Adidas Adipower 2 vs. Adidas Power Perfect: Which Is Better?

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The Adipower II’s and Power Perfect III’s are lifting shoes from Adidas that are worn by both recreational and competitive powerlifters and weightlifters. I tested each shoe over several weeks, and one clearly came out as the winner.

So, are the Adipower II’s or Power Perfect III’s better for lifting? The Power Perfect III’s are better for powerlifting and weightlifting due to their sturdier construction, durability, and lateral stability. However, the Adipowers are a good option for beginner lifters or CrossFitters who want a more flexible shoe that can be worn for a variety of movements.

Keep reading to learn more about why the Power Perfect III’s are a better choice for powerlifting and weightlifting.

Quick Overview

Before we get into the face-to-face comparison, let’s quickly recap each shoe and discuss the pros and cons of each.

Adipower II

The Adipower II’s are the second iteration of the Adipower. They were released in 2019, but much to the dismay of many lifters, they didn’t live up to their predecessor.

Although I’ve never trained in the original Adipowers, I can see why some lifters feel that it is an inferior shoe.

I do think there are certain lifters who can benefit from this shoe, but there are better shoes on the market for competitive powerlifters and weightlifters.

Pros

• Breathable material
• Can be worn for CrossFit WODs
• Provides good ankle support
• Minimalist design

Cons

• Too flexible for very heavy lifts

Power Perfect III

The Power Perfect III’s were also released in 2018, nearly seven years after the first iteration came out. But unlike the Adipower II’s, the Power Perfect III’s retained many of the same features from the previous model.

Adidas made some aesthetic changes with the Power Perfect III’s, but they included updates such as fewer seams and less stitching and a mesh material that extends from the toe to the tongue.

One drawback is that the Power Perfect III’s aren’t available in a women’s version, but women can still wear them as long as you size them properly.

Pros

• Synthetic upper material is sturdy but lightweight
• Derby construction provides a lot of lateral stability
• Good for both powerlifting and weightlifting

Cons

• Support strap is flimsy
• No women’s model available

Adipower II vs. Power Perfect: Face-to-Face Comparison

Now that we’ve covered some of the basics, let’s get into the details of each shoe.

Heel Height

The ideal heel height for each athlete will vary based on your limb proportions, your preferred squat style, and your mobility.

The Adipower II’s and Power Perfect III’s both have a heel height of 0.75”. This is a common heel height for lifting shoes because it allows most lifters to get into the proper position for squats, cleans, and snatches.

The Winner: Tie

Since the heel height is the same on both shoes, there’s no clear winner here.

Should you squat in a heeled or flat shoe? Check out the article Heel or Flat Shoes While Squatting? (6 Things to Consider).

Secureness

Foot stability and security are two important things to consider when reviewing any lifting shoe. In addition to offering protection for the feet, a lifting shoe should also stabilize the foot and keep it from sliding or slipping during heavy lifts.

Adidas Adipower II

The Adipower II’s are made out of a lightweight textile fabric. While this is beneficial for keeping the feet dry and comfortable, it makes the shoe feel less stable than other lifting shoes.

The toe box on the Adipower II’s is very flexible, so the foot doesn’t feel as secure. The Adipower II’s have inner reinforcements for added stability, but they’re not very noticeable and I don’t feel like they add much support.

Also, the sole on the Adipower II’s isn’t as thick as the soles on other lifting shoes. And while the Adipower II’s have a heel cup to help keep the foot in place, it’s not as solid as I would like it to be.

Power Perfect III

A unique feature of the Power Perfect III’s is the “derby” construction that provides lateral stability and gives the shoe a snug fit.

Like the Adipower II’s, the Power Perfect III’s have a heel cup for added stability. The heel cup feels more rigid on the Power Perfects, although this could also be due to having sturdier material on the exterior of the shoe.

The sole on the Power Perfect III’s is more than double the thickness of the Adipower II’s. This gives me more peace of mind as I’m lifting because I don’t have to worry about my foot slipping out from under me as I squat.

The Winner: Power Perfect III

The Power Perfect III’s thick soles, derby construction, and stiffer heel cup give it the edge over the Adipower II’s.

Support Straps

The straps on weightlifting shoes are designed to help keep the foot secure and prevent it from moving inside the shoe during heavy lifts.

Some lifting shoes have two straps, but the Adipower II’s and Power Perfect III’s each have one strap.

Adidas Adipower II

The strap on the Adipower II’s is made from the same textile material as the rest of the shoe. It sits a bit higher, right around the arch of the foot.

Power Perfect III

Despite the high quality of the rest of the shoe, the strap on the Power Perfect III feels flimsy. The velcro is secure, but the strap itself leaves a lot to be desired.

What I do like about the strap on the Power Perfect III’s, though, is that it sits higher up on the foot, closer to the ankle. This adds to the overall stability of the shoe.

The Winner: Power Perfect III

Even though the strap itself is thinner on the Power Perfect III, its higher placement adds more stability around the ankle and helps the foot feel more secure.

Midsole Construction and Weight

The construction of a lifting shoe can tell you a lot about how it will perform. Although the Adipower II’s and Power Perfect III’s weigh about the same, there are some stark differences between the materials used in each shoe.

Adipower II

The Adidas Adipower II’s weigh 16.2 oz. The upper is made from a lightweight textile, and the midsole is made out of thermoplastic polyurethane, which is common in lifting shoes.

The light weight and flexibility make them a good shoe for sports like CrossFit, where you’re often transitioning from squats to other movements in a short amount of time. However, this makes the base of the shoe a lot less stable. 

Power Perfect III

The Power Perfect III’s also weigh about 16 oz, but because they’re made out of higher quality material, they feel like they should weigh more.

