Shoe Review: Adidas Adizero Cybersonic

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Price: $180
Weight: 13.9 oz. (men’s 10.5); 11.6 oz. (women’s 8.5)
Size run: 6.5-14.5, 16 (men); 5-11 (women)

What’s New

The Cybersonic is a new entry from Adidas. It’s designed to be a lightweight, stable high-performance shoe. Its principle feature is the Energy Rods that run from the midfoot to the heel. The hollow tube serves as a spring that propels footwork on changes of direction. The technology has been used in their running lines, and this is its maiden voyage in a tennis shoe. The midsole has a dual density Lightstrike foam which provides lightweight cushioning and responsiveness. Adituff recycled abrasion zones—the upper contains a minimum of 50% recycled materials—over the toe box and medial side of the shoe give additional support and protection.

What Works

With its feathery weight and highly reactive nature, the Cybersonic is the definition of a speed shoe. It promotes a low, connected ride with rapid propulsion into and out of cuts. And while airy and nimble, it has enough structure and rigidity to feel confident performing the most aggressive movements.

The profile of the shoe runs a little narrow and short. It’s unclear whether this is a feature or a bug, but the result is a snugness that promotes a locked-in fit. I have a somewhat narrow foot, so I appreciated the tighter squeeze. It’s more streamlined than the Ubersonic 4, which I personally found too roomy and difficult to play in.

The woven mesh upper nicely balances pliability with toughness, and is littered with punchouts to promote breathability. An integrated tongue that’s gusseted to the upper—almost like a half-bootie—gives a sock-like feel that bolsters the sense of security. The Adituff abrasion areas also contribute to the sturdiness of the upper, while increasing durability for toe-draggers and sliders. The lacing system employs nylon loops in lieu of eyelets for smooth tightening; if needed, you can really cinch up the laces rather effortlessly.

The Lightstrike cushioning isn’t overly plush or bouncy, but has adequate padding to disperse impact on hard landings. These types of shoes aren’t necessarily intended with supreme shock absorption and comfort in mind. Rather, the goal is provide just enough of both features while keeping the weight low and the responsiveness high. In this regard, the Cybersonic hit its marks.

The outsole is a mashup of herringbone patterns of varying thickness and spread. This bolsters durability in high-wear areas, as well as give the shoe all-court capabilities. Having tried it on both hard and clay courts the shoe encouraged reliable footing on either surface.

What Needs Work

The shoe’s fit doesn’t have universal appeal. It’s going to feel overly snug to some and may require going up a half-size. At the bare minimum, it’s a must try-on to be sure it’s a good match.

The shoe could also probably use a short break-in before being subjected to real stress. For instance, the heel collar is well-padded, however, it is a little stiff out of the box. My first time wearing shoe it dug in on the inside of my right ankle. After a few sessions it did loosen up and became a non-factor.

The outsole has good traction, but runs a bit sticky. There were a few instances during my time in the shoe when my foot got stuck on a hard court. It’s not optimal for serious sliders, but could get more slippery with added wear.

Speaking of wear, the shoe has no outsole warranty. With a cost that will be difficult for even the most dedicated players to stomach, that would’ve been a nice assurance. As is, the shoe could be preserved as more of a match day shoe for those who can afford the luxury.

Final Verdict

Adidas engineered the new Cybersonic for maximum speed and responsiveness in a lightweight package. As long as you can manage its tighter fit and premium price tag, that’s exactly what it delivers.