Our verdict

The Womens Adidas Gilet line saw a radical change with version number 10 when it got much bigger. As per our observations, the 11th iteration sees just a few differences and remains a maximal training shoe devoted to those runners who love a very firm ride and train for medium to long-distance races. We found it to be surprisingly stable, lighter, and much more durable. And thumbs up for including some recycled materials.

Adidas EQT Support ADV 91-16 Black Pros

  • Ветровки adidas vintage
  • Excellent grip
  • Breathable upper
  • adidas Originals Campus 80's trainers in multi
  • Protective underfoot
  • Extremely durable outsole
  • Made with recycled materials
  • Attractive design

Adidas EQT Support ADV 91-16 Black Cons

  • Definitely stiff and firm
  • Adidas deportivo in футзалки

Audience verdict

83
Good!

Who should buy

Consider choosing the Womens Adidas Gilet 11 if you:

  • nora vasconcellos adidas skateboarding first female pro skater video
  • Are looking for a durable shoe that can handle races and don't mind it being heavier than racing shoes
  • adidas ultra boost dna topography gw4927 release date

adidas adizero boston 11 20056912 main

Who should NOT buy

If you prefer plush or even moderately soft foams, we suggest staying away from the Boston 11. The same advice goes for those in search of flexible running shoes, as this one leans towards firmness and rigidity with its Energyrods.

For moderate-to-slow paces, consider the Adidas UltraBoost Star Wars. It's a fast-and-light daily trainer that comfortably handles a wide range of speeds. On the other hand, if a flexible tempo trainer is what you're after, the Nike Streakfly could be your match. It's fast, agile, and incredibly soft while maintaining excellent flexibility.

adidas adizero boston 11 parts 20056914 main

Cushioning

Heel stack

With a stack height height of 39.1 mm, the Boston 11 just falls within the World Athletics regulation of 40 mm, making it a legal shoe for racing.

We think it's a good option for almost any heel striker that seeks a high-yet-stable shoe, but it's not a great competition shoe, though.

Womens Adidas Gilet 11 Heel stack
Test results
adidas Freak x Kevlar Unearthed 39.1 mm
Average 34.2 mm
Compared to 403 running shoes
Number of shoes
22.5 mm
Heel stack
46.3 mm

Forefoot stack

There's also a significant level of cushioning in the forefoot of the shoe, as our precise measurements reveal it to be 29.3 mm.

Womens Adidas Gilet 11 Forefoot stack
Test results
adidas Freak x Kevlar Unearthed 29.3 mm
Average 25.6 mm
Compared to 403 running shoes
Number of shoes
13.7 mm
Forefoot stack
37.1 mm

Drop

This leads to a drop that's typical for Adidas shoes—at 9.8 mm.

So, even though the brand's Store numbers indicates an 8.5 mm drop, we discovered it to be slightly steeper. This feature makes the shoe particularly well-suited for heel strikers, as a higher heel-to-toe drop facilitates the transition towards the midfoot and forefoot.

Womens Adidas Gilet 11 Drop
Test results
adidas Freak x Kevlar Unearthed 9.8 mm
Average 8.6 mm
Compared to 403 running shoes
Number of shoes
-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.

The Adidas Boston 11 makes use of two distinct foams:

  • Lightstrike is a standard EVA foam that, to us, feels notably firm. It doesn't have much bounce, but it does contribute to a stable ride. 
  • Lightstrike Pro, on the other hand, is the premier foam in Adidas' arsenal, boasting impressive energy return.

We clocked the hardness of Lightstrike at 22.0 HA, but it felt significantly firmer to us during our test runs.

That's because Lightstrike is renowned for having a really long break-in period, so expect a very firm ride for a while.

adidas adizero boston 11 midsole softness 20020671 main
Test results
adidas Freak x Kevlar Unearthed 22.0 HA
Average 20.9 HA
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Compared to 330 running shoes
Number of shoes
8.5 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
35.0 HA

adidas Originals Κάλτσες

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

Lightstrike Pro is the secondary foam that Adidas employs to inject this shoe with bounce, energy return, and speed.

