Captain of adidas Runners Singapore and co-founder of The High Panters running group Eugene Lim shares his thoughts on adidas' latest daily trainer, the adidas Switch FWD, with host John Yeong in the latest episode of "Sole Mates"
"Sole Mates" is a series made by runners created for runners, and a SportPlus.sg initiative to help you find the right running footwear for you and your runs. As part of this series, SportPlus.sg has teamed up with local running content creators, Key Opinion Leaders and athletes to have them share their thoughts on the latest running footwear.
Last week, adidas Singapore announced the release of its latest daily trainer, the adidas Switch FWD, aimed at helping runners of all levels, from daily running enthusiasts to elites, elevate their running experience.
The shoe on first impression definitely looks like a max-cushioned category shoe, with a creatively designed cuts on the outsole of the shoe that expose its full-length TPU plate, what we are now seeing as an increasing trend among high end daily trainers across running footwear from different brands.
The latest road running pair is designed for a smooth ride with unique features that provide runners with an all-new running experience.
One such feature of the adidas Switch FWD is the soft EVA compound midsole. The EVA compound technology is incorporated in the midsole together with intricately designed voids, helping in its design to convert gravity into forward motion.
Watch the video below as both Eugene Lim and host John Yeong instrospect and discuss various aspects of adidas’ latest running kicks.
Weighing around 335g, the adidas Switch FWD is built with a regular fit and lace closure. The pair’s stability is credited with its TPU stability plate in the midsole. With a height of 45mm in the heel foot and 35mm in the forefoot, the shoe has an offset / overall midsole drop of 10mm, which is a fairly standard drop for a running shoe.
The adidas Switch FWD is also known for its Continental Rubber outsole and it comes in 3 different colourways. Engineered with a 3D moulded heel with anti-slip lining, runners can expect to experience a cushioned, locked-down feel during their runs.
Apart from all this, the shoe is also environmentally-friendly as its upper even contains a minimum of 50% recycled content, consistent with many of adidas' products in recent years.
In this episode of "Sole Mates", Eugene Lim shares with us three key features of the adidas Switch FWD after personally taking the pair for runs. By sharing his experience, it can help you potentially decide whether this shoe is potentially their next go-to daily trainers for their runs!
EVA Compound Midsole and TPU Plate
Definitely one of the main stand-out features of the adidas Switch FWD. The shoe has flexible midsoles with oval-shaped cavities which are definitely an eye-catching look for runners.
The voids in the midsole structure are engineered to compress and expand under pressure. These voids feature throughout the midsole and provide a rocking motion by turning downward pressure into forward motion.
PHOTO: EUGENE LIM, SPORTPLUS.SG
“It was a very interesting and different feeling” says Eugene, referring to the rocking feeling of the adidas Switch FWD.
The voids feature throughout the midsole goes well with the TPU plate and provided increased stability overall. As a result, runners can expect stable and cushioned transitions from the midfoot to forefoot as they toe-off.
"This is also the first time I can see the plate of the shoe as well! I believe adidas had made the right choice in terms of balancing comfort and stability in the midsole foam," added host John.
Breathable Upper
The adidas Switch FWD features an engineered mesh upper with breathability windows which aims to provide an extra supportive and snug fit. Furthermore, the strategically placed mesh windows are incorporated on the forefoot and midfoot of the silhouette for ultimate breathability.
“Very, very, padded!” Eugene adds, referring to the tongue of the Switch FWD.
Although the tongue of the shoe is not fully gusseted, the added comfort mainly comes from a breathable mesh upper.
The ‘windows’ on the mesh are partially see-through that contributes to the breathability of the shoe. This is to prevent hot spots which I may get from other pairs of running shoes especially after longer runs.
"Overall, I feel that the comfort and locked-down feel are important positive features of the shoe for you to consider about the Switch FWD!" said Eugene.
Continental Rubber Outsole
Focusing on durability and grippiness, the Continental outsole of the Switch FWD certainly features a high-performance compound for optimised grip in all conditions. adidas’ collaboration with continental rubber is seen with many adidas shoes over the years to provide runners with grip and durability. The enhanced grip is further complemented by its lightweight outsole.
Eugene says, “Grippier than other Continental soles that I’m used to.”
Host John Yeong attributes the lightweight outsole to the cut-outs found in the outsole of the Switch FWD which have taken some of the weight of the shoe. This unique design of the revolutionary pair serves purpose while complementing other features of the shoe as well.
Eugene's Personal Running Experience
"I have started running since I was in school as a way to keep fit. Started running in school
Always used running as a way to keep fit and have tried many different pairs of running shoes over the years. I really like the bounciness and forward-rocking motion the shoe provides me. The responsiveness and grippiness of the Switch FWD are my two biggest plus-points of the shoe on top of the other features."
"Although I have not taken it on long distance runs yet, I really believe this pair can easily take me on runs up to 10KM. As a midfoot striker, I could feel the energy return which definitely helps me during my runs. However, if I could change one aspect of the shoe, I would change the toebox to make it wider. Perhaps, adidas can consider this for future reiterations of the shoe."
Final Thoughts and Overall Rating
The adidas Switch FWD definitely delivers in providing a unique and seamless running experience like never before. The EVA midsole structure with purpose-built voids is a step forward for adidas in terms of incorporating new technology into its running shoes. I would be keen to see with more mileage how the shoe changes over time as a daily trainer. I would recommend this pair as a daily multi-purpose trainer as it is an all-rounded pair with great features.
Sole Mates Overall Shoe Rating
Comfort: 4/5
Stability: 3.5/5
Responsiveness: 5/5
Grippiness: 5/5
Value for Money: 3.5/5
Thus, leading to an overall rating of 4.2 Soles for the adidas Switch FWD.
The adidas Switch FWD is retailing for S$219 and can be purchased at any adidas Store, via the adidas app, and select retailers.
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