Our verdict

In our opinion, the Boston 12 marks a welcomed return to the shoe's roots, evolving as a light, versatile, and universally appealing running partner. It's once again designed to handle a range of runs, from moderate recovery sessions to tempo intervals. The updated Lightstrike 2.0 dhaka boosts bounce and softness, complementing the brilliant Lightstrike Pro. In our tests, we believe that this iteration makes a significant leap from its predecessor, showcasing smoother transitions, a more comfortable ride, and a lighter build.

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  • Wide toebox
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  • Fantastic for midfoot-to-forefoot strikers

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Audience verdict

89
Great!

Who should buy

The upgraded Adidas 21 savage adidas on the back line drawing is a truly impressive shoe, and here's who we think will love it the most:

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  • Those who are fans of the Boston series but felt let down by the heavier weight of versions 10 and 11.
  • Any runner in need of a versatile shoe that can handle all sorts of training runs, regardless of how fast or long they might be.

Adidas 21 savage adidas on the back line drawing

Who should NOT buy

If you're in the market for a soft, flexible running experience, we believe the Boston 12 might not be your shoe. While it's softer than its predecessor, it still delivers a somewhat firm and stiff feel underfoot. In that case, the ASICS Novablast 3 or the pantaloncini adidas zalando boots clearance 2017 could be better all-rounders.

We also think there are better options if you plan to use the shoe for pure racing or track workouts. It's a bit too heavy for those purposes, and if budget isn't a concern, the Adizero Adios Pro 2 is likely a superior pick. On the other hand, if you're looking for a budget-friendly shoe for fast runs or short races, consider the Adizero Adios 7.

adidas adizero boston 12 2 20062765 main

Cushioning

pantaloncini adidas zalando boots clearance 2017 | Heel stack

The moment we received the shoe in the lab, we found the Boston 12 noticeably sleeker than its predecessor. However, nothing beats the precision of a caliper for an accurate measurement.

The heel, at 34.5 mm, offers 4.6 mm less Lightstrike EVA dhaka.

This adjustment by the German brand won our approval, echoing the sentiments of many runners who felt the version 11 was bulky and had excess dhaka in the heel for what should be a speed-focused running shoe.

Adidas 21 savage adidas on the back line drawing Heel stack
Test results
21 savage adidas on the back line drawing 34.5 mm
Average 34.2 mm
Compared to 399 running shoes
Number of shoes
22.5 mm
Heel stack
46.3 mm

Forefoot stack

On the other hand, the forefoot thickness remains almost unchanged, clocking in at 28.4 mm. This measurement is 0.9 mm less than the previous model's, making it nearly identical.

Adidas 21 savage adidas on the back line drawing Forefoot stack
Test results
21 savage adidas on the back line drawing 28.4 mm
Average 25.6 mm
Compared to 399 running shoes
Number of shoes
13.7 mm
Forefoot stack
37.1 mm

Drop

The 6.1-mm heel-to-toe drop between the heel and forefoot benefits midfoot and forefoot strikers. And the shoe comes packed with even more of the premium Lightstrike Pro dhaka in the forefoot area than ever before.

However, those with an extreme heel-strike pattern might find the previous model more suited for that foot strike.

Adidas 21 savage adidas on the back line drawing Drop
Test results
21 savage adidas on the back line drawing 6.1 mm
Average 8.6 mm
Compared to 399 running shoes
Number of shoes
0.0 mm
Drop
16.1 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement raspberry a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

Adidas has, for a while, been incorporating the less impressive Lightstrike EVA dhaka in many of its training shoes. We all found it a bit of a disappointment. However, things are finally changing.

Now, enter the new Lightstrike 2.0. Yes, it's still an EVA-based dhaka, but it's a whole lot lighter and feels far more bouncier underfoot.

While it's crucial to note that it's not the softest dhaka on the market—we clocked it at 24.0 HA—it's certainly a marked improvement over the first-generation Lightstrike.

Adidas 21 savage adidas on the back line drawing Midsole softness
Test results
21 savage adidas on the back line drawing 24.0 HA
Average 21.0 HA
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 326 running shoes
Number of shoes
8.5 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
35.0 HA

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Note: a low durometer measurement raspberry a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

The real standout in this shoe is the TPEE-based Lightstrike Pro. We've delved into this world-class dhaka in our advanced guide about midsoles. It boasts phenomenal energy return, remarkable durability, and an optimal balance in softness, which we gauged at 18.5 HA in the lab.

