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| Riding Level | Intermediate - Expert |
| Lacing Type | Traditional Lace |
| Manufactured in | China |
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Where To Buy
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Adidas Tactical ADV 2021 - 2017 Review by The Good Ride
Turn Ons/Swipe Right: Lasts a long time. Exceptional Shock Absorption. Great Mid to Med/Stiff flexing boot. Excellent choice for wider feet.
Turn Ons/Swipe Left: Rough inner liner material around the heel area. Liner Velcro pops open when riding.
Summary
The Adidas Tactical ADV Gold level liner didn’t work for us but it is still works for those who want excellent shock absorption & long lasting response. It is also one of the better choices for anyone who has a wider foot.
Ethics Statement: We don’t get paid by the manufacturer to write these reviews. We do make money from the “Where To Buy” links, but this is our best attempt at an honest and objective review from an average riders’ perspective.
Adidas Tactical ADV 2021 Snowboard Boot Review: How It Rides And Who It Is For
How This Review Happened: I haven’t heard form Adidas this year so I bought this.
Days: None. Tried it on in the house and the pain in the heel was too much to try and ride it. I did get around 50+ days with the 2020 model (same as 2021) before switching back to the 2019 model with the silver level liner due to foot pain. 120+ with the 2019 and 90+ with the 2018 Model. 80+ with the 2017 model.
Size Tried: Size 8.5 and 9
Riders: James (Size 9 E, 5’10” 185-190lbs)
Insoles: Footprint Insole Technology Gamechangers, Footprint Insole Technology Gamechangers Lite, Footprint Insole Technology Gameghangers Low Profile, Sandsole Custom Insoles
Bindings: Union Atlas, Union Strata, Union Contact Pro/Union Superpro, Union Falcor, Union Force, Burton Genesis X, Burton Cartel, Burton Mission, Burton Malavita, Salomon Quantum, Salomon Highlander, Salomon Hologram, Salomon District, Nitro Team Pro, Nitro Team, Nitro Carver, Nitro Phantom Carver, Now O-Drive, Now Drive, Now Pilot, Now Select, Now IPO,
Boards: Most of the boards I rode the last 3 years….Capita Spring Break 158 Powder Glider, Capita Spring Break 161 Tree Hunter, Jones Mind Expander, Burton Skeleton Key, Gentemstick Mantaray 156, Korua Dart, Korua Pencil, United Shapes Orbit, Yes Optimistic, Rome Pow Division MT, Endeavor Scout, Yes Pick Your Line, Burton Flight Attendant, Jones Flagship, Never Summer West Bound, Rossignol XV, Lib Tech BRD, Lib Tech Lost Round Nose Fish, Korua Otto, Lib Tech Terrain Wrecker, Loaded Algernon, Capita Mercury, Endeavor Pioneer, Lib Tech TRS HP, Never Summer Proto Typ Two, Nitro Fury, Yes Greats, Lib Tech Hot Knife, Stone Message, Rossignol Jibsaw, Lib Tech Box Knife, Yes Jackpot, Never Summer Funslinger, Ride TwinPig,
James’ Foot Specs
Foot Size: 9 US
Foot Width: E
Arch Length: Right 9.5 and Left 9
Instep: (left and Right) 10.5”
Calf Circumference: Top of boot 17” & Bottom of boot 12”
Sizing/Fit
With the 2018 & 2019 Adidas Tactical ADV, I used to fit an 8.5 like a true size 9 but now with the 2020 and 2021 boots I feel in between sizes. The 8.5 is a little too tight and the 9 a touch too big. It also works better than some wide boots when it comes to accommodating wider footed riders.
