If you’re interested in shoes at all and use Instagram regularly, then you’ve likely been hit with a Flux Footwear ad highlighting their Adapt Trainer. Flux Footwear markets the Adapt Trainer as an “all-in-one” style of shoe that provides all-day comfort due to its unique sole construction.
As someone who’s a natural-born skeptic and someone who is entirely too interested in shoes, I wanted to know, is the Adapt shoe as good as they suggest? For my testing, I used this model as my daily driver and put them through a few workouts to see how versatile and stable they were. I basically tried to blend my cross-training shoe tests with some more daily wear-focused testing.
In this Flux Footwear Adapt review, I’m going to cover all of the key details to help you decide if you should invest in the Adap shoes.
Contents
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Who Should Invest In the Flux Footwear Adapt Trainer?
The Flux Footwear Adapt Trainer provides a unique fit and feeling for daily wear and training. Personally, I think this model will work best for anyone that needs a shoe to wear all day for comfort, then to the gym without the worry of bringing extra pairs of shoes with them.
The Adapt Trainer comes with Flux Footwear’s Adaptsol™ technology. This sole is highly mobile and provides adequate ground feedback making it a decent all-in-one option for comfort. The one caveat is that this shoe is limited by how stable it is and how it performs with lateral training, so if you’re on the market for a more serious trainer, then you may want to find something a bit more niche.
That being said though, I think the Adapt Trainer is an interesting shoe for more casual training and it’s comfortable for daily wear. I like that Flux Footwear is trying to integrate their own take on what an adaptable trainer should be.
Flux Footwear Adapt Trainer
$125
Best For
- Daily Wear
- Recreational Lifting
- Versatile Training
Falls Short
- For Heavy Lifting
- For Lateral Training
- For Longer Runs
Flux Footwear Adapt Trainer Pros
Over the course of my testing, I’ve found a few pros and things that I enjoy about the Flux Footwear Adapt Trainer.
- Highly Mobile Sole
- Comfortable for Daily Wear
- Okay for Casual Training
- Recycled Knit Upper
The first pro is that the Flux Footwear AdaptSol is super mobile which I didn’t realize I would enjoy to the extend I did. This sole flexes really well at pretty much every part of the shoe so you can ample ground feedback when wearing these. There was virtually no break-in period with this model.
In normal trainers, if you stepped on something like a small rock you likely wouldn’t feel it, but with this model’s AdaptSol, you feel the ground to a higher extent. They feel like a bridge between a barefoot shoe and a traditional training shoe that features thicker midsole and outsole constructions.
Another pro is that this model is fairly comfortable and a good option for all-day wear. I was really concerned about how this model felt when running errands, wearing them to the gym, and pretty much keeping them on all day. Across the board, they did a fairly good job at providing me with a nice responsive surface to stand, walk, and lift on.
I like the blend of their sole construction and their simplistic upper construction. They look a bit more casual in nature which also adds to their ability to be a decent all-in-one style of shoe.
For more casual training, I like this model. If you’re a recreational lifter or someone going to get a casual workout in, then you can definitely wear this model with relative ease. However, this shoe is limited in its overall serious workout performance, which I’ll discuss below in the cons.
The last pro of this model is that the AdaptKnit™ used in this model is made with recycled materials. I’m always a fan of when companies utilize recycled materials in their shoes, so seeing a newer company like Flux Footwear tackle this is a nice subtle nod to being a bit more conscious about sourcing the materials used in this shoe.
Flux Footwear Adapt Trainer Cons
Overall, I like the Flux Footwear Adapt Trainer, but there are a couple of cons I’ve noticed with this shoe.
- No Half Sizes
- Limited When Training
- Long-Term Upper Durability
The first drawback to the Adapt Trainer is that they don’t come in half sizes. I know Flux Footwear is a smaller company, so it’s likely tough to get half sizes due to costs, but it is something to be conscious of for my half-size friends out there.
