Adidas Adios Boost 2 Review

Adidas Adios Boost 2 Review

  I've wanted to try the Adidas Adios Boost for some time.  I didn't have the guts to drop $140 on a shoe until I went home to Portland, OR for my 2 week break from DPT school between the summer and fall semesters.  Thanks to Foot Traffic (the store I work part time in when I'm home) I was able to pick up a pair of the Adios Boost 1.  It was quickly exchanged as I did not like the upper at all.  It felt like a hard plastic that seemed to squeeze my foot in a bad way.  Instead I picked up the Adios Boost 2 as I was still set on getting this shoe in some variation.  The upper was much better (more on that later) and I was very intrigued by the boost sole.  Years ago when I worked for Fit Right Northwest I made fun of our Adidas rep when he showed off this new midsole material.  I told him that putting styrofoam in the shoes was probably not a good idea.  I still remember the look he gave me because I was clearly being an dick.  He was completely justified too.  However, like Peter Quill I am not 100% a dick.  Boost is the real deal and Adidas is way ahead of the entire market.  Especially with the Adidas Adios Boost 2.

Sole:  This is where the magic happens.  The Boost midsole perfectly combines the feeling of responsive and cushioned.  In the Adios it is more on the side of responsive, but both are present.  I thought Brooks did a good job with this combination in some shoes with Biomogo DNA, however after experiencing what Adidas has done I realized the DNA is really just soft and cushy compared to Boost.  The Adios Boost 2 also has a combination of a flexible and snappy ride.  The harder you push this shoe, the more it will slingshot you forward thanks to the extended torsion system in the forefoot.  I had the same experience in the non-boost Adios 2, but that shoe was extremely firm.  The Adios Boost 2 has the benefit of having the Boost midsole, which will give you enough protection to be used as a lightweight trainer.  I have used this shoe for everything from lydiard hill circuits to flying 150s to 6 mile tempo runs.  It really does everything.  I know I've said that before about other shoes, but I didn't realize how those other shoes paled in comparison to the Adios Boost 2.  I have also used this shoe for long runs and recovery runs, but really it should be used to run fast.  Slow recovery runs can be difficult in this shoe, but it works for me since I like training in shoes that boarder on the responsive and somewhat firm side (and I usually hate soft cushy shoes).
    There is really nothing else out there like the Boost midsole.  If you have not tried it I highly suggest you do as it can be difficult to describe how awesome it is in words.  Combined with the fast adios ride there is no other shoe out there like it.

Upper/Fit:  As I mentioned early, the Adios Boost 1 upper was stiff and uncomfortable.  As soon as I picked up and started running in the Adios Boost 2, the upper disappeared.  I immediately noticed that a 10.5 Adios Boost 2 fits just like a size 10 Adios Boost 1 or almost any other shoe, so make sure you go up a 1/2 size.  When I first tried it on I thought it was unremarkable, but on the run I can say this is the first shoe I've had that has felt comfortably snug.  The upper forms to your foot, keeps it from moving, but does not squeeze your toes.  I have not had any hot spots, slippage or points of pressure on my foot running in the Adios Boost 2.  Granted it is not the most breathable upper out there, but I have not had any issues with my feet sweating.
    There is a heel counter, but it is moderately flexible and has not bothered my heels at all.  Normally I am very sensitive to them, but I have not had a single issue.  The Adios Boost 2 just continues to impress me.

Responsiveness:  Heck yes this shoe is responsive.  Push the pace and you'll go flying.  That being said the ride is not rock hard firm.  It has that taste of cushioning that I would associated with a marathon racing shoe.
 At the same time I understand how elite athletes have used it for everything from the 5k (the 2014 Carlsbad 5000 was won in a pair of Adios Boosts) to the Marathon (I don't need to tell you how many elites have won major marathons in this shoe).  I know it is more about the athlete than the shoe, but the Adios Boost 2 has some amazing versatility.

Heel-Toe Drop/Ramp:  The Adios Boost 2 is listed as having a 9-10mm drop.  That is only half the story.  The boost midsole compresses to point where it never seems to interfere with your stride.  This shoe has an incredibly smooth ride to the point you will stop caring about heel-toe drops.  Additionally, the drop does not feel as it is listed.  If you are really hard nosed about knowing the drop, it feels more like a 7-8mm drop shoe. What I've also noticed is that when switching to low-drop racing shoes, I have not experience any residual DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness).  Normally switching between traditional and low drop shoes usually causes significant calf soreness, but this time I came away with only general body fatigue.  Again I am impressed with Boost.

