In this product guide:
- 1. Comfortable trainer for daily runs: adidas Ultraboost 5X
- 2. Comfortable racer for marathons: adidas adios Pro 4
- 3. Comfortable marathon racer for heavy runners: adidas PrimeX2 Strung
- 4. Comfortable trainer for 5K and 10K runs: adidas adizero EVO SL
- 5. Comfortable tempo trainer: adidas Adizero SL V2
- 6. Comfortable racer for 5K runs: adidas Takumi Sen 10
- 7. Most comfortable for trail running: adidas Terrex Agravic Speed
- How we selected
This version of the Ultraboost is unlike any other. Until now, all the variants had heel-focused cushioning. Most of the Boost foam was crammed into the back, so the thinner forefoot was relatively uncomfortable. That’s no longer the case.
The new Boost midsole has gained significant thickness over the last year. The difference is stark – the 5X’s forefoot is nearly as tall as the Ultraboost Light’s heel. The rearfoot is now 38 mm tall; that’s a lot of cushioned comfort under the heel.
With these updates, the Ultraboost 5X is a comfortable daily trainer for heel and forefoot strikers. The tight fit of the Primeknit upper also enhances comfort by locking the foot down over the midsole.
By ‘tight’, we refer to the stretchy fit that conforms to the foot shape. The heel is plush, and removing the plastic cage (from the UB Light) enhances comfort.
We recommend the Ultraboost as an everyday trainer for less aggressive workouts; the soft ride works best for speeds slower than 5:00 min/km (8 min/mile).
And why did we not recommend the Supernova Rise? It’s an average running shoe, and there’s nothing that the Supernova Rise can do that the Ultraboost 5X can’t.
- adidas’s marketing pitch: Delivers continual energy return across the miles.
- Upper: Stretchy Primeknit upper with a bootie construction.
- Midsole: Full-length ‘Light Boost’ foam, Torsion midfoot shank. 10 mm heel drop.
- Outsole: Single piece Continental rubber.
- Weight: 275 gms/ 9.7 Oz for a half pair of Men’s US 9/UK 8.5/EUR 42.5/CM 27.
- Stack heights: 38 mm (heel), 28 mm (forefoot).
- Available widths: Single, D – regular (reviewed)
- Previous model: adidas Ultraboost Light.
- Country of origin: Vietnam.
- Recommended use: Daily cruiser, half-marathons, marathons.
- Footstrike orientation: Heel, midfoot/forefoot (full contact).
- Orthotic compatibility: Low.
- Median lifespan: 500 miles.
- Recommended paces: Slower than 5:00 min/km (8:00 min/mile).
- Recommended temperature range: Warmer than -5° C/23° F.
Pros
- Soft and bouncy comfort
- Very secure fit
- Outsole traction
- Long term durability
- Highly reflective upper
Cons
- Lower stability than before
- Shallow toe box
- No optional width(s)
- Short Torsion piece affects transitions
While adidas sells other cushioned hyper-shoes like the Prime Strung X2, the Adios Pro 4 is the cornerstone of its high-end racing shoe catalog.
Runners who loved the safe and predictable ride character of the Adios Pro 3 are in for a surprise. While the Adios Pro 4 looks similar to the Pro 3, its behavior on the road is a complete departure.
Three noteworthy changes make this version the most changed Adios Pro to date.
Let’s begin with the Lightstrike Pro foam midsole. The Adios Pro 4 has a much softer and bouncier ride; the LS Pro foam is easier to compress than the Pro 3 with a springier feel.
The previously solid under-heel midsole now has a hollow cavity. This update makes the heel landings softer but far less stable than the Pro 3. The older model had a solid midsole heel that helped stabilize heel-first landings.
If we had to put a number on the reduced stability, the Pro 4 is 50% less stable than the Pro 3. With this change, the Adios Pro 4 is no longer ideal for heel strikers and heavy runners. The softer heel throws you around a lot more.
The second update is the stronger rocker effect. The Pro 4 is more eager to propel the foot forward; the bouncier foam helps too.
Finally, the new upper has a smoother interior with an attached tongue. While a gusset is missing, the tongue is tacked to the upper to prevent movement. The upper fits true to size, and the new toe-box doesn’t absorb moisture (during rainy day runs) the way the Pro 3 did.
The foot telescopes into the softer heel during impact, causing runners to sense minor heel slippage.
The Adios Pro 4’s 39 mm heel and 33 mm forefoot stacks provide generous ride comfort. The soft and bouncy ride of the LS Pro midsole keeps the feet comforted during a half-marathon or a full 26.2-mile race.
Unlike the Nike Vaporfly or Saucony Endorphin Pro, there’s no solid plate inside the midsole. The ‘Energy Rods’ add an element of quickness while letting the foot control the transition process.
- adidas’s marketing pitch: Designed to optimize running efficiency.
- Upper: Lightweight mesh with attached tongue. Semi-collapsible heel.
- Midsole: Full-length Lightstrike Pro foam with Energy rods. 6 mm heel drop.
- Outsole: Continental and Lighttraxion rubber.
