Not every running shoe can crossover to the world of casual wear but leave it to adidas to make a silhouette so charming and comfortable that it begs to be enjoyed regardless of the desired activity. The brand’s flagship Ultraboost line doesn’t get an update every year like other sneakers might but it’s because adidas has been wholly committed to taking its time to make sure each new version is leagues better than the last. 

Now, the athletic brand has unveiled what it’s calling “the biggest redesign of the [Ultraboost]” since it debuted nearly a decade ago. Take a look at the Ultraboost 5.

A Brief History of the Ultraboost

In 2015, adidas came out with the first Ultraboost model, carrying over the Boost foam tech that the Energyboost (now discontinued) had been using for a couple of years already. Boost is an eTPU material, which essentially gets its cushioning from air pockets forming from expanded thermoplastic polyurethane particles. This helps the runner to maximize his energy return, thus keeping him going much longer.

Adidas Ultraboost 5 Basics

Now with the 5th iteration of the Ultraboost, the runner has been “redesigned from the ground up.” This means the midsole itself has been reconstructed for 9mm more Boost foam. The version here is a re-engineered Light Boost that extends from the heel to the forefoot, bringing down the shoe’s weight while increasing the forefoot energy return by 2% over the previous Ultraboost Light 1. 

According to adidas, “The Boost-packed midsole, which offers higher responsiveness and cushioning in the heel and in transition instantly bounces back to its original shape as a runner’s foot hits the ground, allowing them to go further while expending the same amount of energy.”

Other features of the shoe include a Continental outsole, a Torsion system for improved support, and new adaptive Primeknit uppers for better breathability and fit in key areas. There’s also an Ultraboost 5X variant that weighs 17g (~0.6oz) less.

An Impact Greater Than the Shoe Itself

With the new advancement in the running shoe world, adidas also hopes to get more people out and about, engaging in physical activity. According to their research, 21% of adults ages 18 to 24 feel like their biggest concern is their overall energy levels.

Leading the research for the brand was Dr. Eliza Filby, who said, “The next generation is under a lot of pressure, burnt out, feels disorientated at the state of the world and there are so many demands on their energy and time. When it comes to making a choice about what they focus on, physical exercise like running can often be one of the first things to go. 60% of those who don’t dedicate as much time as they’d like to sport, mention a lack of energy as the main reason, despite the positive endorphins it releases.”

​Spec Sheet

Pricing & Availability

Priced at $180, both the Ultraboost 5 and 5X will be priced at $180 upon their debut on July 18. Early access for the 5X is currently available for adiClub members. Head over to adidas’ website to learn more.