Durability:  Adidas is known for using Continental Rubber (yes, the same used for tires) as outsole material.  At 220 miles I am seeing significant wear on the outsole but the sole feels almost exactly the same.  The same responsive/snappy/just enough protected ride.  I fully expect to get at least 100 more miles out of this shoe if not more.
     The upper has remained completely the same other than continuing to break in nicely.  It feels like a really comfortable pair of jeans that just get better with time.  I have not noticed any seems, tears or other issues with upper.  As I mentioned before with regards to the fit, I am really impressed!

Weight:  The Adidas Adios Boost 2 is listed at 8.0 ounces, which in my mind is a little heavy for a racing flat.  As a lightweight trainer/workout/marathon shoe, I think it is perfect.  As I mentioned in the heel drop section, the shoe never feels like it is in the way.  The ride is very smooth and it has just the right amount of cushioning and responsiveness for my tastes.  If you want something a bit more cushioned, check out the Adidas Boston Boost.

Thoughts as a PT (Student):  I really love this shoe, but it does have some toe spring (see above).  I've touched on my views of this in my previous posts.  I do understand that it allows the shoe to ride smoother and may be one of reasons I can train full time in it.  However I am worried due to the fact that excess toe spring does keep your toes in an extended position.  This can lead to various toe deformities but only after wearing shoes with high toe spring for many years (think decades).  The toe spring is not that bad in the Adios Adios Boost 2 but it is noticeable.  I would prefer it if they returned to the reduced toe-spring of the Adidas Adios Boost 1 as that contributed to a very snappy ride when I briefly tried them on.  Would I be still be able to use them as a lightweight trainer as opposed to a workout and race only shoe?  Would they lose the smooth ride I love?  That remains to be seen.  Most brands have this incorporated into all their shoes now, so it is really not significant. This aspect has not deterred me from wearing them at all.

(Many people, including myself, are happy that beard is gone....)

Final Thoughts:  I really like this shoe.  In fact I have already purchased a second pair.  I would still would like to see what happens if that toe spring got reduced.  The Adidas Adios Boost 2 really showcases the new Boost midsole in a way that has pulled me in.  I realize the Boost material has been around for a year or two, but sometimes I like to hold back and see if things are really worth the hype.  This has been a bit of an Adidas gateway shoe for me.  I am also currently training in the Adidas Sequence 7 Boost (REVIEW) and am eyeing the just released Boston Boost 5.  And although it is not a Boost shoe yet (you'll have to wait until early 2015), I am getting closer to pulling the trigger on getting a pair of Takumi Sen 2s (and I did.  See my review HERE).  I've always wanted a pair of those and they are getting harder to resist.  I may have to hold out for the Takumi Sen 3 Boost but it is going to be difficult.
    If you have not tried on a pair of Boost shoes yet, I highly suggest you do so.   Even the experience will be interesting.  I honestly didn't like Adidas Energy boost because the toe spring was so excessive and the upper was too tight, but the Supernova Glide Boost (only if you have a very neutral gait), the Sequence Boost (if your foot is narrow.  More on that in the review), the Adistar Boost (only tried briefly) or the Boston Boost (out 9/1... or today as I write this review).  At least try them on.  I think Saucony, Brooks, Altra, Asics, Mizuno, Nike and everyone else needs to start thinking about moving away from EVA midsoles.  Never have I tried a shoe that had the same ride constantly for so long and such a good ride at that!  Adidas has definitely raised the bar with this midsole and this shoe.  I am excited to see where they take it and how the rest of the industry will catch up!

Thanks for reading and don't forget to Tack On!

These shoes were a personal purchase and I put at least 100 miles on every pair of shoes before I review them (except racing flats which I put on at least 75 miles).  Currently I have 220 miles on my first pair and a second pair in waiting!

As always, my views are my own.  

-Matt Klein, SPT

*Images obtained from the Adidas website.  Go down to your local running specialty retailer to check them out!