Adidas speed ultra 1

Learn more about the Adidas speed ultra 1 male running shoes, including key features, performance, reviews, model updates, and more.

Adidas speed ultra 1

Price

$330

Rating

High

Popularity

Less Popular

The Adidas Speed Ultra 1 is a high-performance trail running shoe designed for long-distance races, sitting as a more specialized and ultra-distance-focused model compared to the more versatile Adidas Terrex Agravic lineup.

Adidas
speed ultra 1 - coreblack

Anthony
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Summary

The Adidas Speed Ultra 1 is a high-performance running shoe designed for long-distance runners seeking a balance between speed and comfort. Positioned within Adidas's lineup as a versatile trail running option, the Speed Ultra 1 combines innovative technology to meet the demands of competitive runners. It features a lightweight and breathable mesh upper, a responsive Boost and Lightstrike midsole for dynamic cushioning, and a Continental rubber outsole for exceptional traction on varied surfaces. The shoe's design caters to athletes who prioritize agility and endurance equally, setting it apart from other Adidas models like the Adidas Ultraboost, which leans more towards maximum cushioning and style, or the Terrex series, which focuses heavily on rugged trail capabilities. Overall, the Speed Ultra 1 strikes an ideal middle ground for runners who want an adaptable and swift shoe for diverse terrains.

Surface

trail

Cushioning

MinLowMediumHighMax(20mm)

Category

ResponsiveBalancedComfort

Breathability

LowMediumHigh(Celermesh upper)

Weight

255g

Heel-to-Toe Drop

8mm0mm14mm

Support

NeutralLightHigh

Width options

normal

Grip

LowMediumHighMax(low density, 2.5mm lugs)

Suitability

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Pros & Cons

AI-powered

Fittir conducts a detailed analysis of the Adidas speed ultra 1 to provide you with a comprehensive overview of the shoes features, pros, and cons based on 17 wear-tester reviews.

Most Mentioned Pros

Most Mentioned Cons

boost (2)
comfort (2)
balance (2)
protection (2)
energy return (1)
impact absorption (1)
midsole (1)
rebound (1)
Pros
"The midsole features Boost foam which provides excellent cushioning and bounce."
cushioning
bounce
responsive
"The shoe offers excellent cushioning, particularly with Boost foam in the heel."
cushioning
heel
Boost
"The cushioning materials used provide a comfortable and springy feel even after long distances."
springy
comfortable
long distance
"The shoe provides excellent cushioning, absorbing impact effectively and enhancing comfort on long runs."
cushioning
comfort
impact absorption
"The shoe's cushioning is highly responsive and comfortable due to the combination of Boost and LightStrike materials in the midsole."
Boost
LightStrike
energy return
"The Boost technology in the midsole provides excellent cushioning and rebound."
cushion
rebound
midsole
"The midsole contains a dual-density foam that allows for a firmer toe-off, enhancing speed."
dual-density
toe-off
"The combination of Boost and Lightstrike foam provides excellent cushioning and energy return."
cushioning
energy return
"The shoe offers a balanced level of cushion for long-distance runs and race days."
long distance
race day
boost cushioning
"The shoe's cushioning is suitable for long runs and ultra-distance events, providing both comfort and speed."
long distance
ultra marathon
"The midsole provides a combination of soft landing and firm support, enhancing both efficiency and comfort."
soft landing
firm support
"The shoe provides a great balance between responsiveness and comfort over long distances due to its cushioning design."
responsive
comfort
long-distance
"The combination of Boost and Lightstrike foam offers excellent energy return and responsiveness."
boost
lightstrike
responsiveness
"The use of high stack height and firm cushioning aids in protection for long distances."
firm support
long distances
protection
"The Boost cushioning in the heel area provides a soft and bouncy sensation, enhancing comfort during fast runs."
Boost
cushioning
"Despite a lower stack height, the shoe is surprisingly well-cushioned, providing a good balance of comfort and responsiveness."
cushioning
low stack
"The cushioning is firm yet allows for agility and reactivity."
firm cushioning
agility
medium distance
Cons
"The shoe may feel insufficiently cushioned for heavy heel strikers due to the low amount of Boost foam in the heel."
heel strikers
cushioning
performance
"The shoes may not provide enough cushioning for longer distances beyond 50k or 50 miles."
cushioning
long-distance
performance
"The shoe has insufficient underfoot protection for rugged terrains."
rugged terrain
underfoot
cushioning
"There is limited underfoot protection, causing discomfort on technical trails."
underfoot
protection
sharp rocks
"The cushioning may feel firm on roads, which may not suit all runners' preferences."
road feel
cushioning
"Lowish feeling heel at slow paces on firmer terrain (narrow landing and soft Boost)."
heel
firm terrain
"The shoe may be too minimal for heavier runners on long outings."
weight
cushion
long runs
"The overall cushioning feels inadequate for long-distance runs, leading to discomfort."
cushioning
long runs
comfort
"The shoe has a firm feel, which may not be comfortable on uneven or rocky terrain."
firm
rocky terrain
comfort