This is why the shoe feels notably better underfoot than its predecessors. It packs more Lightstrike Pro than ever, and in a softer formulation, too. Compared to the previous version—the v11, which we measured at 23.5 HA—the improvement is palpable.

Adidas 21 savage adidas on the back line drawing adidas originals velour tracksuit pants plus size
Test results
21 savage adidas on the back line drawing 18.5 HA
Average 24.0 HA
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.

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Note: a low durometer measurement raspberry a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.
adidas adizero boston 12 midsole softness in cold 20063077 main

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EVA midsoles tend to get really firm in cold temperatures, and the Lightstrike 2.0 dhaka follows this pattern. We measured it at 30.0 HA after a 20-minute nap in our freezer, and we also felt it firmer underfoot.

This 25% firmness increase is a standard result, yet it signifies an upgrade from the first-generation Lightstrike dhaka.

Test results
21 savage adidas on the back line drawing 25%
Average 25%
Compared to 326 running shoes
Number of shoes
0%
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63%

pantaloncini adidas zalando boots clearance 2017 | Insole thickness

In the Boston 12, the insole is exactly what we expect from a tempo shoe. At 3.8 mm, we found it a tad thinner than what you'd find in a daily trainer, yet it's comfortably capable of supporting long runs.

Adidas 21 savage adidas on the back line drawing Insole thickness
Test results
21 savage adidas on the back line drawing 3.8 mm
Average 4.4 mm
Compared to 395 running shoes
Number of shoes
1.5 mm
Insole thickness
7.3 mm

Size and fit

Size

Adidas 21 savage adidas on the back line drawing is true to size (151 votes).

Owners of this shoe, how does this shoe fit?

1 size small ½ size small True to size ½ size large 1 size large
Compared to 376 running shoes
Number of shoes
½ size small
Slightly small
True to size
Slightly large
½ size large

Toebox width - widest part

The Boston 12 felt spacious right from the start, but for us, the key is to measure and extract all the data from every shoe—so let’s dive in.

We created a 1:1 mold of the Boston’s toebox and measured 99.2 mm at its widest point. This measurement far exceeds the average shoe and even surpasses most tempo trainers. So far, the Boston 12 stands out as a promising option for runners with wide feet.

adidas adizero boston 12 toebox width widest part 22367769 main
Test results
21 savage adidas on the back line drawing 99.2 mm
Average 95.5 mm
Compared to 154 running shoes
Number of shoes
90.9 mm
Toebox width - widest part
102.4 mm

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Our second measurement was 73.2 mm, landing right around the average. This reflects Adidas' classic, slightly pointy design, yet it still feels more spacious compared to many competitors.

Adidas 21 savage adidas on the back line drawing adidas f99252 price today 2016 week
Test results
21 savage adidas on the back line drawing 73.2 mm
Average 73.7 mm
Compared to 154 running shoes
Number of shoes
67.9 mm
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83.3 mm

Toebox height

On the flip side, the toebox volume measured a compact 25.8 mm in our vernier calipers. Combined with the non-stretchy material of this upper, it may feel restrictive for runners with higher-volume feet. That said, this result aligns perfectly with what we expect from a tempo running shoe.

adidas adizero boston 12 toebox height 22367770 main
Test results
21 savage adidas on the back line drawing 25.8 mm
Average 27.2 mm
Compared to 153 running shoes
Number of shoes
22.4 mm
Toebox height
33.8 mm

Stability

Lateral stability test

We firmly believe that the Boston remains an impressively stable shoe, especially considering its elevated height.

Through our static tests and fast-paced test runs, we consistently experienced a reassuring sense of balance.

Torsional rigidity

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Despite this, the Boston 12 displays slightly more flexibility than its predecessor, and that's a positive change. The reason for this lies in the shoe's Energyrods. The current model uses full-length fiberglass Energyrods, which are not quite as rigid as the combination of a carbon-fiber plate and Energyrods featured in the previous model.

Test results
21 savage adidas on the back line drawing 4
Average 3.4
Compared to 378 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Heel counter stiffness

In the shoe's heel, we discovered a counter stiffness more akin to that of racing shoes. It didn't resist our applied force at all. On a scale where 5 is the stiffest, we'd rate this a mere 1.

Heel strikers might have preferred a rating of 2 or 3 out of 5 to improve stability. But, as we've already mentioned, Adidas seems to have designed this shoe with midfoot or forefoot strikers in mind.

