Words by Charlie Watson, aka The Runner Beans
This latest running shoe release from Adidas is a hybrid between their women’s PureBoostX and their wildly popular UltraBoost trainers.
And in true Adidas style, the new Ultra Boost X is both fashion and function. Neutral colourways, like the black and grey, would work as well running around Battersea Park as they would popping in for brunch at The Good Life Eatery.
Featuring the same free floating ‘dynamic arch’ as the PureboostX, these sneakers are designed to support your arch and move with the foot, to adapt to the movements made throughout your foot strike. Made for a neutral runner, this design component is in place to make the fit more personalised, meaning it should be suitable for all runners.
The difference between this style and Adidas’ previous women’s shoe is the PrimeKnit upper, designed to expand and contract as you move. This gives it a more adaptive fit and makes the shoe feel more like a sock than a traditional trainer. Talking of socks, wearing them in these are optional, I opt to wear them but know plenty of runners that don’t.
The sole is made by Continental, utilising the technology of the tyres for maximum grip and protection on the road, even on wet days. The sole’s web pattern also allows adaptation depending on your foot strike. The mid-sole is made from their bouncy, ‘Boost’ technology to provides a responsive, shock absorbing, springy ride. (I’ve found that once you run in Boosts, you can never go back!)
Adidas have also (thankfully) changed the back of the shoe, reducing the height of the heel cap, whilst keeping it specifically narrow in line with women’s feet specifications.
It’s worth noting that UltraBoostX come up small and narrow, so it’s worth going a size up (or even a size and a half if you have wider feet).
According to the Design Director at Adidas, Moritz Hoellmueller, this shoe is capable of running as long as you want to run. However, as a slight overpronator and therefore in need of a more structured shoe, I found that 5 miles is my limit in these.
Personally, I think these trainers work best for shorter distances and high energy workouts, such as a 10K run or a cardio class at Barry’s Bootcamp. If you’re training for a half or full marathon, or just run a high mileage, then I’d opt for a more supportive pair such as the Ultra Boost. They are my go-to pair for long distances and have carried me hundreds of miles as I train for the Boston and London marathons this April.
