Adidas Energy Boost: Fitness Review

The Adidas Energy Boost is the latest and greatest running shoe from the ever-expanding Adidas line.  The Energy Boost is a revolutionary design from the folks at Adidas which features a new “energy-returning” mid-sole material that contains thousands of capsules blown together through high pressure steam that Adidas says provides springy cushioning that acts like a trampoline under your feet.  To the naked eye the new “Boost” foam has a Styrofoam look to it and soft cushy feel.  When I read press releases my hyperbole radar is always on, so needless to say after reading about all of the innovations and claims from Adidas, I was a bit skeptical. But now, after 45 miles of runs, i’m happy to report the Adidas Energy Boost lived up to hype and then some!  Now for the fine print…

Adidas Boost Key Features:

• Energy-returning boost midsole keeps every step charged with an endless supply of light, fast energy; TORSION SYSTEM for midfoot integrity
• techfit technology for lightweight and flexible upper support
• Flexible textile upper with welded synthetic overlays for support and stability
• External heel counter for maximal heel fit and running comfort; miCoach compatible
• ADIWEAR outsole offers the ultimate in high-wear durability
• Weight: 9.5 oz. (size 9)

It’s quite obvious already,  Adidas is putting all their marketing support behind the new Boost line and think that it’s innovative design will change the way runners find that extra boost of energy to go the distance.

Adidas helps make athletes better. With our new Boost foam, we are addressing a fundamental insight: everyone wants more energy.  Whether you’re running a marathon, training for an upcoming season or just trying to get back in shape, our revolutionary Boost cushioning foam provides the highest energy return in any running products.  Energy Boost will reset the running industry and pave the way for all future performance footwear. -Eric Liedtke, Adidas Head of Sport Performance

Comfort

What really stood this shoe a part for me was the pure comfort I experienced during a run.  While “running on a trampoline” is a great phrase coined by the folks at Adidas – it might be a bit of stretch, but lets be clear; these shoes have definite bounce to them.  The flexible upper sole combined with the comfortable cushioned sole really kept my legs feeling great.  My achilles and ankles tend to tighten up and get sore during a run, but I found myself going longer before experiencing any discomfort in these shoes.  I tested the Energy Boost’s across a variety of terrain: road, track, trail, etc and found that the comfort held up in every situation.  Overall, one of the best comfort and cushioned running shoes I’ve laced up in a long time.

Design

While researching the Energy Boost and its design process I felt like I was reading pages from a high school chemistry textbook.  Needless to say, the design is not simple.  Lets focus on the sole design as this is the bread and butter in my opinion.  According to Adidas the Energy Boost combines the benefits of EVA cushioning (EVA cushioning material known as ethylene propylene rubber, ethylene-propylene rubber) with TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane).  So what does that mean to you? The EVA cushioning provides you comfort, low weight and smooth transition in your steps and crosses that with the TPU which gives you energy return, durability and temperature resistance.  Basically giving you an extremely well rounded running shoe that holds up in all conditions.  Adidas partnered with BASF (the chemical company) which really highlights the great lengths they went in the design and development of this shoe.  The overall look of the shoe is very appealing as well with the a low profile, reflective strips for safety and a simple look.

Traction

With the comfort of the new sole design I really found the Energy Boost to be a favorite shoe for runs that took place on the road. Usually this is where I experience the most pain and stains as the pavement provides no cushion for me and really increases the stress on my ankles.  I typically stick to groomed trails at a nearby park but with the Energy Boost I was able to get back on the road and side walks as these provided the comfort I needed to reduce the stress on my ankles and achillies.  With that, I found the traction on the road to be excellent.  Even in a light rain they held up and experienced little to no slippage.  On some wet trails during an early morning run I did experience a slight loss in traction but nothing out of the ordinary.  Being a lightweight design I did notice water easily crept into the shoe and into my socks.  However they did dry out quickly and was not a major issue.

Durability

After 45 miles the Energy Boosts are still holding up and are providing great comfort on my runs.  I have not noticed much reduction in the treads and they seem to be holding strong.  I have no concerns about being able to get 300-350 miles on these.  If I experience a dramatic drop in durability between now and then I will update but all other research I have done seems to indicate a very durable shoe.  I was concerned with the thin outer material that they would start to fray or tear but so far they have help up and look like they are still new.

Value

Priced at $150 I find the Adidas Energy Boost to be of great value.  With the amount of design and development work combined with the comfort and durability this could easily be a $175-$200 running shoe.  If you are looking for a good all purpose running shoe that will provide great support, maximum cushioning, and a light weight feel, then I highly recommend the Energy Boost.