Review: Adidas MegaBounce+, bounce bounce bounceNot so long ago, Adidas came up with a new product range called the A3 series. Unlike the Supernovas, Adistars and Adizeros, the midsole of the A3 series is molded and fabricated entirely from Thermo-Plastic Urethane (TPU), no foam, no eva, just plastic. In a sense, it is sort of like Adidas' answer to Nike's shox technology.
Being skeptical about how a shoe with hard plastic as midsole will perform, I tested its latest model, the MegaBounce+, touted to be the model that provides the maximum bounce amongst the A3 series, and is pleasantly surprised and impressed by it. Here's my review on the Adidas MegaBounce+...
Weight 3.5/5
Out of the box, the weight is surprisingly descent despite the generous employment of plastics. Having said that, it cannot be compared against shoes in the light weight category of course. Its upper had few overlays and is highly breathable. The cutting of the shoe is well-designed, providing a snug feel in the heel. The shoes came with 2 removable in-soles, which sort of add to the overall aura of this new technology! From the design of the shoes, I will put it in the stability cushioning range.
Out of the box, the weight is surprisingly descent despite the generous employment of plastics. Having said that, it cannot be compared against shoes in the light weight category of course. Its upper had few overlays and is highly breathable. The cutting of the shoe is well-designed, providing a snug feel in the heel. The shoes came with 2 removable in-soles, which sort of add to the overall aura of this new technology! From the design of the shoes, I will put it in the stability cushioning range.
Cushioning, Stability, Responsiveness 4/5
The MegaBounce features a TPU (A3) midsole that runs the entire length of the shoes. At the forefoot area, Adidas also employed adiprene+ foam to improve cushioning. Being molded from plastics, the shoes is understandably stable. The cushioning comes from 2 factors. No. 1, the construction or structure of the A3 and No. 2, the 2 different types of in-soles supplied with the shoes.
The MegaBounce features a TPU (A3) midsole that runs the entire length of the shoes. At the forefoot area, Adidas also employed adiprene+ foam to improve cushioning. Being molded from plastics, the shoes is understandably stable. The cushioning comes from 2 factors. No. 1, the construction or structure of the A3 and No. 2, the 2 different types of in-soles supplied with the shoes.
The TPU is molded in the shape of a ball which compresses at impact and "bounces" back to provide cushioning and energy return. The MegaBounce+ also came with 2 in-soles, one orange and one blue. The material or composition of foam used for the in-soles appeared to be different, as one is called "DuraCushion" while the other is called "MegaCushion". From the name, it would suggest that DuraCushion would provide a firmer ride while MegaCushion will provide a much more cushy ride. The A3 technology, coupled with the interchangeable in-soles, certainly sounds wonderful theorically. Practically however, I'm unable to feel any difference between the 2 in-soles during my runs. The cushioning is also much firmer and does not offer a lot of "bounce"! Having said that, the shoe is very responsive and heel-to-toe transition is excellent.
Fit, flexibility, traction 4/5
The fit of the MegaBounce+ is true to size and generally good with the heel providing a snug fit. My only contention is that the toebox is a little narrow. Whilst I can wriggle my toes freely, the width of the shoes is an issue to me. Taking it for a short 6km run, the shoe does its task commendingly. Push it beyond 12km and I will start to feel a little pain from abrasion at the lateral side of my last toes. To get around this, I have switched to thinner socks at the expense of cushioning which thicker socks usually provide. The shoe is understandably stiff given its thick TPU midsoles. Traction of the shoes are very good. Here, Adidas uses its signature Adiwear material. The grip of the shoe is good on concrete and asphalt.
The fit of the MegaBounce+ is true to size and generally good with the heel providing a snug fit. My only contention is that the toebox is a little narrow. Whilst I can wriggle my toes freely, the width of the shoes is an issue to me. Taking it for a short 6km run, the shoe does its task commendingly. Push it beyond 12km and I will start to feel a little pain from abrasion at the lateral side of my last toes. To get around this, I have switched to thinner socks at the expense of cushioning which thicker socks usually provide. The shoe is understandably stiff given its thick TPU midsoles. Traction of the shoes are very good. Here, Adidas uses its signature Adiwear material. The grip of the shoe is good on concrete and asphalt.
Durability 3.5/5
After about 80km, the upper holds up commendingly and still looked in good condition. The outsole, which is made of Adiwear material, however is very thin and alreay looked to be wearing off quite a fair bit at the heel. In my opinion, the Megabounce+ is not suitable as a long distance running shoe should durability be a concern. If it is used as a training shoe for long distance running, the outsole will wear out very fast. In my case, as I have an issue with the narrow toe-box, it is now more of a mid-distance shoe (< 10km) as well as a "fashion" shoe to me. Hence, the outsole should last a little longer.
After about 80km, the upper holds up commendingly and still looked in good condition. The outsole, which is made of Adiwear material, however is very thin and alreay looked to be wearing off quite a fair bit at the heel. In my opinion, the Megabounce+ is not suitable as a long distance running shoe should durability be a concern. If it is used as a training shoe for long distance running, the outsole will wear out very fast. In my case, as I have an issue with the narrow toe-box, it is now more of a mid-distance shoe (< 10km) as well as a "fashion" shoe to me. Hence, the outsole should last a little longer.
Overall 3.75/5
The MegaBounce+ does not quite live up to its billing as a shoe that provides great cushioning. The 2 in-soles supplied appear more gimicky than useful. Having said that, the MegaBounce is still a very decent shoe, which is very well-built and looked very futuristic. The shoe is perfectly capable of handling mid-distance running but certainly not a speedwork trainer and in my case, not suitable for long distance running due to its narrow toe-box.
Disclaimer: The opinion rendered is strictly my own, based on my personal experience whilst running in the shoes. It is not intended to act as any technical or professional advice. Please do not rely or infer on this when deciding which shoes to buy as every runner's profile is different.
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