Adidas Energy Boost 3 Review: Current Adidas Cushion Alternatives

By StripeFit Editorial TeamFirst published November 7, 2017Updated September 8, 2026

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What The Energy Boost 3 Was, And What It Is Now

Adidas describes Energy Boost as the first running shoe in its Boost history, with Boost cushioning introduced in 2013. Energy Boost 3 belongs to that earlier family. There is no current Adidas US product page for the exact Energy Boost 3 in the sources checked for this update, which is why this page treats it as legacy stock instead of presenting old specifications as current facts.

The useful part of the old model name is the buyer intent: a neutral road shoe associated with Adidas cushioning and an energetic feel. That intent can be served by a current product, but the foam, upper, fit, and outsole of a new model should not be assumed to reproduce an older Energy Boost 3 pair.

Current Options By The Decision You Need To Make

1. Adidas Ultraboost 5X

The closest current Adidas comparison when Energy Boost 3 means premium cushioning, everyday comfort, and a road-running shoe that can also cover walking. The official product page lists Light BOOST, a regular fit, Continental Rubber, and a 9.7-ounce men’s size-9 weight.

• Choose it for: Adidas cushioning, walking, easy road miles, and a more premium current purchase.
• Check before ordering: the current Adidas page recommends the usual size, but confirm the exact gendered or unisex variant and the seller’s return terms on the linked offer.
• Do not expect: an exact Energy Boost 3 replica; the midsole and upper are from a newer product generation.

Check Adidas Ultraboost 5X

2. Adidas Supernova Rise 2

Use Supernova Rise 2 when you want to stay in Adidas but would rather compare a regular daily trainer than buy a discontinued Energy Boost. Adidas product pages list Dreamstrike+ cushioning and a true-to-size recommendation for some Rise 2 variants. Adidas also lists Rise 3 in the current Supernova line, so treat Rise 2 as an earlier, sometimes discounted or fragmented option.

• Choose it for: routine road running and a straightforward Adidas daily-trainer comparison.
• Check before ordering: size, color, gendered model, and whether the listing is new and returnable.
• Do not expect: the old Boost-era feel simply because both shoes carry Adidas cushioning technology.

Compare Adidas Supernova Rise 2

3. ASICS GEL-Nimbus 28

Choose this when the real requirement is soft, neutral cushioning rather than Adidas branding. ASICS lists FF BLAST PLUS and PureGEL, an 8 mm heel drop, neutral support, and standard-width versions on its US product pages.

• Choose it for: easy daily miles, longer runs, or walking when plush cushioning is the priority.
• Check before ordering: the width and upper material; the official listing is not a promise that every foot will feel the same in the shoe.
• Do not expect: a stability shoe or an Adidas fit.

Check ASICS GEL-Nimbus 28

Fit, Use, Condition, And Returns Checks

Fit: compare the current model’s width and sizing guidance with the foot shape you actually need. Ultraboost 5X is listed as regular fit, Supernova Rise 2 product pages say true to size for the shown variants, and GEL-Nimbus 28 is listed in standard width. These are model-page descriptions, not a guarantee for every foot or colorway.

Use: these are road and everyday-training comparisons. They are sensible starting points for walking and ordinary road miles, but none of the linked options is presented as a trail or racing shoe.

Condition: for Energy Boost 3, ask for the exact style code, new-in-box photos, outsole and midsole photos, and the seller’s storage or inventory explanation. A marketplace page cannot prove how an old shoe was stored or how fresh its materials are.

Returns: confirm that the specific seller accepts unworn returns, that the window is long enough to inspect the fit indoors, and that the listing is for the exact size and width you ordered. Current brand-direct pages and marketplace offers can have different rules.

When An Energy Boost 3 Listing Is A Reasonable Buy

• The pair is unused and the listing identifies the exact model and size.
• The outsole, midsole, upper, and heel area show no cracking, separation, or storage damage in clear photos.
• The price compensates for limited availability and the seller offers a practical return path.
• You specifically want the older shape and are comfortable giving up current-model availability.

If any of those checks fail, a current shoe with transparent sizing and returns is the lower-risk choice. Start with the current alternatives above instead of assuming a low old-stock price is a bargain.

Sources and methodology

The sources for this update are official manufacturer pages and a manufacturer archive checked on September 8, 2026. Those pages establish model identity, published materials, listed fit guidance, and the availability shown at the time of checking. They do not establish the condition of a marketplace pair, prove a particular seller’s returns, or substitute for an in-person fit check. We have no wear-test measurements for these pairs; this comparison is document-based.

• Adidas: What Is Boost?: identifies Energy Boost as the first Adidas running shoe with Boost cushioning and places the original launch in 2013.
• Adidas Ultraboost 5X product page: publishes Light BOOST, regular fit, outsole material, weight, and size guidance.
• Adidas Supernova Rise 2 product page: shows the model identity, listed sizing guidance, and current page-level availability for a Rise 2 variant.
• Adidas Supernova Rise 3 product page: confirms Rise 3 as a current Supernova model and shows current size and availability presentation.
• ASICS GEL-Nimbus 28 product page: publishes neutral support, FF BLAST PLUS/PureGEL cushioning, 8 mm drop, weight, and width information.

FAQ

For the next decision, compare the running gear reviews, the beginner running shoe guide, or the broader running buying guides.