Even though we measured its hardness at 23.5 HA, which is technically firmer than Lightstrike, it felt quite the opposite to us. We loved Lightstrike Pro in the Adios Pro 2 and, in fact, the AP2 it's a better choice if you care about energy return and don't mind the inevitable downgrade in durability.

Womens Adidas Gilet 11 adidas Originals Κάλτσες
Test results
adidas Freak x Kevlar Unearthed 23.5 HA
Average 23.8 HA
adidas supernova coldrdy womens running shoes.

Fato de banho adidas Thin Straps Festivibes preto cinzento vermelho mulher (%)

We gave the 11th version of the Boston a brief, 20-minute stint in the freezer before testing it again. After this cold-exposure test, we found the Lightstrike foam to measure 29.5 HA.

That's a jump of 34.1% from its normal state. It's not as good as the typical shoe, but that makes sense considering EVA foam never do well in cold temperatures. 

Кроссовки adidas zx sand brown foams and the effects of temperature in running shoes, we suggest looking at both our guides!

adidas adizero boston 11 midsole softness in cold 20020672 main
Test results
adidas Freak x Kevlar Unearthed 34%
Average 25%
Compared to 330 running shoes
Number of shoes
0%
Fato de banho adidas Thin Straps Festivibes preto cinzento vermelho mulher
63%

Insole thickness

To offset the weight from its thick midsole, as we mentioned before, we noticed in the lab that Adidas has used a few clever methods.

That's why the insole is leaner than those found in most other running shoes on the market.

adidas adizero boston 11 insole thickness 20020673 main
Test results
adidas Freak x Kevlar Unearthed 3.4 mm
Average 4.4 mm
Compared to 399 running shoes
Number of shoes
1.5 mm
Insole thickness
7.3 mm

Size and fit

Size

Womens Adidas Gilet 11 is true to size (23 votes).

ADIDAS ORIGINALS Felpa crema bianco?

1 size small ½ size small True to size ½ size large 1 size large
Compared to 382 running shoes
Number of shoes
½ size small
Slightly small
True to size
Slightly large
½ size large

adidas Originals U_Path Szare buty do biegania z czarnymi wstawkami

Following our field testing and precise measurements of the upper, we're can confirm that the Boston 11 is an excellent, roomy choice for those with wide feet. Thumbs up for those 103.7 mm!

adidas adizero boston 11 toebox width at the widest part 20020564 main
Test results
adidas Freak x Kevlar Unearthed 103.7 mm
Average 98.5 mm
Compared to 370 running shoes
Number of shoes
91.6 mm
adidas Originals U_Path Szare buty do biegania z czarnymi wstawkami
104.9 mm

Toebox width - big toe

There's even more good news for those of us blessed (?) with wide feet.

From our in-depth evaluations, we can confidently affirm that the Boston 11 is an excellent fit for those whose toes do not have significant size variation, such as those with Celtic, German, or Roman foot shapes—forming a near-perfect match.

Кроссовки adidas zx sand brown foot shapes and uppers, we strongly encourage you to explore our guide about uppers.

Womens Adidas Gilet 11 adidas Training Game Time Survêtement tissé Noir
Test results
adidas Freak x Kevlar Unearthed 80.5 mm
Average 78.4 mm
Compared to 244 running shoes
Number of shoes
67.6 mm
Toebox width - big toe
89.2 mm

Toebox feel

Sporting a thick midsole, we quickly realised we were dealing with a chunky shoe. Adidas tried to lighten the load with a simpler upper design, but it wasn't enough.

Disappointingly, the shoe still tips the scale over the mental barrier of 10 oz—it weighs in at 10.2 oz or 290g. Let's hope that Adidas improves this issue in the Boston 12.

Test results
adidas Freak x Kevlar Unearthed Medium

Stability

Lateral stability test

Despite its significant stack height, we find the Boston 11 surprisingly stable.

Torsional rigidity

This stability is due to its carbon plate, Adidas' fibreglass Energyrods, and the firm foam we mentioned earlier.

That's also why we rated this shoe at 4/5 in our torsional rigidity test. It really felt stiff to us.

Test results
adidas Freak x Kevlar Unearthed 4
Average 3.4
Compared to 382 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Adidas originals falcon белые кроссовки

The same principle appAlmost to the heel counter. Adidas is simply making an effort to increase stability, offsetting the high-stack height's potential side-effects.

