Sports

Jessica Ennis-Hill Puts adidas Trainers to the Test 

17th July 2025 • 5 min read

Do you know what’s better than testing the limits of performance trainers? When they’re being put through their paces by Olympic Gold medallist Jessica Ennis-Hill, of course! The former Heptathlete icon laced up at the track with Very to give us the rundown on four adidas running trainers that we’ve singled out for big things over the coming year. 

Each individual shoe is aimed at a different type of run, and we’ve broken it down to their basic raw attributes; that’s comfort, distance, speed, and power, to showcase what they can do when performing under pressure. Let’s be honest, she knows a bit about running, so when Jessica Ennis-Hill talks, we listen. And you should too! Let’s get into it. 

For Easy Runs 

adidas Supernova Rise 

Remember, not every run has to be a race. It takes a lot of hard work and consistency to get better. And easy runs play a big part in that. They’re a fundamental part of any training plan and allow your body to adapt gradually to high-intensity effort, building aerobic fitness and helping to aid your recovery. And don’t get too frustrated if you’re not seeing the progress you want every time you get out there. As the Sheffield superstar puts it, “No two runs are ever the same”.  

The adidas Supernova Rise takes a lot of pride in comfort. They snugly sit on a super lightweight Dreamstrike+ foam midsole and feature a refined sandwich mesh upper and premium heel construction for optimised breathability. Each step gives a responsive ride that softens the blow as you hit the ground. “They’re soft, cushioned and smooth, and built for those who love running as their reset,” Jess says. Sounds a bit like us, then. 

For Long Runs

adidas Adistar 

When it comes to improving endurance and training for double digit miles, no solid base is created without long runs. These slow and steady sessions help you understand more about when to use your energy and give the lungs a serious workout. And they lay the foundations for mental toughness on the road ahead, too. “Some days it’s all about finding headspace,” Jess tells us. So yeah, it can be the case that running longer distances might not be fun 100% of the time but just think about all those snacks you can eat guilt-free afterwards! 

And if you’re spending a lot of time on your feet, then you’re going to need footwear that can outlast the distance. The adidas Adistar is a workhorse that offers maximum cushioning and energy return when you need it the most. The durable outsole can stand up to high milage training routines so you can put your trust in that it won’t let you down. “It’s a shoe for the steady pacers and the long haulers,” Jess says, and for those “who find strength in the miles ahead”. Let’s get to work. 

For Speed Runs

adidas Adizero Evo SL  

Ah, the sessions that leave you breathless, sweaty and questioning why exactly you’re out there doing it? “It’s about getting through it,” Jess says with a smile. Speed work conditions your muscles and cardiovascular system to operate at a higher intensity so you can get faster and stronger for longer. So, bring on the intervals, tempo runs and hill sprints, we guess? There’s always something satisfying about pushing your body to its limits – even if it doesn’t feel like that at the time! 

But when you’re putting in your maximum, you also want your trainers to be doing the same. When it comes to speed runs, every second counts and the Adizero SL is a shoe “for when you want to pick up the pace,” according to Jess. It combines adidas’ latest performance technology with a unique racing-inspired aesthetic for an evolution of speed that’s your new secret weapon for track sessions. The responsive LIGHTSTRIKE PRO foam in the midsole provides the essential comfort and cushioning that allows you to “feel the rhythm and push past your limits,” Jess says. We’re ready when you are.  

For Race Day

adidas Adizero Boston 

And when it comes to the big day? Well, “the right shoes matter,” Jess says. It’s the culmination of all that hard work; those early morning moves and post-work energisers. It’s about giving yourself a purpose, and something important to aim for. Whether it’s short or long distance, reaching the finish line matters because it’s when you get to dig deep and show what you’re capable of when it’s crunch time. You don’t want to be thinking about whether your footwear can hold up to the challenge. 

You want a trainer that brings the speed but doesn’t compromise on comfort. Enter the adidas Adizero Boston, a powerful option that’s ideal for longer distances such as half and full marathons. Created to take you from intense training sessions all the way up to race day, they push your pace with a LIGHTSRIKE PRO midsole and ENERGYPODS combination which provide a snappy, bouncy ride as you go from one km to the next. They’re designed for “fast training days, big race moments and everything in between,” Jess says. It’s a shoe for runners “who love the thrill of pushing themselves,” she adds. Okay, well sign us up. 

Find Your Stride 

So, there we have it! An Olympic athlete putting our line-up of adidas trainers to the ultimate test on the track and giving us her thoughts. And when Jessica Ennis-Hill is impressed, you know you’re on to a winner. So, whether you’re clocking up the miles, chasing PBs or gearing up for race day, pick your pair and let’s get moving. Don’t forget to also check out our adidas run clothing collection and explore our new brandstore for even more behind the scenes content! 

Find your stride with Jessica Ennis Hill & adidas