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I was excited to try the adidas AdiZero Boston 12. Adidas has made significant updates with the Boston, and the shoe is more of a daily trainer.
Weight: 8 oz
Heel to Toe Drop: 7 mm
Price: $160
Adidas AdiZero Boston 12 Intro:
I've never been a huge adidas AdiZero Boston fan. I've run in it, but it's never been my go-to favorite shoe. I know I am in the minority because the AdiZero Bostin is popular! It's not that I didn't like it, it was fine, but it was never my favorite shoe! Previous versions were more designed as a "fast" shoe, but lately, adidas has transitioned it to more of a daily trainer. On a side note, did you know "adidas" is actually lowercase? I digress.
Before the AdiZero Boston 9, the versions were all faster and lighter trainers. Now, it's designed as a daily trainer for the Adios Pro 3. The adidas AdiZero Boston 12 feels much more flexible than previous versions.
The adidas AdiZero Boston 12 upper is much lighter than the previous versions. This year features a lightweight mesh upper with textile lining. I appreciate the soft and breathable upper because my feet SWEAT during the desert summer. I don't want anything that doesn't breathe well. Plus, it quickly drains and dries in inclement weather such as rain. The AdiZero Boston 12 upper also features 50% recycled content, which is fantastic. This isn't a shoe I've guessed was made out of recycled content. While I appreciate brands have transitioned to recycled and sustainable materials, some have done it better than others.
The tongue is unguessed and equally as thin. The one thing I found was it slides all over the place. It hasn't been bad enough that I've stopped running to adjust, but it is annoying.
The best running shoes disappear off your feet; for the most part, the adidas AdiZero Boston 12 does just that. You have to find the right size and fit. It fits longer and more narrow compared to many fits. The forefoot does have space where the midfoot is more narrow. I keep my shoelaces tied less tight than usual so my feet can breathe.
If you've never run in adidas before, they are generally a more narrow brand (similar to ASICS). I usually wear womens size 10-11 in running shoes. I found the 11 to fit the best, although it was slightly narrower than I usually prefer. Luckily I didn't have any issues with black or losing toenails. My advice is always try shoes on, but you should be able to stay in your regular running shoe size for the AdiZero Boston 12.
The previous versions of the adidas AdiZero Boston were too firm, so adidas has added more Lightstrike Pro foam in the midsole and reduced the regular Lightstrike. The Lightstrike 2.0 is at the bottom of the midsole. This creates more durability and even a touch of stability (although in no way is the adidas AdiZero Boston 12 a stable shoe).
Honestly, I don't notice much difference between the original EVA foam and the Lightstrike 2.0. The midsole's glass fiber "energy rods" have been updated to be more flexible and less rockered. This means you feel less of that "tipping feeling" that rolls you from the heel to the toe. This small change makes the adidas AdiZero Boston 12 feel more like a training shoe than a tempo or workout shoe.
Adidas excels at durability and traction, and the adidas AdiZero Boston 12 is no different. The Continental rubber is the same used in car tires (and let's hope they last more than 400 miles). Adidas shoes won't last forever, but they do last at least 400 miles, if not more. I am hard on my shoes and don't think I've ever had an adidas shoe last less than 400 miles. I've already put about 100 miles on the Boston 12, and they look almost brand new, so I expect their durability will be no different.
I've run in the rain and on sandy desert trails with no traction issues. These are a shoe I would feel OK to take in the pouring shower or the sandiest path. They have more traction than some of the trail shoes I've reviewed.
I wasn't sure where the adidas AdiZero Boston 12 would fit into my rotation. After trying it out with some faster workouts, long runs, and easy runs, I've decided it's a great easy run shoe (even a great rainy run shoe). It's not super light, and the less rockered feeling makes it feel better as an easy run shoe version workout (this is different than previous versions).
Is the adidas AdiZero Boston 12 a "good" update? That depends on what you are looking for in a running shoe. It is much different than previous versions. It's a great easy run or daily run shoe, but there are better shoes for running faster. I do think the update is *good* but I also think it's important to be cautious because it will feel different from previous versions.
Who should buy the adidas AdiZero Boston 12?
If you are looking for. A durable daily trainer with a lot of traction.
Who should not buy the adidas AdiZero Boston 12?
If you are looking for a "fast" shoe, plenty of other options exist! It's probably not the best option if you have broader or flatter feet.
Was paid to write an honest review of my choice.
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