Adidas Dropset Trainer 2 Review | Great Shoe for Athletic Workouts?

The Adidas Dropset Trainer 2 is the second cross-training shoe to debut in Adidas’ popular Dropset shoe line. This model has multiple construction updates compared to its predecessor.

I was a fan of the original Adidas Dropset Trainer and thought it was a pretty cross-training shoe. So I was super excited to buy a pair of the Adidas Dropset Trainer 2 and put them to the test.

In my Adidas Dropset Trainer 2 review, I’ll cover the pros and cons of this model, discuss my performance experiences in them, and share who should and shouldn’t buy these.

Adidas Dropset Trainer 2

$130

4.7

Stability

4.6

Versatility

4.8

Durability

4.7

Quality

4.6

Best For

• Cross-Training
• CrossFit Workouts
• Heavier Strength Training
• Athletic Focused Sessions
• Wider Feet

Falls Short

• For Running

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Table of Contents▼

1. Who Should Buy the Adidas Dropset Trainer 2?
2. Who Shouldn't Buy the Adidas Dropset Trainer 2?
3. Adidas Dropset Trainer 2 Pros and Cons
4. Performance Assessment
5. Adidas Dropset Trainer 2 Sizing
6. Price Breakdown
7. Construction Details

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	Adidas Dropset Trainer 2 ✖	UA TriBase Reign 5 ✖	TYR CXT-1 Trainer ✖	Reebok Nano X3 ✖	Nike Metcon 8 ✖
Overall TF2 Score	4.7	4.6	4.6	4.4	4.2
Stability	Stability 4.6	Stability 4.6	Stability 4.8	Stability 4.5	Stability 4.6
Versatility	Versatility 4.8	Versatility 4.6	Versatility 4.7	Versatility 4.6	Versatility 4.0
Price	$130	$130	$130		$130
Best For	Cross-Training CrossFit Workouts Heavier Strength Training Athletic Focused Sessions Wider Feet	Recreational Weight Training CrossFit Cross-Training & Athletic Workouts HIIT Workouts Lower Heel-to-Toe Drop Lovers	CrossFit/Cross-Training Recreational Lifting Athletic-Style Workouts Athletes That Like Higher Drops	Recreational Weight Training Functional Fitness and CrossFit Athletic-Style Training Short Runs/Sprints Casual HIIT	Cross-Training CrossFit and CrossFit-Style Workouts Lifting
Review	Link to Review	Link to Review	Link to Review	Link to Review	Link to Review
Shop	Shop DSGShop Adidas	Shop UA	Shop Box BasicsShop TYR	Shop Box BasicsShop Reebok	Shop RogueShop Nike

Who Should Buy the Adidas Dropset Trainer 2?

Over the course of my testing and training with the Adidas Dropset Trainer 2, I’ve found a few contexts where I think these shoes make a lot of sense.

1. You Want a Shoe for Athletic-Style Workouts

The first context where I think it makes sense to explore the Adidas Dropset Trainer 2 is if you want a training shoe for athletic-style workouts. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the Adidas Dropset Trainer 2’s performance for this style of workout.

I regularly blend lifting, jumping, and sprinting into singular workouts, and not every training shoe performs well for all of these verticals, but the Dropset Trainer 2 has held its own here.

The dual-density midsole is nice from a stability and responsiveness context and the full rubber outsole gives you good grip and tread on different surfaces.

I also appreciate the ventilation in this shoe’s midfoot and feel like it does a good job of keeping your feet relatively cool. When doing sprints on a 90+ degrees Fahrenheit day I never felt like my feet overheating in these shoes. 

2. You Need a Training Shoe With a Bit More Toe Box Width

Another context where I think the Adidas Dropset Trainer 2 makes sense is for athletes and lifters that want a training shoe that has a slightly wider toe box.

This model’s toe box is built to be more anatomical in nature so it doesn’t have as harsh a taper as other narrow-fitting training shoes. I have a medium to slightly wider foot width and found these shoes to be plenty spacious for my needs.

Is this shoe going to be as wide as a barefoot shoe? Not necessarily, but I do think their fit will work for a wide range of athletes and lifters and if you find training shoes from companies like Nike, Inov-8, and TYR to fit too snug then these could be worth exploring.

3. You Like Training Shoes With Less Toe Spring

The final area where I think the Adidas Dropset Trainer 2 makes sense is for the athlete and lifter that likes a shoe with a flatter outsole. Unlike the original Dropset Trainer which had a bit of toe spring and a rounded heel, the Dropset Trainer 2 has a flatter outsole.

For workouts where I’m doing deadlifts and things like kettlebell swings, this can be a big perk because it allows you to better ground the feet. Note, the heel-to-toe drop in this shoe is 6mm so they’re not “flat” shoes and I mean that the outsole sits flatter while training.

The lower forefoot stack height also feeds into this feature and gives you a nice amount of ground feel. If you’re someone who wants more contact with the ground in their training shoes, I think you’ll resonate with this model.

