2008 Adidas Adistar
Weightlifting Shoe Review
Adidas has done it again—right on time for the Beijing Olympics, they’ve brought us a brand-new version of their iconic weightlifting shoe. Say goodbye to the 2004 Adistar and welcome the 2008 Adistar, a shoe that combines style, innovation, and performance.
The first look at the 2008 Adidas Adistar is mesmerizing: a polished wood heel, striking white glossy leather, and an almost clear non-marking sole topped off with a splash of shiny chrome mid-sole. It’s clean, it’s timeless, and it’s beautiful. This shoe is designed to turn heads both on and off the platform.
Price $199
Product Name: 2008 Adidas Adistar
Product Description: Weightllifting Shoe
Brand: Adidas
Availability: Discontinued
Overall
-
Shoe Incline - 10/10
10/10
-
Fit & Comfort - 8.1/10
8.1/10
-
Build Quality - 8.2/10
8.2/10
-
Performance - 9.5/10
9.5/10
-
Value - 9/10
9/10
-
Durability - 6/10
6/10
Initial Impressions and Dimensions of the Adistar
First things first: we always check the dimensions. The overall weight was about average. Size 9 weighed in at 479 grams. This is slightly heavier than the previous model but still a whopping 23% lighter than the Nike Romaleos. Next, for quality control, we weighed each shoe independently; they were within 1% of each other, which is an improvement. The 2004 Adidas Adistar weightlifting shoe ✏️ had an overall pitch of approximately 8%, and this remains unchanged in the 2008 Adistar model.
Design Changes and Features
During closer inspection, we noticed something very different from any Adidas weightlifting shoe thus far. Past shoes were fairly straightforward: there was a wood heel, rubber sole, and a leather upper. Simple. Yes, maybe it had cosmetic accents of look-alike carbon fiber and mesh, but structurally, it had been the status quo.
This new model marks a significant change for Adidas. Instead of using wood across the entire bottom wedge of the shoe, they incorporated a flexible mid-foot support system called the Torsion-System, made from TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane). Luckily, they maintained the wood heel for both looks and performance.
The 2004 Adidas Adistar weightlifting shoe was made of a very soft kangaroo leather. This felt fantastic on your foot, but unfortunately, it wasn’t very stable, so Adidas added three Velcro cross straps to help out. Fastening three straps was tedious. Each time Adidas releases a new weightlifting shoe, they always change the strap. We’re excited this time—they went old school with a single strap reminiscent of earlier models.
To help compensate for the minimization of straps and aid lateral support, they’ve made the entire upper with a polyurethane-coated leather. Another technique that Adidas used for support was making their three-stripe logo out of TPU and “bonding” it to the leather (a term Adidas uses to describe their attachment method, which is more akin to a strong adhesive bond). This new model has a lot of polyurethane.
Fit and Sizing Guide
When we first put the shoes on, we were very surprised. They didn’t fit! This shoe has a unique square toe box. We ordered seven pairs, and when the shoes arrived, we ended up playing musical shoeboxes. Instead of the lifters getting the shoes they ordered, everyone tried on a pair and took whichever ones fit. The lifters left out in the cold had to wait for their replacement sizes. The 2008 Adidas Adistar runs one size big. Women are usually instructed to order 1 to 1.5 sizes smaller than men’s sizing; however, we would recommend going down 2 to 2.5 sizes.
Training Performance
When we finally could train in the shoe, we were pleasantly surprised. The leather didn’t feel super stiff, and they broke in very quickly. Adidas utilizes Birds Nest with ClimaCool technology to provide enhanced cooling for your feet, and it works very well.
The single strap was a welcomed upgrade, and the added stability from the treated leather with the TPU support gave the shoe an amazing feel: flexible with excellent lateral stability, a true joy to lift in. The unorthodox toe box provided additional room, and when we did a split jerk, our lead foot toes didn’t get jammed against the inside.
Durability Concerns with the 2008 Adidas Adistar
After eleven days of wearing the shoe, we started having doubts about all this new technology. Not just one or two, but three of the lifters broke their straps! I’ve never seen this happen on a weightlifting shoe, new or old. For three shoes to break that quickly is unacceptable and obviously a design flaw.
In the past, Adidas used metal hoops that the strap would pass through, but on this upgrade, it’s plastic! If their motive was weight savings or cost reduction, either way — FAIL!
Adidas allowed no returns, so we had to repair them. Very inconvenient on a $200 pair of brand-new shoes. If you like your strap tight, then be prepared for a trip to the local hardware store for a metal D-Ring.
Pros and Cons of the 2008 Adistar
Pros
- Stylish and clean design with a polished wood heel and glossy leather.
- Lightweight compared to competitors like the Nike Romaleos.
- Incorporates the Torsion-System for enhanced flexibility.
- Single strap design for convenience, reminiscent of earlier Adidas models.
- ClimaCool technology provides excellent cooling for feet during training.
