Adidas products are worth buying if you prioritise performance and durability over premium branding. Their current range includes functional running shoes, practical gifting options, and accessible sportswear that deliver real value rather than inflated price tags.
Why Adidas?
Adidas was founded in 1949 and has spent over seven decades refining athletic footwear and apparel. The brand specialises in running shoes, football kits, and everyday sportswear engineered for performance rather than fashion alone. What sets Adidas apart is their commitment to visible technology—responsive foam in running shoes, moisture-wicking fabrics in clothing, and durable construction across all price points. Unlike luxury sportswear brands that charge £150+ for basics, Adidas balances quality engineering with accessible pricing. Their current collection reflects this: functional rather than flashy.
Top Picks
Supernova Rise Running Shoes — £44.95
Best for runners seeking genuine cushioning without premium pricing. The Supernova Rise delivers responsive foam underfoot, a 10mm heel-to-toe drop for stability, and breathable mesh uppers—all the technical markers of a proper running shoe at less than half the price of comparable competitors. Ideal for weekly joggers and casual runners covering 15-30km monthly.
Best Teacher Ever – Adidas Fleece Hoodie Gift, Collegiate Navy — £81.00
Best for meaningful gifting with practical wear. This hoodie combines a playful personalisation angle with genuine comfort—320gsm fleece construction provides real warmth without bulk, and the collegiate navy works across casual and semi-formal settings. Unlike novelty gift items that end up unworn, this hoodie serves daily.
Adidas Tech 1 GMT Silicone Strap Watch 48mm — £75.00
Best for active wearers who want a sports watch without smartwatch complexity. The 48mm dial suits larger wrists, the silicone strap resists sweat and water splash, and the analogue display means no battery anxiety. Positioned between throwaway fashion watches (£15-30) and expensive smartwatches (£200+), this hits a practical middle ground.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Price | Best For | Standout Feature | |---------|-------|----------|------------------| | Supernova Rise Running Shoes | £44.95 | Weekly runners | Responsive foam cushioning + 10mm drop | | Best Teacher Ever Fleece Hoodie | £81.00 | Practical gifting | 320gsm fleece + collegiate styling | | Tech 1 GMT Watch 48mm | £75.00 | Active wearers | Silicone strap + analogue reliability |
What to Look For
- Cushioning technology: The Supernova Rise uses responsive foam that returns energy—look for shoes with named foam systems (EVA, Boost, Ultraboost) rather than generic padding. More durable and genuinely better for joints.
- Fabric weight and construction: Fleece over 300gsm provides real insulation; under 250gsm feels thin and pilling-prone. Check gsm ratings, not just "premium" claims.
- Water resistance for active wear: Sports watches and outdoor clothing should specify water resistance (50m minimum for watches, DWR coating for fabric). Vague "water-friendly" marketing means nothing.
- Fit consistency: Adidas sizing runs true-to-size across most ranges, but running shoes vary by model. The Supernova Rise fits narrow to medium width—check user reviews for your foot shape before ordering.
The Bottom Line
The Supernova Rise Running Shoes at £44.95 represent Adidas's best current value—genuine running performance at entry-level pricing, perfect for beginners or weekly joggers. The fleece hoodie works for gifting without guilt, and the watch fills a gap between fashion and function. Choose Adidas when you want engineered sportswear without luxury markup; skip if you prioritise cutting-edge aesthetics or ultra-premium materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Adidas good value for money compared to Nike or Puma?
Adidas typically undercuts Nike on equivalent products by 10-20% while matching durability. The Supernova Rise (£44.95) competes directly with Nike's Downshifter or Puma's Flyer Runner, both around £55-65 for similar specs. Adidas wins on price; Nike edges ahead on brand hype. Puma falls between both. Value depends on whether you prioritise performance data or brand prestige.
Why is the Supernova Rise so cheap compared to other Adidas running shoes?
The Supernova Rise sits at Adidas's entry-level running tier, using standard EVA foam and basic mesh rather than premium Boost foam or engineered knit uppers found in £100+ models. It's not "stripped down"—it still has a 10mm drop, breathable construction, and responsive cushioning. You're paying for essentials, not marketing or premium aesthetics. Perfect for runners under 50km monthly; overkill materials aren't needed.
Do Adidas clothes shrink in the wash?
Adidas fleece (including the 320gsm hoodie) shrinks 3-5% if machine-washed hot and tumble-dried. Wash cold (30°C) and air-dry to avoid shrinkage. Most modern Adidas apparel uses pre-shrunk fabrics, but fleece is the exception—heat accelerates contraction. The hoodie's listed size assumes cold washing and hang-dry, so follow care labels to maintain fit.
Are Adidas watches reliable, or just fashion accessories?
The Tech 1 GMT is a quartz analogue watch with standard quartz movement, not a smartwatch. It's reliable for timekeeping (quartz typically accurate to ±15 seconds monthly) but offers no fitness tracking or notifications. Think of it as a durable sports watch in Adidas branding, not a tech device. Best for wearers who want a watch that tells time and resists sweat; skip if you want activity tracking.
