adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra Review
The adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra is Poised for the Podium
Likes
- Highly propulsive ride
- Soft, protective underfoot feel
- Solid upper that hugs the foot but is still lightweight
Dislikes
- Narrow midfoot may not suit everyone
What's New
Welcome the long-awaited and highly anticipated adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra, a trail racing shoe engineered for the most demanding terrains and distances, as showcased by Tom Evans' victory at the prestigious 2023 Western States 100. Designed to push the boundaries of performance, this shoe delivers a seamless blend of speed, protection, and traction to propel runners toward their trail racing goals.
The Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra's special sauce lies in its cutting-edge midsole. Featuring Lightstrike Pro Foam, this innovative midsole ensures a secure, feather-light feel while also delivering exceptional responsiveness, crucial for conquering long, gruelling miles. The designers at adidas have strategically integrated TPE Energy Rods into the midsole to help runners adapt to uneven terrain while adding a propulsive boost to each stride. Pair this with the shoe's aggressive rocker geometry, and runners will experience efficient heel-to-toe transitions for sustained speed and endurance.
The outsole of the Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra is crafted from Continental Rubber, which is renowned for its exceptional grip and durability. With a streamlined design, this outsole minimises weight without compromising traction, ensuring stability on even the most challenging trails. Complementing the cutting-edge midsole and outsole is an engineered mesh upper, offering a breathable and secure fit that runners will hardly notice as they find their running rhythm.
Whether tackling ultramarathon weekend adventures or speeding through a trail race course, the adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra is the ultimate companion for runners seeking top-notch speed, agility, and endurance to conquer any trail.
The Bottom Line
The team here at Running Warehouse has been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra. Simply put, the shoe lived up to expectations.
As adidas promised, the shoe's aggressive rocker and TPE Trail Energy Rods provided an undeniable propulsive push, speeding our tester forward with every stride. Our tester also appreciated the soft and protective feel of the Lightstrike Pro foam, which did not compromise the shoe's impressively speedy ride in the slightest.
In terms of fit, our tester thought that the upper offered a snug yet breathable embrace, ensuring a secure lockdown with great breathability. While the midfoot's fit was slightly on the narrow side, this design was a worthwhile tradeoff for the shoe's minimalist racing feel.
On the trails, the Continental Rubber outsole delivered unrivaled grip and traction that adapted to all varieties of natural surfaces. Thanks to the shoe's steadfast grip, our tester was able to tackle steep ascents, slippery descents, and every kind of trail segment in between with unwavering confidence. Compared to other trail racing shoes, the Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra stood out as a top contender, offering a winning combination of speed, agility, and traction.
Overall, our tester was impressed by the performance of the adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra. From its lightning-fast ride to its unbeatable grip, this shoe lived up to the pre-launch hype. While it may be too aggressive for some runners, there is no better companion for those who crave the thrill of pushing their uppermost limits on the trails. So lace up, hit the trails, and get ready to experience the ultimate rush of trail running with the Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra.
Specifications & Fit
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 9.3 oz (size 9) | Women's: 8.4 oz (size 8) |
| Stack Height | 40 mm (Heel), 32 mm (Forefoot) | 8 mm Heel-Toe Offset |
| Terrain | Trail |
| Stability | Neutral |
| Sizing | True |
Our In-Depth Look
Upper
Erik: "The adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra has a comfortable, but not plush, upper. While durable, it is still lightweight and hugs my foot in all the right places. Someone with a wider foot may find the midfoot a bit constricting, but this shoe is a racer, so the upper is built with minimalism in mind. I did not have a chance to run much in wet conditions, but the one time it did get wet, the Agravic Speed Ultra drained well and dried rapidly."
Midsole
Erik: "The combination of the Lightstrike Pro midsole foam with the Energy Rods is the highlight of this shoe for me. This trail racing shoe is soft and bouncy underfoot and the midsole is finely tuned to get the wearer speeding over the trails. I did not care for the overall ride when running at an easier pace, but the shoe came alive as soon as the pace picked up."
Outsole
Erik: "The Continental outsole performed very well over various terrain. I did not have a chance to test the shoe extensively in wet or slick conditions, but I was pleased with the security the grippy outsole provided regardless of the terrain."
Comparable Shoes
adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra vs. Nike Ultrafly
Erik: "Both shoes are sitting atop the trail racing category, but for a true racing shoe, I would give the nod to the adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra in just about every situation. If you are looking for the fastest shoe to get you over a variety of terrain, then there is currently no equal. The Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra already has a proven track record among elite athletes competing.
For many people, this shoe may be too aggressive for the long haul, which means different things for different people. For some, going a 50K will test the limits of how you feel toward the end of the distance. For others who are stronger and more efficient, they will be able to take it for 100 miles, no problem."
Individual Thoughts
With where trail running and footwear is currently at, I think the adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra is the pinnacle of racing performance footwear for the trail. The Agravic Speed Ultra delivers on fit, feel, and performance; the only question runners should ask themselves is, "Can I handle it?"
The shoe is aggressive in feel and performance, appealing to elite trail runners or those who are committed to pushing themselves to their limits during their next trail race. So if you are a runner who is not ready to race from start to finish, then you could find that the Agravic Speed Ultra is too much shoe to handle. If you decide to lace up a pair, then be ready for an explosive ride. The shoe comes alive when the gun goes off. Regardless of terrain (including pavement), the miles always zoomed by when I was wearing the Speed Ultra. You will have to put in maximum effort to get the full experience out of this shoe. My first test run was going to be a casual 30-minute jaunt so that I could get a general feel for the shoe. One speedy hour later, I was in love with the experience the shoe provided underfoot. After years of testing a variety of trail shoes and trail racers, this is the first "super shoe" for the trails that provides the racing shoe experience I find when wearing road super shoes.
