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The Adidas Dropset Trainer is what I would call the first more “serious” cross-training shoe from Adidas. They’ve produced countless training shoes, but none have been that great for tackling heavy lifting, casual CrossFit workouts, and versatile training.
The Dropset Tainers is a model that is built to be both versatile and durable. When Adidas announced the release of the Dropset Trainers I was super excited to put them to the test.
Personally, I’ve been waiting for Adidas to make a more “hardcore” cross-training shoe and the Dropset Trainers haven’t disappointed whatsoever. I think for a first model, this shoe does a really good job across the board and I’ll discuss their performance in detail below.
On the market for new cross-training shoes? Make sure you check out my TF2 Cross-Training Shoe Calculator that matches the best models I’ve reviewed with your training needs and wants.
Who Should Invest In the Adidas Dropset Trainers?
The adidas Dropset Trainer is a solid cross-training shoe for anyone who wants a model for tackling lifting, HIIT sessions, and outdoor workouts.
This model features a dual-midsole construction that provides two different types of foam in the forefoot and heel for stability and versatility and a full rubber outsole with a high-traction tread.
This model’s upper construction also has strategic layers to support long-term durability. If you plan to use this shoe for athletic-focused workouts or to train outdoors, then I think you’ll enjoy this shoe’s upper construction and how it interacts with various training environments.
If you’re serious about training and want an Adidas model for tackling lifting, CrossFit workouts, and other forms of training, then I think you’ll enjoy the Dropset Trainer. In my opinion, it’s Adidas’ first more “serious” shoe for cross-training.
Adidas Dropset Trainer
Pros
- The dual-density midsole gives this shoe a nice blend of stability for heavy training and responsiveness for cross-training.
- The toe box is a little wider in this model so if you like room for splaying your toes you should enjoy this shoe's fit.
- The upper construction in this model is pretty durable and does a good job lasting a while in lifting and cross-training settings.
Cons
- The heel can feel a little clunky, dense, and heavy for running, especially if you're a heel striker.
- This shoe won't be your best bet if you need a good training shoe for CrossFit. The Dropset Trainer 2 works better for this context.
- If you have flatter feet, I'd pass on this shoe. The arch and medial TPU layer can feel a little aggressive at times.
Best For
- Recreational Lifting
- Casual CrossFit
- HIIT Workouts
- Classes and Very Light Runs
Falls Short
- For Serious CrossFit Workouts
- For Longer Runs
Adidas Dropset Trainers Pros
Despite being Adidas’ first model in the Dropset Trainers line, there are a lot of things going for this shoe that I like for performance.
- Wider Toe Box and Midfoot Construction
- Great for Recreational Lifting
- Durable Upper Construction
- Good for Outdoor Workouts and Versatile Training
The first aspect to like about the Adidas Dropset Trainers is that their toe box and midfoot are fairly wide. Compared to other Adidas shoes and training shoes, I was a big fan of this model and how they fit. I never felt limited when splaying my toes and trying to grip the floor, and I think if you have a neutral foot width, then you’ll really enjoy this model.
Another aspect to like is that this shoe is a good option for anyone who wants cross-training shoes for lifting weights. This model features a dual-density midsole with a more stable foam in the heel and midfoot and a more versatile foam in the forefoot.
It’s somewhat similar to what Reebok did with their Nano X model and how they split the insole in it. I’ve trained up to 455 lbs with trap bar deadlifts in this shoe and had no issues with compression whatsoever.
Now, this may not be the best cross-training shoe for barbell deadlifts due to their stack height, but for recreational lifters or anyone who trains with a more athletic-focused approach, I think you’ll like how this performs and enjoy its stability overall.
The third thing that I like about the Dropset Trainers is their upper construction. For starters, it’s made out of 50% recycled materials, which I really like, and I enjoy that Adidas is taking more of an initiative to make shoes with more environmentally-friendly materials.
