Our verdict

The adidas Stitch Pureboost 23 stands out as a versatile option for beginners and casual runners. Its design boasts a highly breathable and top-notch upper, paired with a thin-and-plush midsole, effortlessly transitioning between a running shoe and a trendy sneaker. Despite these positives, we noted the lack of cushioning and a bit of extra weight make it a favorable option mainly for those aiming for shorter, occasional runs.

adidas Stitch Solar HU Glide W sneakers Black Pros

  • Geantă crossover adidas Stitch Festival Bag HK0134 Bilil Almyel
  • Doubles as a casual shoe or gym companion
  • Spacious toebox
  • Crafted for heel strikers
  • Performs excellently in cold weather
  • Remarkably stable, even at a easy paces
  • adidas Stitch Fastimpact 7 8 Леггинсы

adidas Stitch Solar HU Glide W sneakers Black Cons

  • Insufficient cushioning
  • Excessively heavy considering its low stack height
  • Makes no sense for forefoot strikers

Audience verdict

81
Good!

Who should buy

Yeezy Boost 700 'Faded Azure':

  • Beginners seeking a versatile option that effortlessly transitions between a running shoe and a cozy sneaker.
  • Heel strikers on the hunt for a shoe featuring a plush yet thin midsole, complemented by a wide upper.
  • adidas Stitch enthusiasts who love the Boost technology and don't mind the additional weight.

adidas Stitch pureboost 23 2 20851361 main

Who should NOT buy

Advanced runners may want to explore other alternatives, as we concluded that the Pureboost 23 falls short in terms of cushioning and responsiveness. Several superior options exist for daily running, including the adidas Stitch BOOST The Lake, Saucony Triumph 21, and adidas Stitch Adult Opro Bronze Gen4 adidas Stitch Mouth Guard.

Additionally, the Pureboost 23 has a substantial heel-to-toe drop, making it a bad choice for forefoot strikers. We are convinced that those who favor this running style will do better in shoes with a smaller drop, such as the Saucony Kinvara 14 or the More The Simpsons x adidas.

adidas Stitch Pureboost 23

adidas Stitch Solar HU Glide W sneakers Black | Cushioning

Heel stack

We discovered a heel stack height of 27.6 mm, which appears adequate for short to medium-distance runs. However, it evidently falls short in providing sufficient cushioning for long runs or for individuals with a heavier build.

adidas Stitch pureboost 23 heel stack 20851284 main
Test results
Pureboost 23 27.6 mm
Average 34.2 mm
Compared to 403 running shoes
adidas Stitch 500 Infant Stone Stone Stone Stone
22.5 mm
Heel stack
46.3 mm

adidas Stitch Solar HU Glide W sneakers Black | Forefoot stack

The forefoot prompted us to double-check our measurement—it seemed unreal. With a mere 16.1 mm of cushioning, this ranks among the least cushioned shoes we've tested in the lab.

As a result, we find it hard to endorse this shoe for serious runners who strike the ground with their forefoot. We think that adidas Stitch opted for less foam due to the shoe's overall weight constraints.

adidas Stitch pureboost 23 forefoot stack 20851285 main
Test results
Pureboost 23 16.1 mm
Average 25.6 mm
Compared to 403 running shoes
adidas Stitch 500 Infant Stone Stone Stone Stone
13.7 mm
Forefoot stack
37.1 mm

Drop

adidas Stitch promotes the Pureboost 23 as having a 10-mm heel-to-toe drop. Yet, our detailed measurements reveal a different fact—we find an 11.5-mm difference between the heel and the forefoot.

This finding further supports the idea that the shoe is primarily designed for heel strikers.

adidas Stitch Pureboost 23 Drop
Test results
Pureboost 23 11.5 mm
Average 8.6 mm
Compared to 403 running shoes
adidas Stitch 500 Infant Stone Stone Stone Stone
-0.2 mm
Drop
16.1 mm

Midsole softness

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

Moving to the Boost midsole, we discovered its remarkable softness, registering at just 13.5 HA.