Unlike the Adipower II’s, the Power Perfect III’s midsole is made out of high-density EVA. The Power Perfect III’s also have a die-cut wedge platform that provides a stable base for lifting.

The upper is made from a combination of mesh and synthetic leather. This adds a bit of structure to the shoe while still keeping it breathable. Despite its tougher material, it’s comfortable to wear even when training in a hot environment.

The Winner: Power Perfect III

Even though the two shoes weigh about the same, I picked the Power Perfect III as the winner. The mesh and synthetic leather gives it the appearance of a top-notch lifting shoe, and the wedge platform adds even more stability.

Sizing and Fit

Because these shoes are both made by Adidas, the sizing is consistent between the two – with one small caveat regarding the Power Perfect III’s.

Adidas Adipower II

I’ve seen many people say that the Adipowers run small, but I find the opposite to be true.

I don’t have any issues with the length of these shoes. They do feel wide to me, though, and I had to tighten the laces pretty tight to get the fit I wanted.

Power Perfect III

The Power Perfect’s are true to size for me, but I should point out the fact that they aren’t available in women’s sizes.

If you’re a female and you’re interested in purchasing the Power Perfect’s, I recommend ordering 1.5 sizes smaller than your usual size.

For reference, I wear a 10 in women’s shoes and I got the Power Perfect’s in an 8.5. I’ve had no issues with the fit. But like the Adipowers, I have to tighten the laces a lot to get the snugness that I like in a lifting shoe.

The Winner: Tie

I find it hard to declare a winner between two different shoes regardless of the brand because sizing is so individual, so I’m declaring a tie.

Durability

Whether you’re a competitive or recreational lifter, your lifting shoe should be durable enough to last for several months or years.

I’ve had both the Adipowers and Power Perfect’s for a similar amount of time and have trained in each of them an equal amount. Neither one has fallen apart on me, but one shoe stands out as more durable based on the construction alone.

Adidas Adipower II

The textile upper of the Adipower II makes for a breathable shoe, but it feels like it would break down faster, especially if you’re a competitive lifter and travel a lot.

Power Perfect III

As I already mentioned, the Power Perfect III’s have a mesh and synthetic leather upper. It reminds me of the Reebok Legacy Lifter. The material is thick, sturdy, and doesn’t seem like it would become worn out very easily.

The Power Perfect III’s also have overlays along the toes and heels to prevent rips and tears and feature an Adiwear outsole.

The Winner: Power Perfect III

Due to the synthetic leather, the Adiwear outsole, and the additional layer of material around the toes and heels, the Power Perfect III’s are a more durable shoe that should last for a long time.

Price

Budget can often be a limiting factor in deciding which lifting shoe is right for you. I’m a firm believer that you get what you pay for, but in this instance, the most cost-effective shoe also happens to be the higher-quality option.

Adidas Adipower II

The original price of Adipower II’s is $200, but they can be found cheaper on Amazon.  Click HERE to check today’s price.

Power Perfect III

The Power Perfect III’s originally retailed for $130.  Just like the Adipowers though, you can find them for less on Amazon, depending on your size and what color you choose.  Click HERE to check today’s price.

This is an excellent deal, considering all of the features and the amount of stability you get with this shoe.

The Winner: Power Perfect III

Since the Power Perfect III’s are cheaper than the Adipower II’s, they’re an excellent choice for anyone who wants a durable shoe without breaking the bank.

For more shoes that you can buy for less than $100, check out the article Best Squat Shoes Under $100.

In Summary, What’s Unique About These Shoes?

Despite the fact that both of these shoes are made by Adidas, there are some differences between the two.

Adidas Adipower II

• Comfortability: With the lightweight textile upper, the Adipowers are breathable and comfortable so you can easily wear them in the gym for a couple of hours.

• Flexibility: The flexibility of the shoe means they aren’t ideal for very heavy lifts, but they’re good for CrossFit WODs or workouts that combine squats with other movements.

• Minimalist design: Neither the Adipowers nor the Power Perfect’s are overly designed, but with more monochromatic color options, the Adipowers are an excellent choice for anyone who likes a clean, simple look.

Power Perfect III

• Derby construction: The additional lateral support enhances the shoe’s stability and provides a secure, snug fit.

• Die-cut wedge midsole: The midsole provides a stable platform to push against whether you’re squatting or standing up from a snatch or clean.

• Adiwear outsole: The thick outsole has a lot of traction so your feet will stay in place as you lift.

The Final Word

Between the Adipower II’s and the Power Perfect III’s, the Power Perfect’s have clearly emerged as the winner.

If you’re still unsure about which shoe is right for you, the recap below can help you make a decision.

Use the Adipower II’s if:

• You’re a new lifter.

• You want a lifting shoe that you can do CrossFit WODs in.

• You don’t plan on competing in powerlifting or weightlifting.

The Adipowers made my top list of best lifting shoes for beginners, which you can check out for more details.

Use the Power Perfect III’s if:

• You want a sturdy shoe for heavy lifts.

• You like a lot of lateral stability in your lifting shoes.

• You have wide feet.

Still can’t decide which lifting shoe is right for you? Check out these other shoe reviews:

• Reebok Legacy Lifter vs. Adidas Adipower: Which Is Better?
• Adidas Adipower 2 vs. Powerlift 4
• Adidas Adipower vs. Nike Romaleos
• Nike Romaleo’s 3 vs 4: Should You Upgrade?

About The Author

Amanda is a writer and editor in the fitness and nutrition industries. Growing up in a family that loved sports, she learned the importance of staying active from a young age. She started CrossFit in 2015, which led to her interest in powerlifting and weightlifting. She’s passionate about helping women overcome their fear of lifting weights and teaching them how to fuel their bodies properly. When she’s not training in her garage gym or working, you can find her drinking coffee, walking her dog, or indulging in one too many pieces of chocolate.