Details
Brand
Adidas
Heel To Toe Drop
10mm
Breathability
5/10
Latest Version
No
Terrain
Road
Type
Cushioning
Key Features
• BOOST midsole technology provides cushioning and exceptional responsiveness• Durable Continental rubber outsole provides firm grip and traction• TECHFIT upper provides plentiful flexibility and offers a custom fit• TORSION arch support is lightweight and delivers support and stability• ADIPRENE unit located on the rear of the shoe adds extra protection for the heel
Upper
The upper features Adidas renowned TECHFIT technology, which is found in many of its apparel lines. TECHFIT is made from elastic fabric and ensures a glove-like fit, which means it bends and stretches according to size and shape of the foot. In this case, the upper provides a snug fit but offers great flexibility. TECHFIT’s smooth feel helps prevent irritation and keeps the foot chamber dry.
Midsole
When it comes to the overall shoe, the Boost’s midsole is the star of the show. This is where you’ll find the Boost System front and center: the BOOST unit is not one big piece of plastic foam but comprised of small capsules that create a spongy effect. These capsules are TPU pellets, which replace traditional foam platforms. TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) pellets are used for other items like cell phone cases, drive belts, medical devices, and footwear. Upon closer inspection, these capsules are visible to the naked eye and one can see that they have been linked together to give shape to the entire midsection of the shoe. The midsole also features the Formation System and the Torsion System. “Formation” is a heel technology constructed from a three-dimensional textile that isn’t disturbed during movement, while the Torsion System is a lightweight arch support platform.
Outsole
The outsole on the Adistar Boost was created via a partnership between Adidas and Continental, the tire manufacturer. These two German companies have been developing this relationship for several years and Continental continues to produce rubber compounds for many Adidas shoes. On the Adistar Boost, two pieces of rubber are placed on the forefoot and heel, as these regions bear the brunt of ground contact during a run. Constructed from the same material used on high-performance tires, the rubber on the Boost’s outsole functions in the same way that a vehicle’s tires would function on the road, delivering exceptional traction, grip, and protection.
Breathability
While the TECHFIT technology offers some great benefits, the Boost’s breathability is compromised by it. The TECHFIT fabric can feel a bit constraining due to the lack of ventilation in the upper. Several reviewers have commented on the development of “hot spots” after running in them for only a few miles. On the other hand, the Boost’s cozier feel can also appeal to runners in colder months.
Comfort
If one is adamant about cushioning, then runners will be very pleased with the comfortable grace of the Boost. Its platform serves up an exuberant amount of cushioning mile after mile. The TECHFIT upper feels comfortably snug and expandable while its heel counter unit keeps the foot in place. Despite its limitations in other areas, such as weight and breathability, most users have reported feeling satisfied with the Boost’s overall level of comfort.
Style
Adidas is one of those brands that has superior brand recognition thanks to their iconic logo. While that doesn’t mean they can just serve up plain white sneakers all day long, the Boost gets its visual appeal from the famous three-stripe Adidas emblem while still delivering its own personality to distinguish it from the rest of the Adidas lines. There are seven color combinations for both men and women, and the versions for both genders offer great style options. However, the women’s shoe offers up some slightly cooler-looking color contrasts than the men’s, such as the ash purple and solar orange combinations, which features a dark hue of purple on the body and is contrasted with bright orange trim on the laces and midsole. But no matter the gender, this low-profile stability shoe still brings the fresh style that Adidas is known for the world over.
Durability
If you’re going to have a world-renowned tire company design the outsole of your running shoe then you’re probably going to have a remarkably strong shoe. This has been the positive impact from the business relationship between Continental and Adidas. By using the same brains that have gone into developing Continental’s high-performance tires means that Adidas shoes profits from the same technological ideology. In addition, the Adistar Boost also features ADIWEAR, which is specialized material located on the outsole. ADIWEAR is water resistant and holds up great against abrasive terrain and overall wear and tear.
Protection
The Boost gets the job done when it comes to protecting the body’s running hardware. Its BOOST sole unit delivers spectacular cushioning to help protect limbs and joints from impact. The TECHFIT upper also means there’s a greater range of motion to help maintain a comfortable and consistent gait. In addition, the ADIPRENE unit on the heel works to lessen the impact on the foot’s rear. All in all, the Adistar Boost is great for maintaining and protecting the body’s hardware to keep it in working order. However, it doesn’t deliver as much when it comes to protecting against heat-related nuisances due to its upper’s lack of breathability.
