Adidas Running Shoes: Complete Guide to Boost, Adizero & the Best Models for Every Runner

Adidas Ultraboost – King of Cushion for a Reason

If you’re chasing max comfort, the Ultraboost (now on version 23) is Adidas’s go-to plush beast. This thing is all about softness—Light Boost foam from heel to toe, plus that snug Primeknit upper that hugs your foot just right.

According to RunRepeat, the Ultraboost straight-up wins the comfort crown in Adidas’s lineup thanks to its gentle foam, breathable feel, and roomy fit.

And yeah—I’d agree. When you’re coming off a brutal week of mileage or just need something forgiving underfoot, the UB23 is like floating through your recovery run.

That Light Boost foam? It’s buttery soft—around 17 HA on the durometer—which translates to a smooth, flexible, no-fuss ride.

It’s not just for running either. This shoe works just as well for long walks, airport travel, or lazy Sundays. The heel soaks up shock like a pro, and the stretchy upper doesn’t squeeze your toes.

I usually recommend it to heavier runners or folks bouncing back from injury.

Just a heads-up—it’s no featherweight. At over 320g (men’s size 9), it’s not built for racing. Even RunRepeat admits the obvious: “Could still be lighter”.

💬 Coach’s Tip: I give this shoe to athletes during high-volume training blocks or after a big race. One of my marathoners loves them so much she wears hers to brunch.

If you’re into squishy, cozy shoes that can double as lifestyle kicks, the Ultraboost might just be your forever trainer.

Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 – The Race-Day Weapon

Let’s talk race-day firepower. The Adizero Adios Pro 3 is Adidas’s top-shelf carbon-plated shoe.

It’s built with Lightstrike Pro foam and loaded with five carbon EnergyRods under the forefoot. That combo gives you bounce, propulsion, and structure—Runner’s World even called it a “bouncy, high-return ride” that’s more stable than Nike’s Vaporfly.

This shoe isn’t hype—athletes are actually cashing in PRs. One tester from Runner’s World shaved time off their half marathon in Paris.

And elites are smashing with it too: Amane Beriso took gold at the 2023 World Championship Marathon (2:24:23) wearing the Adios Pro 3.

Fit-wise, it hugs the midfoot and heel like a proper racer. The upper is light and breathable, with heel tabs that make slipping it on a breeze.

But let me be real—this isn’t for your slow Monday shuffle. It’s made to go fast. It springs you forward with every step.

Downsides? It runs a little long (you might need to size down) and feels firm underfoot. You’re getting snap, not squish.

I usually steer faster runners toward this one when chasing half or full marathon PRs. It rewards clean form and focus—every step feels like the shoe is working with you.

But if you’re looking for comfort over speed, stick with Ultraboost.

Adidas Boston 12 – Your Tempo Workhorse

The Boston 12 is Adidas’s sweet-spot shoe—sits right between your daily trainer and race flat.

It’s lighter than the old Bostons (around 261g) and packs a firm midsole with EnergyRods and Lightstrike EVA. The result? A crisp, snappy ride that begs for quicker turnover.

In our own runs, it felt stiff enough to handle tempo work without beating up your feet.

And while Adidas shoes tend to run narrow, the Boston 12 breaks the mold. The forefoot’s wide—RunRepeat clocked the toe box at about 99.2mm. That’s roomy for a shoe in this category.

Just watch the toe-box height—it’s low, so runners with high-volume feet might need to go half a size up.

It also grips like a beast thanks to the Continental rubber outsole. Whether you’re grinding on a treadmill or dodging puddles, this one sticks.

I slot this shoe in for steady-state runs, fast-finish long runs, or anything around threshold pace.

It’s got more zip than a trainer, but more cushion than a pure racer.

One athlete told me he could wear it for everything from intervals to Sunday long runs. That kind of versatility makes it a solid pick for intermediate runners who want one shoe to cover a range of workouts.

Adidas Solar Glide / Boost – The Daily Grinders

The Solar series (SolarGlide, SolarBoost) are no-frills trainers that just get the job done.

