adidas adizero Boston 10 Shoe Review

Published: October 26, 2021

An All-New Boston Completely Redefines the Model

The Boston may never be the same with this total revamp of version 10

Likes

Bouncy and efficient ride
High level of protection
Heightened durability

Dislikes

Weight increase
Unnecessary overlays

What's New

Adidas has completely overhauled the 10th iteration of the adizero Boston, so much so that these new shoes hardly resemble any of their predecessors. The featured updates include the addition of Lightstrike and Lightstrike Pro foam in the midsole. EnergyRODS are also embedded within the midsole, which is now rocking a whopping 39-mm stack height as well. Finally, a revamped mesh upper is another new feature that runners can look forward to enjoying. With all these changes, the Boston has gone from a lightweight trainer ideal for faster-paced workouts to a highly protective workhorse that can handle nearly any pace and any distance. Even though Boston lovers may need an adjustment period, these shoes are ready to impress.

The Bottom Line

Compared to its predecessors, the Boston 10 is almost an entirely new shoe, and it has some runners questioning why it was not given a different name altogether. adidas has decided to move away from the lightweight, low-to-the-ground experience that had become characteristic of the adizero Boston line. With an updated stack height that is approximately 13 mm taller than the previous model, it comes as no surprise that the overall running experience of the Boston has evolved. The beefed-up design of the Boston 10 has enhanced the shoe's level of protection and is now better equipped to keep runners comfortable over long-distance training runs. The entirely new Lightstrike and Lightstrike Pro blended foam midsole delivers a firm yet responsive underfoot experience that really snaps at toe-off, while fiberglass energyRODS further contribute to the shoe's fast and efficient ride. The new lightweight mesh upper that tops the Boston 10 is very stylish, but the suede overlays contribute to the shoe's increased weight and are unnecessary additions in terms of performance. That said, the upper does offer a secure lockdown that makes up for this shortcoming. The bottom line is that the adizero Boston 10 has elevated the Boston shoe line to new and different levels, and these trainers are more than equipped to handle any run you can throw at them. Just remember Boston lovers, sometimes change is good.

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Shoe Performance

Shoe Softnessi

FirmSoft

Ride/Energy Returni

Less SpringyMore Springy

Underfoot Protectioni

LowHigh

Flexibilityi

RigidElastic

Upper Supporti

StructuredAdaptable

Specifications & Fit

How It Fits

Toe Box	Width: Medium \| Height: Medium
Midfoot Volume	Medium to low
Heel Width	Medium to narrow
Arch Height	Medium

Shoe Specs

Weight	Men's: 10.4 oz (size 9) \| Women's: 9.1 oz (size 8)
Stack Height	39 mm (Heel), 31 mm (Forefoot)
Terrain	Road
Stability	Neutral
Sizing	True to size

adidas adizero Boston 10 Review Pair of Shoes

adidas adizero Boston 10 Review Left SHoe

adidas adizero Boston 10 Review Midsole Foam

adidas adizero Boston 10 Review Forefoot Flex

Our In-Depth Look

Shoe Softnessi

The Boston 10 combines firmer Lightstrike foam with a softer Lightstrike Pro compound, which results in a fairly balanced underfoot experience that leans toward the softer side. For comparison, the Boston 10 is softer than the previous models, mostly thanks to the Lightstrike Pro compound and high stack height.

Matt: "The adidas Boston 10 offers two different foams that deliver two unique underfoot experiences. The bottom layer of regular Lightstrike foam is firmer and more durable, while the Lightstrike Pro top layer (adidas' super foam) is softer and more responsive. By blending these two materials, adidas has created a firm but bouncy ride. For me, it took a few runs to really break in the cushioning and get the full experience, but I truly enjoyed the tight responsiveness once I started rolling in the new Boston. If you prefer a firmer feel rather than pillowy plushness, then the Boston 10 has what you need."

Connor: "The Boston 10 has a slightly softer feel than its predecessors due to the layer of lower density Lightstrike Pro super foam, but this shoe is fairly balanced with the combination of the firmer Lightstrike bottom layer."

Ride/Energy Returni

The ride of the new Boston 10 is where we see a big change from previous models, which were designed to excel on speedier training days. With its higher stack height and updated foam compounds, the Boston 10 is much better equipped to handle daily training demands. This is not to say that the Boston 10 cannot pick up the pace; its energyRods and bouncy Lightstrike Pro foam create a highly efficient ride that energizes each stride.

Matt: "The addition of Lightstrike Pro gives the Boston a more elite level of responsiveness, and the energyRODS embedded in the midsole provide some stiffness for additional propulsion. While the Boston 10 has these updated features, I still think the midsole could provide more bounce or a more aggressive rocker to give the shoe a better energy return. This shoe is more geared toward daily training, but if adidas wanted to make it more versatile, then I think further enhancing these features could do the trick."

Connor: "The Boston 10 offers a fairly good energy return that feels responsive at faster paces. I do think the overall weight limits its ability to perform optimally at really fast efforts, but for everything from cruising to the occasional tempo run, it definitely provides a snappy underfoot experience."

