Adidas Dropset 3
Pros
- Exceptional stability for lifting and lateral movements
- Very wide and grounded platform
- Extra durable and grippy outsole
- Very secure foothold
- Flexible enough for plyometrics
- Fantastic breathability
- Accommodating toebox
Cons
- Not great for running and walking (clunky heel)
- Can't be worn outside because of sole apertures
Key Features
- Strength Training Shoes: Equipped with adjustable lacing and supportive uppers to enhance your workout experience.
- Wide Fit: Designed with a wider last than regular-fitting shoes to ensure added comfort.
- Heat Management: Features adidas HEAT.RDY technology to help you stay cool during intense training sessions.
- Durable Traction: The Adiwear 6 outsole with Traxion heel offers superior grip and wear-resistance.
- Eco-Friendly Construction: Made with at least 20% recycled materials to promote sustainability and reduce your environmental footprint.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Rubber
- Closure Type: Lace-Up
The Dropset 3 is recognized as Adidas’ top gym shoe, ideal for individuals seeking stability and control during workouts. Our tests indicate that it provides a secure footing for lifts and allows for easy management of dynamic movements. The design effectively balances rigid and flexible components to enhance both support and comfort.
A wide and grounded platform contributes to its stability, with a robust heel offering reassurance during heavy lifts. Our evaluation of shock absorption revealed a below-average score of 73 SA, indicating a focus on ground feel rather than cushioning. This design choice supports performance in strength training while maintaining a strong connection to the ground.
In dynamic workouts and lateral movements, the shoe offers excellent control. The grippy outsole facilitates quick stops, while the responsive midsole allows for smooth acceleration. The flexibility of the shoe is confirmed by our bend test, showing it is 25.2% more flexible than average, along with an impressive grip from the Adiwear outsole, which is 14.7% stronger than typical models.
The upper portion of the Dropset 3 enhances breathability, effectively managing heat and moisture during intense sessions. It received a perfect score of 5/5 in our breathability tests, highlighting its superior ventilation, attributed to the HEAT.RDY technology integrated into the sole. However, this feature also presents a drawback, as the ventilation openings may allow water, dirt, and debris to enter the shoe, making it less suitable for outdoor use or inclement weather conditions.
Adidas Powerlift 5
Pros
- Stable base for moderate lifting
- Good for accessory exercises
- Solid bite on gym floors
- Secure foothold
- Supportive Velcro strap
- Reasonably priced
- Contains sustainable materials
Cons
- Lacks breathability
- Upper is not very durable
- Tongue shifts
Key Features
- Durable Construction: Built with high-quality materials to withstand intense workouts.
- Enhanced Stability: Designed to offer optimal foot placement during heavy lifts.
- Sleek Design: The eye-catching blue, white, and solar red color scheme stands out in any gym setting.
- Comfort Fit: Provides ample room in the toe box for comfort while maintaining a snug fit around the heel.
Specifications
- Men's Size: 10
- Women's Size: 11
- Medium Width: Designed to fit standard width feet comfortably.
- Weight: Approximately lightweight for easy handling during workouts.
The Adidas Powerlift 5 is an excellent choice for individuals focused on deadlifts, squats, and bench presses, which are the primary components of weightlifting. The shoe features a stiff heel counter that securely holds the foot in place, while its twist-resistant base ensures stability during movements. Its lightweight design contributes to comfort, minimizing strain during workouts.
In controlled laboratory testing, the heel counter demonstrated impressive resistance to compression, earning a perfect score of 5 for stiffness. This finding aligns with our practical experience in the gym, confirming that the heel counter effectively supports the foot during lifts. Additionally, the shoe’s base withstood significant bending and twisting, justifying the 5 out of 5 rating for torsional resistance.
Weighing only 15.0 oz or 425g, the Adidas Powerlift 5 is notably lighter by 3.7 oz or 105 grams compared to average weightlifting shoes. This low weight enhances ease of movement, making activities like walking and warming up more comfortable. However, individuals with wider feet may find the toebox insufficient, measuring only 95.2 mm at its widest, which is 3.7 mm narrower than the average width.
Adidas The Total
Pros
- Ideal for deadlifting
- Great traction
- A lot of ground feel
- Plenty of toebox space
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Fairly priced
- Streamlined look
Cons
- Not so much breathability
- Not for heavy squats
Key Features
- Regular fit for comfortable wear during intense workouts.
- Textile upper provides durability and breathability.
- Lace closure along with a hook-and-loop instep strap for a secure fit.
- Wide toe box enhances stability and comfort during lifts.
- Made with recycled materials to promote environmental sustainability.
Specifications
- Origin: Made in the USA and Imported
- Sole Material: Ethylene Vinyl Acetate for optimal cushioning.
- Outer Material: Textile for both comfort and flexibility.
- Closure Type: Pull-On design for easy wear.
The Total is the best Adidas trainer for deadlifting, designed for individuals seeking stability during intense strength sessions. Its firm platform, low-to-the-ground stance, wide base, and grippy outsole contribute to its effectiveness as a weightlifting shoe.
Featuring a firm, low cushion with no drop, ground contact remains strong. Lab measurements confirm this with a caliper reading of 12.5 mm in both the heel and forefoot, while the durometer indicates a 44.4% tougher-than-average cushion, enhancing overall stability and balance.
The shoe's generous toebox allows for natural toe splay, tapering gently towards the big toe area, which measures 8.7 mm wider than average. Additionally, the upper’s strap and laces provide a secure fit, keeping the foot planted during lifts.
The outsole enhances grip on both rough and smooth surfaces, promoting control and activating the correct muscle groups to help prevent injuries. This feature encourages users to tackle more challenging workouts.
However, The Total has limitations; it is not suitable for all types of weightlifting. Our flex test indicated that it is 44.8% more bendable than average, making it less effective for very heavy weights. We recommend that serious lifters consider lifting-specific shoes for optimal performance.