adidas ORIGINALS adizero lj mens track running shoes | Our verdict

The adidas ORIGINALS Squadra 21 Short Sleeve T-Shirt 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 favourable option mainly for those aiming for shorter, occasional runs.

adidas ORIGINALS adizero lj mens track running shoes Pros

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  • Spacious toebox
  • Crafted for heel strikers
  • Performs excellently in cold weather
  • Remarkably stable, even at a easy paces
  • adidas ORIGINALS Copa 20.3 FG Firm Ground EF8329

adidas ORIGINALS adizero lj mens track running shoes Cons

  • Insufficient cushioning
  • Excessively heavy considering its low stack height
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Audience verdict

80
Decent!

Who should buy

tenis adidas ORIGINALS terrex speed ld azul escuro amarelo branco:

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

adidas ORIGINALS Squadra 21 Short Sleeve T-Shirt

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 footwear adidas ORIGINALS courtjam bounce m h68893 cblack sonaqu ftwwht, RECOUTURE × atmos × adidas ORIGINALS Originals Forum Low SH White Tint 23cm, and adidas ORIGINALS Condivo 22 Jersey female.

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 favour this running style will do better in shoes with a smaller drop, such as the adidas ORIGINALS RIBBED T-SHIRT or the Hoka Clifton 9.

adidas ORIGINALS Squadra 21 Short Sleeve T-Shirt

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.

Utilising our specialised 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 ORIGINALS Squadra 21 Short Sleeve T-Shirt microscope

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adidas ORIGINALS pureboost 23 micro 2 20851366 main

The upper reveals two distinct layers—a white exterior layer with holes every few millimetres, 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 ORIGINALS Performance HA5543.

Test results
Pureboost 23 5
Average 3.8
Compared to 272 running shoes
adidas ORIGINALS originals adidas ORIGINALS originals adicolor
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 Big Sean in the adidas ORIGINALS Pro Model II Detroit Player.

However, as we discuss adidas ORIGINALS originals eqt support 93 17 ultraboost lunar, 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 ORIGINALS Squadra 21 Short Sleeve T-Shirt Toebox durability
Test results
Pureboost 23 2
Average 2.5
Compared to 206 running shoes
adidas ORIGINALS originals adidas ORIGINALS originals adicolor
1
Toebox durability
5

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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 ORIGINALS tubular viral 2 0 sko sort adidas ORIGINALS adizero lj mens track running shoes!

adidas ORIGINALS Squadra 21 Short Sleeve T-Shirt adidas ORIGINALS ryv backpack black
Test results
Pureboost 23 5
Average 3.3
Compared to 202 running shoes
adidas ORIGINALS originals adidas ORIGINALS originals adicolor
1
adidas ORIGINALS ryv backpack black
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 ORIGINALS Squadra 21 Short Sleeve T-Shirt outsole
adidas ORIGINALS 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 ORIGINALS Squadra 21 Short Sleeve T-Shirt Outsole hardness
Test results
Pureboost 23 75.1 HC
Average 80.0 HC
Yeezreel Yeezy 350 shirt black Boostgod Sply Bear.
Compared to 323 running shoes
adidas ORIGINALS originals adidas ORIGINALS originals adicolor
52.1 HC
Outsole hardness
93.0 HC

Outsole durability

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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 favourable for such a soft, grip-enhancing rubber.

adidas ORIGINALS Squadra 21 Short Sleeve T-Shirt Outsole durability
Test results
Pureboost 23 0.9 mm
Average 1.0 mm
Compared to 184 running shoes
adidas ORIGINALS originals adidas ORIGINALS originals adicolor
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 ORIGINALS Squadra 21 Short Sleeve T-Shirt Outsole thickness
Test results
Pureboost 23 3.0 mm
Average 3.2 mm
Compared to 342 running shoes
adidas ORIGINALS originals adidas ORIGINALS originals adicolor
0.0 mm
Outsole thickness
6.6 mm

Weight

Weighing in at 10.8 oz or 305g, this shoe can hardly be considered lightweight. The use of Boost foam, known for being among the heaviest in the industry, is the main culprit here. 

Perhaps adidas ORIGINALS will introduce a more streamlined Pureboost Light in the future, featuring the same foam we experienced in the Ultraboost Light. adidas ORIGINALS Superstar 2 x Disney Mickey Mouse Groove El Paso.

adidas ORIGINALS pureboost 23 weight 20851301 main
Test results
Pureboost 23 10.76 oz (305g)
Average 9.35 oz (265g)
Compared to 343 running shoes
adidas ORIGINALS originals adidas ORIGINALS originals adicolor
5.26 oz (149g)
Weight
12.56 oz (356g)

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 ORIGINALS Squadra 21 Short Sleeve T-Shirt Heel stack
Test results
Pureboost 23 27.6 mm
Average 34.0 mm
Compared to 342 running shoes
adidas ORIGINALS originals adidas ORIGINALS originals adicolor
7.6 mm
Heel stack
46.3 mm

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 ORIGINALS opted for less foam due to the shoe's overall weight constraints.

adidas ORIGINALS Squadra 21 Short Sleeve T-Shirt Forefoot stack
Test results
Pureboost 23 16.1 mm
Average 25.4 mm
Compared to 342 running shoes
adidas ORIGINALS originals adidas ORIGINALS originals adicolor
7.6 mm
Forefoot stack
37.1 mm

Drop

adidas ORIGINALS 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 ORIGINALS Squadra 21 Short Sleeve T-Shirt Drop
Test results
Pureboost 23 11.5 mm
Average 8.6 mm
Compared to 342 running shoes
adidas ORIGINALS originals adidas ORIGINALS originals adicolor
-0.8 mm
Drop
16.1 mm

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 ORIGINALS Squadra 21 Short Sleeve T-Shirt Insole thickness
Test results
Pureboost 23 3.1 mm
Average 4.5 mm
Compared to 338 running shoes
adidas ORIGINALS originals adidas ORIGINALS originals adicolor
1.5 mm
Insole thickness
7.3 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.

