I have a pretty long relationship with running. It started in high school when I'd get to the athletic center an hour before my 6 a.m. early-bird gym class to burn through a few miles — yes, I was the dork that took gym before school started to squeeze in more academic classes and clubs.
In college I ran long distance and have since completed a few half marathons and marathons. Unfortunately, though, my running career was riddled with injuries.
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After an ankle injury that had me working with a physical therapist yet again, I was done. I was sick of standing on a balance board tossing a ball against the wall. I was sick of strengthening the "small stabilizing muscles" I didn't even understand made a difference.
So, after more than eight years of consistent (practically daily) running, I just stopped and started strength training.
I had absolutely no intention of running long distances ever again. But with some unintentional encouragement from my partner, I started vaguely considering a return to the sport. And when I received a pair of Adidas Adizero x Allbirds running shoes in the mail, they were the tip of the iceberg.
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Functionality and Features
I can't credit my entire return to running to one pair of shoes. But when I slipped these sneakers on for a walk around the block, I just had to go for an actual run — and it's the best decision I've made in a while.
When I run, I like to feel light on my feet, like I'm gliding through the air. And at 5.4 ounces (that's about the weight of a checkbook), these sneakers are as light as they come. But thanks to their sleek fit, they still feel secure and stable stride after stride.
Another thing I absolutely adore about these runners: The fabric upper is unlike anything I've ever worn. Whereas most running shoes have a squishy mesh or sock-like knit, the soft fabric on these offers the breathability of mesh with sock-style compression.
The sole is minimal but comfortable, just like I prefer. Personally, I like feeling barefoot when I run, making as much contact with the ground as possible. After years of strength training, I enjoy picturing my different muscles contracting to propel my body forward. But it's definitely something to keep in mind if you like a little more cushion in your runners.
Finally, this shoe was designed with the environment in mind — it was important for the manufacturers to keep their CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) footprint to a minimum when making the shoe, and the shoe is made from at least 25 percent recycled materials and colored in a more sustainable way.
Get Your Perfect Pair of Adidas Adizero x Allbirds Running Shoes
To say that a pair of shoes are the only reason I've started running again is a bit of a stretch, but if I'm being perfectly honest, they were definitely a major convincing factor.
And now, I can't wait to slip them on for my weekly speed sessions or tempo runs.
But don't take my word for it! Give these a test run (pun intended) of your own. And right now, Adidas even has them on sale — scoop them up while you still can!
Ready to pound the pavement feeling like a pro? Gear up with this perfect pair of running shoes.
Buy it: Adidas.com (men's) and Adidas.com (women's); Price: $84 (originally $120)
We make deliberate choices about the language we use, but most manufacturers, like Adidas and Allbirds, market running sneakers to women and men. The main differences between most women's and men's shoes are width and size. In some cases, men's shoes are built to support greater weights, so people with bigger bodies may want to try men's versions, while people with smaller bodies may prefer women's versions.
The Adidas Adizero x Allbirds shoes come in women's sizes 5 to 11 and men's sizes 6 to 13, but availability varies depending on the model and color you prefer.
