Can You Run in Adidas Yeezys? (Boost 350, 500, 700 & Foam Runner)

Adidas Yeezys are a popular sports-style shoe, but are they actually good for sports? Can you run in Yeezys?

You probably shouldn’t run in Adidas Yeezys because, while trendy, they weren’t designed for heavy use. The 700 was initially marketed as a running shoe, but it does not have the durability expected by serious runners, especially for the price. The 350 may work for casual runs, but the 500 and the Foam Runner (despite the name) are unfit to run in.

Continue reading to take a more in-depth review of the most popular Yeezys. You’ll learn about each design and why they aren’t suitable for running.

Is It Okay to Run in Adidas Yeezys?

Yeezys are a line of shoes produced by Adidas in collaboration with rapper Kanye West. Currently, the brand boasts several variations, most of which feature athletic styling despite being a fashion-first shoe.

Running in Yeezys for any significant amount of time is not a good idea. Their design doesn’t complement running, as they put fashion above form.

The fashion-forward aspect makes most shoes restrictive, impeding you from performing your best during a run.

Running sneakers require a design with less restriction. Functionality should trump fashion in a running shoe, especially if it can make a noticeable improvement in a runner’s time.

You want a running sneaker that gives your feet enough room to breathe without any added weight to slow you down. Most Yeezys can’t provide this.

Are Adidas Yeezys considered running shoes?

For what they are, Adidas Yeezys are killing the competition, making a cool $1.7 billion in 2021 alone – but are they any good for running?

Yeezys are not good for long-distance running, although some styles are suitable for short or casual runs.

• Adidas Yeezy 350 – Good for casual runs, but no more.
• Adidas Yeezy 500 – Not good for running.
• Adidas Yeezy 700 – Initially marked as a running shoe, this sneaker is really only good for a 5K, no more.
• Adidas Yeezy Foam Runner – Despite the name, this shoe is meant for comfort, not speed.

Keep reading to learn more about each shoe and what makes it unsuitable as a serious running shoe.

Can you run in the Adidas Yeezy 350?

The Adidas Yeezy 350 is the flagship shoe of the collaboration between the shoemaker and Kanye West. It features a lightweight design and decent cushioning, meaning it meets several expectations of a running shoe (more on that later).

Adidas claims the Yeezy 350s have the following features:

• Adidas’ proprietary Boost technology, which improves performance in both the outsoles and midsoles.
• an upper that is composed of Primeknit, so it’s breathable, lightweight, and waterproof.
• a narrow toe box, so you’ll have to go up a half or full size (especially if you plan on running in them).

You can run in a pair of Yeezy 350 shoes. They are best for casual or neutral runners, where going long distances isn’t a concern. However, the material is too lightweight and will start to deteriorate rapidly. Once this happens, you’ll need to reinvest in a new pair of shoes.

Additionally, Adidas Yeezys 350 shoes cost an average of $220, which is $100 more when compared to the average price of running shoes. This is a high investment for a product that doesn’t last if you use it as a running shoe.

These are best for someone who prefers a fashion-forward shoe, both comfortable and good for short sprints when you’re on the move.

Can you run in the Adidas Yeezy 500?

The Keezy 500 is Kanye’s version of a basketball shoe – but still made with fashion in mind.

The Yeezy 500 is not considered a running sneaker. It’s a basketball shoe. A basketball sneaker serves a different purpose. Where a runner needs flexibility and mobility, a basketball player needs more ankle support for jumping.

Notable features of the Yeezy 500 include:

• A multi-layer upper made of lycra, premium leather, and cow suede.
• adiPRENE+ midsole that provides cushioning improves rebound and absorbs shock.
• A light rubber outsole that enhances traction.
• Added visibility with lace eyelets.

Shoes like the Yeezy 500 have a bulkier design to provide the support required for basketball. This then increases the weight of the sneaker. It’ll slow you down if you wear them while running.

The average cost of the Yeezy 500 sneakers is $200 in 2022.

Can you run in the Adidas Yeezy 700?

The Yeezy 700 – commonly called the Wave Runner based on its first colorway name – was originally marketed as a running sneaker. Is it actually good for running?

The 700 was initially marketed as a running shoe, so it’s the only Adidas Yeezy used for running that will hold up. Although you should limit yourself to no more than 5K races. The sneakers are good quality, but they aren’t meant to last much longer than that.

The Yeezy 700 includes:

• Upper created from premium leather and suede overlays with a reflective heel and mesh underlays.
• The outsole and midsole are made from Boost, aiding comfort and increasing stability.
• Low ankle collar that still provides a firm fit.

