On February 13, 2013, the first shot in the foam wars was fired: Adidas released its revolutionary Boost foam. It debuted on the soles of the new EnergyBoost running shoe, and this unprecedented material was the first of its kind to promise more “energy return” with each step. Up until now, that idea was virtually unheard of—but it would soon become the buzzy battle cry of every shoemaker on the market.
Best Adidas Ultraboost Shoes
- Best for Running: Ultraboost 22
- Sustainable Materials: Ultraboost 22 x Parley
- Best Trainer: Ultraboost 5.0 DNA
- Throwback Aesthetics: Ultraboost Supernova DNA
- Funky Outsole: Ultraboost Web DNA
- Best for Wet Weather: Ultraboost 22 Gore-Tex
- Best Women’s Casual Shoe: Adidas by Stella McCartney Ultraboost Sandal
The Expert: I became a runner in middle school and have covered running and outdoor gear for years, both on-staff at Runner’s World and as a freelance journalist. Running shoes is the category of gear I’ve written about the most, and I have firsthand experience with models from a range of brands. To write articles like this, I talk with brand reps about the company’s latest shoes and tech, consult RW tester feedback, and draw on my own experience with the running shoe industry. With direction from RW editors, I combine all that info to choose what shoes make it onto this page.
New Frontiers in Foam
Two years after the EnergyBoost dropped, Three Stripes upped the ante again with the release of the Ultraboost—the brand’s plushest and bounciest shoe yet. This new model kept the coveted Boost foam, but added more cushioning and a grippy, flexible Continental rubber outsole. (The only drawbacks were the shoe’s heftier weight and a midfoot saddle that some runners found too rigid.) Naturally, competing brands had no choice but to retaliate. Nike countered with its React and ZoomX foams, Reebok took aim with its lightweight Floatride, Brooks responded with its energizing DNA Amp, and New Balance debuted its responsive Fresh Foam, to name just a few. Although these foams have all seen huge successes in the ongoing battle of the bounce, few have matched the Ultraboost’s devoted—some even say cult-like—following.
The Best of Boost
From pop culture-inspired versions to trail-ready models, the Ultraboost has taken on numerous styles and silhouettes. However, the shoe keeps a few things consistent, like a sticky Continental rubber outsole, and of course, the famous Boost foam underfoot. Developed by the German chemical company BASF, the recipe calls for fusing together bouncy TPU pellets, which makes the shoe’s midsole lighter and more durable than traditional EVA. Plus, the material also fares better in cold weather. Whereas typical EVA foams tend to stiffen and firm up, our testers vouched that the Ultraboost remains soft and springy when the mercury dips into the teens.
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How We Evaluated
The Runner’s World gear team puts in miles of running and utilizes shoe lab results, as well as feedback from over 350 wear testers, before reviewing running shoes. Among the models they’ve laced up are many Adidas Ultraboost models. I also included shoes that haven’t undergone that strenuous testing cycle; instead, I chose these shoes based on feedback from Adidas brand representatives, input from an RW editor, and my own expert knowledge and evaluation. Check out the seven best Adidas Ultraboost shoes below that tick the boxes for both performance and fashion.
Pros
- Cushioned yet responsive
- Durable outsole
- Improved fit in women’s version
Cons
- Heavy compared to other brands’ running shoes
Weight: 11.9 oz (M), 10 oz (W)
Drop: 10 mm
For runners, this is the Ultraboost to know. The 22nd iteration features a generous chunk of Boost foam that soaks up impact forces and creates a peppy feel underfoot, and it comes with a stiffened torsion system for an extra dose of responsiveness. The full-coverage Continental rubber outsole creates dependable traction and improves the shoe’s durability. Better yet, the women’s version of the 22 was created with a new last developed through extensive research on the shape of women’s feet, so female runners can expect an improved fit.