Construction/Flex/Flex Retention
The Adidas Tactical ADV is still a really well built boot and even more long lasting with the Gold Level Liner. Everyone can wear out a boot differently depending on how you ride and how hard you crank it down. That being said this boot lasted a really long time for me. Even after 120+ days on my 2019 with the silver level liner the
Adjustability/Heel Hold
The Adidas Tactical ADV liner has some pretty aggressive J-Bars and a very rough material that is kind of like shark skin. Its easy in but holds you in place when you lift it up. It does a pretty good job holding your ankle in place for traditional lace. It still isn’t like Focus BOA that double wraps around your ankle but it does a good job. The one thing is Nick and I did not like how the rough inner liner around the ankle caused blisters if you hike, Drift Board or Split Board it made your heel sore and we had really big blisters all year. Those that don’t hike, split or drift a lot might not have this issue but can’t say for sure. Some others in our crew love the Gold Level liner but it almost broke Nick and I last year.
Another issue is the Velcro in the Gold Level Liner of my 2020 model (same as 2021). It broke open a lot on a toe side turn and it really threw me off my game a lot. Even worse I had to stop and re-do my liner. I had to also lace the top tighter than I would like to keep the liner from breaking open. I do have decent sized calves though. They aren’t huge but just even featured.
Response/Turn Initiation
The Adidas Tactical ADV has great response that matches the flex. Even better it lasts for a long time before becoming more medium response. Even the soft cushy sole doesn’t seem to hinder response.
Shock Absorption/Board Feel
If you like a really thin sole that gives you a lot of board feel the Adidas Tactical ADV might not be the boot for you. If you want amazing shock absorption this is the boot for you. Nothing is close and we didn’t feel like it was disconnected from the board and bindings. The energy boost is thick but there is energy from edge to edge that doesn’t feel super connected but pretty responsive and we liked it.
Traction
There is pretty good traction with the Adidas Tactical ADV. Especially on cold climbs that softer rubber gripped PNW rocks very well. Never had a problem with these in ice either.
Footprint
It is very reduced for a size 9 and even more so with Burton. Even when putting on my bindings I had to adjust the toe strap in one to match up with the Adidas vs. my Burton in size 9. However, as you size up to 10.5, 11, etc. the footprint is more similar and Burton is more reduced.
On & Off Ease
Traditional lace is pretty easy off and it’s not that bad on. The only thing that sucks is the laces hand down and seem to always get in the way if you don’t tuck them into the boots. I still think this is a worthwhile sacrifice for such good adjustability.
Conclusion
The rough interior of the Gold Level liner around the ankle was a deal breaker for me. It just hurt all last season with my 2020’s and I had to switch back to my 2019’s. That being said this is still a very recommendable boot as long as you don’t do a lot of hiking or skinning/split boarding. Many riders that I know who just ride lifts and don’t do much uphill travel love these still.
Adidas Tactical ADV Past Reviews
The Adidas Tactical snowboard boot is not without faults but the major standouts are the next level shock absorption and flex retention. The 2018-2020 Adidas Tactical is the same boot but now you can choose the Adidas Tactical Lexicon if you want a more comfortable liner or choose the Tactical if you want more flex longevity.
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.
This boot is not without faults but it is what most of us wear at The Good Ride and it works with a wide variety of boards and bindings. If you are all about long-term reliability, a reduced footprint, shock absorption and if the tounges downward pressure doesn’t bother you the Adidas Tactical is a great call.