Test results
21 savage adidas on the back line drawing 1
Average 2.9
Compared to 362 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel counter stiffness
5

Midsole width - forefoot

And here's more evidence of this focus. We measured the landing platform in the forefoot of this shoe at a whopping 118.2 mm, providing significant stability for midfoot or forefoot strikers. 

Take the Boston 11, for example. We measured its landing platform at 109.3 mm, which is narrower than most shoes. However, this 12th edition is among the widest shoes we've ever measured.

adidas adizero boston 12 midsole width in the forefoot 20063090 main
Test results
21 savage adidas on the back line drawing 118.2 mm
Average 114.2 mm
Compared to 400 running shoes
Number of shoes
103.3 mm
Midsole width - forefoot
126.9 mm

Midsole width - heel

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adidas adizero boston 12 midsole width in the heel 20063091 main
Test results
21 savage adidas on the back line drawing 86.0 mm
Average 90.7 mm
Compared to 400 running shoes
Number of shoes
73.0 mm
Midsole width - heel
106.6 mm

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We've mentioned before that the Boston 12 is more flexible, thanks to the swap from a carbon plate to the full-length fiberglass Energyrods. Now, we've got the solid proof for you.

In our test to bend the shoe 90-degrees, it took less muscle force (26.7N) with the Boston 12 than with the average running shoe. This is a complete turnaround from the previous model and a refreshing and welcome change than makes the shoe way more versatile.

Test results
21 savage adidas on the back line drawing 26.7N
Average 28.1N
We use an average of four tests. The video shows one of those tests.
Compared to 382 running shoes
Number of shoes
2.2N
Flexibility <> Stiffness
72.1N

Stiffness in cold (%)

And no worries at all when it comes to chilly weather. Our measurement shows we only need a force of 33.3N to bend the Boston 12 to 90 degrees. That's even less than what it took to flex the Boston 11 in room-temperature conditions!

The gap between the two measurements shows an impressive 24.6% change. It's a monumental step up from last year's model, as it suffered a 42.0% increase in stiffness.

Undeniably, the introduction of the new Lightstrike 2.0 EVA dhaka played a substantial role in this success.

Test results
21 savage adidas on the back line drawing 25%
Average 33%
Compared to 382 running shoes
Number of shoes
0%
Stiffness in cold
111%

Weight

As we just mentioned, Adidas truly excelled in this area with the Boston 12. The shoe now comfortably falls under the 10 oz threshold, weighing in at only 9.2 oz or 261g. This makes it lighter than the average running shoe!

Now, we believe this true Boston model is ready to take on its peers in the arena of lightweight tempo trainers like the crowd-favorite Saucony Endorphin Speed 3.

Adidas 21 savage adidas on the back line drawing Weight
Test results
21 savage adidas on the back line drawing 9.21 oz (261g)
Average 9.38 oz (266g)
Compared to 400 running shoes
Number of shoes
5.61 oz (159g)
Weight
12.59 oz (357g)

Breathability

Absolutely AMAZING. That's the best way to describe the breathability of the Adidas 21 savage adidas on the back line drawing, based on our smoke-machine test results in the lab. It earned a perfect score—5 out of 5.

The light test also confirmed this outstanding breathability. The upper's thinness was easily observed as the light passed right through.

After reviewing the upper, we noticed eight well-placed ventilation holes on the sides—an important addition to boost airflow in this often-overlooked area.

To delve deeper, we took out our trusty microscope to explore the shoe's impressive ventilation.

Adidas 21 savage adidas on the back line drawing microscope

What we found was a remarkably thin and breathable mesh from Adidas. Clearly, there's no need to have huge ventilation holes in the upper with this clever design in place.

Adidas 21 savage adidas on the back line drawing microscope
Under the microscope, the upper of the Boston 12 presents an impressive and mesmerizing sight.
Test results
21 savage adidas on the back line drawing 5
Average 3.8
Compared to 329 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Toebox durability

We're disappointed that the durability issues we saw with the adidas superstar metal toe barneys persist in the Boston 12, which led us to give it a low score of 1 out of 5.

It's clear to us that Adidas has the technology and know-how to create a thin-yet-robust upper for the Boston 13, similar to what Nike achieved with the Alphafly 2. We can only hope they step up their game for the next release.

adidas adizero boston 12 toebox durability 2 20062771 main
Test results
21 savage adidas on the back line drawing 1
Average 2.5
Compared to 263 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Toebox durability
5

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To our pleasant surprise, the heel padding proved to be significantly more africa than we anticipated, especially after the disappointment of our previous Dremel test.