Pros
- Utilizes recycled materials in the upper
Cons
- Heavier than Ultraboost 22
Weight: 12 oz (M and W)
Drop: 10 mm
It’s no secret that the fashion industry—including footwear manufacturing—is a major polluter. Adidas is working to change that by partnering with Parley to create a more sustainable Ultraboost. This special version utilizes yarn made from recycled plastic that’s collected from oceans and shorelines around the globe. That yarn (along with recycled polyester) is used to create the upper. Paired with a Boost midsole and a Continental rubber outsole, the Parley x Ultraboost 22 gives you the same lively performance in a more earth-friendly package.
Pros
- Made with recycled materials
- Tough, grippy outsole
- Lots of colorways available
Cons
- Upper design isn’t as streamlined as the Ultraboost 22
- Expensive
Weight: 11.6 oz (M), 11 oz (W)
Drop: 10 mm
The Ultraboost 5.0 DNA has many of the same features as the Ultraboost 22, including a torsion system paired with a peppy layer of Boost foam in the midsole. It also includes an upper made with Parley yarn, and it has a full-coverage Continental outsole that’s studded with lugs for added grip on mixed terrain. It makes a great pick for a do-it-all trainer or an everyday running-and-walking shoe.
Pros
- Vintage look
- Comfortable and durable
Cons
- Only available in unisex or men’s sizes
Weight: 11.6 oz (M and W)
Drop: 10 mm
As the badge on the tongue proudly announces, these eye-catching Ultraboosts are an homage to the 1998 Adidas Supernova. The heavily overlaid upper serves up a hefty dose of ʼ90s style, but there’s plenty of modern tech in this shoe, including a Boost midsole with a built-in torsion system, a Primeknit upper made with recycled fibers, and a supportive heel counter. Combined with the burly Continental rubber outsole, this shoe is a great pick for a stylish, comfy, and reliable everyday shoe.
Pros
- Lots of colorways
- Designed for increased energy return
Cons
- Heavy
Weight: 12.9 oz (M), 11 oz (W)
Drop: 10.3 mm (M), 10 mm (W)
The Ultraboost Web DNA is essentially a regular Ultraboost shoe that has a “3D Stretchweb” wrapped around the sole. Adidas claims this helps increase the shoe’s energy return (a similar concept to Under Armour’s Energy Web design), but aside from any performance benefits, it also gives the shoe a unique look. The Primeknit upper and external heel counter offer a comfy, supportive feel, and the Boost foam midsole delivers reliable, energetic cushioning for a comfortable ride. Better yet, it’s available in a wide range of colorways, including muted and more daring options.
Pros
- Waterproof upper
- Drawstring closure with lace cage for a snug fit
Cons
- Only available in men’s sizes
- Very heavy
- Expensive
Weight: 14.1 oz (M)
Drop: 10 mm
This men’s-only Ultraboost comes with key upgrades to handle wet-weather runs. The upper is made with a Gore-Tex liner to block rain, snow, and splashes, and it features a drawstring closure for a snug fit around your foot. On the bottom, the outsole is made with a special Continental rubber formulation engineered for improved grip in slick conditions. The Boost midsole delivers the same lively cushioning you’d expect, though it might be dampened by this shoe’s bulk—it’s notably heavier than the regular Ultraboost.
Adidas by Stella McCartney Ultraboost Sandal
Adidas by Stella McCartney Ultraboost Sandal
Pros
- Fun and funky design
- Breathable
Cons
- Expensive
- Available in women’s sizes only
Weight: N/A
Drop: N/A
Adidas frequently partners with other brands and designers to release limited-edition shoes, and this Stella McCartney Ultraboost model is one of the most unique collaborations I’ve seen. With just a small cutout on the upper, they certainly stretch the definition of “sandal,” but the soft Primeknit upper and energetic Boost midsole should create a comfy ride for casual wear and days when you plan to do a lot of walking. Love them or hate ’em, they’ll be a conversation starter wherever they’re worn.
Editors’ Note: Runner’s World Editor Morgan Petruny contributed to this article.
Michael is a freelance writer with years of experience covering gear and the outdoors for Runner's World and other publications; when he's not writing, he's usually biking, hiking, and running in the mountains around Los Angeles, where he lives.
