adidas Terrex X King - Taking Traction and Innovation to a Whole New Level

 Article by Jeff Valliere

adidas Terrex X King 11oz US Men’s size 9, 6mm drop, $160, available now.

adidas Terrex X-King

Initial impressions:

Since I typically prefer steep, technical terrain (often off trail) and am a sucker for luggy, sticky rubber shoes with a precise fit and good protection, I was quite intrigued with the X King upon first learning of them.  

adidas Terrex X-King

With an innovative removable midsole and Continental outsole fused to the upper “for lightweight and low to the ground feel”, I was eager to give the X King a thorough test and had high hopes after recently testing the adidas Agravic Boost GTX (review here). 

adidas Terrex X-King

Even before taking the shoes out of the box, it is evident that these shoes are unique if only judging on the box, complete with cut out to display the gnarly tread of the shoe.  The box, shoes, paper and associated packaging feel quite heavy, but once I got the shoes unpackaged, they felt quite reasonable and even lighter on the foot.

adidas Terrex X-King

My first impression wearing the shoe was not particularly favorable, as they felt a little awkward with the removable midsole, feeling strangely platform like (not the normal sinking into a rounded and comforting insole) with noticeable seams under my arch.  I had a moment of regret, thinking that I had committed myself to running in a shoe that I may have misjudged, but was still eager to get out on the trail for the final verdict.

Outsole:

adidas Terrex X-King

Though hard to mention any one aspect of the shoe without including another in the same sentence, I’ll start with the outsole, since it is the most glaringly obvious highlight of the shoe.  Made out of Continental rubber, it is essentially a mountain bike tire for your foot.  The lugs are deep, well positioned and shaped effectively for great traction in mud, snow and dirt.

adidas Terrex X-King

Best of all, this rubber compound is STICKY!  I was able to test this shoe in a very wide range of conditions and I was continually amazed at how well it stuck in just about any circumstance.

adidas Terrex X-King

It actually took me a bit of getting used to this sort of traction, as there were many occasions where I would traverse frozen, icy sections of trail, wet rock, gritty/grimy steep slabs of sandstone, polished rock, steep snow, slush, mud and knew that with most other shoes, I would likely slip, but the X King stuck every time. I depended on them doing so.  Temperature was hardly an issue and though I never ran in temps much below freezing, the rubber stuck about as well as it did when it was warm (over 80 degrees)

adidas Terrex X-King

Trail feel and torsional flexibility is excellent.  The X King contours very well over the terrain and I always felt in touch, but not too much, as protection is excellent.

It is the midsole that gives the shoe it’s structure, so the outsole without the midsole is extremely flexible.  So much so, you can roll it up into a ball and easily fit it in you pocket!

adidas Terrex X-King

After around 40 miles of testing, I did start to notice the lugs starting to wear some, especially in the forefoot, but it was not excessive.  With rubber this sticky though, I suspect wear will be a bit quicker than shoes with a harder compound.

Midsole/Insole:

adidas Terrex X-King

The removable midsole/insole is a one piece EVA insert, intended to be interchangeable with different inserts for different uses, racing, training, etc… (though at the time of testing, there were no other midsole options that I know of).

adidas Terrex X-King

The included midsole/insole is titled “Speed” and features a 6mm drop.  For the X King in its current form, I never felt the need, even if options did exist, to change to various level midsoles, as the one supplied felt appropriate for this specific shoe.  Cushioning is firm and responsive when pushed and overall the X King felt good at just about any speed.

adidas Terrex X-King

Also integrated in the forefoot of the midsole is a flexible stone guard.  Combined with the EVA cushion and the generous lugs, I found that rock protection is amazing without compromising ground feel and flexibility.

