Weight 314g
Evaluation The Restless replaces the Estes as Adidas’s lightweight trail shoe. The good news is that it hits the same weight, and the outsole grip has improved to be as good as nearly anything on the market – but it’s a confused shoe, nonetheless.
Firstly, the Restless’s light weight promises speed, but its chunky midsole makes for a ride that definitely falls outside the ‘performance’ category. And Adidas has recognised this and recategorised the shoe.
Secondly, the Restless’s aggressive outsole lugs scream ‘pure trail’, yet the thick midsole gives a cushioned ride that feels best on road. Furthermore, the lugs are especially good in mud because they’re soft, and that softness gives them minimal durability on road. Go figure.
You could believe that the Restless was a road shoe with a tough trail outsole stuck on as an afterthought. The upper has no obvious off-road qualities (and as with the Equipment Buzz, its curious lace covering is a candidate for Stanley-knife surgery); and the midsole is better suited to hard surfaces (firmer, thinner midsoles are more responsive off-road).
In short It’s not a conventional trail shoe, but the Restless offers plenty of grip and a protective midsole. It’s also light, and relatively stable in the midfoot.
Try it if you liked Adidas Incision (£70); Adidas Brahma (£65), Saucony GRID Approach (£50)
