Adidas
Response 2
Product Judgment
Solid
7.5
Category: Daily Trainer
Release year: 2026
Evidence base: Moderate
Price Judgment
Strong Buy
Common retail price: ~$75
Availability: Widely Available
Based on manual research as of Sep 24, 2026
Description
Budget-friendly daily trainer positioned for comfort and stability. Wide fit and plush cushioning stand out among entry-level options. Reviewers consistently highlight value and comfort over performance.
Ride feels soft and protective, with a rigid, stable platform. Stiff construction limits flexibility and agility, but promotes a planted, secure feel. Noticeable weight and muted energy return define the overall experience.
Ideal for beginners, heel strikers, and runners seeking affordable comfort for easy miles. Excels at daily training and longer runs at moderate paces, especially for those needing a wide fit. Less suited for speedwork or racing, but offers reliable value for steady, comfortable runs.
Performance Scores
Comfort
8Soft Cloudfoam+ midsole and plush upper deliver above-average comfort for the price.
Energy Return
5Foam provides basic cushioning but lacks noticeable bounce or responsiveness.
Stability
8Wide platform and rigid build create a stable, planted ride.
Durability
7Outsole rubber shows good abrasion resistance despite being thin.
Fun to Ride
5Rigid, heavy construction limits agility and overall ride enjoyment.
Run Fitness
Daily
8Best suited for easy-paced daily runs with comfort and stability focus.
Long
7Generous cushioning supports longer mileage but weight may tire some runners.
Tempo
4Heavy, stiff build and low energy return limit tempo performance.
Race
3Bulk and lack of responsiveness make it unsuitable for racing.
Recovery
6Soft cushioning helps recovery, but rigidity reduces relaxation and flexibility.
Pros & Cons
- Excellent comfort for price
- Stable, wide platform
- Durable outsole
- Roomy fit
- Heavy and rigid
- Limited energy return
- Not agile
Soft Cloudfoam+ midsole and plush upper provide standout comfort for a budget shoe.
Broad platform and rigid construction deliver strong stability for neutral runners.
Outsole rubber offers good abrasion resistance, extending shoe lifespan.
Roomier fit and wider toebox accommodate runners needing extra space.
The shoe's weight and high rigidity make it feel bulky and less versatile.
Foam lacks bounce, resulting in a flat, unresponsive ride.
Stiffness and platform width reduce agility for faster or more dynamic runs.
Specifications
Best for paces
5:30–7:00 min/km
Drop
8 mm
Stack height
32 mm heel / 24 mm forefoot
Weight
301 g
Drop
8 mm
Stack height
32 mm heel / 24 mm forefoot
Weight
301 g
Pronation
Neutral
Width
wide
Terrain
Road
Technologies
Cloudfoam+ EVA midsole
Plate
no
Best for paces
5:30–7:00 min/km
Comparable Models
Adidas Galaxy 8 offers a highly breathable upper for easy running, but its heavy, stiff ride retains much of the Response 2's limited agility.
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Adidas Duramo Speed 2 combines smooth, predictable transitions with comfort and durability for easy-to-moderate running, while the Response 2 feels particularly rigid and bulky.
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ASICS Gel Pulse 17 adds plush step-in comfort to a protective, controlled ride, although its rigid platform shares the Response 2's limited faster-pace versatility.
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New Balance Fresh Foam 680 v9 favors soft flexibility and natural ground feel, addressing the Response 2's rigidity while giving up some structural support.
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Nike Downshifter 14 targets short runs with a firm, narrow fit, while the Response 2 uses a broad, protective platform for planted everyday comfort.
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