Saturday, April 19, 2014

adidas Adizero Boston Boost: First Runs Comparison to Adios Boost, Photos



My wife and I were lucky enough to catch two of the only 150 pairs in existence of the new adidas adizero Boston Boost at the Boston Marathon Expo. Full launch expected for September.
adidas Adizero Boston Boost

Do not have full details but the Boston Boost was $120, has about a 10mm drop and should weigh a bit less than the current adizero Boston's 9.1 oz, sitting in the Boost line up between the adios Boost and the Energy Boost as a lightweight trainer marathon shoe, a shoe well suited to... Boston's hilly course.
I ran 2 miles this morning in the Boston Boost and it is very smooth, well cushioned, bouncy, light and responsive. One might think it would run very similar to the current Adios Boost but in many subtle ways it is quite different and runs different too. Seems smoother, a bit more plush, more minimal all around in terms of upper and outsole construction and also a little less fast race snappy and directed. Also feels bouncier than the Energy Boost . Overall maybe a bit too bouncy soft in the heel for my taste.

adios Boost (left) Boston Boost (right)


  • considerably more minimal less structured ( fewer overlays) upper than the current adios with lighter mesh and with a somewhat longer heel cup. I say current adios as the adios boost is getting an upper similar to the non boost adios
  • wider stretchier toe box and overall fit
  • a softer and less structured top of heel counter.  Prefer the adios heel counter.
  • a longer and slightly deeper black EVA layer under the foot and out to the toe, a softer ride and more flexible up front than adios. More comfortable and cushioned up front.
  • slightly more stack height for Boost than adios but I think less than the Energy Boost. A different heel to midfoot midsole geometry. Note the beveled heel and gap under midfoot on the adios(left) below.

adios Boost (left) Boston Boost (right)

      adios Boost (left) Boston Boost (right)
    • Less beefy Torsion plates between the midsole and outsole, no medial Torsion structure near the heel in the Boston or the firm EVA center heel (gray oval above) of the adios but a wider heel landing on the Boston. The heel landings of the adios and for that matter the Energy Boost feel a bit more stable, less bouncy soft than the Boston's.
    • more Continental rubber on the outsole.



    Update 4/22/14: I did run the Boston Marathon in Adizero Boston Boost and while I had a very rough disappointing race with an epic fade after the half it was a beautiful event and day. Overwhelming support on the course, emotion, and friendship. The volunteers were amazing, the crowds intensely supportive, and fellow competitors determined.
    Back to the Boston Boost, the shoe I wore at the Marathon , with all of 2 miles on them. They were great. For the first time in a marathon no blisters along the outside of my big toes. No blisters anywhere else either. I dumped lots of water over my head and they drained very well. The open mesh will make these a great hot weather and rainy day shoe.  No foot or calf cramps despite forgetting my calf sleeves although my quads were what gave out. Cushion was just fine. Not the snappy response of the adios boost though for sure.

    For another early review of the Boston Boost see Bill Blunderbuss fine initial thoughts here.
    Derek Oxley review of the Boston Boost, here
    Video introduction by adidas at Competitor.com from the Boston Marathon Expo:  Boston Boost, Adios Boost( new upper), and Sequence Boost.


    95,000 Marathon color Daffodils grace Downtown Boston and the course

    7 comments:

    SamH said...

    Sam have you tried the Glide Boost? The Boston's look to have a nearly identical sole, but with a fused torsion plate that I'd guess would be stiffer laterally. Seems they might compliment each other very nicely for training/racing.

    Sam Winebaum said...

    Hi SamH- I have tried the Glide Boost on a couple of times. It is a heavier shoe with a conventional more old school upper. Probably a bit more cushioned than the Boston but not much. I ran Boston in the Boston Boost yesterday and while I had a very rough slow race with a big slowdown after the half the shoes were not an issue. Well cushioned and given all the water I dumped on my head I can say drain very very well. Zero blisters on the side of my big toes for the first time and no usual cramps in feet or calves despite forgetting my calf sleeves. As such should be a great summer hot weather shoe too.

    SamH said...

    Thanks. I get those same blisters, especially with my Saucony Guides with their flared forefoot. Looking forward to the Boston as lighter weight alternative for faster tempo to the Glides.

    Sam Winebaum said...

    Hear you on Sauconys SamH. I had the Ride and found forefoot too roomy wide in the wrong way. One way to help with blisters is to not wear slick smooth socks. I really like the Ashmei Merino Carbon trails these days. Pricey from UK but absolutely wear like iron. Kind of dense and seem to fill grip inside shoes but never a blister.

    Anonymous said...

    Hey i tend to wear 11 - 11.5 in shoes - what do you wear in the boston and th clifton?

    Sam Winebaum said...

    I was true to size in both Boston Boost and Clifton.

    Adidas Boost said...

    My wife and I were lucky enough to catch two of the only 150 pairs in existence of the new adidas adizero Boston Boost at the Boston Marathon ... eadidasboost.blogspot.de