Adidas Duramo 10 Review: Are They Worth Buying? 

Rating	Score
Overall	7/10
Best For	Short-distance, casual runners
Distance	5k-10k
Cushioning	6/10
Comfort	8/10
Value	8/10
Weight	6/10

How We Tested

I tested the Adidas Duramo 10 over 150+ kilometres, including easy runs, interval sessions, parkruns, and everyday walking. This review is based purely on my own experiences using the shoes regularly over several months. I purchased the shoes myself, and have not been paid by Adidas to review them. 

Testing included:

• Easy runs
• Faster tempo sessions
• Parkruns
• 10k training 
• Casual wear and walking 

Verdict 

The Adidas Duramo 10 is a budget-friendly running shoe that won’t let you down if you’re a casual runner looking for something to take on the track with you a few times a week for some short distances. You won’t immediately run two minutes quicker, but they’re a good option if you need an old pair of running shoes replaced. 

Adidas Duramo 10 Running Shoes: At A Glance

The Adidas Duramo 10 is a shoe targeting beginner and casual runners who are searching for a dependable daily trainer without breaking the bank in the process. Usually priced around £40-£70 ($53-$94) depending on size and colourway, it’s earned its spot as one of the most popular affordable running shoes from a reliable brand. 

The price is definitely the biggest strength about the Duramo 10, but its comfort for daily exercise is also something that shouldn’t be sniffed at. The shoe provides enough comfort for easy runs, parkruns, and the odd 10k, and generally feels well-built enough to cope with regular training. With that being said, the Adidas Duramo 10 isn’t the most exciting shoe I’ve ever run in. There isn’t that zip, that responsiveness or energy return other models may offer, which means more experienced runners may find it a little flat. 

Overall, the Duramo 10 does exactly what it sets out to do. You won’t feel like you’ve laced up an absolute game-changing upgrade, but it is a solid, reliable, budget-friendly running shoe that you won’t go too wrong with as a beginner runner, or someone replacing your old pair without wanting to break the bank. 

Pros And Cons 

Pros	Cons
Sleek-looking Adidas design	Not especially lightweight
Excellent value	Limited energy return
Durable outsole	Limited responsiveness
Solid feeling during casual workouts

Adidas Duramo 10 Specifications

Specification	Details
Weight	Roughly 275g-280g (Men’s UK 8.5)
Heel-to-Toe Drop	8.7-9mm
Midsole	LIGHTMOTION cushioning
Outsole	Durable rubber outsole
Surface	Road, pavements and light park tracks
Support Type	Neutral
Cushioning Level	Medium
Ride Feel	Firm & supportive
Best Distance	5k-10k (best for easy workouts)
Ideal Runner	Beginner runners, Couch to 5k, everyday workouts
RRP	£65
Typical Sale Price	£40-£70 ($53-$94)
Released	2021

First Impressions 

I’ll be honest, my first impressions of the Adidas Duramo 10 weren’t the best. I wouldn’t say I was disappointed in them per se, but I do think it’s fair to say that I felt a little underwhelmed. 

The packaging was solid, and the appearance of the shoes (a white base with the recognisable Adidas stripes) looked snazzy enough, and I was excited to hit the road with an upgrade on my old Puma Softride Carson. The shoes felt sturdy and well-built fresh out of the box, and didn’t need any time to feel comfortable to put on and set off in. 

But, those first few runs with the Duramo 10s on just felt much flatter than I was expecting. I felt like I was hitting the floor too hard without much energy being returned, and the pair just didn’t feel like much of an upgrade. 

A few sessions on, my Duramo 10s had been worn in a little bit more and did start to feel better than my first impressions. They’ve been a reliable and affordable running shoe for casual runs and everyday sessions, feeling strong and breathable even in the intense summer heat. 

Fit And Comfort

The Adidas Duramo 10 fit true to size, and I had no problem ordering my usual running shoe size. While they’re not the most responsive shoe you’ll ever wear, they were easy to wear straight out of the box with very little break-in period, or blisters to worry about. 

The toe box offers space for your toes to move naturally, though anyone who likes a wider fit might find things a little squashed. Around the heel, the Duramo 10 does a solid job in keeping your foot in place, though I have felt things slipping when going down hills or taking certain corners at parkrun. 

Breathability is a good positive of the Duramo 10. Having run mostly during intense heatwaves, I’ve been really impressed with the mesh upper which allows plenty of airflow. 

But where the Adidas Duramo 10 really shines is in its everyday comfort. I’ve worn them for parkruns, easy training runs, and just walking about town for hours without ever feeling uncomfortable. The LIGHTMOTION cushioning provides a supportive, well-balanced ride for 5k and 10k distances, though it doesn’t have that soft, springy feeling more premium running shoes may bring. 

Overall, there’s not much to complain about when it comes to the Adidas Duramo 10’s comfort. It isn’t an especially exciting shoe underfoot, but it’s certainly reliable, supportive and comfortable enough for most casual runners. 