Upper:

adidas Terrex X-King

Fused with the Continental rubber outsole, the upper integrates very nicely and provides a precise, true to size and somewhat snug fit.  Room in the forefoot is just enough for a little swelling, but I found it to not allow for much splay (which for a high performing, all mountain shoe best suited for steep terrain, I am OK with).

adidas Terrex X-King

Overlays are minimal, utilizing the signature adidas side stripe logo act as very effective supports.  The upper is quite breathable, yet does a good job keeping out dirt and debris (though any bit of moisture easily penetrates).

adidas Terrex X-King

The X King has a very solid (yet unnoticeable from the inside) wrap around toe bumper which is quite durable, bulletproof and integrates well.  It is a toe bumper that will protect from the hardest and clumsiest of kicks.

adidas Terrex X-King

The heel counter and collar is semi flexible and on the minimal side in both thickness and padding, but does an effective job holding the heel in place without any discomfort or rubbing.

adidas Terrex X-King

The tongue, though mostly adequate, in my opinion is a bit too thin and a bit too short, as I can feel the laces on the top of my foot a bit more than I would like when the laces are cinched tight.  Though I am aware of the pressure, it has not yet been problematic.

adidas Terrex X-King

The X King has quick pull laces and I had a bit of difficulty with them at first, but once I cut the laces down (being very careful, as it is easy to cut off too much) and after I had broke the shoe in a bit, I have made peace with them.  Though I eventually got to a point where I could cinch them with one pull, with enough tension to lock my foot down for an entire run, I would much prefer traditional laces (sausage link please).  Normal laces would be a huge improvement for this shoe.

All in all though, the upper with quick pull laces ultimately provide a very locked in, precise feel with great control and stability.

Overall performance and suggested use:

adidas Terrex X-King

Though not the lightest shoe of it’s kind in my quiver (12 ¼ oz for my size 10), I find the added weight to be worthwhile when I consider the overall confidence inspiring traction, fit, control, performance and protection.

I really appreciate how confidence inspiring this shoe is in the roughest, most varied conditions and how well my foot is locked into the shoe.  It is almost like an extension of my foot.  Though I would not recommend this shoe for most ultras, I am confident that it would certainly provide ample protection/cushion/comfort for long days in the mountains.
I’ll keep this shoe at the front of my rotation and pick it for days when I know I’ll be on steep, rough terrain, wet terrain, mud, off trail or snow (when I am not really worried about getting my feet wet).

Comparisons:
TNF Ultra MT - Similar traction, weight and overall feel.  Ultra MT has a better fitting upper, but the traction advantage goes to the X King.  A toss up.
Salomon S Lab Wings SG - Salomon has a superior upper and they have mastered the quick lace, but again, the traction and grip of the X King in just about all conditions probably seals the deal for me.

Jeff's Score - 4.7 out 5

-0.1for laces
-0.1 for weight
-0.1 for tread wear

All Photos Credit: Jeff Valliere

The Terrex X King were provided at no charge to Road Trail Run. The opinions herein are entirely the author's. 
________________________________________________________________________________

Reviewer Bio

Jeff Valliere is a former pro cyclist who now runs and climbs the mountains of Colorado. He has been top 5 Masters, top 25 overall, at the Pike's Peak Marathon several times, finishing 3d Masters this year. Jeff loves vertical accumulating more than 500,000 vertical feet per year, has climbed all the 14's and 200 of the 13's and has held FKT on several.  He often runs and climbs at night. Passionate about the sport but also the gear he has reviewed hundred of shoes for various magazines and sites and participated in product testing for many brands.  Formerly a bike mechanic he now works in Satellite Imagery. He has twin 5 year old daughters who keep him ever busier yet.

Interested in other 2016 shoes? Road Trail Run has reviewed 30 different models in the last 6 months! Click here for our summary page with links to all the reviews.


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The X King is available from adidas Outdoor at the link below. Sales help support Road Trail Run

Rick Samaha Shares 70's Vintage Racers and the Stories Behind the Shoes

Article by Rick Samaha with Sam Winebaum, Editor Road Trail Run

Editor's Note: RoadTrailRun is thrilled to have Rick Samaha a former teammate of mine contribute this article. Rick is a physician with a long and consistently fast running history over many decades. 
In the mid 1970's I was fortunate to be a member of truly outstanding high school cross country and track teams. Undefeated for 2 seasons, the Phillips Exeter Academy Cross Country team relied on fabulous depth. At the 1974 Class A Prep School Championship, the Interschols, we took 6 of 8 places after 4th place in a 10 school field. I was 2nd for the team in that race, 4th overall, after winning the Mount Washington Road Race Junior title the summer before placing 7th overall and later that school year running a 2:37 marathon. That deep and strong a team!  
Rick Samaha, only 4th JV runner in 1974 and a junior my senior year, stepped up his training. He became the school record holder in multiple events, a fabulously gutsy racer who ended his high school career with a 9:18 two mile in the 1976 National Junior AAU Championship.