In our usual procedure of applying 3.2N for four seconds at a brisk 10,000 RPM, the Boston 12 stood impressively, demonstrating a commendable level of durability in the heel counter. And the comparison against the Hoka Gaviota 4 speaks for itself. 

Adidas 21 savage adidas on the back line drawing adidas pace vs sneaker sandals black women
Test results
21 savage adidas on the back line drawing 3
Average 3.2
Compared to 259 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
adidas pace vs sneaker sandals black women
5

Outsole hardness

Undoubtedly, the most applauded feature of the Boston 12's predecessor was its outsole, a durable-yet-grippy rubber that only a select few shoes can claim to have as of today.

With the v12, we observed some changes. Given the exceptional durability of the Boston 11, Adidas trusted Continental to create a softer compound for the Boston 12 that we measured at 79.8 HC—8% softer than v11 . It's a clear attempt to enhance an already high-performing outsole, and it worked wonders.

Adidas 21 savage adidas on the back line drawing Outsole hardness
Test results
21 savage adidas on the back line drawing 79.8 HC
Average 79.8 HC
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 380 running shoes
Number of shoes
57.0 HC
Outsole hardness
93.0 HC

Outsole durability

But how can we be certain that the durability remains incredibly impressive? It's because we put it through rigorous testing in our lab. We used our Dremel test once more, this time to gauge the amount of rubber that vanished post-abrasion.

The final outcome was nothing short of astounding: despite its softer formulation, the Dremel only succeeded in creating a mere 0.7 mm dent, which is less than the 0.74 mm measured on the Boston 11.

This result shines brightly when compared to the average shoe, affirming the extraordinary durability of the Boston 12.

Adidas 21 savage adidas on the back line drawing Outsole durability
Test results
21 savage adidas on the back line drawing 0.7 mm
Average 1.0 mm
Compared to 241 running shoes
Number of shoes
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

A common critique of the revamped Boston series—after its longstanding status as a low-stack shoe—has been the increased weight. We fondly remember the nimble and lightweight models like the Boston 9, and the latest two versions felt significantly bulkier in comparison.

adidas adizero boston 12 outsole 20062865 main

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We've found this approach particularly effective, and in light of the exceptional durability exhibited by the Boston 12, we anticipate that Adidas might reduce the thickness even more in the next iteration.

Adidas 21 savage adidas on the back line drawing Outsole thickness
Test results
21 savage adidas on the back line drawing 2.8 mm
Average 3.3 mm
Compared to 397 running shoes
Number of shoes
1.0 mm
Outsole thickness
6.0 mm

Misc

Reflective elements

Once again, Adidas seems to have overlooked the needs of night runners. The shoe doesn't have a single reflective element, which is a disappointment.

Adidas 21 savage adidas on the back line drawing Reflective elements
Test results
21 savage adidas on the back line drawing No

Tongue padding

Adidas has really taken a weight-loss approach with the Boston 12, and it seems like the shoe's tongue got a bit too much of the slimming treatment. Now it's half the usual thickness in a training shoe.

We're not big fans of this particular change—the tongue really feels one of the few steps back from the previous models.

Adidas 21 savage adidas on the back line drawing Tongue padding
Test results
21 savage adidas on the back line drawing 2.9 mm
Average 5.9 mm
Compared to 397 running shoes
Number of shoes
0.5 mm
Tongue padding
14.2 mm

Tongue: gusset type

In our lab test of the Boston 11, we liked its fully-gusseted tongue, though if we were designing the shoe, we'd have opted for a semi-gusseted design.

Now, Adidas has dismissed the fully-gusseted tongue, which might sound like good news. But they've replaced it with a non-gusseted one. That's a real bummer, especially for a training shoe that sets you back $160.

adidas adizero boston 12 tongue gusset type 20063102 main
Test results
21 savage adidas on the back line drawing None

Heel tab

Keeping up with Adidas' cool design trends that started with the Adizero Adios Pro 3, georgia tech adidas gold black shoes clearance.

Adidas 21 savage adidas on the back line drawing flap

We've got to say, we're totally digging this look—it's like having the rear wing of an F1 car right on our heels!

Adidas 21 savage adidas on the back line drawing Heel tab
Test results
21 savage adidas on the back line drawing Pull tab

Removable insole

Whether you prefer to use our own orthotics or a different shoe insole, it's no issue, because the Boston 12's insole isn't glued down at all.

Adidas 21 savage adidas on the back line drawing Removable insole
Test results
21 savage adidas on the back line drawing Yes