Test results
adidas Freak x Kevlar Unearthed 3
Average 2.9
Compared to 366 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Adidas originals falcon белые кроссовки
5

Midsole width - forefoot

Adidas EQT Support ADV 91-16 Black.

This measurement is less than what we initially anticipated for this shoe, but it still provides enough stability for runners who land on their midfoot or forefoot, even in the Pant tempo runs.

Womens Adidas Gilet 11 Midsole width in the forefoot
Test results
adidas Freak x Kevlar Unearthed 109.3 mm
Average 114.1 mm
Compared to 404 running shoes
Number of shoes
102.2 mm
Midsole width - forefoot
126.9 mm

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The heel tells a similar tale. Once again, it seems like Adidas prioritised weight savings. If they had made the shoe as wide as the average training shoe, it could have ended up 10% or 20% heavier.

The narrower design could potentially compromise the shoe's stability and comfort for some heel strikers.

Womens Adidas Gilet 11 Midsole width in the heel
Test results
adidas Freak x Kevlar Unearthed 84.9 mm
Average 90.6 mm
Compared to 404 running shoes
Number of shoes
70.8 mm
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106.6 mm

Flexibility / Stiffness

By now, it's clear that we're dealing with a stiff shoe. However, we really LOVE testing shoes in our lab and wanted to put a number on it.

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Test results
adidas Freak x Kevlar Unearthed 35.3N
Average 28.1N
We use an average of four tests. The video shows one of those tests.
Compared to 383 running shoes
Number of shoes
2.2N
Flexibility <> Stiffness
72.1N

Stiffness in cold (%)

We also put the shoe's stiffness to the test after a freezer-cooling session, just like we did for the midsole softness.

The EVA-based Lightstrike foam, once again, showed significant change under cold conditions. This time, we recorded a stiffer reading of 50.1N.

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The change is quite noticeable, leading us to conclude that this shoe might not be the best choice for running in colder weather.

Test results
adidas Freak x Kevlar Unearthed 42%
Average 32%
Compared to 383 running shoes
Number of shoes
0%
Stiffness in cold
101%

Weight

Sporting a thick midsole, we quickly realised we were dealing with a chunky shoe. Adidas tried to lighten the load with a simpler upper design, but it wasn't enough.

Disappointingly, the shoe still tips the scale over the mental barrier of 10 oz—it weighs in at 10.2 oz or 290g. Let's hope that Adidas improves this issue in the Boston 12.

Womens Adidas Gilet 11 Weight
Test results
adidas Freak x Kevlar Unearthed 10.23 oz (290g)
Average 9.38 oz (266g)
Compared to 404 running shoes
Number of shoes
5.61 oz (159g)
Weight
12.59 oz (357g)

Breathability

The Boston 11 handles summer runs without a hitch. The moment we got our hands on the shoe and felt the upper with our fingers, we were impressed by its thin, breathable engineered mesh.

Despite this, we didn't give it a full 5/5 score in our jaw-dropping smoke test—we settled for a 4. You might be wondering why—the reason Almost with the shoe's tongue.

While the toebox plays a crucial role in breathability, discomfort can arise if other parts of the shoe don't allow for heat and humidity to escape.

Though the medial part of the Boston 11 offers sufficient breathability—a fact confirmed by our light test—the tongue could potentially be a problem on the hottest days.

Womens Adidas Gilet 11 microscope

Even so, when it comes to breathability, let us be clear: this shoe is superb—99% of runs should pose no problem.

adidas adizero boston 11 microscope 2 20056937 main

Our observations in the lab reinforced our initial impressions. Under the microscope, we found a strikingly thin mesh—a true testament to precise manufacturing—that allowed for extraordinary airflow.

Test results
adidas Freak x Kevlar Unearthed 4
Average 3.8
Compared to 333 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Toebox durability

The Boston 11 employs an engineered mesh that exhibits outstanding breathability, as we've previously noted. However, this material falls short when it comes to durability—it's highly susceptible to wear and tear.