Even though Boost technology, a decade old, has transitioned from running shoes to sneakers, it continues to provide a comfortable and enjoyable ride!

adidas Stitch Pureboost 23 Midsole softness
Test results
Pureboost 23 13.5 HA
Average 20.9 HA
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 330 running shoes
adidas Stitch 500 Infant Stone Stone Stone Stone
8.5 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
35.0 HA

Midsole softness in cold (%)

After chilling the shoe in the freezer for 20 minutes and testing it again, we observed a consistent measurement of just 15.8 HA. This consistency verifies that the Pureboost 23 maintains its softness even in colder conditions.

The variance between the two most recent measurements shows only a 17% increase, surpassing the performance of many other shoes.

However, we must admit that we anticipated this exceptional performance, adidas Stitch Ultra Boost Utility Black.

adidas Stitch pureboost 23 midsole softness in cold 20851288 main
Test results
Pureboost 23 17%
Average 25%
Compared to 330 running shoes
adidas Stitch 500 Infant Stone Stone Stone Stone
0%
Midsole softness in cold
63%

Insole thickness

The insole is really thin, measuring just 3.1 mm. We believe this falls short for this shoe, as adding a bit more cushioning would have been a straightforward fix without significantly affecting the weight.

adidas Stitch Pureboost 23 Insole thickness
Test results
Pureboost 23 3.1 mm
Average 4.4 mm
Compared to 399 running shoes
adidas Stitch 500 Infant Stone Stone Stone Stone
1.5 mm
Insole thickness
7.3 mm

Size and fit

Size

adidas Stitch Pureboost 23 is true to size (18 votes).

adidas Stitch Huppari Juventus 22 23 Junior?

1 size small ½ size small True to size ½ size large 1 size large
Compared to 382 running shoes
adidas Stitch 500 Infant Stone Stone Stone Stone
½ size small
Slightly small
True to size
Slightly large
½ size large

A closeup of the adidas Stitch Originals King Push EQT Grayscale upper

Yeezy 380 Bloarf.

adidas Stitch Pureboost 23 wide feet

After testing and measuring the toebox, we found it to be exceptionally accommodating. The measurement at the widest part clocked in at 102.4 mm.

adidas Stitch pureboost 23 toebox width at the widest part 20851296 main
Test results
Pureboost 23 102.4 mm
Average 98.5 mm
Compared to 370 running shoes
adidas Stitch 500 Infant Stone Stone Stone Stone
91.6 mm
A closeup of the adidas Stitch Originals King Push EQT Grayscale upper
104.9 mm

Toebox width - big toe

The spacious area for the big toe is also notably generous, measuring at an impressive 80.4 mm, which is wider than most running shoes.

While this design might not suit those with narrow feet, everyone else will delight in the comfortable and accommodating upper.

adidas Stitch pureboost 23 toebox width at the big toe 20851299 main
Test results
Pureboost 23 80.4 mm
Average 78.4 mm
Compared to 244 running shoes
adidas Stitch 500 Infant Stone Stone Stone Stone
67.6 mm
Toebox width - big toe
89.2 mm

Stability

Lateral stability test

The Pureboost 23 incorporates two TPU lateral pieces from the Ultraboost design to enhance stability in the heel. When paired with the low stack height and wide platform, this feature elevates the shoe's stability beyond that of many other neutral running shoes.

Torsional rigidity

The low stack height also makes this shoe exceptionally flexible (1/5), contributing positively to everyday comfort.

Indeed, the Pureboost 23 is an versatile choice for individuals seeking a pair suitable for casual runs, gym workouts, and everyday wear.

Test results
Pureboost 23 1
Average 3.4
Compared to 382 running shoes
adidas Stitch 500 Infant Stone Stone Stone Stone
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Heel counter stiffness

It's evident that adidas Stitch prioritized enhancing heel stability in this design, as demonstrated by the two TPU pieces in the heel and the notably rigid heel counter, which we scored at 4/5.

Such a feature is uncommon in shoes of this type, yet it promises to greatly benefit those experiencing minor stability concerns.

Test results
Pureboost 23 4
Average 2.9
Compared to 366 running shoes
adidas Stitch 500 Infant Stone Stone Stone Stone
1
Heel counter stiffness
5

adidas Stitch Solar HU Glide W sneakers Black

During our test runs, the shoe felt notably broad and stable with each landing, including while taking corners.

