Basic parameters:

• Weight: 345 g (men’s size 42)
• Drop: 10 mm
• Type: training

First impressions

The Adidas SolarGlide 5 immediately stands out with its massive construction and very wide fit—both at the front and back of the shoe. Once you put them on, you can clearly feel that the toe box and heel are spacious, while the midfoot section is noticeably narrower, which can cause a feeling of tightness in the arch. In my standard size, the heel is not held securely—the foot tends to slip out, which negatively affects comfort, especially during more dynamic movement.

Upper and comfort

The upper is made of thick, breathable mesh that provides good ventilation, but due to its stiffness, it doesn’t adapt perfectly to the foot. The wide front is a definite plus, offering plenty of room for the toes, but the narrower midfoot and too-loose heel make the fit uneven. The tongue is one of the biggest downsides of this model—it’s thin, unreinforced, and has raw edges, which means it easily folds and doesn’t protect well against lace pressure. The heel is softly finished, but its width doesn’t provide adequate stability.

Midsole technology and cushioning

The SolarGlide 5 features a thick Boost foam midsole, which delivers soft, comfortable cushioning and stability even over longer distances. Additionally, the LEP 2.0 (Linear Energy Push) system has been used, which stiffens the shoe and gives it a very rigid character, especially at the beginning of use. The Continental rubber outsole ensures very good grip on wet and dry surfaces and high durability. Unfortunately, the shoe is very heavy—over 330 g in men’s sizes, which is clearly noticeable during running and longer walks.

Everyday use experience

The SolarGlide 5 works best during easy, everyday training sessions or as a comfortable walking shoe. Due to its weight and stiffness, it’s not suitable for fast running or dynamic workouts- it’s simply too massive, and the heel is not sufficiently stabilized, so the foot can slip out. For people with very wide feet, the front and back will be comfortable, but the narrower midfoot may cause discomfort. The Continental rubber sole is one of the biggest advantages—it’s durable and provides good grip even on wet surfaces.

Summary

The Adidas SolarGlide 5 is a model that can be recommended to those looking for a very wide, stable shoe for everyday walking or easy training. Due to its weight and stiffness, it won’t work for those seeking a dynamic, lightweight shoe for fast workouts. The shoe is solid and durable, but the uneven fit and lack of heel stability mean it’s not a universal choice for everyone.

Final ratings: 

• Comfort: 2/10
• Cushioning: 7/10
• Responsiveness: 2/10
• Grip: 8/10
• Durability: 7/10

Want to know my thoughts on other models?

Check out the section called Running Shoe Reviews, where I regularly publish detailed evaluations of running shoes.