On the note of sizing, this model now sizes true-to-size for women per an October 13th update, and if you are a half size, I’d suggest going up the half-size as opposed to going down in this model. So, if your true size is 9.5, then go 10 in this model and this is what Flux Footwear recommends on their product page as well.
Another drawback is that this model is not going to be your best option for serious training. The AdaptSol, while very comfortable, is not the best for stability when loading over 425 lbs. For lighter and moderate loading, this model is fine, but it will be limited in its performance for serious lifters training heavy and barbell-focused athletes.
Another training area where this shoe falls a bit short is lateral training. The internal structure of the AdaptSol footbed slides a bit when really digging and driving through the lateral part of the foot. It’s not the biggest deal because this is a pretty niche area of training, but something to keep an eye on if you purchase a pair.
Additionally and speaking of the third drawback, the knit upper is not the best for supporting functional fitness workouts where you’ll be running into more upper friction. I like the 4-way stretch capabilities of the upper, but its long-term durability worries me when it comes to abrasion resistance.
Note, I haven’t had any upper durability issues yet which is a really good thing and a good sign, but I’ve reviewed enough training shoes to be conscious of things like this to stay ahead of the curve and mitigate expectations.
Must Read: 6 Best Barefoot Shoes In 2021 | Picks for Lifting, CrossFit, and More!
Flux Footwear Adapt Trainer Performance
Flux Footwear markets this model as being a good option for a variety of activities, so I tested this model in the context of lifting, versatile training, shorter runs, and day-to-day wear.
Must Read: Training Shoes Vs Weightlifting Shoes Vs Barefoot Training
Lifting
For lifting, I like that this model has a zero drop and its stack height is relatively low sitting at 10mm. This shoe is a solid option for anyone that loves having a flatter shoe, but with a bit of surface to still lift on so it’s not something like a true barefoot shoe.
The highly maneuverable sole is also a nice perk for unilateral training where you experience more movement throughout the forefoot of the shoe. As for loading, this model does an okay job with lighter loads, but I’d say cap loading to about 425 lbs if you’re working heavier. The AdaptSol starts to compress a bit under loads heavier than this.
Versatile Training
For plyometrics, HIIT, agility work, and more athletic training, the Flux Footwear Adapt Trainers can hold their own. They’re not going to be your best option for super niche athletic training, but for the more casual weekly sessions that a lot of us get in, they’re pretty good. The AdaptSol provides a nice level of responsiveness and I like how the sole moves with you.
The only caveat to this model is that the AdaptSol footbed does slide a bit when doing lateral work, which I mentioned above in the cons. If you’re doing lateral jumps or something like a shuttle run you may notice this. It moves so well that I think that type of force causes it to compress slightly and give out which results in slippage.
Shorter Runs and Daily Wear
If you want to run in the Adapt Trainer, I’d suggest doing so with shorter mileage. This model is interesting because I would place it as an in-between model for barefoot shoes and training shoes. So if you’re transitioning to barefoot shoes from trainers or running shoes, then this may be a good model for filling in that gap with shorter mileage.
On a day-to-day basis, this model is great. I love its overall comfort and I think it’s a great simplistic shoe for anyone looking for a highly mobile model that also provides adequate cushion. I’ve been really digging this model for longer dog walks, my coffee shop runs, and doing errands where I’m on my feet for a while.
Flux Footwear Adapt Trainer Sizing
Overall, I think the Flux Footwear Adapt Trainer runs a little short in regard to its length. However, Flux Footwear made a note on their product page on October 13th, 2021 that they fixed the sizing and that most should be true-to-size for most individuals.
That being said, based on their recommendations I’d say go true-to-size and if you’re a half size, then go up a size. So, if you’re normally a 10.5, then go for an 11 first to try over a 10 since this model has run short in length before.
Price Breakdown
For the Flux Footwear Adapt Trainer, you can expect to pay $125.00 USD and if you sign up for a subscription the cost comes out to about $94.00 USD.
