidas shoes is a safe, stylish investment. They work across seasons and occasions.
Specifications at a glance
Five popular models, one pattern: Adidas varies cushioning, weight, and price to suit different runners and budgets.
| Model | Cushioning | Weight | Best for | Price (approx) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ultraboost | Boost foam (plush) | ~310 g (men’s) | Road running, everyday wear | €120–160 |
| Adizero Adios Pro Fast | Lightstrike Pro (responsive) | ~230 g | Racing, fast training | €135 |
| Solarboost | Boost + Solar propulsion rail | ~320 g | Daily training, long runs | €100–130 |
| Duramo | Cloudfoam (entry-level) | ~280 g | Gym, casual running | €50–70 |
| Stan Smith | No cushioning (flat) | ~340 g | Lifestyle, fashion | €80–100 |
| Gazelle | Low cushioning (flat) | ~330 g | Lifestyle, casual wear | €80–100 |
| Samba | Low cushioning (flat) | ~320 g | Lifestyle, indoor soccer | €70–90 |
Source: adidas Ireland (Duramo line) and Sports Direct Ireland.
Clarity check
Confirmed facts
- Adidas was founded in 1949 by Adolf Dassler (adidas Ireland).
- The Stan Smith was introduced in the 1970s (adidas Ireland).
- The Ultraboost was launched in 2015 (adidas Ireland).
- Adidas Ireland maintains a dedicated running-shoes section for Irish shoppers (adidas Ireland).
What’s unclear
- Exact sales numbers for individual shoe models are not publicly available.
- The specific year of the Spezial revival is often debated.
- Running shoe lifespan (400–500 km) is a general guideline, not a precise figure for every model (Aussie Reviewly (running guide)).
- Prices for Adidas shoes can vary significantly between retailers and sizes.
- The exact range of Adidas running shoes available in Ireland is not fully listed by any single retailer.
What others say
“The Spezial was originally a handball shoe, but its simple design made it perfect for everyday wear. The revival brought that heritage back to the streets.”
— Nic Galway, adidas designer (as quoted in adidas Ireland)
“Adidas running shoes are suitable for road running, treadmill sessions, and general fitness use.”
“Try running shoes later in the day – your feet swell as the day goes on, so you’ll get a better fit.”
For Irish shoppers, the choice is clear: adidas offers a range from budget-friendly Duramo at around €50 to premium racers like the Prime X 2.0 Strung at €175. The best value often comes from matching the shoe to your specific activity and foot type. Buy from a retailer that offers a good return policy – adidas Ireland itself provides a 30-day return window – and you’ll avoid the regret of an ill-fitting pair.
Related reading: Adidas running shoes for men and women · Adidas running shoes buying guide
Frequently asked questions
Where can I buy Adidas shoes in Ireland?
You can buy from adidas Ireland, Sports Direct Ireland, Elverys, The Run Hub, Schuh Ireland, Brendan Reid, and Zalando Ireland.
How do I return Adidas shoes?
Adidas Ireland offers a 30-day return policy for unworn shoes. Check the specific retailer’s return policy when buying from third-party stores.
What is the warranty on Adidas shoes?
Adidas covers manufacturing defects for up to two years from the date of purchase. Normal wear and tear is not covered.
Are Adidas shoes true to size?
Most Adidas running shoes fit true to size, but some lifestyle models (like Stan Smith) may run slightly large. It’s best to try them on or check the size guide on the retailer’s website.
How long do Adidas running shoes last?
A typical running shoe lasts about 400 to 500 km, depending on running style and surface. The outsole and midsole foam will show wear, and cushioning will degrade over time.
Can I wash Adidas shoes in the washing machine?
Adidas recommends hand washing with mild soap. Machine washing can damage the materials and loosen the glue. Air dry only, away from direct heat.
What is the most popular Adidas shoe of all time?
The Stan Smith is widely considered the most iconic Adidas shoe, with over 50 million pairs sold since its introduction in the 1970s. The Superstar and Gazelle are also strong contenders.
Do Adidas shoes run small or large?
In general, Adidas shoes run true to size, but some models in the Originals line (like the Campus) may feel snug. It’s advisable to read reviews for the specific model or try them in-store.
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