Adidas Performance Thrasher 1.1

8.0
8.0 score
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Editor rating: 8.0 / 10
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Adidas Performance Thrasher 1.1 Review Facts

It’s Autumn, so let’s hit the trail running! Cooler comfortable temperatures call for cool comfortable running shoes. Having the right shoe can make a big difference in your trail running experience. The Adidas Performance Thrasher 1:1 features breathable mesh and removable insoles, as well as ADIWEAR® technology for maximum durability. These features have made this one of the best trail running shoes since its introduction in 2005. In fact, this is one of the best trail running shoes whether budget IS or ISN’T an issue.

They are affordable, lightweight, and come with an incredible amount of traction. Adidas began in Germany when Adolf Dassler desired to provide his athletes with the best possible equipment. Some of the first to wear the brand won gold medals in Amsterdam (1928) and Berlin (1936). You may not be trying out for the next Olympics but the Adidas Performance Thrasher 1.1 will make you feel like a world-class athlete. Check out the Pros, Cons, and other specs of this shoe, and I think you’ll find that you’ll want to give them a try.

Editor's Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Features ADIWEAR® in high-wear areas for increased durability.
  • Smooth heel-to-toe transition with the injected EVA midsole.
  • Top mesh for maximum breathability
  • Built for traction ON and OFF road.
  • Padded footbed inhibits slippage for maximum comfort.
Cons
  • Some runners feel the sole is a little stiff on road surfaces.
  • These shoes are not waterproof.
  • Some colors are more expensive than others.
Outsole

Outsole

The Adidas Performance Thrasher 1.1 was developed using ADIWEAR® technology. This means these shoes have an incredibly durable outsole, especially in the areas of the shoe that see the most wear and tear. ADIWEAR® is a non-marking rubber, not only used in tennis shoes, but also other high-performance applications when optimal balance, excellent abrasion resistance, traction, and flexibility are required. Adidas has chosen to use this technology in the heel and toe sections in order to increase durability. The beauty of this is that, even though it’s tough and durable, it still allows enough flexibility for pivoting, sliding, gliding, or descending on the trail when needed. The outsole is equipped with an aggressive tread pattern that is designed for maximum traction. The outsole material is also abrasion resistant.
Midsole

Midsole

The midsole of the Adidas Performance Thrasher 1.1 was given an injected EVA midsole, allowing for a smooth heel-to-toe transition. Having this smooth transition maximizes the efficiency of every stride. EVA stands for ethylene-vinyl acetate and is an elastomeric polymer that gives the shoe its rubber-like softness and flexibility.
Upper

Upper

The 'upper' portion of the shoe refers to the part that covers the toes, as well as the top of the foot and the back of the heel. Ventilated air mesh comprises the upper portion of the Adidas Performance Thrasher 1.1. This allows for the utmost breathability as things are heating up inside the shoe. The upper of this shoe also consists of a padded tongue and collar. Having this feature will often prevent that uncomfortable feeling of over tightening the laces.
Weight

Weight

Breathable air mesh not only allows for maximum ventilation, but it also allows this shoe to be lightweight. On average, a men’s US size 7 weighs approximately 11 ounces. Of course, weight varies slightly by a few ounces depending on the size of the shoe. If needing to know, a size 8, for example, weighs 1.70lbs in the shoe box. The dimensions are 629 x 16 inches and shipping weight is 3 lbs.
Breathability

Breathability

As a trail running shoe, the Thrasher has an impressive amount of breathability. This is because the upper is constructed with breathable mesh and fabric liner. These provide moisture wicking without sacrificing comfort. For time on the trail in warm weather or moist conditions, this shoe can save you from a lot of moisture-related foot ailments.

Read also about water resistant running shoes.
Comfort

Comfort

Many runners report improved plantar fasciitis due to the long-lasting comfort of this shoe. This is likely due to three reasons: the polyester fabric, the non-slip footbed, and the EVA midsole. Although some runners report that the sole is stiff when running on the road, most trail runners feel that the sole not too stiff to break in and remains solid. This shoe is known not to rub on the low ankle bone. Plus, the padded footbed inhibits slippage for maximum comfort. In addition, the inner sole can be pulled out for orthotics.
Style

Style

The Adidas Performance Thrasher 1.1 boasts stylish colors that don’t ruin easily. This is a nice plus for those runners that often ruin their shoes on the trail by running through mud and gunk. Popular colors include the core black/metallic silver/light onyx or the black/yellow and black/gray combo. The most popular women's color is pink/silver metallic/tribe berry. Other colors include Grey/Blue/Orange, black, and grey.

