Train Fast – Race Fast | adidas Adizero Boston 13

Just when you thought shoe technology had reached its pinnacle, along came the adidas Adizero Boston 13 to raise the bar.

The latest model in the Adizero Boston series is a continuation of adidas’s commitment to research and create the best performance shoe for athletes. The Boston shoe was first introduced in 1982 as ‘just’ a road shoe, but after its integration into the Adizero line in 2010 athletes started to take notice, adding it to their performance shoe roster.

What is most immediately striking is its classic look—clean and sleek with the prominent adidas 3-stripes. It speaks: “I mean business…and that is speed.’

So what makes it so fast? Elite runners Rachael McIntosh and Matthew Travaglini tested the shoe and here is what they had to say on its features.

Feature – Lightweight Upper with padded tongue and heel collar for a more secure comfortable fit.

“I personally have a wider forefoot and did not find this shoe to be too narrow, the upper was breathable and light so it will be good for the summer training into your fall races.  As with all high stack shoes, cornering is always a challenge, but I did find there was enough support throughout the upper that for the few corners I ran at speed, I did not feel like I was about to roll off the side of the shoe,” says Travaglini.

“The laces and tongue stay in place, while the fit is true to size with just enough room for even a slightly wider foot,” adds McIntosh.

Feature – Lightstrike Pro Midsole has 13.8 per cent more foam than its predecessor giving it lighter cushioning resulting in a comfortable and softer feel underfoot.

Feature – Inserted into the Lightstrike Pro midsole are EnergyRods, a technology that is commonly found in the adidas Adizero line. These are five carbon composite bars, that mimic the metatarsal bones in the foot that not only supports the midsole but gives the boost the foot needs in the forefoot. More flexible than carbon plates, they propel the runner forward giving more energy return.

“I found it to be highly responsive with good return on energy, and with the EnergyRods, these will last longer than just a standard high cushioned training shoe. I liked that this shoe was fast out of the gate, despite the high cushioning, I could start quickly and settle into my pace without feeling like I was fighting against the shoe,” says Travaglini.

“The Lightstrike Pro foam and EnergyRods provides a soft yet super responsive ride that is great for any pace,” adds McIntosh.

Feature – Lighttraxtion Outsole with Continental™ rubber is a new feature for adidas. When traction is so important Lighttraxion offers a firm grip and a slip-free toe off that helps prevent falls on damp surfaces. This durable outsole makes the shoe perform well and efficiently in wet or dry conditions.

“I like that they are sticking with the Continental rubber in the high wear areas because I want a shoe that can not only feel light and springy throughout one workout, but one that will not wear out on me week after week and month after month as I prepare for my next race,” says Travaglini.

“I found the shoe lightweight yet supportive, had no break-in period, and was instantly a comfortable and smooth ride,” adds McIntosh.

The adidas Adizero Boston 13 got a big thumbs up from the IMPACT Magazine testers for speed, power and performance.

“This is a great shoe for runners who prioritize speed, comfort, and versatility. It is a great option for runners wanting a high-performance shoe that can do it all and look great while doing it! Whether you’re doing interval sessions, speed runs, or logging longer miles, I would reach for the Boston 13,” says McIntosh.

“adidas did a good job with this shoe; it will be an effective shoe to add to your rack for everything from easy runs to pure speed sessions,” adds Travaglini.

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