Days: 120+
Size Tried: 9, 8.5, 11, 11.5, 10.5, 13
Riders: James (Size 9, 5’10” 185-195lbs), Jimbo (Size 11, 5’11” 160lbs), Peter (Size 8, 5’11” 185lbs), Grant (Size 11, 6′, 160lbs) Stephen
Insoles: Footprint Insole Technology Gamechangers, Footprint Insole Technology Gamechangers Lite, Footprint Insole Technology Gameghangers Low Profile, Sandsole Custom Insoles
Bindings: Bindings: Union Atlas, Union Strata, Union Falcor, Union Superpro, Burton Genesis, Burton Genesis X, Burton Cartel, Union Force, Union Contact, Union Contact Pro, Union T.Rice, Burton Mission, Salomon Hologram, Salomon Defender, Salomon District, Salomon Quantum, Now Drive, Now Pilot, Now Select, Now O-Drive, Now IPO, Union Ultra , Burton Malavita,
Boards: OZ Custom Woody, Korua Puzzle, Yest Basic, Yes Typo, Salomon Assasin, Rome Agent Rocker, Yes Optimistic 2016, Yes Greats, Yes Pick Your Line, Yes Jackpot, Jones Mountain Twin, Jones Ultra Mountain Twin, Jones Flagship, Jones Hovercraft, Loaded Algernon, Rossignol One Magtek, Rossignol XV, Rossignol Jibsaw, Lib Tech TRS, Lib Tech Hot Knife, Lib Tech Burtner Box Scratcher, Lib Tech Lando Phoenix, Burton Flight Attendant, Burton Skeleton Key, Gnu Mulair, Gnu Space Case, Gnu Headspace, Gnu Riders Choice, Capita Mercury, Capita Outerspace Living, Capita Spring Break Powder, Capita Ultrafear, Gentemstick Stingray, DWD Rat, Never Summer Proto Type Two, Never Summer Chairman, Never Summer Funslinger, Never Summer West, Rome Agent Rocker, Never Summer Ripsaw, Lib Tech Box Knife, Lib Tech Terrain Wrecker, K2 Broadcast, K2 Manifest, Rome Powder Division 157 and many many more.
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: The fit is just like a Burton that’s on the wider side of regular in the toe box so there is room to use the toes. The size 2017 size 9 felt about a 1/4 size large and with the change to the liner, the 2018-2019 Adidas Tactical feels like it’s up to a 1/2 size large so that’s why the 8.5 fits so well now. The only sizing that seems to fit true is the UK. It actually fits better than the 2017 Size 9.
Flex: It’s pretty medium stiff and seems like it will stay that way for a good while.
Comfort: I had some issues with the 2017 model in size 9 but none with the 2018 size 8.5. I haven’t felt that instant comfort in a long time and it’s not easy to do. So if you can go with the 2018-2019 Adidas Tactical because the fit is so much better.
The 2017 model is not 100% love at first try but it’s probably more around 80% love. There is a little mellow pressure on the roof of my foot just below the ankle which is I thought might be a big issue but instead, it faded throughout the day as I rode it the boot conformed much better to my feet. Now it’s a very comfortable boot to ride and my only suggestion is to take it slowly on breaking it in as I described above in the video.
Heel Hold: Very good heel hold and I don’t feel the heel lifting at all. I have slightly thicker ankle joints so I don’t often have heel lift but this felt pretty good. I would like to see an option on the inside of the shell or outside of the liner with Velcro for J-Bars but many will stick to the liner material so it’s not a super big deal.
Adjustability: Traditional Lace Boots still have an advantage over all other lacing types except hybrid setups that have something extra along with traditional lace. It takes more work but if you can tie a mountaineers knot you can really dial out your boots to fit your foot better than any other lacing system.
Flex Retention: This is the best in the Adidas line when it comes to flex retention mainly because of the fully articulating cuff and the sturdier material on the outside. The liner isn’t anything to write home about and it would be nice to see some reinforcement in the areas with the most flex but still, overall it’s on the higher end of the flex retention spectrum. This is a great choice for the 100 day a year rider.
Turn Initiation/Response: The tactical is pretty responsive if it’s tightened up but a nice smooth medium response if the upper rungs are left a little loose. That’s one of the reasons I love the versatility of traditional lace boots with an articulating cuff.
Traction: There are soft rubber spikes places throughout the boot so it will hold well in almost any kind of snow.
Shock Absorption: This shock absorption is really next level and I can’t say that I’ve experienced anything like it. It’s not just cushy but really springy too so it doesn’t really feel like you are losing response.
