Adidas Adizero Boston 12 Running Shoes

Key Features of Adidas Adizero Boston 12 Running Shoes

The Adidas Adizero Boston 12 stands out as a high-performance running shoe, distinguished by its blend of classic design and modern technology. This comprehensive review will delve into the unique features that set the Boston 12 apart.

Unique Features of Adidas Adizero Boston 12

Cushioning and Underfoot Feel

1. Responsive Boost Cushioning: The Adidas Adizero Boston 12 incorporates Adidas’ signature Boost cushioning, known for its responsiveness and energy return.
2. Lightstrike 2.0 Midsole Foam: A softer version of Lightstrike 2.0 foam coupled with more Lightstrike Pro ensures a balanced underfoot feel.
3. Energy Rods: Carbon-fiber Energy Rods add structure and spring to the shoes, enhancing responsiveness.
4. Stack Height: With 38 mm at the heel and 31 mm at the forefoot, it provides excellent shock absorption on the road.

Upper Construction

1. Engineered Mesh Upper: The Adidas Adizero Boston 12 running shoe features a breathable, engineered mesh upper for comfort and ventilation.
2. Recycled Materials: Crafted with a minimum of 50% recycled materials, it aligns with Adidas’ commitment to sustainability.
3. Foot Lockdown: A secure fit is achieved through mesh overlays and a half semi-rigid heel cup, ensuring no heel slippage.

Performance and Ride

1. Versatile for Different Running Styles: Suitable for daily training, speed workouts, and longer efforts.
2. Energy Return and Ride: The EnergyRods and Lightstrike Pro foam contribute to a bouncy and efficient ride.
3. Traction: Reliable traction on various surfaces, including roads and light trails, thanks to the Continental rubber outsole.

Stability and Fit

1. Neutral Shoe with Decent Support: Suitable for neutral runners, offering a stable ride without active gait correction.
2. Fit and Sizing: True-to-size with a roomier forefoot, offering a comfortable fit for most foot types.

Durability and Value

1. Durable Construction: Long-lasting materials and a thick Continental rubber outsole provide excellent durability.
2. Competitive Price Point: Balances performance, durability, and sustainability, making it a value-for-money option.

Conclusion

The Adidas Adizero Boston 12 is a versatile performance trainer, offering a comfortable and responsive ride for various running scenarios. While it excels in its cushioning, responsiveness, and versatility, some users may experience issues with the lacing system and upper fit. Overall, it’s a commendable choice for runners seeking a carbon-plated trainer with a balance of comfort and performance.

Specification

Feature	Specification
Type	Road Running Shoe
Weight	267 g (Men’s size 9), 227 g (Women’s size 8)
Stack Height	Heel: 38 mm, Forefoot: 31 mm
Drop	7 mm
Cushioning	Lightstrike 2.0 midsole foam, Lightstrike Pro
Stability	Neutral, with decent support
Upper Construction	Engineered mesh with a minimum of 50% recycled materials
Breathability	High, due to the engineered mesh upper
Fit and Sizing	True-to-size with a roomier forefoot
Lacing System	Standard with potential for adjustment
Midsole	Softer version of Lightstrike 2.0 and more Lightstrike Pro
Outsole	Continental rubber for traction on various surfaces
Flexibility	Increased flexibility in the forefoot
Energy Return	Enhanced by EnergyRods carbon plates
Traction	Reliable on roads, tracks, and light trails
Durability	Durable construction for long-lasting wear
Design	Lightweight, minimal, and eco-friendly
Recommended Use	Daily training, speed workouts, long-distance running
Gender Variations	Men’s and Women’s models with slight differences in fit

Performance

The Adidas Adizero Boston 12 running shoes exhibit a range of performance characteristics that are notable for runners at various levels.

Performance Characteristics

1. Feel and Comfort: The Adidas Adizero Boston 12 feels much lighter than its predecessors and is softer in the heel, thanks to the integration of Lightstrike 2.0 and an increased amount of Lightstrike Pro. The overall ride is firmer but not overly so, providing a comfortable experience without the need for a break-in period​​.
2. Flexibility and Ride: The shoe is notably more flexible in the forefoot compared to previous versions, resulting in less of a rockered ride. This change provides relaxed transitions and a more traditional running feel. The shoe is perceived more as a daily trainer than a speed trainer, suitable for easy runs and not particularly geared towards fast paces​​.
3. Energy Return and Efficiency: The addition of EnergyRods enhances the shoe’s bounce and provides a responsive, efficient ride. However, the toe-off is less snappy due to increased flexibility, making the shoe more versatile for daily training rather than solely for racing​​.
4. Support and Stability: It’s classified as a neutral shoe with decent support, making it suitable for runners who do not require active gait correction. However, it may not provide adequate support for overpronators​​.
5. Upper Fit and Comfort: The upper is lightweight, minimal, and breathable. Some runners have reported issues with the lacing system and midfoot fit, and the new thin gusseted tongue has received mixed reviews. It’s important to try them on to ensure a good fit, especially for runners with wider feet​​.
6. Durability: The Boston 12 continues to offer impressive durability. The outsole features a softer compound than the Boston 11 but maintains its robustness, showing minimal wear after extensive use​​.
7. Best Uses: The shoe is versatile, suitable for daily training, speed workouts, and longer efforts. It’s lightweight enough to be used as a racing shoe but with sufficient cushioning for long distance races like marathons​​.
8. Heel-to-Toe Drop: The shoe has a 7 mm drop, which is a slight decrease from the previous version. This drop is more beneficial for midfoot and forefoot strikers, though heel strikers might prefer the previous model​​​​.