Yeezy 700 is reselling at around $320 a pair as of 2022.

Can you run in the Adidas Yeezy Foam Runner?

Despite the name, the Yeezy Foam Runner looks more like a futuristic pair of Crocs than running shoes. Are looks deceiving? Is it possible to run in Foam Runners?

You cannot use Yeezy Foam Runners as a running sneaker. They are designed exclusively for comfort and fashion.

Yeezy Foam Notable Runner Features

• Slip-on design for added convenience.
• The entire shoe is one material.
• Lightweight ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam mixed with algae.
• Excellent traction for everyday shoes.
• No tongue, so it has minimal ankle support.

Yeezy Foam Runners resell at around $200 as of Dec. 2021.

Adidas Yeezys Compared to a Good Pair of Running Shoes

To see exactly why Yeezys do not compare to traditional running shoes, we need to look at what exactly makes a good running shoe.

When selecting a high-quality pair of shoes for heavy or long-distance running, you’ll want to consider the:

• Shoe Design
• Insole
• Heel-toe drop
• Cost

Doing your research ahead of time will ensure you aren’t overpaying for shoes that underperform.

Let’s dive further into what makes for an excellent running sneaker and see how Yeezy’s compare to them.

Shoe Design

Shoes have a variety of purposes, and each requires a unique design that helps to deliver the desired results.

An excellent running sneaker is lightweight, supportive, flexible, and cooling. Each part of a running sneaker uses a specific material and design cut to aid you during a run.

The main parts of a sneaker you’ll want to pay the closest attention to include the following:

• Upper
• Ankle Collar
• Heel Counter
• Tongue
• Toe box
• Outsole
• Midsole

Let’s explore what to look for in each part of a running shoe and compare it to a pair of Adidas Yeezys to see how they compare.

Upper

A shoe upper is all the material that covers the foot above the sole. It has come a long way from the days of sewing and gluing fabrics and mesh.

Today, most uppers are designed with a skillful technique using 3D printing and knitting. This creates a seamless single-fitted layer that supports the shoe and stretches correctly.

The running community adopted knitted uppers early on because of their lightweight feel. It’s now become the most utilized shoe material with an expected market size of $4.7 billion by 2026.

Textile fabric is another commonly used material that works well for running sneakers. It has gained popularity over the years since it’s a well-balanced material and can easily create patterns and designs.

Are Adidas Yeezys’ Upper Good for Running?

Most Adidas Yeezys are designed with a “Primeknit” shoe upper, a proprietary fabric owned by Adidas.

This upper provides a knitted one-piece structure that helps resist tearing and offers waterproofing. This proprietary fabric is one that’s useful for runners and is used on the Yeezy 350 and the Yeezy 700.

However, many Yeezys in the collection have other materials added to the upper, reducing its running efficiency. Only Yeezys created with mostly Primeknit fabric are suitable for long-distance running.

Ankle Collar

An ankle collar is the top part of the shoe that wraps around your ankle to hold it in place. As a runner, you probably know how important this shoe part is to maximizing your running time.

Most runners agree that padding at the back of the ankle collar is an absolute must for a good pair of shoes. Sneakers without the required padding start chafing the ankle, which can cause extensive pain during and after your runs.

A good pair of running sneakers has a secure collar that also offers good flexibility. You don’t want a collar that interferes with your ankles’ range of motion when running.

When you make sudden pivots during a run to avoid an obstacle, having free movement in your ankles reduces the risk of injury.

If you have the wrong ankle collar, you can experience severe discomfort while running. It can even cause serious injury if you’re not careful. 

Knowing your body is essential to get a shoe with an ankle collar that suits your needs as a runner. You can follow a few general guidelines to help guide your decision.

Are Adidas Yeezys’ Ankle Collar Good for Running?

Adidas Yeezys offer various ankle collar types depending on the shoe, most of which are suitable for running.

Yeezys with a lousy ankle collar for running include:

• Yeezy 500
• Yeezy Foam Runner
• Yeezy 750
• Yeezy QNTM

Heel Counter

A heel counter is a material in the back of the shoe that helps to stabilize your heel, cradling and supporting it. It also anchors your foot to the midsole. 

Finding a running shoe with a firm-fitted heel counter is crucial to preventing your ankle and foot from sliding around while you run.

As shoe technology develops, many newer running sneakers no longer depend on heel counters. Design techniques have given ultralight running shoe manufacturers the ability to remove the heel counter to improve your freedom of movement.