Performance On The Run 

Easy Runs 

As I mentioned, the Adidas Duramo 10 is at its best during easy-paced run plans. The cushioning is comfortable without being overly soft, and the shoe provides a solid, reliable ride that makes settling into an easy rhythm straightforward. For recovery runs, beginning training schedules, or just getting the miles in, it performs just precisely as you’d expect a dependable daily trainer. 

Faster Sessions 

When the pace increases, the Duramo 10 begins to show its limitations. I’ve used it for my interval sessions and tempo runs, and while it certainly holds its own, it doesn’t feel like you’re bouncing on a new PB each time. The ride is firm and lacks the responsiveness or energy return you find with more performance-focused shoes. If speed work is a regular staple in your training, you may want to look for running shoes with a bit more life. 

Long Runs 

For runs up to 10k, comfort has never been much of an issue. The cushioning remains consistent throughout the run, and I’ve never had too many problems with rubbing or hotspots. Again, the Duramo 10 isn’t the go-to for marathon training, but it does the job for most distances casual runners are likely to tackle. 

Parkrun Performance

I’ve done a good few parkruns on different surfaces, and the Duramo 10 has been able to handle them all without too much stress. That being said, they’re not a running shoe that encourages PBs. They’re more dependable than they are fast, and although I’ve been able to hold around my target time most weeks, they’re definitely not shoes that take you to the next level. For weekly parkruns, the Adidas Duramo 10 is a solid option, but runners chasing every second may want to upgrade to something more responsive. 

Durability 

At the time of writing, I’ve done over 150 kilometres in the Adidas Duramo 10, including easy long runs, parkruns, tempo and interval sessions, recovery runs, and everyday walking, and they’re still going strong. The rubber outsole has some expected wear in the usual high-impact areas, but there’s still plenty of tread remaining, and no signs that the grip has noticeably dropped. 

The LIGHTMOTION midsole has compressed slightly over time, although the change has been steady, not dramatic, and the shoes are still comfortable enough on easy runs. The mesh upper has also proven to be durable, with no tears or loose stitching to report on yet. 

If I were to hazard a guess, I would say the Adidas Duramo 10 will last comfortably for 500-700 kilometres, making it a solid choice for runners who want a dependable shoe without breaking the bank.

Is The Adidas Duramo 10 Good For Beginners 

Absolutely – in fact, this is precisely the sort of runner the Adidas Duramo 10 is designed for. If you’re starting your Couch to 5k programme, training for your first parkrun, or just looking for a comfortable shoe for regular 5k and 10k runs, the Duramo 10 offers plenty of value for money. 

It provides a comfortable, stable ride that’s forgiving enough for new runners without overwhelming them with unnecessary features or a premium price tag. Experienced runners are sure to find the ride lacks the responsiveness needed for quicker training or racing, but beginners and casual runners either won’t notice or won’t mind that trade-off. 

If your main aim is finding a reliable, well-built running shoe from a reputable brand without spending north of £100, the Adidas Duramo 10 is a recommendation I can get behind for starting your running journey. 

Duramo 10 Alternatives 

If the Adidas Duramo 10 doesn’t quite sound like the right fit for you, fret not; there are plenty of alternatives out there at a similar price point. Here’s how it stacks up against some of its closest competitors:

Shoe	Better For
Nike Revolution	Runners looking for a softer, more cushioned ride for everyday miles
ASICS Gel Excite	Those looking for extra cushioning and comfort on longer easy runs
Puma Velocity Nitro	Runners wanting a more responsive shoe that can easily handle faster sessions and race efforts

The Duramo is firmly in the middle of the pack. It might not be the softest shoe going, nor the fastest, but it does strike a good balance between comfort, durability, and affordability. If you’re just looking for a standard daily trainer for regular 5ks, parkruns, and the odd 10k event, it’s still out there as one of the best budget running shoes. 

However, if your priorities are more tailored to plush cushioning or improving your pace, one of the alternatives above could be the way to go. 

Verdict 

The Adidas Duramo 10 is a running shoe that knows precisely what it wants to be. It isn’t packed with cutting-edge technology or designed to help you hunt down your next PB, but that has never been its purpose. Rather, it offers a comfortable, reliable, and affordable option for runners who just want to get out the door and enjoy their training. 

Its biggest pluses are the comfort, durability, and value for money it brings. Over hundreds of kilometres, it’s proven itself to be a reliable daily trainer that copes with easy runs, parkruns, and everyday general use. On the downside, it does lack the responsiveness and energy return of more premium running shoes, so experienced runners or anyone focused on speed sessions may soon outgrow it. 

So, would I buy the Duramo 10 again? Probably not, in all honesty. But that isn’t so much a criticism of the shoe but more of a reflection of where I am in my running journey. As my training has improved and my times have quickened, I’ve started looking for something lighter and more responsive. But I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to any newer runners or anyone shopping on a budget. 

If you’re looking for your first running shoe or just want a dependable trainer that won’t break the bank, the Adidas Duramo 10 is an excellent choice.