Adidas Response 2019 - 2018 Review by The Good Ride

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The Adidas Response is very similar in response to the Tactical but in many ways, it trades Double BOA adjustability for Energy Boost shock absorption.  This is a really good boot but to us, the shock absorption of the Tactical was better for us than faster adjustability.  Still, for many, it will be the other way around and the shock absorption is still very good.

The 2019 Adidas Response is the same as the 2018 model.  Both run about 1/2 size large so it is best to side 1/2 size down from your true size.  For example, I’m a true size 9 but fit best in a size 8.5 Adidas boot.  In 2017 I fit a size 9 but for 2018 and 2019 an 8.5 fit almost like the 2017 size 9. 

Ethics Statement: We don’t get paid by the manufacturer to write these reviews.  No one is perfect and we do make money from the “Where To Buy” links below, but this is our best attempt at an honest and objective review from an average riders’ perspective.

Days: 5
Size Tried: 8.5 and 9
Riders: James (Size 9, 5’10” 185-195lbs), Zobel (Size 11.5, 6’ 180lbs),
Bindings: Union Atlas, Union Superpro, Burton Genesis X, Burton Cartel, Union Force, Union Strata, Union Contact Pro
Boards: OZ Custom Woody, Jones Ultra Mountain Twin,  Lib Tech TRS, Korua Puzzle, Korua Otto, Korua Tranny Finder
Insoles: Footprint Insole Technology Gamechangers, Footprint Insole Technology Gameghangers Low Profile, Sandsole Custom Insoles
Bindings: Bindings: Union Atlas, Union Strata,  Union Superpro, Burton Genesis, Burton Genesis X,

James’ Foot Specs
Foot Size: Right 9 and Left 8.75
Foot Width: Right and Left between a D/E
Arch Length: Right 9.5 and Left 9
Calves (Widest Point): 17”
Calves (At top of boot): 12”

Fit/Sizing: So it runs a little bit on the wider side and just a touch wider than Burton boots which many are familiar with.  So other than UK sizing which fits true, the Adidas Response runs on the bigger side and for all of us at The Good Ride the boots fit right at 1/2 size smaller than our actual fit. They also fit a wider foot and although they aren’t technically wide boots they fit as well as some boots made specifically for wider feet.

Flex:  The Adidas Response flex is right there with the Tactical at a 6 out of 10 and we felt this is a pretty right on an assessment by Adidas. Some companies can be way off.  It’s got a good feel on the forward flex.

Comfort:  So I wish I could do this review over now that I found 8.5 for the 2018 models is a perfect fit for me because the size 9 was a little off. I think a lot of the little flex issues/pressure points would disappear with the response like they did with the Tactical when I sized down. It seems like it would be almost free of pressure points and hot spots day one.

Flex Retention:  Love the way the Adidas Response is laid out.  It’s got the articulating cuff that we love that seems to really help with flex retention. Seems like a boot that will hang in there for 100 days without becoming a sock at the end. So my only concern with the Response is how comfortable it is day 1.  Sometimes this could mean that the boot will break down quickly but in this case, I’m leaning towards thinking it won’t.  Just because my 2017 Tactical ADV with more than 50 days on it still has almost all it’s flex and it has similar flex retention tech.

Footprint: At my size (9 and 8.5 with this boot) the Adidas Response kills it and it’s smaller than every boot in the industry.  As you size up it’s not quite as reduced as some of the industry leaders like Burton.  At least most will size down 1/2 size so it should come close to evening out.

Turn Initiation:  It’s got the kind of turn initiation I love.  There is enough response to power a slow turning stiff freeride board well enough but also still be fun on a more freestyle oriented board.  It’s got that fun middle ground response that fits a wide spectrum of boards.

Shock Absorption:  Before I tried Energy Boost like with the Tactical and Acerra I would have said this was at the top but they changed things for me. Still, it’s way above average.

Heel Hold:  I like how the BOA lacing works here.  You have adjustability but you also still have a good wrap around the ankle.  If you want a super grip around the ankle there is better BOA lacing out there but it’s better than most speed lace boots I’ve tried.

Adjustability:  Most double BOA boots don’t give you the adjustability that the Adidas Response does. Upper and lower are completely separate so you can keep the top tight and the bottom loses or vice versa. Love this and it’s nice to see more BOA boots like this.

Traction:  Actually the traction on the Response was better in most conditions than the Tactical and I love this Continental rubber.

On & Off Ease: BOA is pretty easy on and very easy off. It’s on the upper end of the quick on and off thing so many people love.

So all in all the Adidas Response got slightly edged out as a favorite by the Tactical but it came very close and we liked this boot. For us, the Energy Boost shock absorption tech and overall feel underfoot on snow put the Tactical over the top but many of you will prefer the better traction and BOA lacing.