Which type of heel counter you use depends on your running environment and comfortability. If you suffer from stability issues with your heel, you may gravitate toward a shoe with a soft but fitted heel counter.

In comparison, running in a triathlon may require a shoe with no heel counter to increase your movement ability between and during each part of the event.

No matter your needs, it’s best as an avid runner to have a pair of each. You can conquer any race on any landscape with the proper equipment.

Are Adidas Yeezys’ Heel Counter Good for Running?

Several Yeezy sneakers offer a no heel counter design, which would be suitable for some runners, including the:

• Yeezy Boost 380 Reflective
• Yeezy 350 V2 CMPCT
• Yeezy Knit RNR
• Yeezy 350 Boost

Many wearers of these shoes have complained that they were too loose, making it difficult to run for an extended time. With a no heel counter design, investors and creators didn’t create these shoes with runners in mind.

Two Adidas Yeezy shoes stand out in this category above all others. These Yeezy models include the following:

• Yeezy Boost 700
• Yeezy Boost 700 v2

The Yeezy Boost 700 v2 was created after the Boost 700, so their overall design and intent are similar. The heel counter design is soft yet offers plenty of support from the ankle to the heel.

Tongue

A tongue of a shoe is located underneath the laces, sitting on the top-center part.

An excellent sneaker tongue for most runners is soft in the front to protect it from chafing. It should also be leveled so that it won’t rub against or hit your ankle or leg while you run.

You also want a snug fit when you run, so your foot stays firmly inside the sneaker. This prevents your shoe from slipping off and causing a potential injury. Not to mention, a loose shoe worries most runners and will distract you the entire time you run.

A tongue designed for running consists of a lightweight material to prevent excessive weight on the front of the foot. It should also be created with a breathable fabric, as it is essential in providing enough cool air and letting the hot air out.

Are Adidas Yeezys’ Tongue Good for Running?

Regarding overall tongue design, very few Adidas Yeezys’ have shoe tongues suitable for running. 

Most Yeezys have a lacing system that doesn’t make sense. Certain sneakers don’t tie tight enough, leaving your shoe slightly loose. Others don’t tie at all.

Yeezy’s that suffer from these issues include:

• Yeezy 350 Boost
• Yeezy 350 Boost v2
• Yeezy 350 V2 CMPCT
• Yeezy Foam Runner
• Yeezy 450
• Yeezy Knit RNR
• Yeezy Boost 380

This makes running uncomfortable, so you wouldn’t want to run more than a few miles in some of them.

There are two Yeezys that do have a decent sneaker tongue and accompanying lace structure. The Yeezys with the best tongue for running are the:

• Yeezy Boost 700
• Yeezy Boost 700 v2

As these shoes were initially designed and marketed toward runners, both Adidas Yeezy Boost 700 and Boost 700 v2 have an excellent sneaker tongue design for runners.

Toe box

The toe box includes most of the very front upper, going from the end of the shoe up to the eyelets.

For runners, you need more than a toe box that covers and protects your toes. You need one that provides you with maximum flexibility and mobility. Most runners choose a wide toe box because it allows your toes to move freely and your forefoot to flex. This flex should be enough to spread your toes in length and width.

The ideal space between the end of your toes and your shoe’s beginning is at least half an inch.

Not all shoe’s toe boxes are created equal. Many are made to be very narrow, making your run extremely uncomfortable. As a runner, you’ll want to be mindful of this when purchasing running shoes.

Some shoes require you to go up a half or full size to rectify this. This solution may not work for everyone or every shoe, though.

Are Adidas Yeezys’ Toe Box Good for Running?

Yeezy toe boxes vary depending on the shoe type. However, most athletic shoes are designed with a narrow toe box, including:

• Yeezy 350 Boost
• Yeezy 350 Boost V2
• Yeezy 450
• Yeezy Knit RNR
• Yeezy 380 Boost
• Yeezy 700 V2
• Yeezy 700 V3
• Yeezy 700 MNVN
• Yeezy Foam Runners

With so many Yeezys having a narrow toe box, they aren’t good for running.

This is intentional, as the shoes are meant to be more form-fitted than traditional shoes. While perfect for fashion, a tight shoe like the above list of Yeezys’ isn’t ideal for running.

The only shoes that have a decent toe box that’s good for running include the:

• Yeezy 700
• Yeezy 500

While you can get a better toe box going up a half size or full size, it’s not uncommon that the shoes are then slightly too big. This makes it impossible to have a seamless running experience in a pair of shoes.