For the first model and based on this shoe’s functionality, I think the price is pretty fair for this model especially when looking at other trainers. I do wish it was a bit more cost-efficient though. I think, well I hope, their shoes will only continue to improve from here so for a first pass this price is pretty fair.
Flux Footwear Adapt Trainer
$125
Best For
- Daily Wear
- Recreational Lifting
- Versatile Training
Falls Short
- For Heavy Lifting
- For Lateral Training
- For Longer Runs
Construction Details
Below are some of the key construction details about the Flux Footwear Adapt Trainer. For a first pass and model, I think the construction is pretty good overall, but like with most training shoes, I expect it to only improve in future models.
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 0mm
- AdaptSol Technology
- AdaptKnit Upper Construction
- Knit Is Made With Recycled Materials
- AdaptSol Cushion Throughout Sole
- AdaptSol Tread On the Outsole
If you have any additional questions about the Adapt Trainer drop a comment below or reach out to me personally!
Flux Footwear Adapt Trainer FAQs
Since Flux Footwear is a relatively new company that only started selling products this year, I’ve received a few questions about the Adapt Trainer. Below are a few of the most common questions I’ve received.
1. I’m a half size should I size up?
Yes. Normally, I recommend trying down before up because a slightly snug shoe is better than an overly large shoe, but in the Adapt Trainer’s case, go to the larger size. If you’re a 10.5, then go for an 11.
2. Can I lift in the Flux Footwear Adapt Trainer?
Yes! However, I’d say cap your loading to about 400ish lbs. The zero-drop and 10mm stack height is pretty solid for lifting, but the AdaptSol does compress and slide a tiny bit when executing certain exercises.
3. Can I run in the Flux Footwear Adapt Trainer?
Yes, but it’s not my favorite model for running. They’re okay for shorter runs up to about 1-2 miles, however, I wasn’t the biggest fan of running in them and ended up opting for more running-focused shoes to tackle my runs.
Takeaway Thoughts
For their first model, I enjoyed the Flux Footwear Adapt Trainer as a whole. There are certainly areas where the Adapt Trainer could be improved, but I do like the unique take that Flux Footwear applied for what an adaptable shoe should offer.
I think it’s also cool that they started this project on Indiegogo then brought it to life. If you have any questions about the Adapt Trainer, hit me in the comments below or shoot me a message via Instagram (@jake_boly).
I personally test every product featured on That Fit Friend using a regimen of training tests that I’ve developed over years of testing training gear. I buy the gear I test and may earn commissions on sales made through links on my site.
Hello!
I’m looking for a zero drop shoe essentially for most of what the product above has listed. Based on your article, I’m more interested in purchasing them as a daily driver with my activities still being low to medium usage for exercise. For someone that has a relatively flat foot and a need for wider toe box, how flexible is the rest of the shoe in width compared to normal flat trainers. For lack of a better comparison, narrow Nike and Converse shoes as trainers (or casual shoes) don’t fit my foot shape due to the lack of lateral flex in the heel through the forefoot.
Hey Ken!
Compared to a Nike trainer and Converse, you’ll get more flexibility in the Flux model. Plus, their last as a whole is a tad wider than Converse/Nike trainers. I think if you get the sizing right for the Flux model, it might be a really good fit for your context/asks!
Hey Jake,
How have the shoes held up. I’ve been hesitant to buy them because I’m concerned the bottom sole pieces can potentially come off over a period of time. Also, is it easy for rocks to get stuck between the flex grooves?
Thank you
Hey Gerald! They’ve held up okay. The bottom of the sole could definitely use a little reworking and rocks/gravel can get stuck in the lugs at times which is annoying. IMO, if you’re wearing them casually on a daily basis, then you should be okay, but if you plan to use them for trails and whatnot regularly, then you may want to find a model with an outsole that is better suited for this terrain.
How does the width/shape compare with Reebok Nano?
The Flux runs more narrow through the forefoot and midfoot compared to a Nano X2!