What has made the new Boston design so polarizing? And has adidas finally addressed some of the weaknesses of the previous version? Today we delve deeper into the Boston line's history, from old to new, and the big question is: Is adidas Adizero Boston 12 the best ever, and how does it fit into the context?
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adidas Boston 101
First and foremost, I want to mention that I liked the 11 when I needed to run fast, but I had some challenges with the shoes. adidas Adizero Boston 12 has launched with a wealth of good upgrades, but to understand if the shoes are moving in the right direction, we need to know where they come from.
The very first adidas Boston was launched in 1982 and marketed as the most comfortable running shoe on the market. With a few new launches over the years, nothing wild happened until adidas Boston in 2010 became part of the . This time with a focus on speed! Since then, many new technologies have been introduced, and one of the biggest was when Adizero Boston 5 hit the market with a midsole made of BOOST.
Adizero Boston 9 from 2020 is the last Boston with BOOST. One reason was that adidas felt they had the same technologies in too many similar shoes. Another reason was that Boston ended up being a more cushioned alternative to Adizero Adios, and when adidas introduced the , the Boston series also had to evolve and become a type of everyday super shoe.
And that was the status quo last year when Boston 11 launched with minor updates to the upper. But with the new Boston 12, has again made significant changes. The midsole has two notable changes. Lightstrike 2.0 has been added, and there is more Lightstrike Pro under the forefoot. The Energy Rods are now made in the same shape as in Adios Pro 3, just with fiberglass. The shoe's weight has also been reduced to better compete in a very weight-sensitive market – moreover, the upper has been changed to be more minimalist.
adidas Adizero Boston 12 - How does it feel?
Now we know the history, but how does feel today? I've had my pair for a little over a week, and I've tested it at various speeds. I can safely say that Boston 12 has become more versatile than its predecessor.
This is mainly due to the midsole's design. In fact, it has changed my perception of what a Boston shoe is. When I tested Boston 11, I had an idea that it was a shoe that only had one gear. I could run gently in it, but it was when I sped up that the shoe was best. With the introduction of Lightstrike 2.0, I can run more calmly without the shoe feeling unnatural or bulky.
An extra amount of Lightstrike Pro under the forefoot is also a welcome update. It makes the forefoot much more responsive, and it helps when I need to push off. When I run fast, the shoe still feels like last year's version, and that's really good! The rocker geometry is still there, and the shoe feels fantastic when it needs to go fast.
The biggest difference in the Energy Rods this year is that they now fill the whole shoe. It should make the shoe stiffer, but the addition of Lightstrike 2.0 material in the midsole means the shoes have about the same stiffness as Boston 11.
adidas Adizero Boston 12 - The Upper
Even though the upper has undergone a redesign, it feels quite similar to the recent versions' upper. There are fewer visual reinforcements on the upper, and the shoe's aesthetics lean more towards fast rather than retro. But I actually feel stylish when wearing Boston 12.
Despite the upper being thin, breathable, and competitive, I think it's the shoe's biggest weakness. Uppers are typically a matter of taste, but if you have some elasticity in the upper, it can adapt more easily to the foot. However, I must mention that I haven't had any issues with it, other than feeling it fits a bit narrow and might need more runs before I dare to take it on a long run.
adidas Adizero Boston 12 - Adizero Family
If you don't like a firm upper like in the adidas Adizero Boston 12, and want a more traditional fit, has several options in their Adizero line, which I will tell you about here.
Adizero SL is a more traditional lightweight shoe with a more stretchy upper. A classic all-around running shoe. adidas Adizero Boston 12 is a volume training shoe designed to give the feel of a super shoe. This means you get a classic racing shoe fit that can feel a bit tight around the midfoot. Adizero Takumi Sen shoes will be perfect for shorter races (up to a half marathon) and Adios Pro currently dominates marathon races.
Additionally, there's also adidas Adizero Adios, which has a long history of being a more old-school shoe without a plate, and with a low midsole – though with newer technologies.
Together, these shoes make up the Adizero family, which can help you run as fast as possible.
adidas Adizero Boston 12 - Has found its footing!
The upgraded Boston 12 is a fantastic addition to the Adizero lineup. It's a very versatile shoe for those who want a shoe that can be used for most things and explode on the pavement when you want to speed up!
Sometimes it takes a few attempts to get it just right, and now adidas Adizero Boston 12 has finally found its footing.
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