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I’ve long since been a fan of the Adidas Adipower weightlifting shoe line. After owning every model to date, it’s been interesting tracking the changes that Adidas’ has made to these shoes.
As someone who LOVED the Adidas Adipower and thought the Adipower 2 were sub-par weightlifting shoes in comparison, I was excited to put the Adipower 3 to the test. For example, the Adipower 3 initially gave me similar vibes to the OG Adipower — which I like.
After testing the Adipower 3 for Hatfield squats over 450 lbs and using them for multiple weightlifting sessions, I’ve narrowed down my thoughts on this model — both good and bad.
The high-density TPU heel is stable, and the midfoot strap provides a good level of security. However, I’m not loving the higher price point of this shoe and how the toe box has seemingly gotten narrower.
Adidas Adipower 3 At a Glance
The Adidas Adipower 3 has evolved a lot over its last few iterations. To be honest, while the Adipower 3 is good, it doesn’t compare to the original Adipower which featured a heavier synthetic upper and TPU midsole which featured columns.
I think if you loved the original Adipower, you’ll like the 3 but part of will miss that OG construction, I know I do. The Adipower 3 will work best for recreational lifters and those who solely partake in weightlifting. It’s a good best-of-all-worlds option.
This model features a rigid TPU midsole and with its ripstop upper, the durability has been strong on this shoe across the board. I also see them as a good investment for anyone wanting a pair of weightlifting for very casual use.
The toe box can run a little narrow at times, which is why I typically suggest primarily narrow and medium-width feet exploring this shoe. For wide feet, you’ll want to explore options like the TYR L-1 Lifter.
- Effective Heel Height: 26mm (.86 inches)
- Weight: 17.60 oz (for my size 10 model)
- Removable Insole: Yes
- My Max Squat In This Shoe: 475 lbs
- Sizing: Narrow/medium-feet, go TTS. Wide feet, go up a half-size
- Comparable To Legacy Lifter 3: Read My Review
Adidas Adipower 3
Pros
- Stable TPU midsole
- Good midfoot security
- Ripstop upper is durable
Cons
- Toe box runs narrow
- Forefoot runs a bit stiff
- Arch can be offputting for flat feet
Best For
- Weightlifting
- Squats and Lower Body Exercises
- Narrow and Neutral-Width Feet
Specs
| Heel-to-Toe Drop | 22mm |
| Weight | 17.65 oz |
| Width | Medium |
| Lifting Threshold | 455 lbs |
Are you also looking into cross-training shoes? Check out my Best Cross-Training Shoes round-up to find my top picks for CrossFit, lifting, and much more.
Adidas Adipower 3 Pros
Pro 1: Good Stability for Heavy Lifts
The first thing to like about the Adidas Adipower 3 is their overall stability. This model features a high-density TPU midsole and heel construction, providing nice stability for heavy lifts.
For context, I Hatfield squatted 470 lbs for a triple and didn’t have any issues with this model’s stability. I think most lifters who are investing in this shoe for squats, weightlifting, and accessory exercises won’t have issues with compression.
On top of its stability for lifting, the Adipower 3 also has a fair amount of arch support. If you like arch support in your training shoes and weightlifting shoes, I could see this as an added plus to this model’s stability when training.
Pro 2: Canvas/Ripstop Upper Breathes Pretty Well and Feels Durable
The second thing to like about the Adidas Adipower 3 is the reworked canvas and ripstop upper. This model features a durable canvas and ripstop upper that features synthetic overlays covering the toe box and parts of the midfoot.
For longer sessions, I felt that the upper did a good job promoting breathability, and the reinforced layers surrounding the toe box are an added perk for durability. I also like that this shoe’s upper is made with a minimum of 50% of recycled materials.
Pro 3: Rubber Outsole Has Good Grip
The third and final thing to like about the Adidas Adipower 3 is its outsole construction. The Adipower 3 features a low-profile rubber tread with a slightly more aggressive lug patterning covering the forefoot and heel.
