Details
Brand
Adidas
Heel To Toe Drop
10 mm
Breathability
7/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Cushioning
Key Features
• Durable Continental and AdiWear outsole• Lightweight and thin Boost foam midsole• Unique midsole Torsion System• Flexible and breathable gender-specific upper• Great traction on wet and slippery surfaces• A convenient removable sockliner• Very comfortable overall fit
Upper
The upper of the shoe differs depending on if the shoe is designed for men or women. The men’s version offers an open, net-like mesh material. The women’s model features a more knitted fabric. Both uppers offer excellent breathability and are soft and comfortable against the skin. The materials have some stretch which adapts to the foot’s movements. An inner Coolever mesh lining has good moisture-wicking properties which keep the foot dry and cool, even after long-distance runs. Overlays stitched to the upper work in conjunction with the lacing system to support the foot and keep it in place. A heel counter on the back of the shoe keeps the heel aligned with the rest of the foot.
Midsole
The midsole of this shoe contains the brand’s renowned Boost technology. Boost foam midsoles are comprised of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) pellets that are bonded together to create the midsole platform. These pellets bounce back quickly when compressed. They are also temperature resistant which means the shoe does not become stiffer in the cold or over flexible on hot days. Boost foam also provides good shock absorption and cushioning. Many distance runners prefer this unique foam over standard EVA foam found in most running shoes. A thin, removable, sockliner adds a bit more cushioning to the shoe.;Located in the midfoot area of the midsole is a Torsion System which is a thermoplastic protective plate. This plate allows the forefoot and midfoot to move independently which lessens the strain on the center of the foot. This component also provides arch support and helps with the runner’s stride. Runners prone to plantar fasciitis said the Torsion System helped them continue to run with minimal pain in the arch area.
Outsole
The outsole of this shoe is made from two types of rubber. The heel area is comprised of Adidas’ AdiWear rubber which is a durable, high-quality material. The forefoot area is made from Continental rubber, the same company that makes Continental tires. Both types of rubber are very lightweight and provide excellent traction. The use of two different kinds of rubber make the heel more durable and aggressive and the forefoot more springy and energized. For the runner, this translates to a smooth landing and a powerful push-off. This outsole is also good on slippery and wet surfaces. Wearers praised the outsole for its grip and ability to take on the miles with minimal treadwear.
Breathability
This shoe’s upper offers very good breathability. The material of both the men’s and women’s models is quick-drying under wet conditions and allows hot air to exit the shoe and cooler air into the shoe. The shoe’s overlays are small, three Adidas stripes, and do not restrict the airflow into or out of the show. A wide toe box ensures fresh air circulation around the wearer’s toes. Runners had no complaints about hot feet or blisters while wearing this shoe, even after marathon distance runs.
Comfort
The Boston Boost 6 is a very comfortable shoe. The midsole is not overly cushioned, but the Boost rubber material provides a very cushioned ride. Most of the cushioning is in the heel area which means soft landings and good forefoot drip. Because there is less cushioning in the front of the shoe, runners will be able to feel the road beneath their toes. Some runners enjoyed this feeling and described is as the road being able to pull them forward. The moisture-wicking properties of the upper material runner’s keep the foot cool and dry and minimize chaffing and blisters. When lacing up the shoes before a run, be sure the tongue is centered and tight. Some runners had a problem with the tongue folding over which caused a pressure point on the top of the foot. The overlays and laces work together to customize the fit of the shoe. A few runners though this version was more narrow than the Boost Boston 5.
Style
There is no mistaking an Adidas shoe. The “three stripes” logo has been featured on the company’s athletic apparel since 1952. Their running shoes tend to come in standard dark colors with few contrasting highlights. Runners who prefer subdued shoes will enjoy the neutral color options. The midsole and outsole are also rather plain with the emphasis being on function rather than fashion. If you enjoy bright colored shoes with space-age looking midsoles, these shoes are probably not for you.
Durability
This is a durable shoe. Wearers can expect to get 400 to 500 miles out of this shoe. The Continental outsole incorporates some of the same high-quality rubber material properties that are used on car and truck tires. This rubber is resilient enough to withstand not only wet and dry pavement, but also wide temperature fluctuations. This means the shoe will give a consistent performance no matter how hot or how cold the pavement. This technology also helps the shoe maintain its integrity longer. When rubber gets hot, it tends to soften and can break down quicker. Cold rubber can stiffen and also lose its durability. In addition, the shoe incorporates AdiWear foam rubber which is abrasion-resistant and durable. The upper material of the shoe is also quite durable despite its thinness.