They’re built for neutral runners logging steady miles. Not flashy, not light, but definitely reliable.

One tester nailed it: “A mileage shoe… comfortable and easy to run in”.

These shoes typically pair Lightstrike or Boost foam with a breathable, supportive upper. And that Continental rubber outsole? Total game changer.

It bites into wet pavement, fallen leaves—you name it. One review simply put it: “Fantastic grip”.

I’ve had athletes lean on these for big base-building weeks or easy long runs.

They offer a grounded, stable feel—not the bounce of a racer, but enough give to keep your joints happy.

Think less Ultraboost marshmallow, more firm but forgiving.

I also recommend them for beginners who want a “set-it-and-forget-it” kind of shoe.

One of my old coaches said it best: “They’re not too springy or too sloppy. They just work.”

If you need a durable, no-drama shoe that’ll chew through miles, this is it.

Adidas Duramo & Galaxy – Big Value on a Budget

If you’re just getting into running—or just trying not to blow $150 on your first pair—the Duramo and Galaxy lines deliver serious bang for your buck.

These shoes typically go for under $100, use basic Lightstrike foam, and keep things simple.

RunRepeat called the Duramo 10 “great for beginners who want a cushy ride to ease their way into running”.

They even tested it for longer efforts and said it held up fine for short jogs and long walks.

The wide toe box makes it super comfortable, and it’s been named a top pick for orthotics wearers.

I’ve had plenty of Couch-to-5K runners start in these. One guy even kept his pair for neighborhood strolls after graduating to a faster shoe.

Are they the most responsive? Nope. Do they last forever? Not quite.

But for the price, they punch way above their weight. One reviewer said it best: “Comfy for all-day wear… lightweight for its kind… and durable for the price”.

If you’re easing in, rehabbing, or just want a chill pair for walking or errands, Duramos are a smart place to start.

Adidas Fit & Sizing – Real Talk for Runners

Let’s cut to it — Adidas shoes usually run snug. Especially around the midfoot.

Whether it’s the Ultraboost’s Primeknit or the tighter structured mesh in models like the Solar series, these uppers wrap your arch and heel like a hug. If you’ve got narrow feet, you’ll probably love that locked-in feel. But if your feet lean wide? It can get uncomfortable real quick.

Now, Runner’s World points out that Nike shoes actually run even narrower than Adidas — especially in the heel and midfoot — so keep that in mind if you’re comparing the two. Adidas tends to use a more neutral foot shape with a bit more space upfront.

From what I’ve seen — and coached — Adidas sizing usually sticks close to true-to-size, but the toebox can still feel tight.

One runner I worked with bought the SolarGlide and said, “Adidas shoes are always narrow,” even though the toe box was technically wider than average. Another athlete mentioned that some Adidas shoes feel a bit long, so even if the forefoot feels tight, don’t be surprised if there’s a little extra length.

Quick coaching tip: If you’ve got wide feet, check if the model comes in a wide fit — the Duramo does, for example. Otherwise, go half a size up.

And for those knit uppers (like Ultraboost), yeah, they stretch a little over time, but they still feel firm out of the box. I’ve seen folks blister up from a too-snug Primeknit because they didn’t size up — especially if they were between sizes.

So if you’re on the fence and can’t stand heel slip, size up and give your toes some breathing room.

Durability & Grip – Adidas’s Hidden Power Move

One thing Adidas doesn’t get enough credit for? Their shoes hold up. Like, really hold up.

That Boost midsole? It doesn’t quit. Adidas even claims it can keep its bounce “for kilometer after kilometer” without breaking down — and I believe them.

I’ve run plenty of miles in Ultraboosts that still felt springy long after other shoes went flat. Compared to a Nike Pegasus or Saucony Kinvara, Boost midsoles just keep going.

Now let’s talk grip.

Adidas outsoles are built tough. Most of their running shoes use Continental™ rubber — yeah, the same brand that makes tires.

