The OG Adidas Spikes (Adidas Avanti Tyo and Adidas Ambition Review)

Adidas Adizero Avanti Tyo vs Adidas Adizero Ambition

The Adidas Avanti Tyo and Ambition are two of the OG super spikes that came out for the Tokyo Olympics. The Avanti is an extremely relaxed super shoe disguised as a spike built for 5k-10k distances, and the Ambition is a more aggressive middle distance option for 800m-3k (Although Nico Young wears them up to 10k). Featuring Adidas' Lightstrike Pro, both spikes seem to be exceptional offerings, but how do they stand up to current models when they are now officially last-gen?

Specs Adidas Avanti Tyo

• Weight - 6.0oz
• Distances - 5k-10k (An Amazing XC spike)
• Price - $150

Specs Adidas Ambition

• Weight - 5.5oz
• Distances - 800m-3k
• Price - $180

Midsole

In the midsole, Adidas has opted to essentially take a low-stack racer and, throw some spikes in it, and call it a day. With a full-length slab of soft light strike pro and energy rods sandwiched in the middle, you get a very soft and flexible midsole. However, the spikes are put directly into the foam without a hard spike plate, so many people have issues with feeling the spikes through the shoe. Admittedly, I am on the lighter side, so I have never experienced this, but some have even gotten bruises from this, so tread carefully.

In the Adidas Ambition, you get a much more harsh ride than the Avanti. Instead of a full-length slab of lightstrike, you get a small puck right under the forefoot. Also I believe they also used regular spike plate instead of the energyrods in this, but I couldn't confirm it. Regardless, the spike is extremely rigid in the forefoot, but pretty flexible in the heel. You also won't get a ton of padding in the heel, and there is very little foam, so hopefully, you're a midfoot or forefoot striker.

Ride

The Adidas Avanti Tyo is a very relaxed super shoe. It really isn't harsh on your calves at all and you kinda just lets you glide along with the super soft lightstrike pro cushioning you really nicely. I've run so many races in this shoe, and it truly just feels like a low-stack racer with super foam in it.

As I said earlier, the best way to describe the Adidas Ambition is as a very harsh spike. It is very aggressive and stripped down, and compared to more modern options, the Ambition feels very firm. However, this also makes it one of the most snappy spikes I've run in, so if you are someone who likes a lot of ground, feel this could be a great option. It also does feel like it has a very specific spot (somewhere between the forefoot and midfoot) that it really wants you to land on, and you can feel it.

Upper and Fit

Both fit long (especially the Avanti), so I would recommend going down half a size.

Alternatives

Adidas Adizero Avanti Tyo

• On Cloudspike XC - A bit more aggressive but without a plate
• Hoka Cielo FlyX - More foam mor rigidity but with a similar vibe
• Adidas Avanti 2024 - Version 2 from Adidas with a real spike plate
• Asics Metaspeed LD 2 - Very expensive but also a very relaxed spike

Adidas Adizero Ambition

• Adidas Ambition 2024 - Version 2 with more foam
• Nike Air Zoom Victory 2 - More forgiving with more bounce but less snap
• On Cloudspike 10000m - Similar amount of snappiness but also more forgiving
• On Cloudspike Citius - More snap, more bounce, overall very exciting option

Who's is Best For

In 2024, the OG Avanti and Ambition are really hard to recommend. With both receiving updates this year that looks to be significantly better, I believe the only way I'd recommend one of these is if you find a really good deal or the Avanti for XC. The soft bottom on the Avanti is really pleasant on courses with a ton of spikes. Hopefully, we get the new ones in for testing soon, but in the meantime, check out our shoe matcher tool, where we'll choose the best running shoes for you based on your goals and preferences.

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