The upper itself breathes well and has strategic layers to prolong its overall durability. The forefoot and toe box have an additional synthetic layer to prevent tears from friction, and the midfoot and heel also have layered areas for additional protection. The midfoot’s plastic wrap is also a nice addition for durability and stability.
The last aspect to like about the Dropset Trainers is that they do provide a nice versatile construction for tackling a variety of training tasks. The full rubber outsole on this model grips really well and I like this tread for outdoor training and work indoors that requires cutting, sharp turns, and more lateral work.
Unlike other cross-training shoes that can sometimes have a flat outsole that feels heavy, the Dropset Trainers’ outsole walks a nice middle ground here. Plus, as mentioned earlier, I like the dual-density midsole, and the forefoot midsole provides a bit more wiggle room when it comes to comfort during plyometrics and other high-intensity training sessions.
Adidas Dropset Trainers Cons
Over the course of my training, I’ve really enjoyed the Dropset Trainers, but there are a few areas where I think this shoe falls short.
- Heel Can Be Tough to Break-In
- Lacks Niche CrossFit Features
The first drawback to the Dropset Trainers is that their heel construction can take a little bit to break in. The boot of this model is stable which I like, but if you’re rocking shorter no-show socks when first wearing them, then you may run into a little friction on the Achilles.
Personally, I noticed a tiny bit of rub, but quickly swapped out some longer socks and that helped mitigate the issue. After the fact, it took about a week to break these, and now I can rock no-show socks without issues in them. If you know you’re prone to your Achilles getting blisters in some shoes, then wear longer socks when breaking these in for the first week or two.
The second drawback to this model is that it lacks some key CrossFit-focused construction features. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing; however, if you are buying this model specifically for CrossFit workouts, then you may run into some limitations. The two areas that are currently lacking are rope climb and handstand push-up support.
This model features a plastic around the midfoot which does help with durability, but it doesn’t provide a nice level of grip on ropes. That being said, if you are in need of shoes for CrossFit with specific construction features designed for that realm of training, then you’ll be a bit limited with the Dropset Trainers. They’ll work, but they’re not super niche.
Performance
To discuss the performance of the Adidas Dropset Trainers, I’m going to break this section into a few parts to help you contextualize this shoe’s performance to better decide if it’s a good fit for you.
Adidas Dropset Trainers for Lifting and CrossFit
For recreational lifting, I really like the Dropset Trainers. They work in a variety of lifting settings and their midsole and outsole construction are consistent.
In the context of heavier training, I’ve worked up to 455 lbs in this model and didn’t have any glaring compression issues so if you plan to train heavy, then I think this model will work for you.
Additionally, the outsole’s traction is also solid on different gym floors and on machines. For example, if you plan to use this model for tackling sessions and exercises on rubber floors, turf, and machines, then you’ll have little issues with slippage. Excuse the blurry picture below during my sled work on turf in these shoes.
For CrossFit, I like this model, but it’s definitely better served as a more casual CrossFit shoe. It’s stable, versatile, and durable which makes it a good option for the recreational CrossFit athlete.
Just note that it does fall short of more serious CrossFit training due to the lack of construction for rope climb and handstand push-up support.
Adidas Dropset Trainers for Versatile Training
When it comes to versatile training that includes things like HIIT, plyometrics, and sport-focused training, I enjoy the Dropset Trainers. They’re fairly lightweight, breathe well, and the dual-density midsole feeds really well into providing a nice blend of versatility and stability.
In my training sessions, where I was doing a lot of bounding and lateral work, I liked how this was performed and never had an issue with compression or foot overlap.
This model is fairly wide, but you never run into issues with your foot sliding around or handing over the sole of this shoe which is a big perk for adding to this shoe’s versatility.
If you want this model for classes, HIIT, and athletic-focused training, then I think you’ll enjoy this shoe as a whole and it’s quickly becoming one of my go-to’s for this style of training.