Underfoot Protectioni

The 39 mm of Lightstrike and Lightstrike Pro super foam underfoot provides a previously unseen level of protection from the Boston. This all-new stack may add weight to the sleeker Boston 9, but it enables runners to wear these impressive shoes for nearly any training run at nearly any distance or pace.

Matt: "The Boston 10 has protection and a lot of it. Between the high stack of top-end foam and the Continental Rubber outsole, the Boston 10 leaves my legs feeling great at the end of long or fast efforts. The foam is on the firmer side, so this might cause some runners who prefer a plush ride to feel a little more beat up after runs, but overall, the Boston 10 protects runners well no matter the distance."

Connor: "Coming in close to 40 mm in the heel, the Boston has plenty of underfoot protection for nearly any distance. The Boston 10 definitely feels like a lot more shoe (and pretty much a completely new shoe) compared to its earlier versions."

Flexibilityi

If there was a formula for a stiff shoe, then adidas has nailed it with the Boston 10. The high stack, along with the fiberglass energyRODS, creates an undeniably rigid midsole. That said, these shoes are not designed to be flexible. Instead, the Boston 10 uses this stiffness to create a smooth and responsive ride that is also highly efficient over long distances.

Matt: "Flexibility is not what the Boston 10 excels in. There is a large amount of foam, as well as rigid rods in the midsole, so it's clear that this shoe isn't meant to flex. This shoe still feels smooth out on runs, but I did wish that it had a little more of a rockered design to make it transition even better."

Connor: "This shoe's large stack height is combined with the energyRODS to create a fairly rigid underfoot experience. Although the rod setup is not quite as aggressively stiff as a full-length carbon plate, this shoe does not bend much and still creates a fairly efficient running experience."

Upper Supporti

Like nearly every other feature of the shoe, the Boston 10's upper is all-new. The lightweight mesh design is very stylish with the addition of suede overlays, but this adds unnecessary weight, and ultimately, our testers thought the shoe would perform better without them. Regardless, the upper delivers a secure and comfortable lockdown that runners will enjoy for all their training runs.

Matt: "The Boston 10 offers an upper that holds and adapts to the foot. The bottom mesh starts with a gusseted tongue and creates a nice lockdown, and the top layer of mesh is light but also provides some structure. I always felt locked down and was never restricted by this layered mesh."

Connor: "The upper material is fairly thin through the midfoot, but it does have some suede overlays in the forefoot that seem to be fairly unnecessary because of their added weight. Overall, this shoe has a good lockdown which held my foot securely in place, and the firmer heel counter provided everything I needed for longer miles."

Men's adidas adizero Boston Running Shoes

The adidas Boston is a narrow-fitting, neutral shoe with a snappy feel. It's great for tempo runs and can handle some daily training as well.

Women's adidas adizero Boston Running Shoes

The adidas Boston is a narrow-fitting, neutral shoe with a snappy feel. It's great for tempo runs and can handle some daily training as well.

New

adidas adizero Boston 12

Women's Shoes - Lilac/Metallic/G

$239.95

Individual Thoughts

MattOverall Score: 9/10

The adidas adizero Boston 10 surprised me and became a shoe I looked forward to lacing up every day. This shoe got a modern facelift with more foam and added rigidity, making it totally different from past versions. Once you accept this new bulk and updated design, you'll see that the Boston 10 is a shoe that really glides down the road. The addition of Lightstrike and Lightstrike Pro gives this shoe a firm bounce that can handle any amount of mileage.

I enjoyed having the Boston 10 in my lineup because it was a durable trainer with newer technology that made me want to take it farther and farther. My only complaint with this shoe is that it weighed in heavier than expected, but I do think that this is an easy fix that could make the Boston one of the most versatile trainers available. Overall, the new Boston is a firmer shoe with some of adidas' best technology, and I'd lace it up for any kind of daily training and even some uptempo running.

Shoe Softness

FirmSoft

Ride/Energy Return

Less SpringyMore Springy

Underfoot Protection

LowHigh

Flexibility

RigidElastic

Upper Support

StructuredAdaptable

ConnorOverall Score: 8/10

The adidas adizero Boston 10 receives a full revamp that almost makes it a completely new shoe when compared to past versions. The ultra-high stack height mixed with energyRODS offers a new sensation that many runners will have to adjust to versus the low-to-the-ground, versatile performance from the last few years. While this shoe is quite a bit different, I do think it continues to perform at a variety of paces, and it seems to be right in line with trends of higher stacks paired with super foams or plates (or in the Boston's case, rods).

This shoe delivers phenomenal protection to go far with the efficiency to handle uptempo efforts. The ride is smooth and the shoe is fun to wear for certain runs, but the weight held me back from using it even more often in faster efforts. While I understand the stack height will add a significant amount of weight, I do think this shoe could easily strip away a little weight in the upper by removing the bulky suede overlays. The new Boston may not be my first pick for workout day, but I do think it deserves a slot in my weekly rotation. Its unique ride, mixed with plenty of cushioning and durability, makes for a perfect training companion to the much faster, race-oriented adios Pro 2.