Concluding Observations

• The Adidas Adizero Boston 12 is a shift towards a more flexible and traditional running shoe feel, moving away from the aggressive forefoot rocker of previous versions.
• It excels in versatility, making it a suitable option for various training scenarios, from easy runs to long-distance races.
• The updates, particularly in the midsole and outsole, have been positively received, enhancing the shoe’s appeal for a broader range of runners.
• While it might not stand out as a specialized speed trainer, its lightweight design and improved cushioning make it an attractive option for runners seeking a reliable all-around running shoe.

Overall, the Adidas Adizero Boston 12 is a well-rounded shoe that balances comfort, flexibility, and durability, catering to a wide array of running needs.

Pros

1. Increased Flexibility: The forefoot is more flexible than in previous versions, resulting in a less rockered ride and more relaxed transitions​​.
2. Improved Cushioning: The addition of more Lightstrike Pro foam into the midsole and the use of Lightstrike 2.0 enhances cushioning, making it suitable for full marathons​​.
3. Lightweight and Breathable Upper: The upper is lighter and more flexible than the previous version, crafted with a minimum of 50% recycled materials for breathability​​.
4. Responsive Ride: The EnergyRods in the midsole enhance the shoe’s bounce, providing a responsive and efficient ride​​.
5. Support and Stability: Offers a stable ride as a neutral running shoe, suitable for runners who don’t require active gait correction​​.
6. Versatile Use: Suitable for daily training, speed workouts, and longer efforts, making it a versatile shoe​​.
7. Durable Outsole: Features a thick, grippy Continental rubber outsole that shows very little wear after extensive use​​.
8. Improved Midsole Composition: The combination of Lightstrike Pro and Lightstrike 2.0 creates a harmonious ride, with the softer Lightstrike Pro sitting closest to the foot​​.

Cons

1. Less Suitable for Speed Training: The shoe leans more towards a daily trainer than a workout or speed trainer​​.
2. Fit Issues: Some runners reported challenges with securing a snug fit without tightness on the top of the foot, particularly due to the thin tongue and unique lacing system​​.
3. Narrow Midfoot: The midfoot area is narrow, which might cause discomfort for wide-footed runners or those with flat feet​​.
4. Heel Fit Concerns: Some users experienced a loose heel fit, even when using a runner’s knot, leading to a feeling of sloppiness in the upper​​.
5. Less Aggressive Forefoot Rocker: The shoe does not feel as energy-saving as previous models due to a less aggressive forefoot rocker​​.
6. Break-in Period Needed: Despite improvements, some runners might still experience a firm feel initially, necessitating a break-in period​​.
7. Less Efficient Over Long Distances: The changes in the forefoot stiffness and rocker have made the shoe less efficient over long distances compared to earlier versions​​.

In summary, while the Adidas Adizero Boston 12 has made notable improvements in flexibility, cushioning, and overall comfort, it may not be the best option for those looking for a highly responsive speed trainer. It is more suited to daily training and long-distance runs, with an emphasis on stability and comfort over aggressive performance.

Conclusion

The Adidas Adizero Boston 12, a prominent member of Adidas’ long-standing performance running shoe line, represents a significant evolution from its predecessors. Here’s an expert perspective on its unique aspects:

Evolution of Design and Performance

1. Reduced Heel-to-Toe Drop: The Adidas Adizero Boston 12 features a 7 mm drop, reduced from the previous version’s 8.5 mm. This change caters to a wider range of running styles, especially benefiting midfoot and forefoot strikers​​​​.
2. Enhanced Flexibility and Ride Softness: The shoe offers increased forefoot flexibility, moving away from the more rockered ride of earlier versions. This results in smoother transitions, making it feel more like a daily trainer than a specialized speed trainer​​.
3. Midsole Improvements: Adidas has integrated more Lightstrike Pro foam and Lightstrike 2.0 in the midsole, balancing stability and durability while maintaining a softer feel than its predecessors​​.
4. EnergyRods and Cushioning: The tweaked glass-fibre energy rods in the midsole provide a more flexible forefoot and a less pronounced rocker. This results in a smoother and more consistent ride, although the shoe may not feel as efficient over longer distances as previous versions​​.

Considerations in Fit and Comfort

1. Upper Construction: The upper is lighter and more breathable, crafted with eco-friendly materials. However, some users have reported issues with the thin, ungusseted tongue, which may slide down during runs​​.
2. Fit and Sizing: The shoe generally runs true-to-size, but the forefoot is roomier compared to the midfoot and heel, which might be challenging for runners with narrow feet. Additionally, some runners have experienced challenges in achieving a snug fit without undue pressure on the top of the foot​​​​.
3. Stability and Support: As a neutral running shoe, the Boston 12 offers a stable ride, though it may not be sufficient for overpronators. The shoe’s design includes a lateral heel bevel and medial sidewalls for improved stability​​.

Durability and Usage

1. Outsole Durability: The Adidas Adizero Boston 12 features a highly durable outsole with Continental rubber, showing minimal wear even after extensive usage. The outsole’s softer compound and reduced thickness contribute to the shoe’s improved performance without compromising on durability​​.
2. Versatility in Use: The shoe is particularly suited for daily training, speed workouts, and long-distance efforts. Its lightweight design and improved cushioning make it a versatile choice for a range of running scenarios​​.
3. Weight Reduction: Weighing in at only 9.2 oz (261g), the Boston 12 is lighter than the average running shoe, enhancing its appeal as a tempo trainer​​.

Concluding Remarks

The Adidas Adizero Boston 12 stands out as a testament to Adidas’ commitment to evolving its running shoes in response to athlete feedback and technological advancements. While it moves towards a more versatile daily trainer profile, it might not be the top choice for runners seeking a highly aggressive, speed-focused shoe. Nevertheless, its balance of comfort, flexibility, and durability makes it a strong contender in the performance running shoe category.

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