Anthony Edwards is probably one of the most exciting basketball player to watch this season. He’s now a 4 year veteran and has certainly shown Jordanesque attributes every time he steps on the floor. He’s a very athletic shooting guard that pretty much has all the skills set needed to be the ultimate two way complete player. So it isn’t surprising that Adidas quickly snagged him and to offer him a signature shoe, the Adidas AE 1.
The debut of these shoes was nothing short of impressive, boasting a futuristic, sci-fi-inspired aesthetic that many have commented on. However, beyond aesthetics, the functionality of the shoe is what truly piqued my interest. I sought out comprehensive performance reviews to understand how the Adidas AE 1 stacks up in terms of practicality and performance.
It was YouTube user Zach the foot doctor, who provided an in-depth analysis of the shoe’s functionality. His review offered a thorough examination of the sneaker’s every aspect, making it a must-watch for anyone considering purchasing the AE 1. I’ve gathered some key insights from his review and highly recommend you check it out for a comprehensive understanding of Anthony Edwards’ signature shoe.
Adidas AE 1 : Performance Review
Uppers: Breathability & Durability
The AE 1’s upper features a unique design with a large honeycomb pattern of what appears to be a polyurethane mold. This design extends around both the medial and lateral sides of the shoe, with air channels beneath the honeycomb pattern allowing for breathability. However, there are no such channels in the central part of the shoe, extending from the toe tips through the lace line and vamp, up into the ankle collar.
Despite this, the central part of the shoe has ample padding. Breathability tests showed the shoe heated up to 114.1 degrees Fahrenheit, which isn’t extremely high for any shoe, especially considering the maximalist design of the AE1. The breathability mapping showed that as soon as fog was introduced, it was quickly expelled out of the sides of the shoe and between the tongue and the ankle collar. This is due to some gapping higher up in the shoe. The location of the breathing channels is also strategic, being right where the largest blood vessels in the foot would expel heat. This makes the AE1 exceptionally breathable, even for a shoe of its weight.
In terms of comfort and lockdown, the central part of the shoe offers abundant padding and multiple lace eyelets. The laces criss-cross down the forefoot of the shoe, while the tongue stops where the midfoot meets the forefoot. This design, paired with the high ankle collar, gives a snug fit with minimal heel slipping.
In terms of durability, the upper withstood a 10-second high grit sandpaper test, showing some wear but remaining largely intact due to its reinforced thickness. Even after outdoor use involving sliding and dragging, the shoe retained its integrity, although the aesthetics were somewhat affected.
The shoe features a double heel counter – one internal and one external – that provides excellent stability. While it may resemble carbon fiber, it’s actually made of plastic. Nonetheless, it performs its stabilizing function exceptionally well.
Midsole/ Cushioning
The AE 1’s midsole and cushioning offer a robust blend of comfort and performance. A generous layer of Boost foam extends from the heel to the midfoot, meeting with Lightstrike material that continues up into the forefoot, reminiscent of the Trey Young 3s.
The shoe features an impressively thick, bottom-loaded and molded shank that spans from the heel to the forefoot in an X pattern. It thins out at the heel and forefoot but thickens in the middle. Additionally, there’s a second, top-loaded shank that starts in the midfoot’s center and extends into the forefoot’s middle, creating a ‘diving board’ effect.
Despite the shoe’s overall weight – due to substantial foam, thick rubber, and large shanks – it delivers high energy return. The bounce height test resulted in a 39cm measurement for the heel’s Boost foam and 37cm for the Lightstrike forefoot. These results are better than typical measurements for these materials.
The Boost foam is lively and springy, while the Lightstrike appeared marshmallow-like, resembling an elastic Phylon. In contrast to some Lightstrike products, the AE1’s version feels bouncy and pillowy underfoot, providing a sensation of pop.
Traction
In terms of traction and grip, the AE1’s outsole tread is arguably one of its most well-executed features. It showcases a large delta pattern extending from the forefoot to the rearfoot, composed of very narrow rubber strands.
However, each section of this delta pattern is separated by sizable gaps, creating a rolling hill-like texture. This unique design offers both micro and macro grip, with the narrow treads providing fine grip and the larger tread channels offering more substantial traction.
This dual-level grip system performs exceptionally well on dusty courts or outdoor settings. The grip test results on the ramp were impressive, with the shoes showing no signs of slipping until reaching a 44-degree incline. This result places the AE1 alongside some of the best-performing shoes in terms of grip.
Fit
For those with medium-width feet, it’s recommended to stick with your true size for an optimal balance of performance and weight reduction. If you prefer a snug fit and don’t mind a brief break-in period, you could potentially opt for half a size smaller.
For those who prioritize more room and comfort, staying true to size is the way to go. Even for those with wider feet (2E or 4E), it’s advised not to go up more than half a size due to the shoe’s weight.
| Â Foot Containment | 70% |
| Â Bounce | 80% |
| Shock Absorption | 100% |
| Speed | 80% |
| Durability | 80% |
| Comfort | 90% |
| Support | 80% |
The AE 1 is a robust and high-performing shoe that excels in various areas.
Starting with the midsole, the combination of Boost foam and Lightstrike cushioning provides a lively, springy, and pillowy feel. This design offers excellent responsiveness and energy return, as reflected in the bounce score of 80%.
The shoe’s traction and grip are another highlight, with a unique delta pattern outsole that performs exceptionally well on both dusty and outdoor courts. This feature contributes to the shoe’s speed score of 80%.
In terms of fit, the AE 1 accommodates a range of foot widths and provides a comfortable, buttery feel, which is reflected in the comfort score of 90%. The shoe’s support score of 80% implies that it provides good stability and structure for the foot.
Foot containment, while not as high as other categories, still scores a solid 70%. This means the shoe does a reasonable job of keeping the foot securely in place during movement.
The AE 1 also shines in durability, scoring an impressive 80%. This suggests that the shoe can withstand intensive use over time.
Lastly, the shoe scores perfectly in shock absorption with 100%, indicating that it offers excellent protection from impact forces, a crucial aspect for any athletic shoe.
In summary, the AE 1 melds comfort, performance, and durability into one package, making it a fantastic choice for anyone seeking a well-rounded shoe.
Where To Buy The Adidas AE 1
You may purchase it now on eBay from our featured sellers via authenticity guaranteed