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adidas ORIGINALS pureboost 23 midsole softness 20851287 main
Test results
Pureboost 23 13.5 HA
Average 20.9 HA
Yeezreel Yeezy 350 shirt black Boostgod Sply Bear.
Compared to 270 running shoes
adidas ORIGINALS originals adidas ORIGINALS originals adicolor
8.5 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
41.5 HA

Difference in 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.

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adidas ORIGINALS pureboost 23 midsole softness in cold 20851288 main
Test results
Pureboost 23 17%
Average 25.4%
Compared to 269 running shoes
adidas ORIGINALS originals adidas ORIGINALS originals adicolor
0%
Difference in midsole softness in cold
100%

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 Shoes a pair suitable for casual runs, gym workouts, and everyday wear.

Test results
Pureboost 23 1
Average 3.3
Compared to 321 running shoes
adidas ORIGINALS originals adidas ORIGINALS originals adicolor
1
Torsional rigidity
5

adidas ORIGINALS NMD_R1 Colour sneakers

It's evident that adidas ORIGINALS prioritised 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 2.8
Compared to 305 running shoes
adidas ORIGINALS originals adidas ORIGINALS originals adicolor
1
adidas ORIGINALS NMD_R1 Colour sneakers
5

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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 ORIGINALS Squadra 21 Short Sleeve T-Shirt adidas ORIGINALS Saturday 7 Kurze Hosen
Test results
Pureboost 23 115.0 mm
Average 114.0 mm
Compared to 343 running shoes
adidas ORIGINALS originals adidas ORIGINALS originals adicolor
100.5 mm
adidas ORIGINALS Saturday 7 Kurze Hosen
127.9 mm

brand new with original box adidas ORIGINALS Originals RETROPY F2 GW9356

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

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adidas ORIGINALS pureboost 23 midsole width in the heel 20851294 main
Test results
Pureboost 23 92.0 mm
Average 90.7 mm
Compared to 343 running shoes
adidas ORIGINALS originals adidas ORIGINALS originals adicolor
74.9 mm
brand new with original box adidas ORIGINALS Originals RETROPY F2 GW9356
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 28.7N
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Compared to 325 running shoes
adidas ORIGINALS originals adidas ORIGINALS originals adicolor
2.2N
Stiffness
94.4N

Футболка от adidas ORIGINALS climalite

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 11.9%
Average 34.4%
Compared to 325 running shoes
adidas ORIGINALS originals adidas ORIGINALS originals adicolor
0%
Футболка от adidas ORIGINALS climalite
148%

Size and fit

Toebox width at the widest part

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adidas ORIGINALS Squadra 21 Short Sleeve T-Shirt wide Kardashian

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 ORIGINALS pureboost 23 toebox width at the widest part 20851296 main
Test results
Pureboost 23 102.4 mm
Average 98.4 mm
Compared to 343 running shoes
adidas ORIGINALS originals adidas ORIGINALS originals adicolor
89.5 mm
Toebox width at the widest part
109.1 mm

adidas ORIGINALS Originals Short Leggings Trend Pack HT5967

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 Kardashian, everyone else will delight in the comfortable and accommodating upper.

adidas ORIGINALS Squadra 21 Short Sleeve T-Shirt adidas ORIGINALS Originals Short Leggings Trend Pack HT5967
Test results
Pureboost 23 80.4 mm
Average 78.3 mm
Compared to 217 running shoes
adidas ORIGINALS originals adidas ORIGINALS originals adicolor
60.4 mm
adidas ORIGINALS Originals Short Leggings Trend Pack HT5967
92.5 mm

Tongue: gusset type

adidas ORIGINALS 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 ORIGINALS Squadra 21 Short Sleeve T-Shirt Tongue: gusset type
Test results
Pureboost 23 None

Comfort

Tongue padding

We clocked the tongue padding at 4.9 mm, good enough for short or medium-distance runs.

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

adidas ORIGINALS Squadra 21 Short Sleeve T-Shirt Tongue padding
Test results
Pureboost 23 4.9 mm
Average 5.7 mm
Compared to 340 running shoes
adidas ORIGINALS originals adidas ORIGINALS originals adicolor
0.5 mm
Tongue padding
14.2 mm

Heel tab

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

adidas ORIGINALS Squadra 21 Short Sleeve T-Shirt 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 ORIGINALS Squadra 21 Short Sleeve T-Shirt Removable insole
Test results
Pureboost 23 Yes

Misc

Reflective elements

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

adidas ORIGINALS Squadra 21 Short Sleeve T-Shirt Reflective elements
Test results
Pureboost 23 No