Adidas Adizero Boston 10 Review Analysis (2023)
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Published on: 12/25/2021
Adidas shakes up the Boston series with a significant overhaul: now with maximal cushioning, the Adizero Boston 10 gains comfort for longer runs but loses versatility.
The Consensus
Discover the latest model in the series: Adidas Boston 11!
With the success of the Adios Pro, Adidas has decided to turn the Boston 10 into a complementary shoe for daily training. Following the current shoe trends, the stack height reaches 39 mm under the heel for comfortable, maximalist cushioning. There’s Lightstrike Pro foam that replaces Boost for softer cushioning, especially under the toes, plus the original Lightstrike foam.
The Boston 10 also features a rockered design and the EnergyRods blades, so popular on the Adios, for quick transitions. Testers note that the ride is pleasant and provides good stability, even if the bounce is limited.
The mesh uses recycled materials (up to 50%) and ensures targeted foot support with a performance fit. Also, the Continental rubber is as effective as ever in extending the life of the Adizero Boston and providing a perfect grip on urban and dirt roads.
However, despite this ambitious total revamp, the Adizero Boston 10 disappoints due to its weight (288 g/10.2 oz) and lack of versatility: it’s ideal for long runs at a moderate pace but less so for high-speed tempo runs or recovery runs at slower paces.
All in all, the Boston 10 is a very good maximalist running shoe, sturdy and comfortable for long distances but not versatile enough.
Read our full review of the Adidas Adizero Boston 10 for more information.
- Comfortable maximal cushioning
- Solid shoe
- Effective grip
- Good foot lockdown
- Smooth, stable, and lively ride
- It could be more responsive for faster paces
- A bit heavy
- Lack of versatility compared to the previous version
- The mesh is a bit too thick and, therefore, warm
Adidas Adizero Boston 10 Complete Review Analysis
Introduction
The Adidas Adizero Boston has changed so much over the years that one might wonder if it’s still the same collection. So, with this tenth version, we move to maximal cushioning: 39 mm stack height under the heel, as on the Adios Pro!
Adidas wants the two shoes to work together: one for competition and the other one for daily workouts. The story doesn’t say whether Kibiwott Kandie (Adidas-sponsored half-marathon record-holder) trains with the Adizero Boston.
However, despite this reboot, the Boston 10 retains one of its signature features: its firm cushioning that offers a snappy ride.
Let’s analyze the reviews from experts to determine who the Adidas Adizero Boston is for and whether its stellar reputation still holds.
Cushioning
Lightstrike and Lightstrike Pro foams, Energy Rods
Gone are the days of BOOST, welcome to the Lightstrike Pro era! The midsole of the Adidas Adizero Boston uses two layers: regular on the bottom and Pro on the top.
The former is a classic EVA foam that Adidas has been using for a while. Testers agree that it’s pretty firm material. The real novelty is Lightstrike Pro, inherited from the Adios Pro (by the way, the Adios Pro 2 is releasing soon). Here we are dealing with a much softer foam for a comfortable underfoot feel.
The LP layer is thicker under the forefoot, which gives it particularly soft for a comfortable toe-off. Conversely, the underfoot feel under the heel is firmer, though testers note that this is less noticeable as you pick up the pace.
As mentioned in the introduction, the Boston 10 goes maximalist with a stack that is now 39 mm under the heel and 31mm under the forefoot (the drop is 8mm). The Boston 9 was 22 mm under the heel, so the change is rather radical!
With such thickness, one might fear for the stability of the Adidas Adizero Boston. However, runners note that this is not the case. On the contrary, while it’s a neutral shoe, the Boston 10 is stable! This is due to two essential points:
- The relatively firm cushioning that provides good structure
- The raised sidewalls that cradle the foot during the run and prevent it from rolling
Next, what about the Energy Rods? The five forefoot plates are embedded in the midsole between the two layers of foam. They are softer than those on the Adios Pro, suggesting that they use different materials. Also, to be clear: the Adidas Adizero Boston does not have a carbon plate.
In practice, runners note that the midsole configuration is more comfortable for everyday training while still providing a smooth run, as we’ll see further down.
Foot lockdown (upper)
Engineered Mesh, Primegreen, Internal Heel Counter, Gusseted Tongue
The upper of the Adidas Adizero Boston translates into an engineered mesh with Primegreen technology made of 50% ecofriendly recycled materials. We also find suede overlays to reinforce the toe box.
Users note that the mesh is relatively thick and therefore quite warm, although the many perforations help the air circulate through the shoe.
The upper is not stretchy to compensate for the lack of structure, especially in the mid-foot. Nevertheless, the Adidas Adizero Boston is well crafted and gives a comfortable, snug, and performance-oriented fit.