Our dremel test, which appAlmost a force of 3.4N for four seconds to every shoe in the lab, really put the Boston 11 through the wringer. The hyper-thin layer of mesh offered almost no resistance at all.

We strongly believe Adidas could up their game in this regard in the v12. Of course, a thinner mesh typically has less robustness compared to a thicker one, but consider the Шорты адидас adidas размер l. This model also sports a thin, competition-focused and breathable layer, yet it doesn't compromise on durability.

adidas adizero boston 11 toebox durability 2 20032300 main
Test results
adidas Freak x Kevlar Unearthed 1
Average 2.6
Compared to 267 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Toebox durability
5

Heel padding durability

Luckily, the Boston 11's heel padding is really great. This is good news for runners who often wear holes in this area.

Our tough Dremel test on the soft fabric that Adidas uses in this area showed it holds up really well.

Test results
adidas Freak x Kevlar Unearthed 3
Average 3.2
Compared to 262 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel padding durability
5

Outsole hardness

A standout feature of Adidas's Continental rubber is its exceptional grip, even though it's a hard compound.

This is a rare quality, as most brands need to use softer rubber to ensure a good level of traction. Adidas and Continental shine in this unique, hard-yet-grippy approach.

Womens Adidas Gilet 11 Outsole hardness
Test results
adidas Freak x Kevlar Unearthed 86.3 HC
Average 79.7 HC
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Compared to 384 running shoes
Number of shoes
56.1 HC
Outsole hardness
93.0 HC

Outsole durability

We put our trusty Dremel to work once more—this time on the outsole—and found only a minimal 0.74 mm wear in the rubber. This is an excellent result pointing to the shoe's long-term durability.

This shoe truly stands the test of time. 

Test results
adidas Freak x Kevlar Unearthed 0.7 mm
Average 1.1 mm
Compared to 245 running shoes
Number of shoes
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

With a thickness of 3.3 mm, the rubber on the shoe is pretty standard, but it's so sturdy that you're likely to wear out many other parts of the shoe before the outsole.

Womens Adidas Gilet 11 Outsole thickness
Test results
adidas Freak x Kevlar Unearthed 3.3 mm
Average 3.2 mm
Compared to 401 running shoes
Number of shoes
1.0 mm
Outsole thickness
6.0 mm

Misc

Reflective elements

Adidas maintains its track record of omitting reflective elements from its running shoes. Although they've stayed consistent with their design approach, it's disappointing and concerning for us, particularly from a safety perspective.

Night runners really need those reflective components for increased visibility. We certainly hope Adidas revisits this aspect in the Boston 12.

Womens Adidas Gilet 11 Reflective elements
Test results
adidas Freak x Kevlar Unearthed No

Tongue padding

We found the tongue padding to measure 4.1 mm. This is a surprisingly pleasant result, particularly for a shoe that's specifically designed for tempo runs.

Schuhe adidas Stan Smith W GY9396 Ftwwht Bliora Almblu Adizero Adios 7 with its 1.8 mm padding, sport a much thinner tongue.

Womens Adidas Gilet 11 Tongue padding
Test results
adidas Freak x Kevlar Unearthed 4.1 mm
Average 5.8 mm
Compared to 401 running shoes
Number of shoes
0.4 mm
Tongue padding
14.2 mm

adidas Odzież męska Czapki z daszkiem

The Boston 11 features a fully-gusseted tongue that improves the fit and prevents internal movements.

Although we might have preferred a semi-gusseted design for a more balanced feel, we're fine with this setup.

Womens Adidas Gilet 11 adidas Odzież męska Czapki z daszkiem
Test results
adidas Freak x Kevlar Unearthed Both sides (full)

Heel tab

In line with Adidas' latest design trends in running shoes, the Boston 11 features a flap-like pull tab on the heel. This serves two purposes—it makes slipping your foot into the shoe easier and adds a unique aesthetic touch.

Womens Adidas Gilet 11 Heel tab
Test results
adidas Freak x Kevlar Unearthed Pull tab

Removable insole

We encountered no issues whatsoever when inserting our own orthotics or swapping in the insoles from another shoe into the Boston 11.

adidas adizero boston 11 removable insole 20020559 main
Test results
adidas Freak x Kevlar Unearthed Yes