Adidas Dropset Trainers for Running and Daily Wear
For running, you’ll be a bit limited in the Dropset Trainers performance, but you can certainly use them for shorter bouts. For example, if you plan to use them specifically for short runs baked into your training sessions or use them tackling runs that are one mile in length or down, then they’ll perform well. These will not be the best cross-training shoe for longer runs.
This shoe will work on a daily basis. It can serve as your daily driver and training shoe with no issues. It’s fairly comfortable, and I like the upper construction for its durability, so it could also be a good model for working and commuting if you live in urban settings.
Adidas Dropset Trainers Sizing
For the Adidas Dropset Trainer, you should be safe going true-to-size. This model’s length fits true and the width of the toe box is fairly wide in this shoe. I personally like the way this shoe fits because it’s snug enough for thin socks, but also spacious enough if I wear thicker socks when training outdoors.
- Dropset Trainer Sizing Thoughts: Go true to size and wear longer socks when breaking them in to prevent rubbing on the Achilles.
If you have any additional questions on the sizing for the Adidas Dropset Trainer and how their fit compares to other cross-training shoes, drop a comment below or reach out to me personally.
Construction Details
If you’re interested in the Adidas Dropset Trainer’s construction, I’ve provided some of their key callouts below that play a role in their performance.
This model has some interesting construction features on it which I think will continue to improve as Adidas makes future models. For a first pass, I like the construction of the Dropset Trainer.
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: N/A
- Weight: 12.9 oz (for my size 10 model)
- Removable Insole: Yes
- Layered Mesh Upper
- 50% of Upper Is Made With Recycled Materials
- Dual-Density Foam Midsole
- Full Rubber Outsole
- Wide Midfoot and Toe Box
- Plastic Midfoot Support
If you have additional questions on the Adidas Dropset Trainers, drop a comment below and I’ll answer accordingly.
Takeaway Thoughts
Overall, I’ve enjoyed training in my Adidas Dropset Trainers and think Adidas did a pretty good job on their first pass with this model. This is one of the first cross-training shoes that Adidas has produced that I think delivers a really stable and consistent construction for serious training.
I’m excited to see the growth and progression of the Adidas Dropset Trainers line. This is a solid model for recreational lifters who need a consistent cross-training shoe.
If you have any questions on the Dropset Trainers, drop a comment below or reach out to me personally via Instagram (@jake_boly).
Antonio Estevez
How does the shoe work for jump roping?
It’s solid! A little on the dense side, but should work fine if you’re needing them for cross-training with some jump rope!
Gisele
Thank you for the review!
After reading almost half of the reviews here I chose Adidas Dropset as my new cross training shoes. I’m grateful you’re so through in your reviews making us really think in all the aspects before choosing one or another.
Your work is really appreciated.
PS: Cheers form Brazil! 🙂
You’re welcome! I equally appreciate you checking out my reviews and taking the time to share feedback. Hope the Dropset Trainers work well for you!
Rosso Kaiser
Hi and thanks for the review. My gym has squash courts and these shoes feel comfortable enough to go straight from the weight room to the court with my sons for just some light squash games, (nothing intense, or all out). The heel is a tiny bit heavy but do you think there’s enough torsion for these to double up as a court shoe of sorts? Thanks.
Hey! They should be okay for that context, honestly, and the best way to really know is to use them for a few sessions to see if they hinder performance or allow you to perform well! If you want a true training/court hybrid, def check out the NOBULL Court Trainer as well.
Milly
Do you think they’ll work well with fencing moves?
Hey! They should work. My only thought is that the blocky heel may feel odd for you, but the traction should be good!
Milly
I’m more concern with the sliding/gliding performance. If you have any feedback on that it would be greatly appreciated. Tx!
fendy
for workout, which one is better bro?
adidas dropset vs nike metcon 7
I like both for slightly different reasons. For general training and lifting, the Dropset is really solid. Then, for CrossFit/cross-training the Metcon 7 takes the edge. I’d say go with the model that aligns best with your training style. If you’re not planning to tackle CrossFit workouts in your shoes, then the Dropset could be worth exploring especially if you’re keen on this shoe!