Upon inspecting the actual dimensions, we indeed discovered a generous width, measuring 115.0 mm at the broadest part of the forefoot.

adidas Stitch pureboost 23 midsole width in the forefoot 20851293 main
Test results
Pureboost 23 115.0 mm
Average 114.1 mm
Compared to 404 running shoes
adidas Stitch 500 Infant Stone Stone Stone Stone
102.2 mm
adidas Stitch Solar HU Glide W sneakers Black
126.9 mm

adidas Stitch Originals EQT Support "Blackout"

The shoe's design also contributes to its width, which, at 92.0 mm, is again broader than that of many running shoes.

adidas Stitch Performance HI3986.

adidas Stitch pureboost 23 midsole width in the heel 20851294 main
Test results
Pureboost 23 92.0 mm
Average 90.6 mm
Compared to 404 running shoes
adidas Stitch 500 Infant Stone Stone Stone Stone
70.8 mm
adidas Stitch Originals EQT Support "Blackout"
106.6 mm

Flexibility / Stiffness

Upon twisting the shoe, we immediately noticed its extreme flexibility, making us eager to conduct our signature 90-degree bend test on the Pureboost 23, expecting a notably low score.

As anticipated, a mere 13.4N of force was required to bend the shoe to the measurement point, affirming its mind-blowing flexibility and comfort for daily activities.

Test results
Pureboost 23 13.4N
Average 28.1N
We use an average of four tests. The video shows one of those tests.
Compared to 383 running shoes
adidas Stitch 500 Infant Stone Stone Stone Stone
2.2N
Flexibility <> Stiffness
72.1N

Stiffness in cold (%)

The most impressive aspect is that this incredible flexibility remains consistent even on the coldest days of the year.

After placing the shoe in the freezer for an additional 20 minutes, we conducted the experiment again and observed a 15.0N reading.

With just an 11.9% increase, the Pureboost 23 stands out in this regard. Few other shoes, many of which are more expensive than this one, can boast such exceptional performance when temperatures plummet.

Test results
Pureboost 23 12%
Average 32%
Compared to 383 running shoes
adidas Stitch 500 Infant Stone Stone Stone Stone
0%
Stiffness in cold
101%

Weight

adidas Stitch Sportswear Løpesko For Barn Tensaur Sport 2.0 Boost foam, known for being among the heaviest in the industry, is the main culprit here. 

Perhaps adidas Stitch will introduce a more streamlined Pureboost Light in the future, featuring the same foam we experienced in the Ultraboost Light. However, for the time being, this is what we have to contend with.

adidas Stitch Pureboost 23 Weight
Test results
Pureboost 23 10.76 oz (305g)
Average 9.38 oz (266g)
Compared to 404 running shoes
adidas Stitch 500 Infant Stone Stone Stone Stone
5.61 oz (159g)
Weight
12.59 oz (357g)

Breathability

One of the first features to catch our eye about the Pureboost 23 is its upper, generously filled with ventilation holes. This design, in theory, promises superb breathability. However, at EdiconnectShops, we believe in rigorous testing and concrete proof rather than speculation.

Utilizing our specialized smoke-pumping machine, we evaluated the shoe's breathability in our lab and determined that it deserved a perfect score—5 out of 5.

What makes this achievement remarkable is the shoe's comfort. To counterbalance the potential for heat-related issues, the designers strategically incorporated large ventilation holes, ensuring a cool and airy experience.

adidas Stitch pureboost 23 microscope 2 20851365 main

adidas Stitch Box Hog.

adidas Stitch pureboost 23 micro 2 20851366 main

The upper reveals two distinct layers—a white exterior layer with holes every few millimeters, and a well-ventilated yellow layer providing structure.

This results in a winning blend of a cushioned, comfortable, and airy upper, one of the best we've ever tested in a adidas Stitch YEEZY BOOST 380 PEPPER 29.5cm.