Responsiveness
Adidas claims that BOOST technology, “returns more energy than any other cushioning material in the running industry”—a bold statement, but fortunately it holds true. As mentioned previously, the BOOST midsole is made from tiny pellets that, when clumped together, create a soft and foamy midsole. These pellets are highly responsive and spring back into action after impact, causing a sudden boost of energy. Characteristically, these pellets are lighter and absorb shock much better than many other midsole materials.
Support
The Adistar Boost features TORSION, a lightweight arch support system. It helps to coordinate the forefoot and rearfoot independently of one another while also helping maintain the shoe’s structural integrity, keeping the foot stable and supported throughout a ride. The FORMATION system is a separate heel unit that moves independently of the rest of the shoe. What this accomplishes is that it prevents any foot twisting by keeping a consistent level of support on the heel. It mimics the motion of the foot and returns to its original shape once pressure is relieved of it.
Terrain
You’re not going to purchase a running shoe with tire technology in its outsole and take it for a spin out on the lawn—well, technically one could, but the Adistar Boost is a ‘roadster’ that is best able to display its chops out on the open road. Its tough outsole also makes it suitable for other tenacious terrains, like gravel. its Continental outsole also works wonders on wet surfaces as it provides runners a firm grip that guarantees there won’t be any accidental slips.
Price
Doing a quick online search reveals that the Adistar Boost can be found in a wide price range, from affordable to rather pricey. With so many options in both pricing and style, this is a perfect example of how shopping around can deliver some major savings during purchase. With a little effort, it shouldn’t be too difficult to find the color combo you need at a very affordable price.
Drop
Heel height for the men’s shoe is 33mm and 32mm for the women’s. Forefoot height measures 22 mm for men and 22 mm for women. This makes the drop differential 11mm for the men’s version and 10mm for the women’s version. It’s no skyscraper, but it’s a shoe with a slightly higher drop than most other comparable running shoes, except for maximalist trainers. Based on its low-profile appearance, this drop may not seem so obvious. However, many users report that this shoe condones heel striking and the high drop differential confirms it.
Stability
The TORSION system is the Boost’s main arch support that independently isolates the movements from the forefoot and rearfoot so that both ends are not constricted in an unnatural way. Its overall stability is also enhanced by the placement of an EVA plate that’s placed atop the BOOST platform. The EVA plate adds an extra layer for more cushioning and support while stabilizing the entire foot, which also enhances responsiveness. Simply put, the Adistar Boost is a stability shoe for runners looking to go fast and stay stable throughout a ride.
Flexibility
Adidas claims that the principle behind TECHFIT technology is the enhanced coordination of the joints. Better joint coordination means that speed is not compromised in situations that call for rapidity—think activities that call for quick sideways movements, such as tennis and soccer. Running is not that much different, and it also necessitates the same sort of freedom. Its TECHFIT upper makes it possible for ample flexibility so that your feet can enjoy the freedom of movement.
Traction
When runners turn over an Adidas shoe and see the Continental imprint embedded on its outsole, they’ll know they are getting some of the best traction features a running shoe can deliver. Adidas has every right to boast about it, too. The merging of ideas between the two companies is a unique facet of the running shoe industry and one that provides runners with some solid traction.
Bottom Line
The Adidas Adistar Boost has several great features that make it a compelling stability shoe: cushioning, flexibility, responsiveness, and traction. It’s safe to say that Adidas put in the effort where it matters. This is a shoe that will keep your joints comfortable and protected for many miles. That its incredible traction—thanks to its Continental outsole—makes it a trainer for runners looking to go fast is paired with its superior stability technology will appeal to runners who need extra stability due to pronation issues. Not surprisingly, the “but” part of this review lies with the shoe’s overall size and weight. At over 10 ounces for the men’s shoe and over 9 ounces for women’s, this is a relatively chunky shoe and, generally speaking, “big” trainers aren’t as fast. However, the shoe’s responsiveness offsets some of its weight and size limitations. Overall, weighing all of the Boost’s great elements and benefits, there’s no doubt this shoe has solid construction and intelligent design. Its attractive style options are an added bonus, as well. If you’re a runner looking for a support and stability trainer that provides great traction, style, and overall responsiveness, the Adistar Boost is well worth serious consideration.
