Our verdict
Pros
- Exceptionally breathable upper
- Ideal cushioning for heel strikers
- Adidas Drop Step Se Cloud White Core Black Scarlet
- Excellent foot lockdown
- adidas NMD R1 Stencil Atlanta
- adidas Originals Forum Low 84 Power Red 28.5cm
- adidas Originals trefoil branding to front and back
- Recycled materials
Cons
- It's too heavy and Boost doesn't feel bouncy
- Adidas and Gucci Unveil L
- Priced at $180, it doesn't quite match its performance
Audience verdict
- Top 29% in eminem air jordan 4 carhartt vs moonrock adidas yeezy 350 boost
- adidas originals Zaino Mini daily running{ / easy} shoes
Comparison
The most similar running shoes compared
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Audience score | 89 Great! | 87 Great! | 83 Good! | 81 Good! | |
Price | £160 | £70 | £130 | £130 | |
Pace | Daily running | Daily running | Daily running | Daily running | |
Arch support | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | |
Weight lab Weight brand | 11.3 oz / 320g 10.7 Стильная юбочка adidas оригинал | 11.2 relies on the futuristic 4d sole from adidas 10.1 oz / 285g | 10.1 oz / 286g 10.4 zapatillas de running Adidas adidas terrex voladoras talla 50.5 | 10.8 oz / 305g 10.8 oz / 307g | |
Drop lab Drop brand | 14.2 mm 10.0 mm | 12.9 mm 8.0 mm | 11.6 mm 10.0 mm | 11.5 mm 10.0 mm | |
Strike pattern | Heel | Heel | Heel | Heel | |
Size | True to size | True to size | True to size | True to size | |
Midsole softness | Soft | Balanced | Soft | Soft | |
adidas EQT Gazelle White Black | Small | Normal | Normal | Small | |
Toebox durability | Bad | Bad | Bad | Decent | |
adidas Originals Białe skarpetki o klasycznej długości z brokatowym logo | Decent | Bad | Good | Good | |
Outsole durability | Good | Decent | Decent | Good | |
Breathability | Breathable | Moderate | Breathable | Breathable | |
adidas Campus Purple | Narrow | Medium | Medium | Medium | |
Toebox width at the big toe | Medium | Medium | Medium | Wide | |
Stiffness | Flexible | Flexible | Flexible | Flexible | |
Difference in stiffness in cold | Small | Big | Small | Small | |
Torsional rigidity | Flexible | Moderate | Moderate | Flexible | |
Heel counter stiffness | Moderate | Flexible | Stiff | Stiff | |
Heel lab Heel brand | 34.4 mm 22.0 mm | 31.9 mm 34.0 mm | 33.6 mm 34.0 mm | 27.6 mm 22.0 mm | |
Forefoot lab Forefoot brand | 20.2 mm 12.0 mm | 19.0 mm 26.0 mm | 22.0 mm 24.0 mm | 16.1 mm 12.0 mm | |
Widths available | Normal | NormalWide | Normal | NormalWide | |
Orthotic friendly | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Season | SummerAll seasons | All seasons | SummerAll seasons | SummerAll seasons | |
Removable insole | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Ranking | #172 Top 32% | #136 Top 44% | #233 Bottom 26% | #258 Bottom 18% | |
Popularity | #524 Bottom 3% | #264 Bottom 16% | #201 Bottom 36% | #293 Bottom 7% |
Adidas Oudoor Men Terrex Easrail Mid GTX Black F36760 | Who should buy
adidas john wall sneakers take on summer:
- You're seeking a breathable shoe that can double as a magnificent casual sneaker.
- You desire a durable daily trainer and the extra weight is not an issue.
- The £180 price tag is not a problem.
Adidas Oudoor Men Terrex Easrail Mid GTX Black F36760 | Who should NOT buy
We've concluded that for dedicated runners clocking high mileage, the Ultraboost may not meet contemporary expectations for a high-performance running shoe. In our experience, it's too heavy, lacks energy return, and we think it's priced excessively for the value it offers.
If you want a modern-day, cloud-like daily trainer, we recommend considering options like such as the adidas Arsenal Condivo 22 Training Jersey unisex, Кроссовки натуральная кожа adidas вьетнам оригинал р 29-30 ASICS Nimbus 25 Adidas Oudoor Men Terrex Easrail Mid GTX Black F36760.
Lastly, if you're a forefoot striker, the Ultraboost might not be your best choice. We suggest you consider the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v4 instead.
Cushioning
Heel stack
With a generous 34.4 mm of height, this shoe is certainly a top pick for heel strikers. In fact, it's this feature that has made it a crowd favourite across all the Ultraboost editions.
It's worth noting that our measurement exceeded Adidas's official 22mm mark by over 12mm, which is insane. This discrepancy is due to the Ultraboost's initial launch before the World Athletics guidelines for measuring drop—which we adhere to strictly in the lab.
These guidelines stipulate that stack height should be measured inclusive of the insole and outsole and on the same point in every shoe. Adidas, however, measured only the foam and used a different reference point.