The fastest times from those great years. Led by Rick Samaha

Vignettes from the Finish Stretch of the 2016 Boston Marathon

Congratulations to all the runners! You are an inspiration!

I did not run Boston this year as I had the 3 previous years. Time for a break and a wait.  I get a 15 minute "bonus" as I age into another group in 2017...
Spectating was fun and just as intense as running, emotionally and physically. Well not that intense physically but my feet are sore and my activity tracker says many miles covered.  Emotionally as it was incredible to see the effort and joy of so many tens of thousands from my spectating perch at the Lenox Hotel, a few hundred yards from the finish.
Many thanks to New Balance, a Boston based brand, for the invitation to their viewing party.

Early. Logistics. Logistics!
I got to Boston as the school busses were loading for the trip to Hopinkton. It was warm, very warm.

Review Salming Distance 3: Low, Wide, Light, and Fast. A Well Balanced Do It All Racer Trainer.

Review by Sam Winebaum, Editor Road Trail Run

The Salming Distance 3 is a "stabilized" neutral trainer racer with 22mm heel 17mm forefoot, 5mm drop according to Running Warehouse EU stats. My size 9 US weighs 8 oz/227 grams, Women's size 8 weighs  7.2 oz/204 g. Retail $155.
Never heard of Salming? Well Salming is a Swedish company that started in squash shoes and the last few years has moved rapidly into running with a great line of shoes. Their designs are practical. "No Nonsense" is Salming's slogan but this is by no means a stripped down or for that matter budget shoe!
Very well balanced between responsiveness, light weight, and cushion, the Distance is one of those rare shoes that can be a single arrow in the quiver for both training and racing. It is a very successful update to their earlier Distance.

New Balance Vazee Summit Trail- Light, Fast, Protective and for less than $100, it is a steal!

Review by Jeff Valliere

New Balance Vazee Summit Trail 8.8 oz/ 249 g US men's size 9, 7.6 oz/215g women's size 8. 27mm heel/17mm forefoot, 10mm drop according to Running Warehouse. $99.99

Vazee Summit and the Boulder Flatirons

First Impressions:

I was immediately impressed with how light the Vazee Summit felt when picking them up for the first time.  They miraculously look/feel compact and minimal, yet at the same time are protective and substantial.  Though my size 10 fits perfect and is true to size, the Vazee Summit is comparatively trim in relation to most of my other shoes of the same size.  Though the New Balance advertised weight is 9.3 oz. for a men’s size 9, my size 10s weighed in at an impressive 9 ⅛ oz, in line with what Running Warehouse shows..  Though this is at the lower end of my weight tolerance for a daily trainer, as I typically prefer a more substantial shoe for my typical runs on steep and rocky trails, before even running in the Vazee Summit, I suspected it could easily perform double duty as a racer or daily trainer.  This was one of those shoes that I put on in the house and knew right away that it was going to work very well for me, without even running a step.

adidas adizero adios Boost 3 Review: World Record Holder Relaxes..

Review by Sam Winebaum, Editor Road Trail Run

The adidas adizero adios Boost 3 is the latest iteration of the shoe worn by Dennis Kimetto to the marathon world record of 2:02.57 in 2014. Don't be scared! You can wear this fantastic shoe and have that world record snap, stability, and cushion at whatever pace you run.

Dennis Kimetto WR Photo Credit: adidas

The Adios Boost 3 is not a stripped down race flat but a well cushioned, very durable shoe closer to a trainer than a pure race shoe in features and weight.  According the Running Warehouse at 7.9 oz/224 g men's size 9, 7.3 oz/ 207 g women's size 8 it is  0.1 oz lighter than version 2 and 0.2 oz lighter than version 1 with the same 23mm heel/ 13mm forefoot stack as previous editions.
Running Warehouse was kind enough to provide Road Trail Run with a pair of the Adios Boost at no cost for testing and review.
The adios Boost 1 (review) was my 2014 shoe of the year. I ran all my half marathons and road races in them and even easily handled a 25K trail race. A fantastically versatile shoe with a great upper and wear like iron Continental rubber outsole, I have 2 pairs each pushing 200 miles with only minor outsole or upper wear.

