The Scorch ($100) is the latest a3 style shoe from adidas.  Classified as Entrainment (a cross between entertainment and training), the Scorch is a decent short distance runner and a great all around shoe.  The style is inspired by field cleats.

We actually tested two different Bounce shoes.  The Scorch is intended more as an all around shoe, while our woman's version is a more focused training shoe.  Our Scorch test example is a white/fairway green/white combination.  The Scorch uses a full bounce midsole.  The gray/fucia/white nylon women's pair are a half bounce midsole.

The Bounce sole is a replacement for the traditional foam cushion.  This technology, now used in various forms by several manufacturers, is intended to optimize energy return through the running stride.  Our less than scientific test three mile loop shaved almost a minute off of the usual time on two consecutive occasions.  However, there was more fatigue.  Given the added weight of these shoes, that is not unusual.  Whether the better time was a result of the shoe design or just a good run is debatable. 

The Bounce line uses the adiWEAR outsole for durability.  Since the flexion takes place in the midsole, it can be stiffer and denser for a longer wear profile.  The upper is made of several synthetics.  The Scorch is a shiny white material that does not breath much.  This is not a problem for walking or kicking the ball around, but it can get hot over a long run.  The tongue is vented for more airflow.  The heel cup is a unique combination of clear vinyl and a colored interior.  Our testers certainly appreciated the aesthetic and felt it added a lot to the style of the shoe.

As a pure training shoe, the Scorch is a bit too heavy and doesn't provide enough ventilation.  As a general walking or mall crawl shoe, it is fabulous.  One of our testers named this (and a previous generation a3 shoe) as a favorite for long distance walking.  We think this would make a great high school shoe that could be used all day and for Phys Ed.  The Scorch is offered in a variety of colors including: Running White/Metallic Silver/Black; Metallic Silver/Black/Metallic Silver; Black/Running White/University Red; Running White/Blue Metallic/Iron Metallic; Running White/Fairway/Running White.