2019 adidas new boost 19 running shoe review
Preface:
It's been 4 years since Kimetto broke the world record wearing BOOST running shoes, and more than 4 years since the first UltraBOOST running shoes were released. In these 4 years, the marathon scene has been turbulent, constantly creating new records, making the UltraBOOST appear "old and outdated." Therefore, in 2019, we saw the "new vision, renewed energy, and re-explosion" of the UltraBOOST 19 running shoes.
How much does adidas value the UltraBOOST 19? Firstly, they continuously released several limited-edition colorways of the running shoes, each with its own design inspiration. Secondly, they registered the @adidasrunning account on Instagram, posting only content related to these running shoes. These two points alone show how much adidas values them.
The image above (sourced from official channels) shows the three released limited-edition colorways, from left to right: "Refract," "Laser Red," and "Dark Pixel."
This article is about the experience of the UltraBOOST 19 Refract limited-edition colorway. Thanks to Codoon for the first review opportunity.
Unboxing and Appreciation
The inspiration for the UltraBOOST 19 Refract limited-edition colorway comes from the city's LED lights. The designers incorporated the primary colors red, green, and blue into the woven upper, bringing a fashionable and colorful design.
The UltraBOOST 19 Refract limited-edition running shoes give me a sense of unity. The distribution of colors is highly layered, with varying depths, especially the red stripe running through the forefoot, adding a touch of liveliness.
The adidas logo on the tongue and the toe cap gives a sense of solemn sovereignty.
The striped patches on the heel surface are adidas's latest 3D Heel technology. Changed from the previous block design to stripes, it maintains support and stability while reducing the weight of the running shoes, and it looks better. The word "ULTRABOOST" is also printed in the middle of the patch.
The forefoot upper is the area where the running shoes bend and bear the most force. Considering the impact resistance and edge support, the one-piece knitted upper (Primeknit 360) technology of the UltraBOOST 19 Refract limited-edition colorway does not create a uniformly thick fabric but weaves fabrics of different thicknesses according to the varying forces. I feel that the Primeknit 360 technology is like knitting a sweater, where different knitting methods can be used to increase density and thickness in areas that need reinforcement, such as the collar, sleeves, and elbows.
The shoe waist uses two plastic patches, which not only serve the function of lacing but also improve support and stability.
When I lifted the insole, I was shocked. The same material as the shoe body, with no seams around, confirms that it is a one-piece knitted upper technology. Coupled with its sock-like design, it can be said to be a sock with a running shoe appearance.
If not used as running shoes, the laces could be considered decorative.
The insole is very ordinary, with average thickness. With the BOOST midsole protection underneath, there's no need to make a big deal out of the insole.
The BOOST technology midsole (Optimized BOOST), adidas's proud cushioning material, has 20% more BOOST material in the UltraBOOST 19 compared to the previous generation. From a top-down view, the forefoot and heel have BOOST material extensions, like a boat, providing more efficient cushioning support.
Look, how thick the midsole is!
The Continental rubber outsole is not designed as a whole piece but in small, tooth-like segments, providing good anti-slip performance and coping with more road conditions.
The middle of the sole features a Torsion Spring system, with a pink liquid-like design that feels like an energy slot, giving it a high-tech look.
The size 43 shoes weigh 327g, which surprised me. I thought they would be under 300g. I guess the one-piece knitted upper adds a lot of weight. However, sacrificing a bit of weight for a comfortable foot feel is worth it.
Technology Interpretation
The manufacturing process of the UltraBOOST 19 Refract has been streamlined from the original 17 pieces of material to 4 pieces.
The image above shows the disassembly of early UltraBOOST running shoes on the left and the latest UltraBOOST 19 Laser Red limited-edition running shoes on the right, clearly showing the streamlining.
From this image, we can see the modularity of the UltraBOOST 19. Saying it is streamlined to 4 parts is also counting several parts as one. Overall, the shoes feel highly modular and easy to assemble. One can imagine that someday in the future, shoes could be assembled like computers.