Protection
Most of the protection of this road shoe comes from the outsole and midsole. The combined cushioning keeps the foot off the road and provides padding underfoot. The mesh upper material keeps the foot secure inside the shoe and prevents movement. There is no toe guard and the overlays are minimal. A small flap from the outsole protects from unexpected toe stubs. Runners can take these shoes on well-groomed trails but will want to watch for sharp rocks and roots.
Responsiveness
The Boston Boost 6 is a highly responsive shoe. A few wearers said it was a bit too bouncy for their liking. Adidas claims the Boost technology generates more energy than a standard EVA midsole platform. The majority of the cushioning is in the heel which accounts for the bouncy feeling. The forefoot area of the shoe provides good ground feel which allows for powerful push-offs. Wearers commented on the fast feel of the shoe and had a hard time running slow once they got going.
Support
The redesigned upper of this shoe wraps around the foot for a comfortable, but tight fit. This is a great improvement from the Boost 5 version. The upper material also has some stretch which provides more stability without compromising flexibility. The midsole has a special system called a Torsion System. This system features a thermoplastic arch support which lets the forefoot move independently from the rearfoot. This feature prevents excessive strain on the arch and allows the midfoot to adjust to hitting the ground. The result is a very smooth ride for the runner. The aggressive outsole also ensures a powerful and confident run.
Terrain
This shoe is designed for solid terrain, and will do well on roads, sidewalks, tracks, dirt roads, and well-groomed trails. The Continental outsole has excellent traction for road running and the AdiWear rubber tread in the forefoot allows just enough ground feel to appeal to most runners. The shoe can be worn on rainy days, but expect wet feet.
Price
The Boston Boost 6 retails for $120. Shopping online will find the shoe on sale for less than this price. At $120, the price is about average for a shoe of this quality. Wearers can expect to get their usual mileage or slightly more thanks to the durability of the outsole.
Drop
With a stack height of 29mm in the heel and 19mm in the forefoot, the Boston Boost 6 has a resulting drop of 10mm. A 10mm heel-to-toe drop promotes a cushioned heel strike that lowers the chance of injury to the runner’s foot and knee. Most wearers described the shoe as very bouncy and responsive and the high heel-to-toe drop did not interfere with their run in any way. The Boost foam allows the midsole to remain fairly thin, but highly cushioned.
Stability
This shoe has several stability features to correct any overpronation (inward roll) foot motions. The Torsion System allows the foot to move naturally and the midfoot cushioning carries the arch of the foot to ensure a stable ride. The midsole is not overly thick (19 mm in the forefoot) which makes the runner low to the ground compared to other cushioned running shoes. A low heel offset also helps with the shoe’s stability. A wide forefoot creates a stable landing pad which allows the runner to push off quickly.
Flexibility
Despite the moderately cushioned midsole, this is a fairly flexible shoe. The flexibility comes from the design of the outsole which has spaces between the tread lugs which act like grooves in the forefoot area. The cushioning in the midsole is soft enough to bend with every step, yet still provides a responsive feel. The shoe’s upper moves with the foot for inhibited flexibility and also maintains the structure of the shoe. Runners liked the slight stiffness in the heel area in contrast to the flexibility of the forefoot that created a natural feeling that was not overly stiff.
Traction
This shoe provides excellent traction on most hard surfaces. The Continental tread offers better than average grip which means runners don’t have to worry about slipping or sliding when out for a run. The shoe is good on hills and has adequate traction for dirt roads. The shoe also does well on wet surfaces.
Bottom Line
The Adidas Adizero Boston Boost 6 is a great shoe for any runner seeking a comfortable, yet durable shoe that can rack up some miles. This latest upgrade provides protection from excessive pounding and a responsive and cushioned ride. Comfort and stability are provided by an improved upper which runners found to be very comfortable and improved the look of the shoe. Runners raved about the fit which many said was perfect and hugged their foot like a sock. Only a few said the shoe was too tight. Runners also liked the feel of the ground in the toe area and the extra cushioning in the heel. If you’re in the market for a new comfortable trainer or racer that can pile on the miles, this updated and lightweight shoe might be a good choice.
