The adidas alphabounce ams Delivers Futuristic Looks and Unparalleled Energy Return

In a break from our regularly scheduled programming of UltraBOOSTs and YEEZYs, we’re switching gears from BOOST to BOUNCE to showcase the latest running offering from adidas — dubbed the alphabounce ams. A fusion of performance and style, the sneaker targets an active wearer both in the realms of pure running, and cross-training. Drawing its futuristic looks from a motion capture technology called Aramis which measures the mechanics of a foot in motion, the defining features of the alphabounce were designed to offer support or expansion where the athlete needs it most. So how does the latest offering from the German sneaker manufacturer stack up? Keep reading to find out.

Aesthetics

From an aesthetics perspective, the alphabounce ams is available in a tonal Core Black or tonal Clear Grey colorway. Both the sneaker’s upper and sole feature a textured wave pattern inspired by the Aramis testing that the silhouette was put through prior to launch. Contrasting monochromatic patterns on the toe and the heel add some depth to the look, and a subtle adidas logo on the heel and three stripes branding on the tongue replace the large stripes that appear on the UltraBOOST cage or the side of the PureBOOST upper.

Construction

Taking a closer look at the shoe’s construction, we see a one-piece upper made with neoprene and adidas Engineered Mesh for breathability. The shoe has an opening which hugs the foot without the overly snug feel at the ankle that some of the recent sock-style runners provide. The heel is reinforced by a rigid piece of molded EVA which keeps the shoe stable and supportive while in motion and the lacing system utilizes five eyelets in an unconventional pattern to hold the rope laces, and secure the shoe. The core of the BOUNCE system is a lightweight midsole with an EVA core designed to provide ample cushion and “bounce” to keep the wearer moving in comfort throughout their workout.

Performance

Running in the alphabounce feels secure and stable. The shoe is lightweight, and though the sneaker offers the majority of its cushion in the heel, the shoe feels accommodating enough to suit a variety running styles. The BOUNCE tech feels springy, supportive, but not as pillow-like as BOOST. Although it comes down to personal preference, if you are a fan of road feel and firm cushion, then BOUNCE may be your new go-to. If you’re skeptical about BOOST’s less famous relative, it’s worth noting that BOUNCE outperformed all competitor brands’ midsoles in terms of energy return in testing. Finally, while active, the mesh construction lets your foot breathe, and even when laced snugly, the shoe remained comfortable through sustained activity.

Overall

The alphabounce sneaker is a solid running shoe both from a looks and performance perspective. A price below the UltraBOOST is a positive, and some runners may prefer BOUNCE technology to BOOST given the firmer support it provides. The non-traditional styling also makes it aesthetically interesting as a lifestyle shoe when you’re not in full workout mode. Make sure to scroll through all of the detailed look photos and watch the closer look video above, then head over to adidas.com to shop the runner for $110 USD. For those that favor blue colorways, you’ll be in luck with a navy drop coming soon.