PS: The sample shoes in the image are the UltraBOOST 19 Laser Red limited-edition colorway.
The Torsion Spring anti-torsion system connects the forefoot and heel through the front and rear forks, improving the stability of the running shoes.
The redesigned 3D Heel stabilizing structure ensures mechanical performance remains unchanged while being more aesthetically pleasing, using less material, and being lighter.
PS: The sample shoes in the image are the UltraBOOST 19 Laser Red limited-edition colorway.
One-piece knitted upper (Primeknit 360) technology.
Doesn't it look like a sock? Plus, it's made of elastic material, providing a snug fit.
PS: The sample shoes in the image are the UltraBOOST 19 Laser Red limited-edition colorway.
Let's demonstrate the BOOST cushioning material technology again. BOOST is too important for adidas. Its excellent cushioning performance is already world-renowned and needs no further explanation. The UltraBOOST 19 has 20% more BOOST material than the previous generation, injecting more energy and providing more effective support for runners, giving a sense of more value for the same price.
(The images in this section are sourced from official channels or the internet.)
Real Wear Experience
Putting them on and taking them off is very convenient. The sock-like design of the shoe opening and the elastic knitted material allow the foot to slide in with a squeeze and a pull.
The first time I put them on, they felt very tight. The wrapping sensation was all-encompassing, even the usually loose forefoot felt a bit wrapped. In this case, it felt like I didn't need to tie the laces. Adjusting the tightness of the laces can alleviate the wrapping sensation (the factory laces are quite tight, although you can put them on, it's still recommended to manually adjust them to a suitable position).
The superior performance of the BOOST cushioning midsole makes stepping easy and effortless. The additional 20% BOOST material in the UltraBOOST 19 is not meaningless.
The UltraBOOST 19 Refract colorway is also quite good-looking, fashionable, and versatile.
Sports Experience
As a flagship running shoe, adidas has high hopes for the UltraBOOST 19.
In these two GIFs of going up and down stairs, you can see the cushioning performance of the BOOST midsole.
I completed a half marathon wearing the UltraBOOST 19 (please ignore my poor performance). The outdoor temperature was around 2 degrees, with no wind, and the weather was good.
During the run, I didn't feel my feet getting cold, nor did I feel the wind penetrating the shoe upper to irritate my feet. The balance between warmth and breathability was achieved. The wrapping performance of the shoes was excellent, fitting well, and there was no slipping in the forefoot. Uphill, I could feel the grip of the wear-resistant outsole, and downhill, I could feel the cushioning performance of the BOOST midsole. Overall, the UltraBOOST 19 performed very well.
The only discomfort I felt was the sock-like tongue pressing against my ankle, which might be because I haven't spent enough time with these shoes yet, meaning we haven't gone through the break-in period. I believe that given time, we will get along very well. I'm eagerly looking forward to the Wuxi Marathon, hoping they will help me achieve a personal best.
During sprint speed training, the shoes felt particularly light. The extreme wrapping sensation made me forget the existence of the shoes, allowing me to focus more on completing my running movements. The excellent cushioning of the BOOST midsole gave me a sense of security, making each leg lift and landing feel solid and powerful.
Summary
The highly anticipated UltraBOOST 19 running shoes inherit the excellent genes of the UltraBOOST, combined with innovative technology applications, maintaining a rigorous and professional yet relaxed and lively approach. The Primeknit 360 one-piece knitted upper can theoretically be paired with countless colors. Although flashy, it is not just that; it is a three-dimensional upper that can differentiate between different forces, serving the purpose of running, combining professionalism and functionality. If you are a beginner runner, you can enjoy adidas's top running shoe technology. If you are a performance seeker, the UltraBOOST 19 can provide you with top protection and support. Therefore, for most people, it is a good running shoe.
The UltraBOOST 19 Refract limited-edition colorway is bright and clear. Whether running in the colorful city or strolling on the light-dappled streets, it exudes charm.
UltraBOOST 19, the future is promising!