- Weight: 200 gms/ 7.05 Oz for a half pair of Men’s US 9/UK 8.5/EUR 42.5/CM 27.
- Stack heights: 39 mm (heel), 33 mm (forefoot).
- Available widths: Single, D – regular (reviewed)
- Previous model: adidas adios Pro 3.
- Country of origin: China.
- Recommended use: 10K, half-marathons, marathons.
- Footstrike orientation: Midfoot/forefoot (full contact).
- Orthotic compatibility: No.
- Median lifespan: 400 miles.
- Recommended paces: Quicker than 5:30 min/km (8:50 min/mile).
- Recommended temperature range: Warmer than -0° C/32° F.
Pros
- Soft and bouncy comfort
- Propulsive rocker effect
- Outsole traction
- Upper comfort
- Speed-friendly ride
Cons
- Unstable heel
- Long term durability is unknown
- No optional width(s)
On paper, the whole idea of the Prime X Strung sounds utterly ridiculous. Sample this: the Lightstrike Pro midsole has stack heights of 50 mm (heel) and 43 mm (forefoot). To put things in perspective, just the forefoot alone exceeds the 40 mm regulation stack heights by 3 mm.
But wait, there’s more. The PrimeX Strung has not one, but two Carbon plates stacked on top of each other. As one might expect, this midsole behaves differently than most Carbon-plated racers.
The PrimeX2’s tall midsole adds a generous amount of ride comfort during a marathon or half.
At the same time, the twin plate adds quickness by adding rigidity to the midsole rocker. And we say ‘quick’, we refer to an upper-speed limit of 4:00 min/km (6:30 min/mile). It’s too bulky to go any faster.
This is an excellent Carbon-plated racer for heavier runners. The stiffness of the dual plates and the inherent firmness of the Lightstrike Pro foam add relatively high levels of support when fully loaded.
The upper is a mixed bag. The forefoot is much roomier than the midfoot, and the stiff eyelet near the heel opening can turn into a pressure hotspot if laced too tight.
Adidas advertises the EVO SL as a speed shoe. We concur – it’s a great shoe for going fast. The Lightstrike Pro foam is soft and reactive; it works with the rocker midsole for quick turnovers.
What makes the adizero EVO SL appealing is its ability to deliver comfort-first cushioning during a 10K race or tempo run.
Despite its speed shoe positioning, the EVO SL has substantial stack heights. Its 39 mm (rear) and 32 mm (front) tall midsole are closer to Adios Pro levels than the Takumi.
Also, the EVO SL lacks the stiff Energy Rod tubes that the Adios Pro, Boston 12, and Takumi have. That has a notable effect on the ride quality.
The footstrikes and transitions are cushioned entirely by the Lightstrike Pro foam core. Regardless of the footstrike pattern or speed, there’s abundant underfoot padding.
Adidas chose a ‘comfort’ fit for the EVO SL. The fit is relatively spacious, very breathable, and has a well-padded heel.
- adidas’s marketing pitch: Experience the feeling of fast.
- Upper: Lightweight mesh, no inner sleeve.
- Midsole: Full-length Lightstrike Pro foam. 7 mm heel drop.
- Outsole: Continental rubber (forefoot), Clear rubber (heel).
- Weight: 224 gms/ 7.9 Oz for a half pair of Men’s US 9/UK 8.5/EUR 42.5/CM 27.
- Stack heights: 39 mm (heel), 32 mm (forefoot).
- Available widths: Single, D – regular (reviewed)
- Country of origin: China.
- Recommended use: 5K, 10K, half-marathons.
- Footstrike orientation: Midfoot/forefoot (full contact).
- Orthotic compatibility: No.
- Median lifespan: 400 miles.
- Recommended paces: 4:00 min/km (6:30 min/mile) and slower.
- Recommended temperature range: Warmer than -0° C/32° F.
Pros
- Soft and bouncy comfort
- Effective midsole rocker
- Outsole traction
- Breathable, just-right fit
- Works well even at slow speeds and heel strikes
Cons
- No reflectivity
- No optional width(s)
The adizero SL V2 is an under-rated speed trainer. It’s comfortable, quick, and reasonably priced because it’s missing a few bells and whistles. But the lower spec level doesn’t get in the way of the shoe’s performance.
Unlike the Takumi Sen or Boston 12, the adizero SL2 doesn’t have a stiff component inside the shoe. The all-foam midsole has just two ingredients.
There’s a full-length Lightstrike Pro core nestled inside a firmer EVA blend core that adidas calls Lightstrike. You can see the LS Pro foam through the ‘windows’ on the outsole.
The dual-density foam stack creates a healthy separation between the foot and the ground, thus preventing the feet from getting beat down during sub-4:30 min/km (7 min/mile) runs. The softer Lightstrike Pro core inside the firm EVA foam carrier adds bounciness to the ride quality.
The lightweight racing upper keeps the interior ventilated and locks the foot down during speed runs and races. We also love that the adizero SL has a similar rib-like outsole that we loved on the Boston 11 and adios 7, even if it isn’t Continental-branded – the outsole is made of adiwear rubber.
