adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra Reviews

Raced several times in the Agravic Speed Ultra (first version): fast on smoother terrain, but the upper shreds their heel and pinky toes.

Had to size down half a size in the Agravic Speed Ultra to fix heel slip; great for faster trails but dicey on technical terrain.

They own the Adidas ASU and find it very fast but with no stability, so they would not pick it unless the trail is perfect.

More than 700 km over four months, starting with a steep technical trail marathon. They found it light, poppy and fast in a straight line, with a true-to-size fit that gets narrow at the toe box and a secure heel and midfoot hold. The lateral stability is very poor, though: they tweaked an ankle every couple of weeks, once badly enough to cost them a race and weeks of training. Best kept for smooth, easy trails.

Despite its flaws, it's his favourite race shoe: an outstanding midsole and an upper that improves with time. The minimal outsole failed in mud, and he had to change shoes after 15 miles of a wet race. The heel collar is slightly open.

Ran a 50K with 2,500 m of climbing in the Agravic Speed Ultra: it performed amazingly, but left two blisters and arch rubbing; buying a second pair anyway.

Tested on short, punchy trails, including a trial run before a 50K. They found it fast and competent, but it never felt special when the trail opened up and they could stretch out, and it is light for a trail shoe but not for a shoe to run really fast in. The arch rubbed under their right foot almost instantly and felt like a blister forming after about 2 hours, so they skipped it for an all-day race. Worth a try for anyone without the arch problem.