Also, the semi-rigid, padded inner heel counter and gusseted tongue cradle the foot comfortably in the shoe. The design provides good support on the medial side, which is reminiscent of support shoes, although the Boston is still a neutral running shoe. It’s consistent with the configuration of the midsole that is also supportive.
The Adizero Boston 10 fits true to size with an average size toe box.
Grip and durability
Continental Rubber
Runners were very impressed with the Adizero Boston 10’s impeccable traction on wet and dry urban surfaces. What’s more, the shoe is even capable of tackling easy dirt roads.
The Continental rubber is very durable and protects the platform from abrasion. The only question is about the exposed foam in some areas. But testers didn’t notice any signs of wear after significant mileage, so there may be nothing to worry about!
The Ride
The new configuration means a new running experience! With its massive cushioning, soft under the forefoot, and firmer under the heel, the Boston 10 offers a pleasant run over long distances.
According to the testers, the use of Energy Rods and the rockered design of the sole give a discreet but pleasant “rocker” effect. While the energy return is minimal, the natural forward motion of the platform makes the ride fluid.
The main complaint about the shoe from runners is its heavy weight. While the Boston 9 was rather light at 241 g/8.5 oz, the Adizero Boston 10 jumps to 288 g/10.2 oz for men and 266 g/9.4 oz for women, making it feel a bit clunky, although that’s still reasonable considering the high stack. Besides, testers report that the Adidas Boston 10 is lighter on the foot than it looks.
Furthermore, runners with overpronation can rest assured that the Adidas Adizero Boston is stable with a platform that prevents the foot from deviating during the run.
Overall, the Boston 10 is a daily training shoe for long runs at moderate speeds. The shoe is more comfortable than its predecessors but less versatile. While it’s not a tempo shoe by any stretch, speed workouts are not out of the question, but it’s not its primary purpose.
Conclusion
The Adidas Boston 10 changes in a big way with a now maximalist midsole that uses the new Lightstrike Pro foam and Energy Rods (blades under the forefoot) inherited from the Adios Pro.
The Adizero Boston is a comfortable shoe for moderate-speed daily training that offers a smooth ride with a slight rocker effect and slight energy return.
However, the new heavier and clunkier design limits the shoe’s versatility, which was one of the main selling points of the previous versions. The new Adizero Boston is a little sluggish at low speeds and not responsive enough for tempo paces, which positions it as a daily trainer for long runs. On this particular niche, it does a great job! So it’s up to you to determine whether this new configuration suits you.
If you’re looking for a faster shoe with more energy return, then the Adios Pro 2 is your best bet.
Facts
Technical Specs
| Terrain | Road |
| Pronation type | Neutral |
| Drop | 31 mm |
| Heel stack height | 39 mm |
| Forefoot stack height | 8 mm |
| Weight (men) | 295 g/10.4 oz |
| Weight (women) | 266 g/9.4 oz |
| Features | Rocker |
| Release year | 2021 |
Cushioning
| Softness (1-5) | 3 – Moderate |
| Bounce (1-5) | 3 – Moderate |
Technologies
| Outsole | Continental |
| Midsole | Energy Rods, Lightstrike, Lightstrike Pro |
| Upper | Engineered Mesh, Primegreen |
Use
| Speed | Moderate |
| Distance | Mid, long, 10k, half marathon, marathon |
| Workout | Daily runs |
Did you know?
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Discover our 2023 road selection here.
Comparisons – Adidas Adizero Boston 10 vs.:
Adidas Adizero Boston 9
The change is so drastic from one version to another that it seems more logical to treat these two shoes as different models rather than part of the same collection.
For example, the B10 gains 40 g in weight and 15 mm in stack height! It makes the shoe much more padded, which provides comfortable cushioning for longer distances. The downside is that the shoe is less responsive for speed training, such as splits. While the previous Boston was suitable for tempo runs, the latest addition to the Adidas lineup may not be the best choice for race day.
Overall, the runners who tested the shoe liked the smoothness of the run, especially with the new rockered design.
And while we’re on the subject of the sole, note that the Boost foam is gone in favor of Lightstrike Pro, a new softer foam. It gives a softer cushioning under the toes while the heel part remains relatively firm.
If there’s one thing that doesn’t change, it’s the Continental rubber on the outsole, and that’s good as it enhances the platform’s durability by protecting the foam from the midsole.
As you can see, if you like the Boston 9… there’s no telling whether you will enjoy the Boston 10. It depends on your preferences, especially in terms of cushioning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, it does, so no need to go a half size up or anything. Of course, it’s still better to try it in-store if you can.
Yes, despite a few shortcomings, the consensus from our review analysis is that the Boston 10 provides comfortable cushioning and a smooth ride for longer distances. Plus, it’s a durable shoe that’s built to last.