When you’re squatting on rubber gym floors or weightlifting on wooden platforms, I don’t think you’ll an issue whatsoever with grip in this model. The outsole also feels pretty durable; I don’t think lipping will be an issue with this shoe.
Adidas Adipower 3 Cons
Con 1: Overpriced for What They Are
My first issue with the Adidas Adipower 3 is their price point. Traditionally, Adidas Adipower weightlifting shoes have cost $200 USD, which is somewhat of a standard for premium weightlifting shoes from other companies like Reebok and Nike.
With the Adipower 3, Adidas increased its price to $220 USD without any real notable changes to this shoe’s performance. This shoe has a reworked upper, but the midfoot strap, last construction, and heel material are similar to the Adipower and Adipower II.
To be honest, I’m having trouble understanding the value add that justifies the $20 USD increase for the Adipower 3. If you’re a beginner or recreational lifter, then I’d pass on this shoe and invest in a model that will perform similarly for half the price.
Con 2: Toe Box Runs Narrow
The second drawback to the Adidas Adipower 3 is the ridiculously narrow toe box. Adidas shoes, especially the Adipower models, have notoriously been known for having pretty narrow toe boxes. The lack of ability to splay the toes in this shoe is frustrating.
Unfortunately, the Adidas Adipower 3 is no different, and it seems Adidas used the same last construction for this model as they have the last Adipower iterations. If you have a wide foot, steer clear of this model.
This model’s length already runs a smidge long when sizing this model true to size. Even if you size up, I’m not convinced you’ll have enough room in the toe box for full toe splay, and you’ll just be left with a shoe that runs way too long.
Con 3: Midsole to Toe Box Mobility/Break Is Odd
My last drawback with the Adidas Adipower 3 is the mobility you get with this shoe’s forefoot. Note, this con is for athletes like me who want more forefoot mobility and maneuverability in their weightlifting shoes. That being said, the below may not apply for everyone.
The TPU midsole comes up pretty far into this shoe’s toe box, and it almost limits how much mobility you get with this model.
It’s similar to the Adipower and Adipower 2’s midsole construction but feels slightly different. I think because this shoe runs so narrow, this feature feels like it limits toe flexion. Maybe my toes have gotten wider since using the Adipower and Adipower 2 more regularly.
When cleaning for example, you don’t get as much forefoot mobility during your pull. If you have longer toes or forefeet, I could see this as a major issue for you.
Performance
Testing the Adidas Adipower 3 for Squats
For squats, the Adidas Adipower III does perform fairly well. In the context of squat performance specifically, there are two things that I like about the Adipower 3 and one drawback to this shoe’s performance.
The first thing to like about this shoe is the stability that you get from the high-density TPU midsole and heel. This shoe’s stability is really good, and if you’re planning on training super heavy, I don’t think you’ll have an issue with compression in this model.
When working well over 400 lbs in squats, the Adipower 3’s stability was solid. The second thing to like is the midfoot security in this shoe. If you have narrow feet, this can be a nice perk because it will provide more security and a locked-down feeling.
The lacing system also does a good job of contributing to this shoe’s midfoot security. My gripe with this shoe is, once again, its toe box construction and how it limits toe splay.
To be honest, I’m not sure why Adidas keeps making weightlifting shoes with such narrow toe boxes. The toes’ ability to splay during squats can help boost stability and performance, so the lack of width in the toe box is a bummer in this shoe.
Testing the Adidas Adipower 3 for Weightlifting
For weightlifting, I thought the Adidas Adipower 3 did an okay job. I think if you’re a fan of the Adidas Adipower weightlifting shoe line and use your model primarily for weightlifting, then you will enjoy this shoe.
The Adipower 3 has a similar fit and last construction as prior models, so for my diehard Adipower fans, this shoe will work fine for you, especially if you love the Adipower models for weightlifting.
