When I first slipped on the Adidas Anthony Edwards 2, I honestly expected them to be good but not necessarily an upgrade over the first model. Surprisingly, they turned out to be one of the best basketball performance shoes I’ve played in lately.
This pair feels like a true evolution rather than just a sequel, and in practically every single category, it performs better than the original. In this Adidas Anthony Edwards 2 Performance Review, I’ll break down my personal experience with traction, cushioning, materials, fit, and support, while also pointing out a few flaws that stood out.
First Impressions
Right out of the box, the design looked sleek and modern. I was curious how the unique upper with its striped pattern would perform on the court. Once I started playing, I immediately noticed how natural and comfortable they felt compared to the original pair. The AE1 was good, but these just felt like an upgrade in nearly every aspect.
Traction: Grippy but Questionable Durability
The traction on the Adidas Anthony Edwards 2 is simply top-tier. I had almost zero complaints about grip during games. Whether I was making hard cuts, stopping on a dime, or driving through traffic, the shoe never let me down.
The only concern is durability. After a few intense sessions, I noticed chunks of rubber missing in the back. Thankfully, it wasn’t in the main sections that affect grip, but it made me wonder how long they’ll hold up if I consistently play outdoors. For indoor courts, the traction is fantastic. Outdoors, however, I’d hesitate to make this my primary shoe.
Cushioning: Quicker but Less Bouncy
Both the AE1 and AE2 use full-length Boost cushioning, but the experience feels different here. The Adidas Anthony Edwards 2 has a firmer ride with less noticeable bounce. The impact protection is still solid, but the responsiveness feels slightly muted compared to other Boost setups I’ve tried.
On the plus side, this firmer feel made me feel quicker and more agile. The AE1 sometimes felt sluggish, but with the AE2, I was moving faster and smoother. It’s a trade-off: you lose some of the energy return but gain more speed and court feel.
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Materials: Flexible, Durable, and Breathable
This is where the biggest upgrade happened. The upper on the Adidas Anthony Edwards 2 is thin, flexible, and molds beautifully to the foot. I was worried the striped design would restrict movement, but it turned out to be the opposite. The material flexed naturally and gave me a one-to-one fit without feeling stiff.
Breathability is another highlight. My feet stayed cooler compared to other performance shoes, and the upper broke in quickly. On top of that, the materials felt durable enough to handle consistent wear while still offering the support I needed.
Fit and Comfort
Fit is always personal, but for me, going true to size worked perfectly. Compared to the original, the Adidas Anthony Edwards 2 relieved the weird toe pressure that I used to feel near the top of my big toe. This version feels more balanced and forgiving.
The lacing system also does a great job locking down the foot. The only complaint here is the laces themselves—they’re too long and tend to flop around while playing. It’s not a performance dealbreaker, but visually, it’s distracting.
Support and Stability
Support is another area where this shoe shines. Everything works together: the fit, the upper, the lockdown, and the wide base. On top of that, Adidas added a torsion plate that doubles as a spring plate, making the shoe both stable and responsive.
The heel is extra sturdy compared to the AE1, which gives me more confidence when planting my foot or going up for rebounds. Despite the stability upgrades, the shoe doesn’t feel heavy or clunky. In fact, the balance between support and mobility is one of the best I’ve experienced.
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Performance on Court
Overall, the Adidas Anthony Edwards 2 performs exceptionally well. I felt faster, lighter, and more agile compared to the first model. Even though the cushioning felt less bouncy, the trade-off was worth it for the added quickness.
The materials and support combined to create a shoe that gave me confidence in every movement—whether cutting, defending, or shooting. For indoor games, I couldn’t ask for more. For outdoor use, the durability of the outsole is still questionable, but indoors, this shoe delivers consistently.
Pros and Cons: adidas Anthony Edwards 2
Pros:
- Excellent traction on clean indoor courts
- Firmer cushioning provides great court feel and speed
- Lightweight yet supportive design
- Materials are breathable, flexible, and durable
- True-to-size fit with quick break-in
Cons:
- Outsole durability is questionable for outdoor use
- Laces are too long and look messy
- Cushioning feels less bouncy than some might prefer
Final Verdict: adidas Anthony Edwards 2 Performance Review
The Adidas Anthony Edwards 2 is without a doubt one of the best basketball shoes I’ve played in recently. It’s a clear step up from the first model, with improvements in fit, materials, and overall performance. While the cushioning might feel less energetic than some players expect, it more than makes up for it with speed, stability, and responsiveness.
If you mainly play indoors and want a shoe that balances traction, support, and comfort, the Adidas Anthony Edwards 2 is an excellent choice. I’ll definitely keep these in my bag as a go-to pair for competitive games.
Jason Cole is a passionate sneaker writer and basketball shoe reviewer with years of experience in the world of athletic footwear. Combining deep product knowledge with a genuine love for the game, Jason delivers in-depth reviews and insights that help players choose the right performance sneakers for their style and needs. His articles break down every detail — from traction and cushioning to support and fit — making them a trusted resource for both casual hoopers and serious athletes.
Over the years, Jason has tested and analyzed hundreds of basketball shoes from top brands like Nike, Adidas, Jordan, Puma, and Under Armour. His hands-on approach and honest feedback make his reviews stand out for their accuracy and authenticity. Whether it’s the latest signature model or a hidden gem on the court, Jason’s expertise helps readers find the perfect pair to elevate their performance.
When he’s not writing or testing sneakers, Jason follows the latest trends in basketball culture, exploring how innovation, style, and performance come together in modern sportswear. His goal is simple — to guide every reader toward the ideal basketball shoe that blends comfort, technology, and court-ready confidence.
