Adidas Rapidmove 2 Review: Well-Rounded for Fair Price?

Narrow Foot (<D Width) Sizing

I think most with narrow feet should be safe going true to size in the Rapidmove 2s. These don’t feel too spacious where you’ll be sliding around or losing security, and the upper has a lower-profile feel to it.

Medium Width (D Width) Feet Sizing

Similar to narrow feet, medium-width feet should be safe going true to size in this shoe. This model feels like it was built for this type of foot anatomy, so medium feet should have no issues with length or width.

Wide(r) Feet (E+ Widths) Sizing

I think E and EE feet should be okay going true to size in this model. If you’re a true EE-width, then you may feel a little hug in the forefoot on your pinky toes, but it shouldn’t be completely unbearable or uncomfortable — you may just not want to wear them all day and reserve them for workout use.

If you’re pushing a 3E+ foot width, then you’ll want to explore other options like the Altra Solstice XT 3, which is purposely built wider with a blockier toe box. From Adidas specifically, if you’re looking for a shoe you can lift in and cross-train a little in, the Adidas The Total can also be a good option for wider feet.

• Flat Feet Notes: There is a fair amount of arch in this shoe with a fairly standard midfoot taper. If you have flat feet and don’t generally vibe with arches in shoes or with Adidas models, then you’ll probably want to pass on this shoe.

Performance Assessment: How I’ve Tested Them

For the Rapidmove 2, I primarily tried to push them in a “generalist” context. I primarily used them for strength and hypertrophy sessions and cross-training workouts, then wore them for short runs.

I always try to mimic how others will likely use the shoes when testing models. This is where I get to blend my shoe review experience, community feedback, and coaching brain.

For Lifting, They Get the Job Done

For pushing heavier weights, I’ve been surprised with the Rapidmove 2. My heaviest lifts in these shoes included 315 lb Zercher squats and 405 lb deadlifts. In both of these lifts, the stability was surprisingly solid, especially when you consider their stack height and budget-friendly nature.

Would I go much heavier with either of these in these shoes? Probably not, but if you’re squatting 3 and deadlifting 4 wheels and under, then you should be fine with the stability that you get from the EVA midsole. It has a medium-density feel, so it doesn’t compress super easily when loaded.

The TPU Torsion System also helps with the stability of these shoes. It adds a nice midfoot layer of stability. I find that you don’t rock a ton in these like the Rapidmove ADV 2s, which have a much more exaggerated toe spring. I think if you’re between those two models and you prioritize strength training week to week, then the normal Rapidmove 2 is the call.

Another thing that I’ve enjoyed with this model for lifting is the Continental rubber outsole. On every surface I tested these on, they’ve gripped well, including machines, wood platforms, turf, and rubber gym floors. This is a pro because I was a little nervous they’d have some slip with the exposed foam, but I wouldn’t stress that with these.

My only real complaint with these for lifting is that the toe box would be a little wider to promote toe splay, and if you have flatter feet, then you may find the arch to be a little offputting. If you’re nervous about these two variables, drop a comment and voice your concerns and I can help you decide if they’d be a good fit or not.

Decent for Athletic Sessions and Cross-Training

I like to add things like plyometrics and jump rope into my training. I also do a lot of athletic-style movements when conditioning, such as sandbag throws, box jumps, lateral hops, and sled movements. The Rapidmove 2 has stood up to all of these movements relatively well.

Like lifting, this shoe has held its own for its price point. The grip blended with the medium-density EVA gives this model a healthy balance of ground feedback with some plushness. Note, these won’t be the softest shoes, so if you want a plusher ride for jumping, then you’ll want to look into something like the Nike Free Metcon 6 or Reebok Nano Gym. However, for a bit more ground feedback and “snappiness,” these work great.

The Torsion System gives the forefoot a little more snap while promoting a bit more stability through the midfoot. I think this is a nice feature to have to balance out the higher stack height of this model, but note that it will take away slightly from this shoe’s flexibility. If you want maximal flexibility and a responsive midsole, then the Inov8 F-Fly can be a decent option to look into.

From an upper security context, this shoe has done a good job at locking down my feet when jumping and doing multi-directional movement. It has a lower-profile vibe to it, which helps keep you from sliding forward when jumping, and the wider base with reinforced mesh prevents spillover when doing lateral jumps.

If you’re someone who regularly blends athletic movements into your workouts or likes to take workout classes here and there on top of your strength workouts, you’ll like the Rapidmove 2. These aren’t my favorite for someone who ONLY wants a shoe for HIIT. However, if you vary your training and want to save money that’s where I think these deliver on their value.

They Surprised Me for Running, But So-So for Walking

For running, these will excel for short bouts. If you’re doing anything from 400 to 1,200 meters, then you should be set in these. The EVA is soft enough to limit overall impact at those distances, and I think this shoe definitely biases faster bouts of running.

In my testing, I pushed these for multiple workouts where I was doing low-incline treadmill intervals, and I enjoyed them for that. That’s why I say they can be a good class-style shoe if you do classes every once in a while like Orange Theory that programs short interval runs in-between lifting sets.

I also tested these outside, and they worked okay for short 800-meter runs followed by walking in between, but I definitely preferred them for indoor tread work. If you want a shoe that’s a bit more hybrid-friendly, then I’d suggest going with something with a softer EVA midsole.

For walking and all-day comfort, these shoes are so-so. They’re not “uncomfortable” per se, but I do think they run a bit narrow for an all-day context, and the arch can be a bit annoying at times. I also think the density of the midsole will be a little firm for anyone wanting a soft ride.

For example, if you wear HOKAs or shoes like the On Cloud 6 for daily wear, specifically for their softness, then you’ll want to pass on these. If softness isn’t a massive concern and you like a little arch support, then conversely, you’ll be well off in these. I just want to make it clear they won’t be the widest or softest ride if you prefer those for all-day wear like myself.

Construction Details

Outsole

• Continental Rubber outsole throughout forefoot, midfoot, and heel
• Strategic rubber breaks work to reduce overall weight
• Ridged pattern covers the forefoot, midfoot, and heel

Midsole

• Medium-density EVA midsole that can be compressed slightly by squeezing
• TPU Torsion System built in (grey material that you can see in the outsole photo)
• Fairly low heel-to-toe drop; it feels like 3-5mm if I had to guess
• Flared midsole design to increase surface area and stability when training

Upper

• Mesh upper throughout the forefoot, midfoot, and heel
• Reinforced layer around the toe box with rubber/TPU overlays through forefoot and midfoot
• Padded heel and boot built with mesh

Laces and Tongue

• 5 Core eyelets with two adjustable lacing eyelets at the top
• Non-gussetted padded mesh tongue with additional loop
• Traditional laces

Final Remarks: Would I Buy Again?

If I only had $100 for training shoes, I would.

These have done a good job throughout all of my tests, and in my humble opinion, the Rapidmove shoes are always slept-on from Adidas. They’re consistent and offer just enough stability and responsiveness to make them good in a variety of settings.

If you’re super specific with your training, then you may be better suited in more dialed options, but for the generalist — I vouch for these.

If you have additional questions about this shoe, hit me in the comments below or shoot me a DM on Instagram!