First Impressions

The adios Boost 3 when compared to the AB1 is more relaxed all around, well a bit more relaxed as after all this is the top adidas marathon racing shoe! The new fuller coverage Continental outsole is slightly softer on landing in the forefoot. The reconfigured heel outsole with a thinner central bridge of firm material, now adiwear vs the AB1 and 2's EVA "boost" labeled plug, makes the landing there a touch softer as well. Torsionally the AB3 is not as stiff and the toe spring longer and slightly less stiff. The upper is a different fit, still very well held but  wider in the fore and mid foot with fewer and softer overlays and a lighter less stiff mesh upper. Bottom line, whereas the AB1 was not only an incredible road racer AND trail racer the AB3 for me anyway will stay on the road and is still a 10K to 30K max distance shoe for me.

Upper

adios Boost 1 left, adios Boost 3 right

The Adios Boost 3's upper when compared to the Adios Boost 1 immediately says more comfort and more relaxed. Running Warehouse recommended I size up half a size, a good call for longer races but for a half or under I would be fine at true to size. While I did not run in the AB2, Peter Stuart, one of Road Trail Run's reviewers has tried AB2 and says AB3 is roomier even though both share a similar looking upper.  While I had zero issues with my true to size AB1, they were a very dialed in supportive fit due to the many seamless overlays, fairly heavy "3 Stripes" at mid foot and all of this over a fairly stiff, dense mesh. The AB 3 goes old school with very soft stitched on suede overlays, including the white 3 Stripe, over a soft single layer of mesh. There is no stiff material in the toe bumper area as there was in version 1.

adios Boost 1 left, adios Boost 3 right

They are roomier in the fore and mid foot and higher volume,  the upper is least softer and easier to push with the toes. The lacing eye stay is straight vs. AB1 notched approach and is noticeably wider after the lace lace hole, providing noticeably more room at the ball of the foot. The tongue is particularly well executed: a bit more padded and longer than AB1's which was a bit short and tended to rotate.

adios Boost 3 left, adios Boost 1 right

The AB3 heel counter is far simpler in design than AB1's . Both are firm and substantial with the AB3 having a hard shell around the bottom third of the heel counter. Those world record holders must land hard on the heels or more likely when they do want all their force directed straight ahead! There is a less pronounced, wider Achilles rise on the AB3

Midsole

No big changes that I can see or have heard of to the midsole. The same sandwich of EVA under foot and at the toe with TPU based Boost and its high rebound and energy return characteristics below. Boost is less temperature sensitive than EVA and thus does not get brick firm in cold, an issue with conventional race flats for me. The ride is consistent regardless of temperature. You know what to expect. The thin black EVA layer underfoot feels firmer than in AB1.

Torsion System
The secret to "controlling" the soft Boost material and aligning the foot in direction of travel is the adidas Torsion System of TPU plastic plates. Starting with a very effective vertical piece on the medial side of the heel to reduce early pronation, continuing with at truss at mid foot to improve mid stance stability and then running with 2 long strips laterally and medially under the outer rows of lugs with a shorter center of the fore foot strip Torsion is what keeps the foot aligned and moving to toe off spring board, even when tired.  All of this is designed to break world records but I can say it sure works for me as well. There is a sense of stability, forward direction, alignment, and snap not felt in many other lighter racing shoes. No apparent changes from previous models.

Outsole: adios Boost 3 left, adios Boost 1 right

Outsole
The outsole is where the significant changes between AB1/AB2 and AB3 occurred. Gone is the Quick Strike plate with nubs of firm plastic glued to a sheet in the center of the forefoot of both the AB1 and AB2. Quick Strike is replaced by a fuller coverage, and thus slightly softer more cushioned layer of hard wearing Continental rubber arrayed in pods.

If I had a knock on the AB1 is that the forefoot was a bit thin and the upper narrow up front and after 20 miles my toes started to feel it with some cramping- keeping me from attempting... a marathon in them. But hey, I am no world record holder either!
This fuller coverage rubber should help dissipate shock a touch better and it sure feels that way when I compare the two on the road. Generally the outsole pattern changes from the tire tread like set of grooves on the AB1 and AB2  to pods, which leads to a more personalized somewhat softer feel on contact for me.