Who Shouldn’t Buy the Adidas Dropset Trainer 2?

For the most part, I’ve found the Dropset Trainer 2 to be a really strong shoe in the gym. However, there are a couple of contexts where I think you’ll want to pass on this shoe.

1. You Have Flat Feet and Don’t Want Any Arch

If you’re someone that wants a shoe with no arch whatsoever then you may want to pass on the Adidas Dropset Trainer 2. While this shoe’s width should work for most, I could see the medial TPU sidewall bothering certain foot anatomies.

I didn’t think the sidewall was super offputting in this shoe, but I could definitely see it being problematic for some athletes. For example, if you didn’t like the original Dropset Trainer or the Nike Metcon 8 because of their medial sidewalls you’ll want to pass on these.

2. You Want a Training Shoe for Running, Too

Another scenario that you’ll want to pass on the Adidas Dropset Trainer 2 is if you want a training shoe for running, too. This shoe is not going to be the best model for the lifter and athlete that wants to run 1+ miles with their workouts.

I’ve used this shoe for 400-meter runs and sprints and they were fine, but for runs over 400-meters, I would pass on this shoe due to its flared heel and denser midsole materials.

Basically, if you’re doing any form of running that isn’t forefoot dominant like a fast-paced run then I could see this shoe being frustrating from a comfort point of view.

Adidas Dropset Trainer 2 Pros and Cons

Across all of my testing and training in the Adidas Dropset Trainer 2, I’ve found a few pros and cons to keep in mind about this shoe before investing in them.

Report Card: Get the Quick Facts

Adidas Dropset Trainer 2

• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 6mm
• Removable Insole: Yes
• Sizing: True to Size
• Width: Medium/Slightly Wider

Pros

1. If you want a training shoe for a little bit of everything, then the Dropset Trainer 2 can be a strong option to look into and invest in.
2. If you like more toe box room, then I think you’ll enjoy the width of this shoe’s anatomical toe box and it should most foot anatomies well.
3. The TPU sidewalls are great for both durability and lateral support which gives this shoe a nice edge for CrossFit and athletic-focused sessions.

Cons

1. If you’re wanting a cross-training shoe for hybrid workouts and to run 1+ miles each session, these may be a miss.
2. If you have flat feet and want no arch whatsoever then you may want to pass on these as well because the TPU sidewall may conflict with your fit needs.
3. The heel can feel a little clunky at times, and while it didn’t bother me, I could see bothering those that like a beveled heel for training.

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If you’ve worn the Dropset Trainer 2 and have additional pros and cons that I didn’t list, drop your thoughts below so we can make an awesome list to help others out when thinking about this shoe.

Performance Assessment

To break down the performance of the Adidas Dropset Trainer 2, I’ll discuss how this shoe performs in a variety of training settings. I’ll discuss my experiences training in this shoe in the context of lifting, cross-training, short runs, and daily wear.

Testing the Adidas Dropset Trainer 2 for Lifting

In the context of lifting, the Adidas Dropset Trainer 2 has been an exceptional model, especially for heavier strength training. For pretty much all of my lifting, this shoe has done a good from a stability point of view.

Thus far, I’ve deadlifted 5-plates in this shoe with no issues and have clean & jerked up to 255 lbs in this model. I like the dual-density midsole and the lower stack height in the forefoot helps gives this shoe additional stability despite that part of the midsole is a little more responsive.

For my lower body days, I’ve liked the wider toe box for promoting toe splay and the outsole has done a good job with its ability to grip different surfaces. You shouldn’t have slip issues when training with this shoe on rubber gym floors, wooden platforms, and turf.

For general strength training and power-focused exercises, I think the Adidas Dropset Trainer 2 should perform for most lifters’ needs. This model feels more stable and grounded than its predecessor the Adidas Dropset Trainer.

Testing the Adidas Dropset Trainer 2 for Cross-Training

When it comes to versatile training and cross-training, I think that’s where you’ll really see the Adidas Dropset Trainer 2s excel. This has definitely been the training context where I’ve enjoyed these shoes the most.

For workouts where I’m performing explosive work, I’ve enjoyed the responsiveness of this shoe’s forefoot and how it reacts to the ground. You get a nice level of ground feedback when doing things like jump rope and box jumps in this model.

I also appreciate the lateral and medial TPU sidewalls for lateral training. This shoe locks you down pretty well and I don’t think most will have spillover issues in this model when tackling multi-directional work.

The outsole also has a nice level of pliability and grip to it. This model does take a workout or two to break in, and the ventilated midfoot did worry me a bit out of the gate, however, this shoe has broken pretty seamlessly.

The only context where I could see this shoe falling short for versatile training for some is if you like a plusher and more bouncy shoe. For example, this model feels like a polar opposite compared to something like the Saucony Freedom Crossport.