- Roomy toe box allows for greater comfort, especially during split jerks.
Cons
- Runs one size big, requiring careful sizing adjustments.
- Plastic buckle straps prone to breaking, which compromises durability.
- Lack of returns or support from Adidas for faulty straps.
Conclusion
It used to be that Adidas weightlifting shoes were simple yet stylish. The use of natural products like wood, leather, and cotton was standard. Longevity and quality were just as important as performance. A new day is upon us; modern, cheaper materials are sneaking in. TPU bonded onto leather, Torsion Systems, and plastic buckles. The concern now is how long will they hold up to daily use? Only time will tell.
Meanwhile, if you’re in the market for a weightlifting shoe that offers the ultimate in performance, style, and comfort, then don’t hesitate. Even with its flaws, the 2008 Adidas Adistar remains the foremost weightlifting shoe available today.
Hi I wanted to ask if you sell the Adistar 2008 in a 8.5 us and 10.5 us please let me know if you do and if not then where can i find these please. thank you
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.de%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F183803259071
If you still searching, I do have a size 10.5 for sale right now.
Would be interested in that us 10.5 aidstar. Feel free to reach out and send me some pics over shang.csy@gmail.com. Thank you!
Hi, do you still have these for sale?
Never did
Do you still have the 10.5 for sale?
Never did.
Hi I like buy adistar size 9.5 can you ship those product in israel
Do you have sizes 12 and 11.5 mens?
I wanted 9,5
hi im trying to find a size 12 in the adistars , 2008
Hey guys I wanted to buying size for 6 please.
Do you have that shoe in size 9??
I’d like one shows this model…
SHoes*
Do you have a size men’s 10 that I could purchase in the 2008 Adistars? Thanks.
you say to order in smaller sizes for men. If I am an 11 in mens, what size should i order?
Do you have these in a size 9? Much appreciated. – Michael
Hola yo quisiera saber si tienen este zapato en talle 4.5 us men, y el precio. Muchas gracias, saludos
I am looking for a size 13, are you selling them?
Hi just wondering if you have men’s 7.5 or men’s 8.5?
I am looking for a size 8? Thanks
U.S size 4.5
I’m korean.
Hello, I´m interesting in a size 9 woman? thanks!
I’ve been looking for a size 10 men’s in the 2008 model. Please help!
ebay.. see them all the time
Do you know where I can snag a pair of these beauties? Size 10.5 US
I been looking for these for a long time. On the rare occasion that I find a pair they’re selling for over $425!!!!!! That is insane! I can understand that the new line is made of plastic thus a lot less reliable but $425 is unbelievable.
If someway there is a size 11 in these at a reasonable price please let me know I would die for these!!
Correction: size 10.5!!
Hi I am in interested in a size 10 US/ 9UK. Please inbox. Much appreciated.
Thank you.
We don’t sell used shoes. Keep an eye on Ebay.
Do you sell these shoes in a 10.5 men’s? I would love to buy a pair.
we dont sell them. This is only a review.
I would love to buy a size 11 if there available!
yeah, they haven’t been made since 2010. keep an eye on ebay. I see them occasionally.
Hello, you need if size11 ??
I have a used pair of size 10. Heel and body are in great shape. Some scuffing on the toe boxes. Email if interested jbuchbinderfitness@gmail.com
i’d like to buy 1… size 9 us men
If anyone is holding a pair of mens size 8 (US) im very keen on buying them!
Anyone know the heel hight on these?
Hey!! is it still available
contact me on rami.labaan@gmail.com please !!
Do you have any size 8 womens?? I really need to get one before the commonwealth games in Gold Coast, Australia in April.
I’d like a size 10US men, let me know if you still have them!
’d like to buy 1… size 9 us men
About the plastic buckle breaking, i recently got myself a pair of these babies and im a fan of pulling those straps tight as hell, how did you go about fixing the broken buckles you came across??
Any chance you all have a 12.5-13?
How does one buy a pair of these in a size 12?
How do I buy a pair of these in a size 12?
I have a pair of Adidas Ironwork IIs in size 12. Let me know if you’re interested.
For Sale: Adidas Adistar ’08 SZ 10. Asking $650.00 USD
I have a pair of these lifting shoes in a Size 10. They are used but in excellent shape. I originally bought them in January of 2012 and use them from time to time. Sole, Wood heel, and overall shoe material is intake. Minor scuffs.
Is it possible you could get a size 8 in Men’s for these? I’d love to buy them on the spot. Thank you!1
Do you have size 8 in men’s?
Sorry what do you mean sizing runs big?
Would that mean a UK9 should buy an 8 or a 10?
Hi! I’m looking for a 8.5 US pair , is anyone selling those?
How much are these shoes going for now, realistically? I have seen some lightly used priced over $1,000. I have a brand new pair. Size 12. Never worn in the box.
Hello,if you have size 10.5 i like to buy.