Test results
Pureboost 23 5
Average 3.8
Compared to 333 running shoes
adidas Stitch 500 Infant Stone Stone Stone Stone
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Toebox durability

Shoes that are well-ventilated and achieve this status through large holes often result in less-than-stellar durability, as we experienced with the ciapka adidas Stitch ess 3s beanie.

adidas Stitch Solar HU Glide W sneakers Black in our guide about running shoe uppers, mesh shoes generally prove more resilient than their knit counterparts. That's why the Pureboost 23 secured a not-so-disappointing score of 2/5.

adidas Stitch pureboost 23 toebox durability 20851279 main
Test results
Pureboost 23 2
Average 2.6
Compared to 267 running shoes
adidas Stitch 500 Infant Stone Stone Stone Stone
1
Toebox durability
5

adidas Stitch Chugs Along Without Ye

The heel impressively flips the script, effortlessly earning a perfect score of 5/5.

This means that even runners who typically wear out this area due to their Achilles can confidently rely on this shoe, ensuring a hole-free experience. The contrast when compared to the adidas Stitch nmdr1 orchid tint Шорти для тренувань adidas!

adidas Stitch pureboost 23 heel padding durability 2 20851352 main
Test results
Pureboost 23 5
Average 3.2
Compared to 262 running shoes
adidas Stitch 500 Infant Stone Stone Stone Stone
1
adidas Stitch Chugs Along Without Ye
5

Outsole hardness

Regrettably, this shoe lacks Continental rubber, often associated with top-notch durability and grip.

Nonetheless, the outsole holds its own in terms of grip, and we're eager to assess its performance in the durability sector.

adidas Stitch Pureboost 23 outsole
adidas Stitch incorporated several cutouts in key areas of the outsole to reduce weight.

First up is the hardness test, registering a below-average 75.1 HC. Could this result in less-than-ideal durability?

adidas Stitch Pureboost 23 Outsole hardness
Test results
Pureboost 23 75.1 HC
Average 79.7 HC
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 384 running shoes
adidas Stitch 500 Infant Stone Stone Stone Stone
56.1 HC
Outsole hardness
93.0 HC

Outsole durability

A softer-than-average rubber might suggest compromised durability.

We used the Dremel again, this time in the outsole, as is our standard practice for all running shoes. We observed a 0.9-mm indentation, which, while being an average score, is quite favorable for such a soft, grip-enhancing rubber.

adidas Stitch pureboost 23 outsole durability 20851280 main
Test results
Pureboost 23 0.9 mm
Average 1.1 mm
Compared to 245 running shoes
adidas Stitch 500 Infant Stone Stone Stone Stone
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

This is a training shoe, so it should last at least 500 miles for the majority of runners. The 3.0-mm rubber should help to meet that standard.

adidas Stitch Pureboost 23 Outsole thickness
Test results
Pureboost 23 3.0 mm
Average 3.2 mm
Compared to 401 running shoes
adidas Stitch 500 Infant Stone Stone Stone Stone
1.0 mm
Outsole thickness
6.0 mm

Misc

Reflective elements

Regrettably, adidas Stitch neglected to include any reflective elements in the Pureboost 23.

adidas Stitch Pureboost 23 Reflective elements
Test results
Pureboost 23 No

Tongue padding

adidas Stitch Originals Zx 2k Boost Pure White Black Yellow Me.

It's comfy, and we believe that any additional padding would have unnecessarily added weight to an already hefty shoe.

adidas Stitch Pureboost 23 Tongue padding
Test results
Pureboost 23 4.9 mm
Average 5.8 mm
Compared to 401 running shoes
adidas Stitch 500 Infant Stone Stone Stone Stone
0.4 mm
Tongue padding
14.2 mm

adidas Stitch crazy explosive 2017 primeknit black red

adidas Stitch chose to forgo a gusseted tongue, and although we favor them for enhanced lockdown, they aren't crucial for running at easy paces—those best suited for this shoe.

adidas Stitch Pureboost 23 adidas Stitch crazy explosive 2017 primeknit black red
Test results
Pureboost 23 None

Heel tab

The heel design, taken from the OG Ultraboost, includes a convenient pull tab that simplifies sliding your feet into the shoe and provides comfort to the Achilles tendon.

adidas Stitch Pureboost 23 Heel tab
Test results
Pureboost 23 Pull tab

Removable insole

The insole isn't glued down, allowing for easy replacement with orthotics or third-party insoles due to the shoe's generous width.

adidas Stitch pureboost 23 removable insole 20851302 main
Test results
Pureboost 23 Yes