adidas Adistar Cushion

Adistar Cushion

In the early 2000s, adidas had a broad suite of high-performance running shoes, one of which was the Adistar Cushion. First released in 2005, its top-level cushioning, supportive features and bold, techy design made it a standout noughties silhouette. Almost two decades later, the Adistar Cushion’s vintage rubber aesthetic was perfectly on-trend, and adidas relaunched it as a modern lifestyle sneaker.

The adidas Adistar Cushion has a breathable mesh upper with no-sew overlays flowing along the flanks beside angular 3-Stripes logos. These form part of the shoe’s secure lacing system, which also incorporates reinforced eyelets at the top to provide firm lockdown. Protective synthetic overlays appear over the toe and around the back of the foot, with reflective accents fused onto them for an extra touch of practicality. Alongside this, the collar and tongue are generously lined with soft padding, making the Adistar Cushion incredibly comfortable on foot.

Supporting the Adistar Cushion is a powerful sole unit with Adiprene cushioning visible in the heel. This responsive foam offers superior comfort and shock absorption, while a midfoot shank stabilises the wearer through each step. Along with having an expansive heel, the midsole also has a layer of Adiprene in the forefoot for comprehensive support. A hard-wearing, abrasion-resistant Adiwear outsole enhances the underfoot protection even further, its flexible rubber delivering outstanding grip through a set of sturdy lugs and dynamic tread lines.

As well as being full of performance technologies, the adidas Adistar Cushion has a bold style that fits into the early 2020’s trend for chunky mesh runners from the Y2K era. Its energising take on the classic 3-Stripes logo is joined by an eye-catching tongue patch with adidas Adistar Trefoil branding for a strong look. Meanwhile, many colourways feature striking metallic elements that, along with the reflective accents, pay homage to the original 2005 version. However, it is the Adistar Cushion’s impressive sole unit that really sets it apart as its sleek, swooping design lines and thick blocks of Adiprene cushioning give it a distinctive appearance.

Since returning in 2023, the Adistar Cushion has grown in popularity as a stylish sneaker that offers outstanding everyday comfort and support. Its high-fashion credentials have been boosted by memorable collaborations such as an elegant design from luxurious fashion label Sporty & Rich and a multi-sneaker collection crafted by Australian brand Song for the Mute which incorporates novel features like a co-branded tongue patch and a pull tab at the heel. In 2025, as well as expanding both of these collaborations, adidas partnered with Cincinnati-based lifestyle boutique UNheardof to create a duo of vibrant Adistar Cushion colourways.

With its chunky retro charm and tough, techy style, the adidas Adistar Cushion is a well-crafted lifestyle sneaker with a proud sporting history that offers exceptional comfort and support for all-day wear while also making a bold fashion statement.