Outsole: adios Boost 3 top, adios Boost 1 bottom

The outsole of the adios Boost 2 (below) is identical in appearance to the adios Boost 1. The only changes, colors.

adios Boost 2 outsole Photo Credit: Running Warehouse

The heel bridge or center plug changes from a thick and firm EVA "boost" labeled piece to a soft thin piece of adiwear outsole giving me a slightly smoother less jarring but a none the less decently firm and very stable landing. The decoupled heel bevel remains about the same but forward of that we see 2 new carve outs on the medial side, which give the shoe slightly more bend and give around the vertical plastic torsion piece just above.

Outsole: adios Boost 3 left, adios Boost 1 right

Ride and Recomendations
Don't be scared that this is the world record setting marathon shoe! 
Unlike many racing "flats" the adios Boost is well mannered, protective and fun at any speed. It can easily be a single quiver shoe for lighter faster runners or a speed and any distance race shoe for most. Even a fine choice for casual runners wanting a low profile light shoe with great road feel.

While the forefoot cushioning is thinner than most trainer at 13mm, the rebound of the Boost midsole and the relatively soft yet durable Continental rubber, now with fuller coverage, make the ride firm yet still very comfortable. The heel is fantastic, well cushioned yet also firm and stable and easy to move off of at even moderate speeds. This said I have found the adios Boost really comes into its own in terms of a smooth transition at paces faster than 10 minute per mile.

If you have never tried a Boost midsole shoe the rebound and energy return is noticeable. True to its purpose as a race shoe, the adios has a distinct toe spring but unlike many race shoes it is stable, well cushioned and directed due to the Boost and Torsion System.

While I prefer the original AB1's more fitted upper for its support, which when combined with the Torsion system made the adios not only a great road shoe but a very able trail racer, the new upper is just fine, more relaxed and comfortable particularly for those with wider feet and for longer run road use.

Not an in expensive shoe at $140, the durable outsole will last as long or longer than those on many trainers and its versatility can eliminate the need for several other shoes. We do wonder about the relative durability of the upper.
Highly Recommended.

Comparisons
Adios Boost 3 to Boston Boost- The Boston Boost has 3mm more cushioning at the heel and forefoot and 0.6 oz more weight. It is stiffer at the very front of the shoe where the EVA midsole layer is longer than adios. The Boston fits snugger at the ball of the foot than the adios Boost 3. It lacks the adios medial plastic Torsion piece and as a result, as a heel striker, I found Boston's heel soft and a bit less stable than the Adios. Boston leans more towards being a trainer.
Adios Boost 3 to Salming Distance 3- The Salming Distance 3 (review soon)  is most similar to the Adios Boost of the shoes I have run in recently. It also has a Torsion Efficiency Unit similar to adios Torsion plastic under the mid foot and very similar outsole configuration. Its upper has a generally  similar relaxed fit. The ride is similar with a very decent rebound effect from the RunLite midsole and a noticeable and directed toe spring. It has 4mm of additional cushion at the forefoot with 1mm less at the heel for a 5mm drop and weights 0.7 oz more.
Adios Boost 3 to Saucony Kinvara 7 (review). Very different rides from these 2 shoes. The 4mm drop Kinvara is stiffer overall with more forefoot cushion, 6mm more of it, for a shoe weighing and having the same heel height as the adios. While not as snappy a ride, it is stable and forgiving, the Everun (a TPU similar to Boost)  in the heel providing a heel cushion similar to the adios. The Kinvara upper's Pro Lock mid foot system and narrower toe box with overlays is snugger overall. Kinvara may be a better marathon choice for most mere mortals when sized up a half, adios a better short race choice.
Adios Boost 3 to Hoka One One Tracer (review)
The Tracer is firmer and stiffer overall. Tracer has 7mm more forefoot stack but the forefoot foam is considerably firmer than Boost. Nod to the Tracer's upper, the best fitting of any 2016 race shoe for me. I would run a marathon in the adios Boost 3 before the Tracer.

Sam's Score: 4.8 out of 5
-0.05 for weight
-0.05 for lighter wider upper, a bit less of a dialed supportive fit which made it AB1 a great trail racer.
-0.1 for thin forefoot for marathon purpose.

If you would like to try the adios Boost they are available from Running Warehouse: 

Men's here, Women's here. 

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• Free 2 Day Shipping and Return Shipping
• 90 Days No Sweat Returns
• $9.95 Overnight Shipping 1-4 Lbs

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