breathability (1)
balance (1)
design (1)
tongue design (1)
fit (1)
long-distance (1)
ground feel (1)
cushioning (1)
Pros
"The upper is made from a single piece of mesh providing comfort and breathability."
mesh
comfort
breathable
"The shoe has a breathable upper which helps with moisture management and quick drying."
breathable
moisture management
"The breathable twin-skin upper is constructed for enhanced comfort and quick drying properties."
breathable
lightweight
quick dry
"The shoe's construction allows for good breathability, important for comfort during long runs."
breathable upper
hot weather
"The shoe includes breathable and draining upper materials for improved comfort."
engineered mesh
ocean plastics
lightweight
"The upper material of the shoe is breathable, keeping feet cool during runs in warm conditions."
cooling
moisture-wicking
"The engineered mesh upper provides excellent breathability, keeping feet dry during runs."
lightweight
breathable
dry
"The breathable mesh upper keeps feet cool during intense workouts."
breathability
cooling
dry
"The Terrex Speed Ultra offers a great balance between lightness and protection while providing sufficient cushioning."
lightweight
protection
flexibility
"The shoe's tongue and lining design minimizes discomfort and prevents hot spots during runs."
sock-like
comfort
no hot spots
"Comfort is enhanced by the gusseted tongue design, which wraps around the foot and provides additional protection."
gusseted tongue
protection
fit
"The flexible upper provides a comfortable and sock-like fit for the foot."
sock-like
smooth
"The shoe maintains comfort over long distances with no blisters or hot spots."
comfort
no blisters
durability
"The shoe maintains a low stack height, enhancing the ground feel and stability."
low stack
stability
ground feel
"The shoe's comfort is highlighted by its cushioning and drop, which aids in long-distance runs without discomfort."
comfortable
supportive
"The shoes offer great protection and support during runs."
protection
comfort
support
Cons
"The shoe's upper does not sufficiently manage foot sweat even with breathability features."
sweat management
breathable materials
comfort issues
"The minimal heel counter may not provide enough support for some runners."
heel support
minimalism
"The shoes' tongue is thin, which could lead to discomfort for some runners over long distances."
thin tongue
comfort concern
"The tongue of the shoe is thinly padded, which may not provide sufficient comfort over long distances."
tongue
cushioning
long distances
"The upper cushioning is on the thinner side, leading to soreness during long runs."
upper
cushioning
comfort
"The shoe may feel drafty in colder weather due to its breathable upper."
cold
breathability

weight (2)
outsole (2)
minimalist (1)
upper (1)
longevity (1)
materials (1)
build (1)
eyelet (1)
Pros
"The shoe maintains a minimalist profile while providing adequate protection."
protection
durable
minimal
"These shoes are notably lightweight, making them ideal for trail running."
lightweight
trail running
"The lightweight nature of the shoe contributes to a fast running experience."
lightweight
fast
trail
"The upper shows high durability despite extensive use, demonstrating excellent construction quality."
durable
high usage
"The Terrex Speed Ultra features a lightweight yet durable mesh upper that remains intact even after extensive testing."
mesh
durable
testing
"The shoe has a durable outsole that holds up well over various terrains."
long lasting
durable material
varied terrains
"The shoes have demonstrated impressive durability over extensive use, performing well despite challenging conditions."
long-lasting
wear-resistant
"The shoes are made with high-quality materials for durability."
durability
quality
longevity
Cons
"The outsole might not be as durable under heavy use due to its design."
wear
minimal tread
durability concerns
"The outsole has split after extensive use, indicating limited longevity."
outsole
splitting
"The shoes are very lightweight, but this compromises the overall strength of their build."
lightweight
strength
build quality
"The lacing system shows signs of durability issues after minimal use."
lacing
durability
"Durability concerns suggest it may not last beyond 200-300 miles, which is low for its price point."
durability
value
"Some early creasing of the lateral side front Lightstrike foam has me wondering about long term resiliency."
Lightstrike foam
long term
"The upper of the shoe tore after heavy use."
upper
tearing
"The shoe's lifespan may be considered short for some runners after 800 km."
durability
mileage
"Durability concerns have been raised, particularly with scuffing on the midsole."
durability
wear and tear
midsole

