I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to try out the new adidas Adistar Raven off-road trail shoes. I was really excited to try them out as they were voted Best Trail Running Shoes by the Gadget Website.
First impressions, they look really good quality with no stitching (Techfit Upper – can’t tell you how many trainers I’ve bought where the stitching has come apart!), a really good solid tread with the TRAXION outsole for maximum traction on hard and soft ground, and Continental™ Rubber for extra grip in wet conditions. I also love that you don’t have to tie shoe laces, with the clever draw string and velcro system. And the colours are totally awesome – the photo doesn’t do them justice, but they are BRIGHT!
I’ve taken them out on several runs now and although they initially felt a bit ‘chunkier’ than my usual trainers (well trail shoes generally are), they are super bouncy and light! Importantly, I have haven’t had any twinges in my left knee whilst wearing them. I just need to find some decent trails to test them out on now (although I don’t want to get them dirty!). 
At £105 they are not the cheapest pair of trainers, nor are they the most expensive, but I am really glad I tried them out as I probably wouldn’t have chosen them and would have opted for a recognised ‘trail brand’.
Now that I have my trail shoes sorted, I am on the hunt for some decent road shoes. Any recommendations?
DIVA rating: 5/5 for looks, quality, cushioning, grip and all round awesomeness!
