Adidas Dropset Trainer 2 Review (2024) | Best In Class?

The Adidas Dropset Trainer 2 has been one of the most surprising training shoes in 2023 and 2024. I think most of us, myself included, didn’t expect this shoe to be as good as it is in the gym.

Don’t get me wrong, I was a fan of the original Dropset Trainer and thought it was a pretty cross-training shoe. However, I didn’t realize that the Dropset Trainer 2 was going to be a model that knocked my socks off.

More specifically, the lifting performance of the Dropset Trainer 2 has been the most shocking. This has been one of my favorite training shoes for lifting over the last few years and for a few reasons.

For my 500+ lb deadlifts and 275 lb clean & jerks, the Dropset Trainer 2 has been money. I’ll explain why I like this shoe and who should pass on this model below. 

My Dropset Trainer 2 Summary

The Adidas Dropset Trainer 2 features a dual-density midsole that delivers a good level of stability for heavy training. In the forefoot, you have a lower profile and more pliable foam, and in the heel, you have a denser more stable foam.

This construction feature gives this model a more “traditional” weightlifting shoe feel despite it being a training shoe. The upper is lightweight, and it does a good job of promoting foot security and ventilation in hot gyms.

I primarily use my Dropset Trainer 2s for lifting, athletic-style workouts, and some CrossFit. For example, if I’m squatting heavy and then doing broad jumps, I’ll wear my Dropset Trainer 2s because they excel the most in these settings.

While not being built for CrossFit, the Dropset Trainer 2 can be a subtly strong shoe for this style of workout, too. At the end of the day, the Dropset Trainer 2 has been a sick training shoe that I think most will enjoy.

Dropset Trainer 2 Construction Specs to Know

• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 6mm
• Weight: 9.85 oz (size 10 men’s)
• Stack Height: N/A
• Removable Insole: Yes
• Width: Medium to Slightly Wide
• Sizing: True to Size for Most
• Comparable To CXT-1 Trainer: Read My Review

Adidas Dropset Trainer 2

$130

4.7

Stability

4.6

Versatility

4.8

Durability

4.7

Quality

4.6

Pros

• Fantastic training shoe for lifting due to its stability and it's well-rounded.
• Good breathability for hotter gym climates.
• Ample room in the toe box for toe splay for most foot anatomies.

Cons

• Not the best shoe on the market for running and hybrid workouts.
• Arch can feel a little uncomfortable for flat feet.
• Ventilation in midsole isn't the best for walking in wet climates.

Best For

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

Falls Short

• For Running

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AUTHOR’S NOTE: I updated this article in January 2024 to add more depth to this shoe’s performance and to add community feedback that I’ve received on this model.

What My Community Is Saying

On my YouTube review videos, I get a lot of awesome feedback from the That Fit Friend community. These are usually lifters and athletes who have purchased and tested shoes based on my recommendations. Here’s some of the feedback the DS2 has received.

The most liked comment reports, “Just got mine in today. They feel like the closest thing to a weightlifting shoe without actually being one. Great option for those who primarily do strength training and don’t want to carry around a second pair of shoes to the gym.”

Another buyer stated, “I bought these, the dropset 2, and I love how stable they are especially how little toe spring the shoe has which is hard to find. The only issue I had with it is the toebox is not wide enough for my toes compared to my nano x2’s.

Surprisingly the midfoot felt very good even though both my midfoot and forefoot are wide. Been very difficult to find gym (mostly lifting) shoes that have little to no toe spring that are also wide.”

One of my most consistent commenters said, “First workout in the Dropset 2’s today… super-lightweight, but stable, comfortable, and breathable. A lot of room in the toebox, while also feeling secure around the midfoot and ankle.

My only minor complaints would be that there was some achilles rub (but only when my feet were up on slant boards) and the tab on the back (presumably to help put them on?) is pretty useless. It’s not a loop, but just a tab and it’s hard to get a grip on it.

That being said, they’re not hard to get on. Overall, I love them and they might give my Nano X3’s a run for their money.”

To be honest, I wanted to include more negative feedback that I’ve received on the Dropset Trainer 2s but I haven’t really had any major negative comments on this model. They’ve been a consistent fan favorite.

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

The Adidas Dropset Trainer 2 can work in the context of running, but in my opinion, you’ll want to be selective about the workouts in which you use this shoe.

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.

This shoe won’t be the best hybrid model on the market for mid-range and long-distance runs due to its flared heel. If you’re a heel striker when tackling slower runs, 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.

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 who 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 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, you’ll want to pass on these if you didn’t like the original Dropset Trainer or the Nike Metcon 8 because of their medial sidewalls.

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.

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).