adidas Questar 3 Review: The Budget Daily Trainer That Gets the Basics Right
Cheap, stable and durable. The Questar 3 is a sensible daily shoe — just don’t buy it for speed or wet grip.
Shortlistd Editorial
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adidas Questar 3 Review: The Budget Daily Trainer That Gets the Basics Right
By Editorial Team | April 2026
The Questar 3 wins by doing the boring stuff well. It gives you a comfortable, stable ride for easy runs, walking and treadmill sessions, and it does it without asking for much money. At £47.37, that matters more than hype, and the 7.5/10 score matches the brief: solid value, not a thrilling ride.
Our pick: adidas Questar 3
adidas Questar 3 — £47.37
This is the shoe for runners who want one pair that can handle daily miles, errands and long walks without falling apart. The Bounce 2.0 midsole and Cloudfoam Plus footbed give it enough cushioning for routine use, while the wide heel and stiff platform make it feel controlled rather than sloppy.
Why it works:
- The outsole durability is a real strength, with RunRepeat lab testing calling out better-than-average wear and a hard rubber compound that should last longer than many cheap trainers.
- The stable ride is the other big win. A wide heel and stiff platform help keep landings steady, which is useful if you heel strike or just want a predictable shoe for easy mileage.
- The mesh upper and regular fit keep it practical for everyday wear, not just runs. It’s breathable, simple to get on with, and comfortable enough for walking and treadmill use.
The honest trade-off: it is not a fast shoe, not a soft shoe, and the wet grip is only average at best — so save it for dry roads and easy efforts.
If that sounds like your lane, buy the adidas Questar 3.
Best upgrade: Brooks Ghost 16
Brooks Ghost 16 — around £130
The Ghost 16 buys you a more polished daily running experience: better all-round comfort, a smoother ride and a shoe that feels less compromise-heavy when you start stacking up miles. It makes sense if you run regularly and want your easy-day shoe to feel noticeably better than a strict budget pick.
Worth it if: you want one neutral trainer you can trust for higher weekly mileage and don’t mind paying for a more refined ride.
Best budget pick: adidas Duramo Speed 2
adidas Duramo Speed 2 — around £90
This is the cheaper route if you want something lighter and more responsive than the Questar 3. It still stays in daily-trainer territory, but it’s the better call if you care more about pace changes and a livelier feel than outright sturdiness.
Worth it if: you want a low-cost trainer that can handle faster easy runs and occasional tempo work better than the Questar 3.
How we chose
We looked at what actually matters in an everyday running shoe: comfort, stability, durability, fit and value. For this model, we used the provided score and verdict, then checked independent lab and review coverage to verify the durability and wet-grip claims. The result is a shoe that makes sense for easy running and walking, not one that tries to be all things.
Frequently asked questions
Is the adidas Questar 3 good for beginners? Yes. It’s stable, affordable and forgiving enough for new runners who want a straightforward daily shoe without overthinking it.
Is the Questar 3 worth £47.37? Yes, if you want durability and everyday comfort on a tight budget. It is less compelling if you want a more exciting ride.
How long should it last? It should hold up well for regular use, because the rubber outsole scored well for durability and the build is aimed at everyday miles rather than racing.
Can you use it in the rain? You can, but you shouldn’t expect strong traction on wet ground; that is the main weakness here.
