Adidas Boston 12 vs. Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 (2023)
The Adidas Boston 12 and the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 target the same use scenarios: fast training. They are shoes for speed work like tempo runs or interval training. You can also use them for most sessions if you’re a fast runner overall. Indeed, these shoes offer a unique blend of comfort and performance. But which one is best?
On paper, these two models are very similar. Similar stack height (38 mm for the Boston in the heel, 36 mm for the Endorphin Speed) and drop (7-8 mm)–it’s quite standard for such trainers with comfortable cushioning. Nonetheless, the underfoot feel is firmer on the Boston, which can be a plus if you’re looking for more stability.
The weight is the main difference: with 1.4 oz/40 g less, the Saucony is lighter. In practice, it doesn’t make a huge difference, but still, the Speed is just more nimble overall. Although Adidas streamlined its Boston 12 in 2023, it remains somewhat clunky.
In terms of ride, the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 is the more responsive shoe despite using a nylon plate vs. multiple carbon plates (EnergyRods) for the Boston.
Lastly, the fit is a bit more tricky on the Boston. The midfoot can feel tight, especially if you have wide feet. On the other hand, the Endorphin Speed is relatively spacious and will fit most foot shapes and sizes.
Adidas Boston vs Saucony Endorphin Speed: Verdict
If you’re an Adidas fan, the Boston 12 will be a solid pick for you as you’ll get Adidas’ core technologies in a modern speed trainer package.
However, if you’re on the fence, we think the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 will be the superior shoe. It’s a star model that just works and can magnify the training of most runners. Go Saucony!
Side-By-Side Comparison Table
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| Overview | ||
| Description | The Adizero Boston 12 is Adidas' super trainer for faster workouts. This new version comes with significant weight savings and a softer ride. | The Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 is a nylon plated running shoe for comfortable and responsive faster runs. |
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| Facts | ||
| Terrain | Road | Road |
| Support | Neutral | Neutral |
| Heel stack height | 38 mm | 36 mm |
| Forefoot stack height | 31 mm | 28 mm |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 7 mm | 8 mm |
| Weight (men) | 269 g | 229 g |
| Weight (women) | 227 g | 204 g |
| Features | Carbon-fiber plate, Recycled materials, Rocker | Vegan, Recycled materials, Nylon plate |
| Athletes | ||
| Release year | 2023 | 2022 |
| Technologies | ||
| Outsole | Continental Rubber | XT-900 |
| Midsole | Lightstrike 2.0, Lightstrike Pro, EnergyRods 2.0 | PWRRUN PB, Speedroll |
| Upper | Engineered mesh | Engineered Mesh |
| Cushioning | ||
| Cushioning | Firm | Balanced |
| Responsiveness | Medium | High |
| Use | ||
| Distance | Mid, 10K, Half marathon, Long, Marathon | Mid, 10K, Half marathon, Long, Marathon |
| Speed | Slow, Moderate | Moderate, Fast |
| Workouts | Daily running, Racing | Daily running, Racing |
