The adidas Kanadia Shoe is a world-renowned entry-level trail running shoe built for off-road running with breathability from its mesh upper, grippy Traxion lugs for wetness underfoot and added comfort from the interior textile lining.
There are heaps of high quality, super expensive trail running shoes on the current market trying to warrant their huge price tag, but like the adidas Kanadia Shoe, there are some trail running shoes with quality, but affordability too.
As a novice of the trail running scene, but regular hill walker, I know that a solid, comfortable pair of shoes is vital, and hopefully at a reasonable price too. Trail running shoes are invariably flimsy things, so I was particularly curious to see how they stood the test of time and lots of use.
In among the fairly sporadic off and on-road runs, I attempted my first ever mud run / obstacle course in Kent where the Kanadia’s and I were seriously put through our paces. All the qualities of a trail running shoe was tested and this is when I found out the true capabilities of the shoe.
First impressions and fit
Like other adidas shoes, whether lifestyle or perfomance, they look great. Slick, dark mesh uppers and a strong white band around the sole really ooze class. And on top of the good looks, trying them on straight out the box showed their class too, as they fitted my fairly wide foot from the off and saw no problems with the lacing system.
The 3-Stripes panel which makes up the core of the boots stability really helped mould my foot into place and I would later find that this didn’t let up after much more use. I also gave them a good flex where I found a sturdy footbed in place, but enough flex in the forefront of the shoe to work well in varied terrain.
Comfort
So I knew they would fit well, which was ideal, but how would they get on during my first ever mud run? Well, in simple terms, they did great. I’ve often said before that when someone wears a good pair of shoes or walking boots they don’t actually notice them or think about them attached to their feet, this was very much the case with the Kanadias.
The combination of the Air mesh upper, which meant the sweat from each run evaporated in no time, and the interior textile lining gave me comfort throughout the obstacle course and on other trail runs. I was never screaming out in blistery pain or uncomfortable when the muddy water poured into the shoes, I was more worried about my fitness levels.
Grip
Very, very good. On muddy, wet trails there’s just no substitute for a grippy pair of shoes with lugs that give you confidence in every step. The Traxion rubber soles of the Kanadias really delivered, especially on the Kent mud run obstacle course.
I was particularly impressed when I really pushed myself on a downhill stint following a literal mud bath previously and I never felt as though the shoes would give way underfoot. It was this belief and faith in the shoe that was priceless during the race.
Waterproof?
Not really, but they’re not trying to be. The waterproof mud guard fends off some of the wet debris from the trails but when you hit a puddle there’s not much a pair of mesh shoes can do. But most importantly they sustained their stability and comfort within the shoe, despite the fact I had very mud and wet feet during my obstacle course.
Other stuff
The lacing system was good but for some reason the laces themselves came apart quite easily. This could be rectified with another pair of laces possibly, but definitely an issue there. The lugs have also seemed to wear down over time but I’ve worn them on concrete a fair amount, something I wouldn’t advice with high-lug trails shoes.
There’s no doubt about it, I’m an entry-level trail runner and I do have an issue with splashing the cash on a first pair of trail running shoes. But for around the £60 mark, there aren’t many better options than the adidas Kanadias.
They look good, grip on various terrains, dry out quickly, breathable and above all else extremely comfortable – something that’s pivotal for me when deciphering whether a shoe is decent or not. So, as I’m not a regular trail runner, I don’t see any reason to switch to another pair as they’ve stood the test of time and are still delivering the goods.
Slick look, comfortable, breathable, dry quickly, grippy on rough terrain, value for money
Probably not suitable for serious trail runners
Performance: 4.5
Reliability: 4.5
Value: 5.0
This trail shoe is designed to get the runner off the tarmac and into the wilds with a light and flexible construction.
Alpkit's debut waterproof jacket is a svelte, shimmering lightweight shell using impressive fabric and with some neat features including an excellent hood.
US down specialist's HighLite is their ultra-lightweight sleeping bag aimed at adventure racers and mountain marathoners.