Friday, September 22, 2017

Wear Your Soles Review #2 : Adidas NMD

The Adidas NMD (Urban Nomads) is one of Adidas's best selling shoe. The NMD was originally created for runners but has moved on to be an everyday wear shoe. The NMD, like the Adidas Ultra Boost, has a boost midsole for comfort and highest energy return to that of any runner on the market right now. The NMD features a Primeknit upper, a solid Boost midsole, and web rubber outsole.

OG NMD R1 Released: December 12th, 2015

Adidas First introduced the NMD in December 2015. Currently, Adidas has created and produced over 300 different and unique NMDs. Companys like "Sneakersandstuff", "White Mountaineering", "United Arrows and Sons" and Singer Pharrell Williams have their own signature designs using the NMD as their canvas.

There's currently 8 versions of the NMD on the market. Each displaying its own unique design and pattern. The 7 NMDs are NMD R1, NMD R2, NMD City Sock, NMD City Sock 2, NMD XR1, NMD Chukka, NMD Trail, and Pharrell William's "Human Race" NMD.

The R1 displays the "coloured elements" (Also known as "Lego Blocks") and the primeknit as its an entire piece like a sock. The R2 loses the "colour elements" and adds more boost to the heel area. The primeknit is also it 2 pieces and has a tongue. The CS and CS2 lose the laces and take on its name just being a sock on Boost. The Chukka is a mid-top NMD. The trail is designed to withstand all terrain and weather. Pharrell's "Human Race" has his own spin. Each shoe has some wording related to "Human Race" and the insoles have the human body printed on.

NMD R1 X Nice Kicks
NMD R2 X White Mountaineering


NMD CS X United Arrows and Sons
NMD CS2 X Naked X Kith

NMD XR1 X Mastermind

NMD Chukka X Porter
NMD Trail X White Mountaineering
NMD "Human Race"

Running/Training

Although the Adidas NMD R1 is meant to be a runner, it does not compare to other Adidas shoes containing boost. The boost on this shoe is much stiffer making it have a higher energy return compared to the Ultra Boost and Energy Boost. The NMD R1 is my go-to shoe for running. The prime knit is super breathable and allows for a secure lock on your foot. For long distance runners, the NMDs outsole allows for a large amount of wear. Training in the NMD isn't terrible. It has the boost technology and is breathable, good for people with sweaty feet. The Prime knit is thick enough to where it won't rip and create a hole.

Weather Performance

The NMD has a primeknit upper which does not withstand rain or snow. Currently, the NMD R1 Trail is the only NMD which can withstand snow and mud. having a thicker outsole, it is meant to be used when you go for a hike or outside during the cold and wetter season. I think the NMD R1 is meant for the warmer seasons and matches all types of outfits. 

Casual Wear

The NMD is a household shoe for basically anybody. it way easier to obtain than the Ultra Boost and is found at shops sitting for the rest of the general public. The NMD is the type of shoe that you can grab and wear the entire day, not worrying about comfort or if it's matching. The NMD sculpts with all feet and is good for traveling. Being super light it's easy to pack and takes little space.

Cost

Prices in CAD*

Adidas NMD R1  Retail: $220 - $240

Adidas NMD R2  Retail: $220 - $280

Adidas NMD City Sock  Retail: $200 - 220

Adidas NMD CS2  Retail: $220

Adidas NMD XR1  Retail: $190 - $280

Adidas NMD Chukka  Retail: $160 - $200

Adidas NMD Trail  Retail: $240

Adidas NMD Human Race  Retail:$300


Overall Review

The Adidas NMD is a great shoe for running. Its not built to last super long distances but its does the job. The NMD is a great shoe if your going out or traveling and want a shoe that is comfortable plus good looking. The price is around the same as the Ultra Boost, but it really depends on your style and what your preference is. If i'm brutally honest, i'd say just go and try it on. everyone is different but this is just my personal opinion on the Adidas NMD.