That’s why they bite into wet roads like trail shoes on mud. RunRepeat even called out the Ultraboost 5’s Continental outsole as a major win. The Boston 12, for example, crushed it in a wet-grip test, scoring 0.57 — that’s way above average.

I’ve run through Bali’s rain-soaked back roads in these and never worried about slipping once.

But here’s the trade-off — that durability comes with some extra weight.

I’ve joked that some Adidas shoes are built like tanks… but hey, tanks finish the mission.

If you want a shoe that can survive hundreds of miles, this is it. I once logged over 800K in a pair of SolarGlide 6s before I even noticed the foam starting to give.

Compare that to race flats that feel dead at 200K, and the value speaks for itself.

Which Runners Should Rock Adidas?

The beauty of Adidas? They’ve got something for just about every type of runner.

• Beginners: Models like the Duramo and Galaxy are solid picks — affordable, cushy, and stable. Great for learning the ropes.
• Mid-packers & daily grinders: The Boston 12, SolarGlide, and Supernova series crush both easy miles and workout paces. I’ve seen intermediate runners thrive in these.
• Speedsters & competitors: Eyeing a PR? The Adizero Adios Pro and Takumi Sen are made for racing. These are the same types of shoes elite runners lace up on race day.
• Heavier runners: If you’re 180+ lbs or logging long runs weekly, the Ultraboost or SolarBoost gives you cushion without killing your joints.
• Walkers & hybrid users: Even if you’re not running every day, the Ultraboost or Duramo still deliver comfort for long walks, errands, or light jogging.

Real-world coaching example?

I once paired three runners with three different Adidas models:

• A new runner (around 70 kg) wore the Duramo 10 for her first 5K build-up — she loved how stable and forgiving it felt.
• A tempo-focused runner (65 kg) instantly clicked with the Boston 12. She used it for both base runs and threshold workouts.
• And a heavier marathoner (85 kg) saw his lingering foot pain disappear after switching to the Ultraboost during base training.

The takeaway?

Adidas usually has a shoe that’ll fit the runner standing right in front of you — whether it’s race day or day one.

Adidas vs Nike – What’s the Real Difference?

Both brands make killer shoes. But they’re built for slightly different types of runners.

Tech & Foam Wars

Nike often leads the race on wild new tech — their ZoomX foam returns around 85% energy, which was a game-changer in 2017. Adidas dropped Boost earlier (2013) and leaned into long-term cushioning. More recently, Adidas introduced EnergyRods (instead of a full plate) for a bit more natural stability.

If you’re chasing race-weight speed, Nike’s ZoomX plus carbon plate (like in the Alphafly Next% at ~210g) feels super springy. Adidas (Adios Pro 4 at ~220–225g) is slightly heavier, but more stable underfoot.

Fit Feel

Nike tends to run narrower — especially in the heel and midfoot. Adidas gives you a bit more space up front.

If you’re narrow-footed, Nike will feel secure. If you’ve got wider feet or just hate feeling crammed in, Adidas will likely feel more forgiving.

Plus, people often go up half a size in Nike, while Adidas usually runs true.

Durability

Adidas wins this round hands down. Boost, Lightstrike Pro, and that Continental outsole just outlast most of Nike’s offerings.

You’ll often see Adidas shoes still ticking at 800+ km, while some Nike race shoes wear down fast — especially with thin rubber and soft foam.

The price you pay? Adidas shoes tend to be a little heavier.

Race-Day Speed

Nike’s Alphafly feels slightly snappier thanks to that ZoomX foam and plate combo — and the weight savings help.

But Adidas’s Adios Pro series still delivers elite-level performance, just with a touch more ground contact and stability.

Both are capable of amazing race times — it really comes down to preference.

Flagship Showdown: Adidas vs Nike

Let’s lay it out straight — here’s how the top dogs from each brand stack up:

Both of these shoes are race-day monsters.

If you’re chasing grams and want that ultra-snappy toe-off, Nike’s ZoomX plus carbon plate combo has the edge.

But if you’re after long-haul comfort with stable propulsion, Adidas’s EnergyRods and durable outsole foam deliver a beast that can go the distance and still feel fresh.