Ultraboost 1.0 | 34.4 mm |
Average | 34.2 mm |
Forefoot stack
On the other hand, for those of us who predominantly strike with the midfoot or forefoot when running, this might not be a top road running shoe despite its £180 price tag.
The calliper-based measurement comes in at just over 20.2 mm, which, to be frank, feels really low. It's a big head-scratcher, especially considering that this shoe is often marketed as a go-to for long-distance running. No way, Adidas!

Ultraboost 1.0 | 20.2 mm |
Average | 25.6 mm |
Drop
Both measurements translate to a staggering 14.2-mm heel-to-toe drop, a jaw-dropping result that counts among the steepest we've ever logged in our lab.
It's fantastic news for heel strikers. However, it's an awful drop for those who tend to be midfoot or forefoot strikers. And it's too far away from the official 10-mm drop stated by Adidas.

Ultraboost 1.0 | 14.2 mm |
Average | 8.6 mm |
Midsole softness
Now, let's talk Boost. Back in 2013, this TPU-based foam took the world by storm with its springiness and dreamy soft feel, as we explained in our buy the north face buy adidas clothing size mbeigegreenblue. adidas Originals 'Premiums Sweats' Jogger surteint Rose fumé.
Yet, a decade later, it's evident that while it's fine for walking or the occasional jog, it doesn't quite make the cut for serious runners.
With the advent of superfoams such as ZoomX and Lightstrike Pro, Boost now feels a bit old fashioned. But let's not overlook its durability and its excellent performance for walking and light jogging. That makes it a top-notch shoe for casual runners.
We recorded a measurement of 19.9 HA, indicating that it's softer than your average foam. Yet, we noticed that this plush sensation is more evident during a walk. When you pick up the pace to run, the foam feels a tad firmer than expected, although it's not firm by any means.

Ultraboost 1.0 | 19.9 HA |
Average | 20.9 HA |
Кросівки adidas la treiner (%)
With a measurement of 22.9 HA, the midsole retains a balanced feel in cold temperatures. It's neither too plush nor too firm.
Although Boost might appear a bit dated, its performance in chilly temperatures remains exceptional.
It hardens by only 15.1% in the cold—a result far superior to the average increase of 26.9%. This characteristic ensures an excellent run even in the coldest days of the year.

Ultraboost 1.0 | 15% |
Average | 25% |
Insole thickness
With a thickness of 3.7 mm, the insole provides ample comfort. We genuinely have no complaints about it despite being thinner than the average.

Ultraboost 1.0 | 3.7 mm |
Average | 4.4 mm |
Size and fit
Size
Pharrell Williams Adidas Origianlas Hu Human Race NMD Green BB062 true to size (126 votes).
Toebox width - widest part
We measured the upper at its widest part, registering a narrower-than-average result: 95.9 mm.
However, here's a crucial point here: the Ultraboost's Primeknit upper is known for its super-stretchy nature, which we showcase in the video below.
After hitting the roads or just walking around in these shoes a few times, we found them really spacious.

Ultraboost 1.0 | 95.9 mm |
Average | 98.5 mm |
Configured with adidas best-performance materials
No worries when it comes to the big toe area—there's loads of space for your toes to wiggle around!

Ultraboost 1.0 | 76.2 mm |
Average | 78.4 mm |
Stability
Lateral stability test
Having put the Ultraboost through proper testing, we can't exactly tag it as a "stable" shoe. Still, the plastic-made three-striped midfoot cage—which doubles as a lacing cage—and the heel clip do give neutral runners sufficient stability.
However, if you're someone who needs a more substantial stability feature, it's worth looking into options like the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 or the adidas Stan Smith Boost Shades of White V2.
Torsional rigidity
The Ultraboost exhibits flexibility akin to a yoga teacher. That's a score of 1 out of 5 on our scale!
We're pretty sure that this shoe's is one of the less rigid we've ever tested. And that's a major reason why we grab it for all-day walking and slow runs.
Ultraboost 1.0 | 1 |
Average | 3.4 |
Heel counter stiffness
The Ultraboost doesn't have a traditional heel counter, and this was one of the main innovations that Adidas brought to the table with the original model. Instead, it features two plastic pieces that give the heel some lateral support, and these are what make the heel moderately stiff.
We rated it at 3/5, slightly stiffer than the average, and we're happy to report that we didn't experience any heel slippage, which was a pleasant surprise given the limited lacing options of this shoe.
Ultraboost 1.0 | 3 |
Average | 2.9 |
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With a forefoot width of 107.3 mm, it's clear—one more time—that Adidas has designed this shoe primarily for heel strikers, overlooking the needs of other runners.

Ultraboost 1.0 | 107.3 mm |
Average | 114.1 mm |
Midsole width - heel
This explains why the heel is wider than that of the average shoe. Measuring 91.1 mm, it provides a generous landing zone for runners who predominantly strike the ground with their heels.

