Adidas Adizero range discovery: Something casual and late.
Having been predominantly a devoted Asics runner in 2014, given the drift the brand took after the official landing in Europe and the subsidiary in Spain, I decided to run the marathon with Saucony Kinvara 2, after doing the bulk of the training with Mizuno Harrier II.
From minimalism to new racing flats
In my return to running at the end of 2021, I started using ASICS Hyper 33, the closest thing to minimalism that ASICS produced, which after about 1200 kilometers I decided to retire. Willing to invest relatively little in shoes, I decided to visit all the outlets and found some black Adidas Adizero Adios 6, soccer referee shoes, which did not have a great launch but I liked them for their price, barely 70 euros, and for their somewhat funereal aesthetics.
In the midst of the carbon fervor, some Adizero pros crossed my path at 50% off and those were my second Adizero of many others that came after. It was the time of the Boston 10 and 11, but their bad reputation, initially high price, and various reasons made them go unnoticed to me.
The Adizero Adios 6 were almost maximalist considering the profiles that I had used and the type of shoe with terrain perception that I liked (and still do).
Adidas Boston 12 encountered by mistake
It was not until after the first failed attempt at sub-3 marathon, in August 2023, that I acquired some Boston 12, and it was not premeditated, my goal was to buy some Adios 8 but I did not find my size at an interesting price and I paid 88 euros at the exchange for a pair in fluorescent yellow to which I have done almost 700 kilometers since then.
My analysis of my Boston 12s will be in a separate post, I will place them into context among all my other shoes. Soon after I got my pair, I began searching for information about the saga. I have done multiple attempts to get a model 9 (the one most people said it was the best).
Severals weeks after watching Segasu’s youtube video I decided to search for a second hand or old stock unit in my size. By accident I found one in the same soccer referee black and white.
Adidas Adizero Boston Line and its evolution
The Adidas Adizero Boston line was first introduced as a lightweight, responsive shoe designed for speed and performance. It quickly gained popularity among runners looking for a balance of cushioning and agility.
Comparison with Other Adidas Adizero Models
When compared to other Adidas running shoes, the Adizero Boston line stands out for its balance of cushioning and responsiveness. While models like the Adizero Adios prioritize speed and racing, the Boston line offers a more versatile option for daily training and racing.
From Minimal Low Stack Shoe to Lightstrike Pro
In its initial iterations, the Adizero Boston featured a minimalistic design with a low stack height, focusing on responsiveness and ground feel. However, as running technology evolved, Adidas incorporated Lightstrike Pro cushioning into the Boston line, providing runners with enhanced energy return and cushioning
The first two models that featured Light Strike Pro were criticised by former model fans as heavy and bulky with little energy return in exchange.
Adidas Boston: The Evolution from 2009 to present day
Adidas Adizero Boston 1 – 2009
- Key Technologies: Adiwear outsole for durability, Adiprene cushioning for shock absorption, Torsion system for midfoot integrity.
Adidas Adizero Boston 2 – 2010
- Key Technologies: Continuation of Adiwear outsole and Adiprene cushioning, Introduction of Formotion technology for enhanced motion control and ground adaptability.
Adidas Adizero Boston 3 – 2012
- Key Technologies: Enhanced Formotion technology, Addition of AdiPRENE+ in the forefoot for propulsion, Torsion system for midfoot support.
Adidas Adizero Boston 4 – 2013
- Key Technologies: Integration of Continental rubber outsole for superior traction, Updated Adiprene+ cushioning for increased responsiveness, Introduction of Coolever mesh upper for breathability.
- This is probably the ugliest of the saga in my opinion.
Adidas Adizero Boston 5 – 2014
- Key Technologies: Continued use of Continental rubber outsole, Introduction of Boost cushioning for energy return and comfort, Techfit upper for a snug fit.
Adidas Adizero Boston 6 – 2017
- Key Technologies: Further refinement of Boost cushioning, Addition of Stretchweb outsole for flexibility and durability, Engineered mesh upper for improved breathability and support.
Adidas Adizero Boston 7 – 2018
- Key Technologies: Evolution of Boost cushioning for enhanced energy return, Addition of Microfit technology for a more secure and adaptable fit, Updated Continental rubber outsole for optimal traction.
Adidas Adizero Boston 8 – 2019
- Key Technologies: Introduction of Lightstrike cushioning for lightweight responsiveness, Redesigned upper with Tailored Fiber Placement for targeted support and flexibility, Continued use of Continental rubber outsole for durability.
Adidas Adizero Boston 9 – 2020
- Key Technologies: Further optimization of Lightstrike cushioning, Addition of Energy Rail for stability and support, Improved upper construction for a seamless and comfortable fit.
Adidas Adizero Boston 10 . 2021
- Key Technologies: Enhanced Lightstrike cushioning with Lightstrike Pro for maximum energy return, Updated Energy Rods for efficient propulsion, Reinforced mesh upper for durability and breathability.
Adidas Adizero Boston 11 – 2022
- Key Technologies: Evolution of Lightstrike Pro cushioning for a plush yet responsive ride, Introduction of Celermesh upper for lightweight support and ventilation, Enhanced Energy Rods for smoother transitions.
Adidas Adizero Boston 12 – 2023
- Key Technologies: Continued refinement of Lightstrike Pro cushioning, Redesigned Celermesh upper for a more adaptive and breathable fit, Updated Energy Rods configuration for improved stability and responsiveness. All-new Lightstrike 2.0 is used.
- It Introduced the glass-fibre infused Energy Rods 2.0 , a redesigned plate that offers more rigidity and, therefore, energy return than the previous iteration.
- The Adidas Adizero Boston 12 has a stack height of 37mm under the heels and 30.5 mm under the forefoot (6.5 mm midsole drop) and weighs 267 grams (men’s) and 227 grams (women’s).
The Boston 12 uses a new upper that later was introduced to the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3. The mechanically engineered, and 50% recycled, meshed upper adds to the lightweight feel of the shoe if you compare it with 11 and 10 versions but it feels “plasticky” and has proven much less durable that cellar mesh or the upper of initial Adios Pro(s). The upper also takes it’s bigger sister achilles area padding (in my case for good)
The glass fiber rods use the same “pretzel” design than Adios Pro, with subtle differences in the outer edge to provide stability.
After a lot of kilometers used for both tempo and close to MP, normally around 4:20-4:30 and faster i need to think what I am doing to put them on “overdrive”. You can go faster than your normal pace and the Boston helps you, but you need to establish some dialogue with the shoe. Using the Adizero Adios 8 it’s the shoe who initiates the dialogue and forces you to push harder (with more effort from your feet and legs of course)
That’s the only concern I have with the Boston, it’s and underdog probably but sometimes a need a retaliator shoe or a rocket pushing me until I got a PB or explode trying.
Well, after all it’s a “training shoe” . Tempo training but still not pure racing gear.