In the end, it’s about feel. Try them both and go with the one your feet don’t fight.

Adidas and Sustainability – Walking the Talk

Now here’s something I respect: Adidas doesn’t just talk green — they build it into their shoes.

Since 2015, they’ve teamed up with Parley for the Oceans to turn ocean plastic into running shoes. And by 2019, over 11 million pairs of Adidas shoes were made with recycled marine waste².

That’s not just hype — that’s serious scale. I’ve even coached runners who picked their marathon shoes specifically because they were made from this stuff. (Shoutout to one of my athletes who PR’d in her Parley UltraBoosts.)

And it’s not just the upper.

Adidas launched something called Futurecraft.Loop — a fully recyclable running shoe. No glue, no mixed materials. Just one type of TPU that they can grind down and turn into a new shoe when yours is done³.

You send it back, they remake it. The whole thing’s designed to live again and again. That’s a bold move in an industry full of waste.

Nike’s trying too. Their “Move to Zero” campaign is all about cutting carbon and waste, and they’ve made some good progress with ZoomX now being derived from renewable sources.

And other brands, like On Running, have also stepped up with shoes like Cyclon™ — fully recyclable too.

Still, if you care about eco-credentials and want to run without adding to the landfill, Adidas is making it easier to do that.

Their goals for a circular shoe economy are real, and they’ve got the Parley line to back it up.

What Runners Are Saying About Adidas

I’ve heard it all — on the road, at the start line, in the gym, and on Reddit.

Here’s what keeps coming up:

• Praise for Comfort & Lifespan: Runners love Boost. That foam feels like clouds and holds up like a work boot. On forums, you’ll see stuff like, “500 miles in and it still feels new.” I’ve seen people use the same SolarGlides for two full training blocks — and they still held their shape.
• Complaints About Weight & Fit: Yeah, Adidas can feel snug — especially in the forefoot. Some folks say they need to size up for toe space. And if you’re coming from a Nike Vaporfly, the weight difference is obvious. One guy on r/runningshoegeeks said it best: “Boost is amazing, but man is the shoe heavy.”
• Game Changer: The Adios Pro Series: This is where things get interesting. The Adios Pro 3 and 4 flipped the script. Adidas used to be known more for trainers than race-day weapons. Now? They’ve got legit super shoes. Athletes I’ve talked to are racing marathons in Adios Pros, and they’re holding their own. I’ve seen the spark in people’s eyes after their first run in them — they’re not just trainers anymore. They’re contenders.

Even in my own run group, you hear both sides:

Beginners go, “I picked Adidas because it felt comfy.”
Racers say, “I’m using Adios Pro for my marathon.”

And they’re both right. Adidas brings that combo of cushion, reliability, and now — speed.

Fun Fact You’ll Want to Know

Ever feel like Adidas shoes grip better on wet pavement? There’s a reason.

They use the same rubber that goes into high-performance car tires — Continental™. It’s in models like Ultraboost, SolarGlide, and Boston 12. And yeah, it really works.

I’ve run rainy laps where everyone else was sliding like it was a skating rink… while my Adidas shoes stuck like glue.

Final Verdict – Should You Go Adidas?

Here’s my no-BS take:

Adidas running shoes hit hard in comfort, grip, and long-haul durability. That Boost foam is legendary for a reason. The Continental outsoles bite into the ground like no other. And their eco-friendly efforts? Legit.

But they’re not featherweights. If you’re chasing sub-elite times and want the lightest shoe on the market, you might lean toward Nike’s ZoomX lineup. If you want a daily workhorse that eats up mileage without falling apart, Adidas is your brand.

Personally, I always keep one Adidas pair in rotation. Whether it’s for recovery days, long runs, or even races — they’ve earned a spot on my shelf. And honestly, if you’re looking for gear that works hard and lasts, you can’t go wrong giving Adidas a shot.

What about you? Got an Adidas model you swear by? Or curious about trying them for the first time? Let me know — I’d love to hear what’s on your feet.