Outsole

The outsole of a shoe is the bottom part of the sole, where the rubber touches the ground. It’s mainly constructed of rubber or foam compounds and strategically placed to enhance the shoe.

Running shoes have an outsole that enhances flexibility, adds bounce, provides added traction and durability, and increases stability. It should do all that without adding stiffness or excessive weight interfering with your performance.

Most running shoes worth their salt has their outsoles created with a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) compound. TPU adapts to the body’s movements without restricting your mobility. It’s waterproof and breathable, resists breakage and abrasions, reduces wear and tear, and provides high comfort.

This material is a game changer for runners, and going with another type for your shoe upper may slow you down.

Are Adidas Yeezys’ Outsole Good for Running?

Most Yeezys are created with Adidas’ proprietary Boost material. This is a new form of TPU they’ve manufactured to help improve performance without sacrificing superior traction.

Almost all Yeezys have superior traction, making most outsoles good for running.

Yeezy Foam Runners, however, were created from a different type of material, made of a foam designed from algae. While innovative, it’s not a material you want to run in, as it doesn’t have the durability and traction needed for all the elements you face during a run.

Midsole

The midsole is the foam between the outsole and the insole.

Running shoes have a thicker midsole designed to help absorb shock and provide added cushion.

Alternatively, racing flats commonly used in long-distance events or road races have much thinner midsoles. The quick science behind why is simple.

Thinner midsoles shorten your ground contact time between each stride without burning extra energy. This helps you run faster and with more efficiency.

Most times, the midsole you want correlates with the type of shoe you have to purchase.

Are Adidas Yeezys’ Midsole Good for Running?

The Yeezys’ midsole matches the outsole with the same Adidas Boost propriety material, making them good for running.

The Yeezy Foam Runner is the only shoe that does not have a good midsole for running.

Insole

The insole is the inner part of your shoe that supports and cushions the bottom of your foot.

The insole determines most of your comfortability in a shoe, provides a better fit, and adds extra comfort.

This depends all on personal preference for your running shoe. The only significance it has against your running performance is if you are uncomfortable.

If you don’t like the insoles of your running sneakers or have worn them out, you can purchase new ones at a store. Many are designed with specific needs in mind, which may aid your running performance.

Are Adidas Yeezy’s Insole Good for Running?

All Yeezys insoles are suitable for running, depending on personal preference.

Heel-toe Drop

When standing in your shoes, the heel-toe drop is the difference (in height) between the amount of material under the heel and under the forefoot. It impacts performance by changing how you put force on your leg and foot, altering your stride.

There’s not much science behind the heel-toe drop, with many experts debating its overall effects. However, most runners feel it does improve their performance. There are also some general guidelines you can follow to get you started:

• The average heel-toe drop is around 10 mm.
• A high heel-toe drop is 7 mm and higher.
  • Runners who often wear high heels, land heel first when walking and running, or have issues with their Achilles tendon tend to prefer a high heel-toe drop.
• A low heel-toe drop is from 0 to 6 mm.
  • Runners landing on the front or middle of their foot do better with this drop range.

Which Yeezys Have a Good Running Heel-toe Drop?

All Yeezy’s have an excellent running heel-toe drop for those who prefer high drops, as they are all between 8 to 12 mm, on average.

Cost

Suppose you’re like 85% of consumers and cost is the primary factor in purchasing a pair of running shoes. You want the lowest price for the best pair of shoes, which is fair.

Buying low-quality running shoes impedes your performance, increases the chance of injury, and ruins some of the fun you have while running. If you don’t have the budget, it may be better to wait until you can save up a bit more.

A quality pair of running shoes costs around $120 in 2022. Some of the ones best for actual running are priced slightly lower than that, such as the Ghost 14.

Are Yeezys’ Costs Good for Running Shoes?

Adidas Yeezys are some of the most popular shoes in the world right now. It’s not uncommon to find them sold out in most places.

With their lack of performance and high price point, Yeezys are not a reasonable cost for running shoes.

Yeezy’s retail market range is from $200 to $585 for a pair of shoes. Designs that are entirely out of stock, or were limited time, are often bought at retailers and resold for higher. Resale prices range anywhere from $300 to $1,500.

What kind of activities do Yeezys handle best?

When you ask, “Can you run in Adidas Yeezys?” the answer will almost always be a solid no.

Adidas Yeezys are best for fashion-forward people who want a convenient running sneaker in their everyday life. The only exception is the Yeezy 700.

The rest aren’t made for runners like you.