If I had to compare this model to the original Adipower and the Adipower II, I’d say this model definitely gives me original Adipower vibes, which could be a good thing for folks like myself who loved the original model.
The outsole grips platforms well, and the midfoot strap provides a nice level of security. I don’t think athletes will have heel slip or traction issues with the Adidas Adipower 3.
I do wish the toe box in the Adipower 3 was a bit more flexible. I think the narrowness of the shoe and how far the midsole comes up into the forefoot can feel a little limiting at times. It almost feels like I can’t flex my forefoot fully when working to be explosive in this model.
Testing the Adidas Adipower 3 for Recreational Lifting
For recreational lifting, where you want to use a weightlifting shoe due to the elevated heel, I thought this shoe did a pretty good job. This shoe’s grip, security, and stability are solid, and they’ll work well for recreational lifters.
This model did a good job across the board for exercises like quad-biased leg presses and rear-foot elevated split squats. The effective heel height of 22mm/.86″ is also nice for those that desire a slightly higher heel in their lifters.
I did notice some discomfort when tackling things like quad-biased walking lunges in this shoe. The narrow toe box felt like it was squeezing my toes on the lateral side when flexing and standing.
Outside of recreational lifting, I thought this model’s versatility was pretty sub-par, especially if you’re someone who wants a pair of lifters to wear for different exercises throughout particular CrossFit workouts.
Adidas Adipower 3 Vs Adidas Powerlift 5
If you’re an Adidas fan and are considering new weightlifting shoes, then you’ve likely wondered about the Adidas Adipower 3 versus the Adidas Powerlift 5. Below I’m going to outline a few key differences between these two weightlifting shoes.
The first major difference to note between the Adipower 3 and Powerlift 5 is their effective heel heights. The Adidas Powerlift 5 has an effective heel height of .6 inches, and the Adipower 3 has an effective heel height of .86 inches.
While it’s not the biggest deal for most general lifters, this variance can matter for athletes who are more specific with their sport and lifting mechanics. For example, if you’re a weightlifter that like training with a higher heel, you’ll want to consider this.
Another major difference between these models is their midsole and sole constructions. The Powerlift 5’s midsole is built with a high-density EVA foam, and the Adidas Adipower 3’s midsole is composed of a high-density TPU.
The sole construction in the Powerlift 5 is also thicker through the toe box and forefoot, which can give them a somewhat clunky feeling at times. In the Adipower 3, the forefoot’s sole is lower to the ground, and you get a little more ground feedback with this shoe.
The upper construction is also vastly different between the Adipower 3 and Powerlift 5. The Adipower 3 features a canvas and ripstop upper with synthetic overlays. This upper gives this model more security and a lower volume.
In the Powerlift 5, you have a blend of canvas and mesh composing this shoe’s upper. The materials feel thicker in nature and run a little warmer compared to the Adipower 3’s upper.
Regarding similarities, both models feature an upper midfoot strap composed of velcro, canvas, and a metal loop. Additionally, both shoes feature upper constructions built with a minimum of 50% recycled content.
Winner: Both models are okay weightlifting shoes, and I’d suggest picking the model that aligns best with your specific training wants and needs.
If you’re a beginner, a recreational lifter, or want to save money, go with the Adidas Powerlift 5. If you’re a weightlifter and you enjoyed the original Adipower, then opt for the Adipower 3, as it has a similar vibe to the original Adipower model.
Adidas Adipower 3
Adidas Powerlift 5
Adidas Adipower 3 Sizing
If you have a narrow or neutral-width foot, then you should be safe going true to size in the Adidas Adipower 3. This model’s width runs fairly narrow through the midfoot and toe box, and the length is a little long.
Despite running a little long, I still think most lifters and athletes should go true to size in this model due to the narrowness of this shoe. If you have wide feet, I’d avoid investing in this Adipower 3.