lightweight (2)
responsiveness (2)
ultra (1)
racing (1)
weight (1)
versatility (1)
motivation (1)
transition (1)
Pros
"The shoe is lightweight, making it suitable for fast-paced runs."
light
fast
compact
"The lightweight design contributes to a fast and agile running experience."
lightweight
nimble
agility
"The shoe is well-suited for long-distance running on hard pack trails."
long-distance
playful
performance
"The shoe's design allows for a nimble and responsive ride, suitable for various trail conditions."
nimble
responsive
"The outsole's rigidity offers a responsive feel, aiding performance during runs."
rigidity
responsive
heel
"The shoe is designed for high-mileage efforts and is suitable for trail racing, combining versatility and performance."
lightweight
race-ready
versatility
"The shoe's weight is low, which adds to its speed and performance."
lightweight
speed
"The shoe is versatile enough to handle various terrains well, including dry trails and gravel."
performance
gravel
trails
"The shoe is designed for versatile performance on different terrains, including trails and roads."
multi-terrain
road
trail
"The shoe performs well on smoother, well-packed trails, making it versatile for varied terrain."
versatile
responsive
trail
"The overall design of the shoe encourages faster running."
motivation
speed
design
"The seamless transitions and stability improve performance on technical trails."
low fatigue
smooth ride
technical trails
"The shoe's design allows for quick and agile movement, making it effective on both trails and roads."
trail
road
speed
"The front climbing flex enhances performance for climbing and agility, making it a versatile choice for various terrains."
climbing
agility
"The Speed Ultra excels on road surfaces, potentially outperforming other models, like the Boston 9."
responsive
enjoyable
"The Terrex Speed Ultra offers a nimble and responsive feel, making it great for speed-focused runs."
responsive
nimble
lightweight
"The Boost midsole enhances performance with responsive energy return."
performance
boost midsole
fatigue reduction
Cons
"The shoe may not be ideal for ultra-marathon distances; better suited for shorter runs."
performance
ultra running
"The shoe is noticeably heavy, making it less suitable for speed."
heaviness
speed
performance
"The heel is stiff and clunky, which affects the initial ride experience."
stiffness
ride
"The toe-off can be rigid and not very responsive, especially on inclines."
toe-off
rigidity
performance
"Questionable and light front rock protection given no plate and low stack."
rock protection
low stack
"The shoe lacks versatility and is not suitable for all types of terrain."
terrain
performance
limitations

secure (2)
width (2)
lacing (2)
structure (2)
laces (1)
lockdown (1)
lacing system (1)
snug (1)
Pros
"The design ensures a good fit with features that secure the foot in place."
fit
heel
comfort
"The shoes offer a completely locked-down race fit, ensuring a secure feel during runs."
lockdown
asymmetrical
gusset
"The laces are effective and help maintain tension during runs."
laces
tension
secure
"The fit of the shoe is excellent, providing a secure lockdown and preventing heel slip."
secure fit
lockdown
"The traditional lacing system offers a customizable fit by allowing adjustment across the forefoot for better stability."
custom fit
lacing system
stability
"The shoe provides a snug fit thanks to its cushioned tongue and adjustable lacing system."
tongue
fit
breathability
"This shoe transitions effectively between trail and road running without discomfort."
trail
road
comfort
"The Speed Ultra has an impressive fit that secures the foot well while providing comfort."
secure fit
confidence on trails
"The lightweight design of the Speed Ultra enhances performance and ease of movement."
lightweight
efficient
"The upper is designed with a breathable mesh that provides good airflow and protection."
mesh
protection
airflow
"The fit is secure and adjustable, accommodating swelling during longer runs."
snug fit
accommodating
adaptable
"The extensive lace holes enhance customization in fit."
lace holes
personalized fit
midfoot
"The fit is generally well-received, with ample room in the forefoot that prevents discomfort during runs."
forefoot room
locked-down fit
"The wide toe box allows for natural toe splay while maintaining a good fit, enhancing overall comfort and performance."
precise
comfortable
Cons
"There is no heel pull loop, which could make it challenging to put the shoe on."
ease of use
design flaw
"The narrow toe box may not be suitable for runners with wider feet."
narrow toe box
fit for wider feet
"The fit may feel narrow for those accustomed to more spacious toe boxes."
narrow
toe box
"The necessity to loosen the laces more than usual for entry might disrupt the fit experience."
lacing
shoe entry
fit disruption
"The shoe is noted to have a narrow fit, which may not suit everyone."
narrow fit
size issues
"The shoe can be tricky to take on and off due to its snug fit and lacing system."
fit
snug
lacing
"The lacing system is cumbersome and may cause issues during runs."
lacing
tightness
fit
"The upper material lacks adequate lock-down for stability during runs on sketchy terrain."
stability
upper fit
trail
"The shoe offers a general fit but lacks precise structure for better adjustment."
regular fit
adjustability
comfort
"The shoe's upper may lack sufficient structure for certain types of foot protection."
upper structure
foot protection
airflow
"The upper can loosen significantly after wet conditions, impacting the fit."
upper
fit
looseness
"The heel has a narrow fit and lacks support due to the absence of a heel counter."
heel counter
support
narrow fit
"Some users may require a larger size due to a snug midfoot sock liner, impacting fit."
narrow fit
sizing
"The laces are stiff and challenging to secure properly."
laces
fit
comfort
"Some users may find the toe-box slightly elongated, leading to a less secure fit."
toe-box
fit
space
"The shoe has some slippage in the heel area, which can lead to discomfort."
heel
slippage
"The material in the forefoot could be made more flexible to enhance comfort."
forefoot
flexibility
"Some parts of the shoe's fit can lead to pressure points if laces are tied too tight."
lace
ankle
"Some pinky toe narrowness which improved with wear and thin socks at true to size."
pinky toe
narrow fit
"Narrowness in the midfoot/arch area caused slight discomfort."
midfoot
arch fit
"The shoe runs a half size small, which can affect fit for some runners."
size
fit
recommendation
"The midfoot fit of the shoe is restrictive, which may be uncomfortable for some runners."
snug
midfoot
fit issue
"The toe box offers plenty of room, but the overall fit can still feel unsecure on uneven trails."
toe box
uneven terrain
fit issue