The Adidas Performance Thrasher 1.1 also shows off the Adidas trademark of three parallel stripes on the side of the shoe. Adidas was known for this branding early in its history, as the owner, Adolf Dassler, called Adidas, “The three stripe company”. Since 1949, this simple logo has empowered Adidas to be recognizable on a wide variety of products. At that time, Adidas had only 49 employees. In 2015, the company reportedly had over 55,000! That’s 55,000 people tasked with the responsibility and desire to bring you the perfect running shoe. They are now the largest sportswear manufacturer in Europe and the second largest in the world.
Durability

Durability

One of the best features of the shoe is the rubber traction outsole comprised of ADIWEAR®. This technology is found in the high-wear areas of heel landing and toe-off. Having increased durability in these areas allows you to run in this shoe longer, without having to replace it. When the heel landing or the toe-off areas wear down, you'll find you will have more bruising, aches, and pains. And, the more bruising, aches, and pain you have, the less you will want to be out on the trail. What fun is that?
Protection

Protection

It’s imperative that you choose the right running shoe to help protect you from the elements. It’s really easy to trip over ground roots or run over sharp rocks while out on the trail, so you need a shoe that has toe cushioning to provide safety and comfort. This shoe is it! The lace-up closures also help protect you by preventing insects from jumping into or landing inside your shoe.
Responsiveness

Responsiveness

A simple definition of “thrash” is the ability to hit someone or something very hard, to defeat easily/completely, or to move about violently. The Adidas Performance Thrasher 1.1 is named so because of the outsole’s ability to hit the ground hard, provide you with maximum traction, and at the same time, protect your feet in a way that traditional running shoes simply cannot. Other definitions of “thrash” include to go over again and again, and, to hammer out. You can “hammer out” an awesome trail run again and again in this durable, high-efficiency performance shoe.
Support

Support

Ankle twists are a common ailment for the trail runner. The Adidas Performance Thrasher 1.1 design helps to support your ankle, allowing you to twist and turn without the worry of damaging your ankles.
Terrain

Terrain

Trail running shoes are built differently than road-running shoes. They generally offer more durable outsoles and more aggressive tread patterns to enhance stability. They also offer increased foot protection with a stiffer sole and impact-receiving bases. Although the Adidas Performance Thrasher 1.1 was built for the trail, this shoe is actually great for any possible terrain.
Price

Price

This is considered a low cost running shoe. But, in fact, it is considered one of the best trail running shoes whether budget IS or ISN’T an issue. They are lightweight and affordable making them an excellent buy.
Stability

Stability

The Adidas Performance Thrasher 1.1 features a durable ADIWEAR® outsole allowing for all the stability you need to hit the trail running. Remember from the outsole section above, ADIWEAR® is a non-marking rubber, not only used in tennis shoes, but also other high-performance applications, when optimal balance, excellent abrasion resistance, traction, and flexibility are required.

The toe padding of this shoe also helps to provide stability and safety for your toes. This is an important feature when running on a trail in order to combat sharp rocks and ground roots. Toe padding helps protect your feet from bruising, aches and pains on your run so that you can run longer and harder. Your trail running buddies won’t be able to keep up with you when you are wearing this shoe! (Note: the aggressive trail pattern on the bottom of the shoe is also designed to enhance stability.)
Key Features

Key Features

•EVA injected midsole for long-lasting comfort

ADIWEAR® tough rubber outsole for maximum durability

•Ventilated air-mesh upper for optimal breathability

•Aggressive trail pattern on the bottom of the shoe for traction on wet or dry surfaces.

•Lace-up closures to protect against the elements.
Bottom Line

Bottom Line

The Adidas Performance Thrasher 1.1 is a durable, reasonably priced trail running shoe. The abrasion resistant outer washes off easily, allowing the outside to remain looking as nice as the inside feels. When looking to buy the best trail running shoes for your next run, consider the breathable mesh and durable synthetic upper material of this shoe, as well as the plush tongue and collar that cradle the foot.

The breathable fabric lining offers maximum underfoot and all-day comfort. And, so do the molded foam insole and the EVA midsole! If all that isn't enough, the ADIWEAR® outsole that delivers lasting durability, has made this one of the best trail running shoes since its introduction on August 8, 2005. Adidas creates cutting-edge shoes for both men and women. These are designed to enhance your performance for your active lifestyle. So, what are you waiting for? Go tear up the trail in this rugged performance shoe!