To be honest, I’m not the biggest fan of the sizing in the Adidas Adipower 3’s overall sizing, and I have a neutral-width foot with a slightly narrow bias. I wish the toe box in this model were wider because it does feel limiting for full toe splay, and they can be a little snug during longer training sessions.
- Adidas Adipower III Sizing Thoughts: Narrow and neutral-width feet go true to size. Wide feet, avoid this model.
If you have additional sizing and fit questions about the Adidas Adipower 3 or how they compare to other weightlifting shoes, drop a comment below.
Price Breakdown
For the Adidas Adipower 3, you can expect to pay around $220 USD depending on the vendor you go through. This price point is up $20 USD compared to the original Adidas Adipower and Adipower II, and it’s slightly some of the other premium weightlifting shoes on the market that cost around $200 USD.
Honestly, I haven’t been that impressed with that Adidas Adipower 3, especially for their increased price. I feel as though most lifters, more specifically beginners, will get just as much performance benefit with something like an Adidas Powerlift 5 or Reebok Lifter PR II.
The Adidas Powerlift 5 comes in at $120 USD while the Reebok Lifter PR II sits at $100 USD. If budget is an issue, I suggest looking into models like those. They’ll be strong shoes but with slightly lower heel heights and materials.
If you know you want a higher heel height like what the Adidas Adipower 3 offers and want to try and save a little money, you could also look into the Reebok Legacy Lifter II, which has a similar heel height and it costs $200 USD and goes on sale frequently.
Who Should Invest In the Adidas Adipower 3?
The Adidas Adipower 3 can be good weightlifting shoes for athletes and lifters with narrow and neutral-width feet. If you have this type of foot anatomy, you’ll align well with this model’s sizing and fit.
This shoe’s high-density TPU heel is stable under heavy squats and when weightlifting. I don’t think any lifters or athletes will have issues with this shoe’s overall stability for big squats, heavy cleans, and snatches.
For weightlifting, this shoe should do a good job for both beginners and experienced athletes. This midfoot strap provides a nice level of security, and the full rubber outsole provides a nice level of traction on wooden platforms.
At the end of the day, the Adidas Adipower 3 is a fine weightlifting shoe that will perform pretty well for most athletes. That being said, my gripes with this model are its narrow toe box, lacking forefoot mobility, and that Adidas raised the price to $220 without any real notable performance upgrades.
Construction Details
The Adidas Adipower 3 has changed pretty drastically from the Adidas Adipower II. Below, I’m going to outline some of the key construction details that influence the Adipower III’s performance and durability.
- Heel Elevation: 22mm/.86 inches
- Weight: 17.60 oz (for my size 10 model)
- Removable Insole: Yes
- High-Density TPU Heel
- Midfoot Strap Across Upper Midfoot (Metal Loop)
- Ripstop Upper
- Full Rubber Outsole
- External Heel Tab
- 6 Core Eyelets With a 7th for Lace-Locking
If you have additional construction questions about the Adidas Adipower III, drop a comment below, and I can answer what you have accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q:Are the Adidas Adipower 3 true to size?
Q:Are the Adidas Adipower 3 good for squats?
Q:Are the Adidas Adipower 3 good for weightlifting?
Q:What is the effective heel height of the Adidas Adipower 3?
Takeaway Thoughts
Overall, I like the Adidas Adipower 3, which performs pretty strongly for squats and weightlifting. The ripstop upper breathes pretty well and has shown good signs of long-term durability.
This shoe’s last and fit are similar to the previous two Adidas Adipower models, along with the midfoot strap, midsole, and outsole construction.
If you’re newer to weightlifting shoes and are not super specific with your fit asks, I’d suggest passing on the Adidas Adipower 3. Honestly, I’m not that impressed with this model, especially for the price.
If you have additional questions on the Adidas Adipower 3, drop a comment below or reach out to me personally via Instagram (@jake_boly or @that_fit_friend).
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