support (3)
upper (2)
Torsion (1)
confidence (1)
rocker (1)
drop (1)
heel fit (1)
design (1)
Pros
"The Torsion System enhances stability during heel-to-toe transitions, adding to the shoe's performance."
flexibility
heel-to-toe
performance
"Upper construction holds the foot securely, helping maintain control during fast descents."
stability
ankle control
secure
"The upper is highly protective and secure, providing a lockdown fit on the trails."
secure
protective
snug
"The shoe's features contribute to a sense of confidence when tackling trails."
uplift
trail
nimble
"The shoe delivers a nice balance of stability due to its design features."
midfoot
sidewalls
durable
"The Torsion plastic plate contributes to stability, helping the shoe feel secure during midfoot landings."
Torsion
stability
midfoot
"The shoe provides good support and protection for the foot during runs."
foot protection
general support
stability
"The shoe exhibits a smooth transition aided by its rocker design."
rockered sole
smooth transition
better efficiency
Cons
"The heel-to-toe drop may favor heel strikers over midfoot landers, which could limit its appeal for some runners."
heel striker
midfoot
stability
"The heel construction is collapsible, leading to a less secure fit."
heel counter
fit
collapsibility
"The shoe may feel a bit bouncy and unstable on technical terrain due to its design."
technical terrain
stack height
rock plate
"The shoe lacks a rock plate, which may leave the foot vulnerable on rough terrains."
rock plate
terrain sensitivity
"Despite excellent stability, the heel's stiffness can disrupt transitions."
heel
transition
"The Torsion 'plate' under midfoot area can feel blocky."
Torsion plate
feel
"Little heel support might be a concern for some users."
heel
support