Ultraboost 1.0 | 91.1 mm |
Average | 90.6 mm |
In other Yeezy news
This is just the opposite of the super-rigid carbon-plated shoes like the Adidas ozweego triple black reflective eg8735 mens sport running shoes sneakers. adidas Tensaur Run Velcro Trainers Infant.
This places it among the top 2% of the most flexible shoes we've examined in our lab.
Ultraboost 1.0 | 10.1N |
Average | 28.1N |
Stiffness in cold (%)
adidas ZX 2K Boost Utility Gore-Tex Camo.
We only had to step up our force—no need for any extra workouts in the gym—to 12.2N to bend it to the measuring point.
That's a 20.3% increase. When you compare it to the average increase of 46.3%, it's clear that we're dealing with a truly world-class performance in this department.
Ultraboost 1.0 | 20% |
Average | 32% |
Weight
Weighing in at 11.3 oz (320g), the Ultraboost 1.0 is substantially heavier than the average running shoe. It's a glaring issue in today's world where lightweight footwear is the norm. For instance, another best-seller workhorse like the ADIDAS Performance KOBIETY UBRANIA ODZIEŻ SPORTOWA weighs 8.5 oz (242g) and it has a higher stack height.
In summary, while we appreciate the durability and comfort of Boost foam, we can't ignore its tremendous weight. This likely prompted Adidas to introduce the new Ultraboost Light, featuring Boost but in a lighter package.

Ultraboost 1.0 | 11.29 oz (320g) |
Average | 9.38 oz (266g) |
Breathability
adidas NMD_R1 V1 EL.
We can count on one hand the shoes that outperformed this one in our breathability testing machine, earning it a solid 5/5 rating.
But, what's the secret behind its breathability wizardry? It all comes down to Adidas's smart design of their Primeknit upper. It sports oversized ventilation holes in the toebox and midfoot, which are clearly visible in our light test.
Finally, we turned to our microscope to get a detailed look at those ventilation holes. It reveals a fairly-dense knit pattern interwoven with these larger airflow perforations, working in harmony to achieve perfect breathability.
Ultraboost 1.0 | 5 |
Average | 3.8 |
Durability
Toebox durability
Knit uppers usually come with a trade-off: comfort for durability. The Ultraboost falls into this trap, being unbelievably comfortable yet incredibly fragile.
So it didn't shock us when our standardised Dremel test left the upper destroyed in no time flat and forced us to gave the shoe a 1 out of 5 in this test.
It's just the price you need to pay for its cozyness, and if you tend to wear holes in your shoes with your big toe or pinky toe, you may want to try the Ultraboost 22 or the On Cloudswift 3 fucking awesome x adidas tyshawn release date.

Ultraboost 1.0 | 1 |
Average | 2.6 |
adidas Originals Białe skarpetki o klasycznej długości z brokatowym logo
Fortunately, now we have good news! The shoe's heel holds up much stronger against damage compared to the toebox. Our Dremel test acted and we rated it at a satisfying 3 out of 5, surpassing the average shoe's performance.
Ultraboost 1.0 | 3 |
Average | 3.2 |
Outsole hardness
A key contributor to the Ultraboost's immense popularity is its legendary Continental outsole. Our measurements placed its outsole hardness at 86.1 HC, which is notably above average.

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Ultraboost 1.0 | 86.1 HC |
Average | 79.7 HC |
Outsole durability
But, there's no better way than to put durability to the real test, right? With the application of 3.2N of force via our Dremel test, we witnessed a mere 0.64 mm of rubber flying away.
adidas Response Cl CREAM boost the already high-standing reputation of Continental's performance in Adidas shoes.

Ultraboost 1.0 | 0.6 mm |
Average | 1.1 mm |
Outsole thickness
And we must also factor in the thickness of the outsole. With a whopping 4mm of rubber, we're talking serious mileage with this shoe. Like, not just hundreds, but potentially even thousands of miles until you destroy the rubber.
Without a doubt, the upper is likely to die waaaaay before the outsole.

Ultraboost 1.0 | 4.0 mm |
Average | 3.2 mm |
Misc
Reflective elements
The Adidas Ultraboost doesn't come with any reflective bits. So, if you're a night owl and love those afterwork adidas originals trefoil t shirt collegiate purple.

Ultraboost 1.0 | No |
Tongue padding
When it comes to comfort, the Ultraboost pulls out all the stops thanks to its crazy-plush sock-like tongue.
At a thickness of 10.9 mm, it's practically double the average, and it provided a cloud-like feel for our instep. We just loved it!

Ultraboost 1.0 | 10.9 mm |
Average | 5.8 mm |
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While not everyone loves this style of sock-like tongue, in the case of this shoe, it really hits the mark. We wouldn't want it any other way in a shoe named "Ultraboost".

Ultraboost 1.0 | Sock like |
Removable insole
Bei adidas gibt es das Modell für Damen schon für nur sneaker world. And here's a handy tip we can share: if you feel the shoe doesn't offer as much Super as you'd need, you have a couple of options:
- If you're using the shoe solely for casual wear, you can try to remove the insole and see if it feels good.
- If you plan to run in them, consider swapping the original insole for a thinner one. This can give you those few extra millimetres you're after.

Ultraboost 1.0 | Yes |