Today Adidas has released what it believes its “greatest ever running shoe”, the ultra BOOST.
Known as the Ultra BOOST, it will be the top end spec of its BOOST range.
John Stewart, adidas Running Merchandising Manager, said: “It’ll encompass what we believe to be our best ever running shoe”
Previously, Adidas BOOST shoes would have comprised 80% BOOST with an EVA (Ethylene-vinyl acetate) rim. However, new technology has enabled Adidas to remove the EVA rim and create a shoe with 100% BOOST.
So what is this BOOST technology? John said: “Boost material is more cushioned and it’s more propulsive than EVA, it’s also more flexible than EVA, it’s more durable than EVA and it’s less temperature dependant than EVA”
Adidas says BOOST allows for no breaks in the material, it’s also more flexible and dynamic. This means when you run, as you push down on the midsole it should allow for an extra spring in your step.
John added: “Boost formula allows it to be cushioning and propulsion in the same material
“We believe it’s our best shoe because it’s got the best midsole technology on the planet.”
The shoe itself isn’t the lightest weighing in at 324 grams, but it does feel sturdy in hand.
There is stretchy, knitted yarn on top of the forefoot allowing for flexibility and air to flow through. Whilst clamping it down in position with the three-stripe lock cage will bring stability.
Interestingly, adidas has cut out the heel counter on the back. Adidas say the biggest movement on a foot is the Achilles, and that you don’t want too much lateral movement, but at the same time it needs to be free to move up and down.
John said: “By locking out the heel down the side, but cutting out the heel counter it allows for a comfortable insertion for the 
achilles tendon.”
By all accounts it is a neutral shoe, but what about which level of runner should wear it? John says: “Any runner can wear this shoe. A new runner might not be as confident wearing a lightweight and low profile traditional running shoe and may not want a £130 shoe, but they can put this on and feel comfortable with it.
“What this shoe gives every runner, whether it’s a new runner that hasn’t run before or an experienced marathon runner, is when you put the shoe on it feels secure, it feels comfortable, it feels cushioned in the heel. Those feelings are relevant for an absolute beginner and also a marathon runner.”
The ultra BOOST will launch February 25th as the solo colour at £130. On April 1st, two more colours will be made available.