mud (4)
outsole (2)
mud performance (2)
lug depth (2)
dry (1)
traction (1)
performance (1)
versatility (1)
Pros
"The shoe offers great grip on dry trails and rocky surfaces."
grip
dry
traction
"The grip provided by the outsole is exceptional on various surfaces, thanks to the Continental rubber."
grip
outsole
Continental rubber
"The outsole provides solid traction on a variety of terrains, contributing to overall versatility."
versatility
outdoor performance
"The Continental rubber outsole offers reliable grip on well-trodden trails and rocky sections."
continental
outsole
trail
"The outsole provides excellent grip thanks to its densely patterned, sticky design."
outsole
sticky
patterned
"The shoe provides solid traction in various conditions."
4mm lugs
varied conditions
road capable
"The Continental rubber outsole features a low profile design with grip, enhancing traction and versatility across different surfaces."
Continental
outsole
grip
"The Continental sole offers reliable grip on dry terrain and durability."
Continental sole
dry terrain
durable
"The Terrex Speed Ultra combines exceptional grip and comfort across varied terrains."
versatile
confident
secure
"The shoes provide superior traction on various terrains."
traction
stability
control
"The grip of the shoe performs admirably across various terrains, enhancing confidence while running."
excellent grip
varied terrain
"The Continental rubber outsole provides reliable grip on hard-packed trails, adapting well to varying weather conditions."
Continental rubber
grip
weather resistance
"The traction provided by the Continental rubber outsole is effective across various trail conditions."
Continental
traction
variety
"The shoe features a versatile grip that performs well across various terrains."
grip
terrain
all-purpose
"They provide great grip on wet tarmac, enhancing their versatility for different surfaces."
grip
Continental
wet
"The Terrex Speed Ultra provides excellent grip across multiple terrains, enhancing stability."
stability
wet conditions
no slippage
Cons
"The shoe is not suitable for muddy conditions with insufficient grip."
mud performance
slippery terrain
grip issues
"The shoe's outsole can easily become caked with mud, which may affect performance in wet conditions."
outsole
mud
performance
"The shoe struggles in deep mud, which limits its versatility in wet conditions."
deep mud
versatility
"The shoe did not perform well in muddy conditions due to the outsole design."
grip
mud
"The tread depth is minimal, making the shoe less effective in muddy environments."
tread depth
grip issues
terrain suitability
"The shoe may not perform well in wet conditions, affecting its versatility as an all-rounder."
wet conditions
all-rounder
performance variation
"The outsole performs poorly in muddy conditions, limiting its versatility."
outsole
traction
mud
"The Terrex Speed Ultra is not suitable for running in thick mud."
mud
traction
terrain
"While the grip is decent, it struggles significantly on certain surfaces like wet and polished rocks."
wet surfaces
loose scree
traction issues
"The lugs on the outsole may not inspire confidence due to their shallow depth."
lug depth
outsole design
potential traction issues
"The shoe is described as not suitable for soft and muddy surfaces."
muddy conditions
surface limitation
"Lugs are relatively shallow, which might not provide adequate grip on softer terrain."
shallow
grip
terrain
"The shallow lug depth may hinder performance on softer ground conditions."
shallow lugs
UK conditions
soft ground performance
"The shoe struggles with providing grip on very slick surfaces."
traction
slick surfaces
performance
"The shoes may not offer adequate grip for typical UK trail running, especially on slippery surfaces."
slippery conditions
UK trails
traction issues
"The lugs are too short for effective performance on soft ground."
lugs
soft ground
grip
"The rubber does not perform well in wet conditions."
wet
rubber
grip

weight (3)
aesthetics (3)
price (2)
visibility (1)
lightweight (1)
sustainability (1)
ventilation (1)
protection (1)
Pros
"The shoe is very lightweight, making it feel almost unnoticeable during runs."
lightweight
versatile
"The shoe is exceptionally lightweight, making it suitable for long-distance running."
lightweight
long-distance
trail
running
"The shoes provide a lightweight design suitable for ultra running."
lightweight
ultra running
competitor
"The reflective elements on the shoe enhance visibility for night running."
reflective
safety
"The shoes boast an attractive design with multiple color options, catering to aesthetic preferences."
colorways
design
"The shoe is visually appealing and can be worn in non-running scenarios as well."
fashionable
non-running use
"The stylish colorway adds an attractive element to the shoe's design."
stylish
reflective
design
"The TERREX Speed Ultra is remarkably lightweight, enhancing speed during runs."
lightweight
speed
"The shoe is designed with an effort towards sustainability, appealing to eco-conscious runners."
eco-friendly
sustainability
trail running
"The perforated tongue enhances ventilation, keeping feet cool during runs."
cooling
perforation
comfort
"The shoe provides excellent protection for aggressive terrain."
trail
durability
technical terrain
"The shoe's design features aesthetic appeal with vibrant color options."
aesthetic
color options
design appeal
"The price point may be justified by the performance and durability of the shoes."
investment
elite shoe
performance
"The stylish design makes these shoes suitable for casual wear as well."
style
fashion
versatile
Cons
"The shoe has a minimalist design, which may not be suitable for all runners."
design
ground feel
"The shoe is characterized as not being an all-round trail shoe."
not versatile
specific use
"There might not be enough arch support for some users' preferences."
arch support
support
"Pricing at $160 is on the steep side but priced as other 'race' shoe are these days."
pricing
value
"The shoes may be considered expensive compared to other options."
cost
value
"The high price tag may not appeal to all consumers."
price
cost

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Reviews

Read reviews about the Adidas speed ultra 1 from across the internet, including reviews from other runners on Fittir, wear testers from google & youtube, and more.

Reviews on Fittir (-)

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Wear-tester reviews (17)

4.2/5

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