Adidas UltraBoost Shoes 2019 | Coolest Ultra Boost Shoes – Runner’s World

By Morgan Petruny

May 21, 2019

On February 13, 2013, the first shot in the foam wars was fired: Adidas released its revolutionary Boost foam. It debuted on the soles of the new EnergyBoost running shoe, and this unprecedented material was the first of its kind to promise more “energy return” with each step. Up until now, that idea was virtually unheard of—but it would soon become the buzzy battle cry of every shoemaker on the market.

New Frontiers in Foam

Two years later, Three Stripes upped the ante again with the release of the UltraBoost—the brand’s plushest and bounciest shoe yet. This new model kept the coveted Boost foam, but added more cushioning and a grippy, flexible Continental rubber outsole. (The only drawbacks were the shoe’s heftier weight and a midfoot saddle that some runners found too rigid.) Naturally, competing brands had no choice but to retaliate. Nike countered with its React and ZoomX foams, Reebok took aim with its lightweight Floatride, Brooks responded with its energizing DNA Amp, and New Balance debuted its responsive Fresh Foam, to name just a few. While these foams have all seen huge successes in the ongoing battle of the bounce, few have matched the UltraBoost’s devoted—some even say cult-like—following.

The Best of Boost

From pop culture-inspired versions to trail-ready models, the UltraBoost has taken on numerous styles and silhouettes. However, the shoe keeps a few things consistent, like a sticky Continental rubber outsole, and of course, the famous Boost foam underfoot. Developed by the German chemical company BASF, the recipe calls for fusing together bouncy TPU pellets, which makes the shoe’s midsole lighter and more durable than traditional EVA. Plus, the material also fares better in cold weather. While typical EVA foams tend to stiffen and firm up, our testers vouched that the UltraBoost remains soft and springy when the mercury dips into the teens.

How We Picked

The Runner’s World test team puts in miles of running and utilizes shoe lab results, as well as feedback from over 350 wear testers, before we write about running shoes. In this list are shoes we’ve tested with links to their full reviews, commenting on their construction, ride, and feel. We also included shoes that haven’t undergone our strenuous testing cycle; instead, these trainers were recommended using expert knowledge and evaluation. Check out our 10 favorite UltraBoost styles below that tick the boxes for both fashion and performance.

Original UltraBoost

Adidas kicked off this past December with a rerelease of the shoe that started it all—the original UltraBoost. When we tested it back in 2015, it wasn’t a feather on foot by any means, but was virtually unparalleled at the time in energy return, according to our shoe lab results. While the shoe has since lightened up and shed its plastic cage in the UltraBoost 19, this blast from the past model keeps all the lovable quirks of the original.

UltraBoost 19

We had to wait four long years for this UltraBoost update. Luckily, it was worth it. The shoe’s 2019 makeover swaps the original’s rigid plastic cage for a flexible mesh saddle, and packs 20 percent more Boost foam in the midsole for a ride that is equally plush and bouncy, but slightly firmer. A redesigned upper still uses the cozy Primeknit construction, but fits just like a sock this time around, while more durable threading through the forefoot and an innovative wired heel counter aid stability.

UltraBoost ST

No overpronators were left behind in the Boost movement with 2015’s ST release. Dual-density cushioning under the arch, a firm heel counter, and an added knit FitBand around the forefoot significantly amp stability over the shoe’s neutral version. According to our testers, the additional half ounce in weight is a small price to pay for the extra support.

Game of Thrones x UltraBoost

Whether you watch marathons or run them, the Game of Thrones collaboration will keep your feet comfy for hours at a time. Inspired by the HBO hit fantasy series, this lineup features kicks from Houses Targaryen, Lannister, and Stark, and pays homage to GoT plotlines with phrases on the heel tabs such as, “Night’s Watch,” “Winter is Coming,” “Hear Me Roar,” “Fire and Blood,” and “Winter is Here.”

UltraBoost Uncaged

After one sneakerhead dismantled the shoe with an Xacto knife in a viral YouTube video, Adidas responded with an “official” sans cage UltraBoost. The stripped-down version has an internally reinforced knit upper that fills in for the lost midfoot support, but the rest of the shoe remains unchanged. Unless of course, you count the handful of fresh new colors.

UltraBoost Laceless

Runners are an enigma—we’ll willingly hit the road for a hard 5 miles, but also find ourselves lazy enough to kick our shoes off without properly untying them. For those days when undoing your bunny ears feels like a chore, turn to the UltraBoost laceless. The shoe packs all the goodies of the original, but has a super snug knit construction and supportive midfoot band for sliding on and off with ease.

UltraBoost Parley

“Parley” isn’t just a sweet-sounding shoe moniker—it’s a that allows creators to launch projects for ocean protection and awareness. The brand partnered with Adidas to turn “threat into threads” by using a knit upper yarn that is spun from recycled plastic. Parley’s Ocean Plastic yarn doesn’t compromise the shoe’s style or comfort, and is one of the easiest ways to make waves in ocean cleanup.

UltraBoost x Missoni

In a shift from mannequins to midsoles, Italian fashion house Missoni designed an all-new look for the UltraBoost Clima. The Clima’s breathable open-weave upper (made with sweat-wicking yarn) makes the shoe a natural canvas for showcasing Missoni’s renowned vibrant knit patterns. Plus, if you really love this collab, there’s an entire Missoni x Adidas apparel line for you to dip into.

UltraBoost All Terrain

This weatherized version adds a high-ankle collar and water-repellant knit upper for a styled look that withstands winter’s slushy sidewalks and spring rain showers. For additional traction in wet conditions, Adidas supplements its standard Continental rubber outsole with a more aggressive tread underfoot.

UltraBoost S&L

Short for “suede and leather,” the UltraBoost S&L is dressed for whatever your nightlife may hold—whether it be a moonlit outing with friends or a run under the stars. First-class upgrades include a new leather midfoot wrap that replaces the original’s plastic cage and suede accents at the heel and toe, while the same energized Boost midsole ensures you can run or rave all night long.