Testing the Adidas Dropset Trainer 2 for Short Runs and Daily Wear

In the context of running, the Adidas Dropset Trainer 2 can work but you’ll want to be selective with the workouts in which you’re using this shoe for running, in my opinion.

As mentioned above, this shoe will work fine for sprints and fast-paced tempo runs where you’re primarily on the forefoot. This shoe could also technically work for anyone that naturally has a forefoot-dominant strike.

For mid-range runs and long-distance runs, this shoe won’t be the best hybrid model on the market and that’s due to its flared heel. If you’re a heel striker when tackling slower runs then this will feel super offputting.

For daily wear, I’ve enjoyed the Adidas Dropset Trainer 2 and think they deliver enough comfort for rocking out and about and then wearing to the gym.

The ventilation in the midfoot is a nice perk for this context and the wider toe box gives this shoe a nice edge for comfort compared to some of this shoe’s narrower peers.

My Experience In the Adidas Dropset Trainer 2 Summary

My Lifting Experiences With This Shoe

For strength training, I’d give this shoe a 8.9/10. This model’s midsole comes with a nice level of stability and I really low how grounded you feel in this shoe when lifting.

Here are some of the lifting tests I did with them with my thoughts.

• 255 lb power clean & jerk: Good stability and grip.
• 495 lb deadlifts: Solid ground feel.
• 70 lb single-leg deadlift: Nice feel.
• 420 lb leg press: Nice level of grip and upper security.

My Versatile Training Experiences With This Shoe

For versatile workouts, I’d give this shoe a strong 9.1/10. The responsiveness, wider toe box, upper security, and dual-density midsole are all major players for this shoe in this context.

Here are some of the versatility tests I did with them with my thoughts.

• Box jumps: Athletic feeling and responsive.
• Jump rope: Good ground feedback.
• Skater strides: Nice lateral support.
• Kettlebell snatches: Great feeling with lack of rock.

Adidas Dropset Trainer 2 Sizing

I think most lifters and athletes should be safe going true to size in the Adidas Dropset Trainer 2. This shoe’s length runs true and they have a slightly wider construction to them.

I have a medium to slightly wider foot width and I feel like I have plenty of room in this shoe’s toe box, so I do think this shoe’s sizing should resonate with a wide range of foot anatomies.

There is a little feeling of an arch in this shoe due to its medial TPU sidewall, so that could be worth considering if you have flat feet and tend to need more width and less arch through the midfoot of your shoes.

If you currently wear the Adidas Dropset Trainer or Adidas training shoes, then I’d suggest opting for the same size in the Dropset Trainer 2 compared to what you’re currently wearing.

• Adidas Dropset Trainer 2 Sizing Thoughts: True to size for most.

If you have additional sizing and fit questions about the Dropset Trainer 2, drop a comment below or reach out to me personally via Instagram and I can help share more sizing context.

Price Breakdown

For the Adidas Dropset Trainer 2, you can expect to pay around $130 USD. This price point has remained unchanged from its predecessor and $130 tends to be the norm for most premium cross-training shoes.

Personally, I think the price is pretty fair for this shoe and what it offers. The wider toe box and versatility of this shoe give it a nice edge over its narrower-built peers that have less range in their features.

I also think this price makes sense for the athletic-focused lifter that likes to blend lifting, jumping, and sprinting all together in singular workouts. In this context, this shoe has been exceptionally strong.

If $130 if a little high for you, then I’d suggest exploring the original Dropset Trainer It’s a good shoe and a lot of colorways have been marked down the Dropset Trainer 2’s release.

Adidas Dropset Trainer 2

$130

4.7

Stability

4.6

Versatility

4.8

Durability

4.7

Quality

4.6

Best For

• Cross-Training
• CrossFit Workouts
• Heavier Strength Training
• Athletic Focused Sessions
• Wider Feet

Falls Short

• For Running

Shop DSG

Shop Adidas

Construction Details

Compared to the original Dropset Trainer, the Dropset Trainer 2 has received handfuls of construction updates. Below are some of the key features that come along with this shoe.

• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 6mm
• Weight: 9.85 oz (for my size 10 model)
• Removable Insole: Yes
• Full Rubber Outsole
• Dual-Density Midsole
• Ventilated Midfoot
• TPU Midfoot Sidewalls
• Textile and Synthetic Overlays for Upper
• Gusseted Tongue
• 6 Core Eyelets (4 adjustable eyelets)

If you have additional construction questions about the Adidas Dropset Trainer 2, drop a comment below and I can help provide additional context.

Takeaway Thoughts

Overall, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the Adidas Dropset Trainer 2 and it feels like Adidas is starting to hit the stride with this shoe line. This model has a nice well-rounded construction for tackling a lot of different training styles.

Compared to the original Dropset Trainer, I like that this shoe feels less blocky in the heel and that its toe box has been made to be a little more anatomical and wide.

If you have additional questions about the Adidas Dropset Trainer 2, drop a comment below or reach out to me personally via Instagram (@jake_boly or @that_fit_friend).