Boston-series has a reputation surpassing most others; the name ties the shoe to the legendary Boston Marathon; historically, it was one of the lightest marathon shoes; but in recent years, the shoe has moved away from the minimalist silhouette.
This year is no exception, as the 13th generation builds on its predecessor's focus on stability but adds more speed with clear inspiration from its aggressive big brother adidas Adizero Pro 3.
Breathable upper designed for tough conditions
The mesh upper is hard to comment on, which is good. It fits well from the first run.
The upper's construction is robust, boosting my expectations for the shoe's durability. I've used it on gravel intervals, and it shows no wear. The technique of coarse "weavings" that create holes is relatively new but here to stay. Breathability is excellent.
Adidas' trademark narrow fit is evident here. If you have wide feet, consider sizing up. The heel cup grips your heel sharply, formed by a relatively firm heel.
Compared to Adizero Pro 3, the heel is well-padded, and I prefer this comfort over Pro 3's unforgiving heel handling. The tongue is also padded and attached to both sides, enhancing the shoe's grip.
Padding affects weight, with Boston 13 at 258 grams in size 42 2/3 (US9). It's six grams heavier than its predecessor. Six grams isn't much, especially when it's for better fit.
Midsole with versatile intensity
adidas has lowered the midsole height and changed the ratio of foam materials used. This also results in a drop change, now six millimeters compared to the 12's seven.
Adidas hasn't just removed foam: They've added over 13% more Lightstrike Pro foam compared to last year. The TPEE superfoam is also found in Adizero EVO SL and Adizero Pro 3. The addition makes a noticeable difference, making Boston 13 my go-to for intervals from 5k to marathon intensity.
It's also crucial to note that the "less exciting" Lightstrike material is still relevant here. Many compare it to adidas' Adizero EVO SL, which has a full-length Lightstrike Pro midsole; however, I wouldn't use that foam on gravel. I believe the bottom layer of Lightstrike foam makes the shoe the versatile training partner many seek.
The shoe also feels very stable due to the heel's firm Lightstrike. This makes the shoe ideal for heavier runners seeking speed.
In the midsole, as in previous generations, you'll find adidas' EnergyRods 2.0, the brand's answer to carbon plates. Instead of a plate, you get five "fingers" ergonomically mimicking bones. Along with the energy-returning Lightstrike Pro, the "fingers" create a sense of propulsion.
New Continental soles
You'll also find updates in the outsole. Like the upper, the outsole greatly influences where I use a shoe. Fortunately, they complement each other.
A large layer of outsole crafted with Continental covers the entire sole. It even curves slightly around midsole details, so you need not worry about uneven terrain affecting it.
This year, you'll also find a layer of soft, lightweight LIGHTTRAXION rubber along the foot's outer side. This is another clear inspiration from big brother Adios Pro 3, which also uses the soft rubber.
This is particularly useful in combination with the shoe's aggressive midsole. The outsole material grips asphalt, and its strategic placement on the outer side provides excellent traction.
The new Boston generations steer the series towards more versatility. It means a shoe that can do almost everything.
I highly recommend it for jogging, light marathon training, and high-intensity intervals under 1000 meters. The shoes meet many needs, making them perfect for summer vacation when you only pack one shoe.
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