Running: 7/10   Stability: 8.5/10   Walking: 7/10   Weather Performance: 5/10   Comfort: 7/10



Image Credits: Google Images, Sneaker News, High Snobiety, Hypebeast, Stock X


Monday, September 11, 2017

Wear Your Soles Review #1 : Adidas Ultra Boost

The Adidas Ultra Boost is one of the most sought after shoe at the moment. The Ultra Boost has a technology called "Boost" which has the ability to bounce back into its shape. Boost is made out of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) which is super springy.

There are Six versions at the moment, all with different "Uppers". (Upper: The part of the shoe where your foot is secured in place. Made of all types of materials. Fabric, Primeknit, Leather, etc.) All three uppers are made with Primeknit and each have their own unique pattern.

Ultra Boost 1.0 "Core Black"

Ultra Boost 2.0 "Reflective"

Ultra Boost 3.0

Ultra Boost Uncaged "Core Black"

Ultra Boost ST "USA"
Adidas Laceless Ultra Boost





Adidas First debuted this shoe in 2015 and has paved its way to being "The Greatest Running Shoe Ever" as said by Adidas. The shoe has stayed true to its title and is the number one choice for runners and Sneakerheads.  Currently, Adidas has put out over 300+ different colourways. Personally, I have 5 pairs.
Adidas Ultra Boost "OG" Released: February 11th, 2015

Weather Performance

How does the shoe do in different weather conditions? Well as of right now basically all ultra boost can not with stand liquid as the primeknit will absorb the liquid. The company has created an All Terrain Shoe, which they said would do better than a regular pair of Ultra Boost. I have seen the shoe but never actually put it to the test. Just From looking at it, you can see a rubber toe box and a reinforced Primeknit. I would say the Ultra Boost is meant more for a casual Summer shoe.

Running / Training

The Ultra Boost was really meant to be a runner. The comfortable and breathable Primeknit Plus the reactive Boost technology allows for it to be a great running shoe. The Continental Rubber Sole allows for good grip and longer-lasting use. This is a great shoe for neutral runners in the city and marathons since it really isn't meant for harsher terrains. Personally, I run in this shoe during all different weather conditions.

The Ultra Boost Which is best for running is the Ultra Boost ST. The ST is much more stable than the rest of the line. If you're doing Dead lifts or other types of weight lifting, the normal Ultra boost is unbalanced and won't keep you stable. The reasoning is the full-length midsole of boost will try to come back to its original shape and you would be fighting with the springy TPU. The ST will give you a bit of stability, but it might still be Unbalanced.

Casual Wear / Walking

The Ultra Boost has created a name for its self as one of the most hyped shoes. If you know anyone that is into streetwear, they probably have at least one pair of Ultra Boost. It matches basically any outfit and is an easy shoe to just grab and be comfortable all day. If you're looking for a comfortable and stylish Shoe, this is it. perfect for just about every type of foot shape. From Flat, wide, skinny and every other shape and size. When travelling, the Ultra Boost is really good for those long days of walking around and touring the city. 

Cost

The cost might look really steep, but this is an investment for your feet and yourself. The quality on these shoes are really good and they last for a long time.

Prices in CAD*

Adidas Ultra Boost 1.0 Retail: $180 - $240

Adidas Ultra Boost 2.0 Retail: $220 - $290

Adidas Ultra Boost 3.0 Retail: $240 - $260

Adidas Ultra Boost Uncaged Retail: $240 - $260

Adidas Ultra Boost ST Retail: $210 - $240

Adidas Laceless Ultra Boost Retail: $250


Overall Review

Overall the Adidas Ultra Boost is a great shoe for both casual wear and running in. The shoe is super light weight and not a hassle to carry. The price points are pretty high but I believe this could be one of your best investments.


Running: 7.5/10    Stability: 8.5/10   Walking: 8/10   Weather Performance: 6.5/10    Comfort: 9/10   







Image Credits: Google Images, Sneaker News, High Snobiety, Hypebeast, Stock X



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