After months of running-inspired releases like the Deerupt Runner, adidas has finally unveiled the new Solar Boost, a technical performance silhouette inspired by NASA engineering.
The 2018 adidas Solar Boost uses data-driven Tailored Fiber Placement that implements Parley material content within its fibers at the midfoot for support. (That Parley material content, presumably, is the Parley Ocean Plastic adidas developed with Parley for the Oceans that creates fibers from recycled plastic bottles collected off the Maldives.) According to adidas, every millimeter of the shoe is precisely stitched and constructed using data from the Aramis system to create a lightweight running shoe.
Inspired by NASA engineering, adidas has gone to great lengths to shave every bit of excess weight off of the Solar Boost. adidas says that the new silhouette weighs only 295 grams (10.4 ounces) in a men’s 8.5 UK, a 15 gram weight savings from the previous Energy Boost.
Moreover, the adidas Solar Boost uses updated “Energy Rail” technology, a lightweight symmetrical construction that works with Boost to increase stability. That construction is also meant to create a wider fit and free motion of the Achilles tendon with the shoe’s refined fit counter.
With its latest sneaker, adidas is firing direct shots at Nike’s new Epic React Flyknit, which uses the company’s new bouncy React midsole. According to adidas, internal research verified by an independent external partner proved that the adidas Solar Boost delivered higher energy return with each stride than the Nike Epic React Flyknit.
That energy return comes from the adidas Solar Boost’s full-length 85% Boost midsole. adidas’ optimized Stretchweb outsole is used beneath the Boost midsole for grip.
“We knew it was time to challenge the status quo of a performance running shoe,” said Chris Ekman, Senior Product Manager at adidas Running, in a statement. “To create a lightweight, supportive and comfortable silhouette for every runner, we took inspiration from the automotive and aerospace industries and discovered Tailored Fiber Placement, a precision manufacturing technology that allowed us to stitch materials together more precisely than ever before. We combined this with an updated Energy rail and optimised Boost for a more efficient take-off.”
The adidas Solar Boost will retail for $160 and release online and in select adidas stores in the U.S. beginning May 17. It will launch globally on June 1.
Source: adidas
Nice looking shoe. May have to grab a pair.