Shoe Review: Adidas Ubersonic 5

Adidas Ubersonic 5

• Price: $150
• Weight: 13.7 oz. (men’s 10.5); 11.2 oz (women’s 8.5)
• Size Run: 6.5-15, 16 (men); 5-11 (women)
• Outsole Warranty: None

What’s New

The Ubersonic 5 looks to be even faster and more supportive than its predecessors. The brand’s Speedframe technology—found in soccer and rugby shoes—makes its first foray into tennis, bolstering support from the heel through the midfoot during quick changes of direction. Lightstrike midsole cushioning returns, but with a lower profile to cut weight and offer superior court connection. The mesh upper has also been revamped into a half-bootie construction that emphasizes lightweight breathability.

What Works

For this latest in the speed-focused franchise, Adidas has gone the minimalist route. The shoe’s weight and cushioning have been pared back in favor of increased stability and reaction time. Where the outgoing Ubersonic 4.1 had softer materials and a cushier ride, its replacement features a sturdier and more connected feel that should appeal to serious competitors with games built around their footwork.

It starts with the textile upper which is now airier, but tougher. The toe cap and medial side of the forefoot is encapsulated with Adituff to bolster durability for sliders, as well as offer more security. Having less give throughout the upper means greater support when tearing across the court.

A half-bootie inner sleeve with a gusseted tongue replaces the full-bootie construction of the previous model. The lacing system is also more connected to the upper, creating a snugger fit. Again, it’s less soft and pliable—the entire upper takes a few outings to break in—but promotes a more locked-in feel. The nicely padded heel collar has sharkskin material to surround the back of the foot and prevent slippage.

Midsole cushioning is also lean and mean. The Lightstrike padding provides the bare minimum of shock absorption. The response is definitely more firm than forgiving. It’s most apparent in the forefoot—slam on the brakes when scrambling forward for a short ball and you can experience a jolt. The upside is the foot sits just above the ground for excellent court connection and responsiveness.

It's also rather composed for being so modest in profile. The main reason is the new Speedframe—a hard plastic shank that surrounds the heel and lines the midfoot into the outsole. This gives the shoe backbone to withstand intense movement. There’s a reassuring level of security when performing quick changes of direction or hard stops in the corners.

The outsole has a modified herringbone design that translates well to all surfaces. The tread is thicker in high wear areas for greater durability, with wider channels where needed to promote easier slides. There’s a long cutout in the Speedframe that essentially runs the length of the arch. This cuts weight and promotes more airflow through the wire mesh covering.

What Needs Work

It’s quick, it’s stable, but the Ubersonic 5 isn’t particularly comfortable. It’s the type of shoe that’s used like equipment—you play the match and then tear them off your feet. You’ll want something friendlier to wear for the post-match beverage. The cushioning is sparse, even when compared to other lightweight, speed-focused models. Balletic movers who glide across the court may not have issues. However, mere mortals who typically hear their footfalls on a hard court will probably find the response a little harsh.

Additionally, the materials used aren’t plush and take some time to break in. For instance, the area around the last few eyelets is stiff and lacks padding. When cinching the shoe tightly, it can apply undue pressure to that area of the foot until the material softens up. This drawback may require a looser closure to ease the squeeze, which hampers the security of the fit.

Bottom Line

If you don’t mind a firm ride, the Ubersonic 5 offers the security and quick reaction time prized in a speed-oriented gameday shoe.