| Adidas AdiZero Boston 12 | Price | Release | Style | Retailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| - cloud white / core black / green spark - regular fit - lace closure - lightweight mesh upper - textile lining - lightstrike Pro cushioning - midsole drop: 7 mm - continental™ rubber outsole - upper uses 50% recycled materials | $160 | Yes | IG3321 | adidas |
The Adidas Adizero Boston 12 offers the comfort of a daily trainer rather than the intensity of a speed trainer. Its midsole has been enhanced to provide a softer feel compared to previous iterations, and its Energyrods have been designed to offer increased flexibility, resulting in a smoother ride. While the shoe boasts an exceptional outsole, there are a few concerns regarding its upper.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Softer ride | Less rockered |
| Stable ride | Arch poking sensation |
| Sleeker design | Less similar ride to the Adios Pro |
| Weight reduction |
Who should or shouldn't purchase the Adidas AdiZero Boston 12 ?
If you seek a sturdy yet comfortable daily running shoe, the Boston 12 proves to be a viable choice. For those in search of a swifter, more lightweight option compared to the Solar Boost or Solar Glide, the Boston 12 fits the bill.
If you're in search of a fast and lightweight trainer that offers a similar experience to the Adios Pro 3, the Boston 12 may not be the right shoe for you. Additionally, if you have wide feet and flat arches, the Boston 12 may not be suitable.
Adidas AdiZero Boston 12 Presentation
My initial encounter with the Adidas Boston (specifically the 5th edition) evokes nostalgic sentiments. Back then, this running shoe encompassed all the qualities I desired: a lightweight build, a sleek appearance, and ample cushioning for my moderate-distance runs.
The Boston of yesteryear was a true anomaly compared to the Boston we see today. In that era, individuals sought after running shoes that were sleek and simple. The Boston 9 and its predecessors were meticulously crafted to serve as adaptable, featherweight trainers suitable for fast-paced jogs, regular runs, or even competitive races.
The current iteration of Boston plays a distinct role within the Adidas collection. Its purpose lies in being a swift trainer, offering increased durability and affordability compared to the Adios Pro 3, their esteemed marathon racer.
I had the chance to try out the 10th edition of the Boston shoe, and although I enjoyed the experience, I couldn't help but feel that it was better suited for easy runs or longer distances rather than speed training. The midsole's stiffness was to my liking, but I did find it a tad too rigid for extended periods of running.
The Boston 12, unlike its predecessor, has undergone a complete transformation. Weighing in at 9.4 oz (267 g), it is now 0.2 oz (6 g) lighter, although still significantly heavier than its rivals such as the Magic Speed 3 and Razor 4.
Additionally, its midsole has been slimmed down compared to the Boston 11. Despite these changes, the price remains consistent at $160 at adidas online store, aligning with the average cost of a high-performance, fast-paced trainer.
First Impressions of the Adidas AdiZero Boston 12
Right off the bat, I embarked on a leisurely 41-kilometer run. Initially, the shoe seemed rigid and cumbersome, but after covering 20 kilometers, it began to loosen up and became significantly more comfortable.
The most apparent differences were in the stiffness of the forefoot and the softness of the ride. The forefoot exhibited a significantly higher level of flexibility, resulting in a diminished rockered sensation. In comparison to the Boston 10, the midsole of the shoe felt slightly more pliable, providing ample cushioning throughout the entirety of the run.
During my initial run, I didn't perceive it as a shoe designed for speed training. Instead, it gave off the impression of being a shoe intended for everyday use, with smooth and unhurried transitions. Furthermore, it didn't offer the same level of energy conservation as the Boston 10 due to its less forceful forefoot rocker.
I detected a slight unease in the narrow midfoot area, where it pressed against my arch, yet it did not result in any blister formation. This was an unfamiliar sensation for me, as I had never encountered it with the Boston 10.
Adidas AdiZero Boston 12 Upper
Despite the improved lightness and flexibility of the Boston 12's upper, I must admit that I do not personally find it to be particularly comfortable. What bothers me the most is the presence of a thin, ungusseted tongue that tends to slide downwards while I am running, ultimately bunching up at the lower end of the lacing area.
During my lengthy runs, I often find myself having to interrupt my stride to readjust the lacing system, as it tends to generate uncomfortable pressure points on the upper part of my foot. Its functionality leaves much to be desired.
The fit of the heel feels too loose to me. The issue is that I can't tighten the laces too much due to the pressure they create. Even with a runner's knot, I still encounter a loose fit in the heel, causing the upper part to feel untidy.
The front part and the area for the toes are satisfactory, but the middle part is quite narrow, leading to some discomfort on the arch. This could pose a problem for runners with wider feet or those with flat arches. The sizing is accurate and I find that it works well for me when worn with medium or thick socks.
Adidas AdiZero Boston 12 Sole Units
Adidas took into account the feedback received from the Boston 10 and 11, which highlighted their excessive firmness and weight. To tackle this issue, the company made adjustments by incorporating a higher quantity of Lightstrike Pro foam in the midsole while reducing the amount of Lightstrike. Additionally, they introduced Lightstrike 2.0 as the foundational layer of the midsole, enhancing stability and longevity.
I find it difficult to distinguish between the Lightstrike 2.0 and its initial iteration, as the EVA material used in both still imparts the same sensation as a midsole foam from four years ago. While the Boston 12's updated midsole doesn't provide a significant increase in energy return, it does offer a more forgiving feel compared to the Boston 10. After completing a lengthy run, my legs felt excellent. Without a doubt, the cushioning is sufficient for a full marathon.
The midsole of the Boston 12 has undergone adjustments to its glass-fibre energy rods, resulting in increased flexibility compared to its predecessor. Consequently, the forefoot of the 12 is now more pliable and lacks a prominent forefoot rocker. Personally, I consider this alteration to be a mistake. The sturdier forefoot of the 10 provided a ride that closely resembled that of the Adios Pro 3, making it feel more efficient during longer runs.
In the previous two versions, the absence of a plate beneath the heel has enhanced the smoothness and consistency of the ride. Now, a pretzel-shaped structure is located under the heel, intricately linked to the Energyrods.
In my experience, I have discovered that the Boston 12 is most suitable for leisurely runs. It lacks a certain lightness and vigor that would motivate me to increase my speed. The shoe's weight and performance give it a slightly cumbersome feel, thus positioning it more as a reliable everyday training shoe rather than one for intense workouts.
The standout quality of the Boston 12 lies in its exceptionally resilient outsole. Crafted with a robust layer of Continental rubber, this shoe guarantees an extended lifespan that surpasses all expectations. Remarkably, even after rigorous testing, minimal signs of wear are visible on my personal pair. Additionally, the exposed Lightstrike midsole proves to be impressively durable, ensuring it remains intact and functional without succumbing to premature deterioration.
Adidas AdiZero Boston 12 Summary
I have reservations about the Boston 12 as an impressive upgrade.
The alterations have shifted its focus towards being a shoe for everyday training, rather than one for speed training or workouts. They already offer the Solar Boost, Solar Glide, and Supernova models for daily training. Personally, I would have welcomed an updated version of the Boston shoe that offers a smoother ride, a more pronounced rocker, and a wider midfoot area.
For most runners, the lighter weight and smoother ride of this shoe will bring satisfaction. However, my experience differs as it lacks the same characteristics as the Adios Pro 3. The Adios Pro 3 offers a rigid structure, an energetic feel, and a noticeable sensation of tilting forward.
Adidas AdiZero Boston 12 is just a pair of ordinary training shoes that fails to leave an impression. Its price tag of $160 doesn't seem justified.