The adidas Takumi has changed quite a bit over the years, but its objective (or use case) hasn’t. This shoe is best suited for 5K, 10K, and intervals. For a lightweight racer, the Takumi is surprisingly comfortable. The entire midsole stack (33mm and 27 mm) uses the soft and bouncy Lightstrike Pro foam to absorb ground impact forces.
The Takumi Sen 10 is like a lighter and tighter-fitting version of the adidas Adios 8, and with a shorter heel drop of 6 mm.
The unique Energy rods are spread out for a more efficient power transfer to the ground. The Continental rubber outsole covers the midsole in high-wear areas for grip.
The lightweight yet snug-fitting upper disappears over the foot during runs; the soft and breathable meshes make the insides comfortable.
- adidas’s marketing pitch: Race-day running shoes for a fast 10K
- Upper: Engineered mesh, collapsible heel.
- Midsole: Dual-layered Lightstrike Pro foam, Energy rods. 6 mm heel drop.
- Outsole: Two-piece Continental + Textile rubber outsole.
- Weight: 201 gms/ 7.1 Oz for a half pair of Men’s US 9/UK 8.5/EUR 42.5/CM 27.
- Stack heights: 33 mm (heel), 27 mm (forefoot).
- Available widths: Single, D – regular (reviewed)
- Previous model: adidas Takumi Sen 9.
- Country of origin: China.
- Recommended use: 5K and 10K races, intervals.
- Footstrike orientation: Heel, midfoot/forefoot (full contact).
- Median lifespan: 300 miles.
- Recommended temperature range: Warmer than 0° C/32° F.
Pros
- Responsive ride
- Quick transitions
- Secure upper fit
- Outsole grip
- Ventilation
- Lightweight
Cons
- Expensive
- No widths
- Heel pull tab needs to be longer
Also consider:
- adidas adios 8
- Hoka Cielo Road
- Nike Streakfly
- New Balance SC Pacer
- Use the adidas Takumi 10 for intervals and 5K, 10K races
- Use the adidas adios Pro 3 for long runs and marathons
- Use the adidas Boston 12 for daily runs, including tempo workouts
In terms of specs and price, the Terrex Agravic Speed is one rung below the Ultra version. It’s $60 cheaper than the Ultra version, and it’s easy to see why. Unlike the Ultra version, the Agravic Speed has a dual-density midsole.
On top is a firmer Lightstrike EVA frame; the softer Lighstrike Pro foam is available only in the bottom half.
This setup is beneficial when trail running. The softer LS Pro base makes harsh trail runs comfortable, whereas the firmer EVA frame adds support on uneven terrain. adidas keeps the shoe’s weight low; the Terrex Agravic Speed weighs only 8.5 ounces (241 grams) for a size US 9.
The 8 mm drop midsole works well for speed trail runs. The Continental rubber outsole has widely spaced lugs that grip well without clogging, while also acting as a protective barrier. Think of it as a rock shield of sorts.
The minimally constructed keeps the foot locked over the midsole in secure comfort. The toe-box and forefoot are reinforced with fused overlay; the 7-row lacing has optional eyelets in the midfoot for a custom level of fit. A padding-free tongue keeps the interiors distraction-free.
How we selected
adidas’s running shoe catalog has improved in the last few years, but the next 6 months will make the line-up even better. The Adios Pro 4 and EVO SL were released recently, along with other updates.
At the time of publishing the guide, they have a decent assortment of speed-training shoes and racers. The revamped versions of the adios, Boston, and Takumi-sen are fun to run in. In other news, the updated Adios Pro 4 has a trick or two up its bouncy Lightstrike Pro midsole.
With two plate stacks and enormous stack heights, the Prime X2 Strung is in a league of its own, and it’s not everybody’s cup of tea.
The rest of adidas’s running shoe line-up is still a work-in-progress. The new Supernova line (the Stride, Rise) recently filled in the everyday trainer gap, but they still fall short of expectations. For example, the Saucony Ride 18 and Asics Cumulus 26 are more compelling alternatives.
We liked the new Ultraboost update. The 5X does a far better job of achieving parity between the forefoot and heel cushioning; the thin forefoot of the previous models excluded forefoot strikers. When compared to the past models, the Ultraboost 5X offers the most comfortable ride of all.
While the adizero assortment is excellent, none of the shoes are versatile enough to be everyday trainers. Okay, perhaps the Boston 12 qualifies, but it still feels a little aggressive to be a do-it-all shoe. The adizero products are best used in rotation with other shoes, rather than standalone, do-everything trainers.
adidas does have a few things differently, and that makes their shoes stand out from the rest. The Lightstrike Pro foam is a competent cushioning platform, and so is the tried-and-tested Boost foam. The Energy Rods system also offers something that the others do not.
The adidas Boost foam is a resilient and comfortable platform that’s based on expanded Polyurethane. While it’s not the lightest of all new-age foam, it’s extremely durable and weather-resistant. The Ultraboost 5X puts it to good use.
For example, unlike ordinary EVA foam-based midsoles, Boost doesn’t stiffen in freezing temperatures.