Footprint: Very reduced just like the rest of the line and it’s at the top of the industry. It’s the kind of boot that can really help reduce toe/heel drag. As the sizes get larger we have noticed less of a difference when it comes to footprint size but Adidas is still a little bit smaller. You can also see that it seems Adidas will be less likely to have heel or toe drag by the way the sole tapers up in the heel and toe. Here are some pics of the 18 Tactical that is the same as the 2019 and 2020 compared to K2, Burton and Ride so you can get an idea of how reduced the footprint is in my sizes. The Burton is a size 9, Ride size 9, K2 size 8.5 (runs 1/2 size large like Adidas), and AdidasTactical a size 8.5 (runs 1/2 size large).
On & Off Ease: Traditional Lace isn’t that bad and it’s much easier than people think. Yes, it’s slower than Speed Lace or BOA but not by much. It’s almost as fast as BOA if you are one of those people who are constantly micro adjusting because when a BOA is undone it opens up pretty quick.
If you can get past the traditional lace and the fit/comfort is right then the 2018-2020 Adidas Tactical could be a great fit. For me (James Biesty) the 2018-2019 is one of the best fitting boots I’ve had in a while
Just to let you know in the vids this was a size 9 boot reviewed last spring and after trying an 8.5 I realized that all the little problems I’m talking about in the video aren’t there with the size 8.5 production model and the fit/comfort was much better.
Adidas Tactical ADV Specs
Adidas Tactical ADV Images
We try to get as many images of the Adidas Tactical ADV, but forgive us if they're not all there.
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
Adidas Tactical ADV User Reviews
Not the best
The boots I still ride are Nike Zoom Kaiju (2012?). These are the Cinderella slippers of boots IMO but need to be replaced at this point.
Rode with a 2020 YES Jackpot 156 and 2020 Nitro Team Pro Size Large.
Based on this review I purchased the Adidas after trying them on in-store. They felt alright in that time period. They have a wide enough toe box and good heel hold.
At home wearing them for 1 -2 hours that top pressure comes in HOT. Like unbearable. I made a little room by packing them out a bit. This mostly worked.
I Rode for 1 day at Norquay and 1 day at lake Louise. After that, I think I am done with them.
Issues:
1. That top pressure.
2. They do not articulate well IMO in the size 11. They do that thing where they just push out near the laces as they were not designed to bend or something.
3. The heel lift. The review called it out but I like the flatter "skate-style" These just never felt right to me as I could not adjust for that much lift. Felt like a 2" stiletto on my board.
The good:
1. They look cool.
2. Reduced footprint. They are slightly shorter than my Nike pair but a bit bigger everywhere else. Still nice in this dept.
I would say that a normal foot and maybe a smaller size jump on them. Just not good for me and a few others.
Great if you like instep pain
So these boots are really good, but there is a major flaw that makes them trash. When the tongue bends it applies pressure on the instep (top part of foot), which becomes almost unbearable after a few hours of riding. If it wasn't for this pain, they would be great boots, but I can't figure out a way to get rid of the pain. Tried breaking them in, and bending the tongue without any luck. They're just not worth risking it when buying new considering they lose almost 50% of their value as soon as you test them on the snow.
Amazing for size 11 feet
Ok first off, I usually and a 11.5 in Nike shoes. I was previously using thirty two binary boa 11us and they were a bit small and large foot print. I got the adidas tactical 10.5 us and they fit me perfectly. The extra room in the toe box makes all the difference for me. To let you know the footprint reduction, I measures these against a burton ruler 2019 size 10 and yheynweee exactly the same footprint. So for me it’s game changing. A board that’s 265mm centre of the reference points is enough to eliminate boot out. 265 gives you about 1.5cm over hang each side. Maybe I could go 260 not sure. Also size medium for union and burton.
The boot is reasonably comfortable. Good flex. Haven’t had any real comfortable issues. Traction is great, probably the best hiking boots I’ve had. Easy to walk in. Good response tho I will probably go the Acerra 2020. I have about 20days on these so far and they holding up well.
Bottom line if you are same sized feet as me and want to ride SOME REGULAR sized boards this is the go. I can’t explain how much better it is going from a wide 158 custom x to a regular
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