The Adizero Boston has long held a special place in runners’ hearts; it has always been the quintessential shoe that combines race-day speed with daily training durability. However, with the radical changes in recent iterations, many wondered if the Boston had lost its identity. Now, with the arrival of the adidas Adizero Boston 13, it seems adidas has listened intently to feedback, delivering a version that aims to restore that perfect balance.
In this in-depth review, we’ll dive into every detail of the Boston 13, from its midsole changes to its on-road performance, to answer the crucial question: Is this the shoe that will bring the Boston back to the forefront of the uptempo trainer category?
First Look
At first glance, the Boston 13 appears sleeker and more streamlined than the 11 and 12 iterations. The design feels less bulky, with lines that suggest speed, harking back to the classic Boston silhouettes. The shoe comes in at a noticeably lighter weight than its predecessor, making it a strong contender in its class.
Key Specifications:
- Weight: Approximately 240g (8.5 oz) for Men’s US 9 (lighter than Boston 12).
- Stack Height: Around 38mm heel / 31mm forefoot.
- Drop: 7mm.
- Ideal Use: Tempo runs, interval training, long-distance races (half marathon and marathon).
Midsole: The New Balance
The biggest and most significant change in the Boston 13 lies in its midsole. Adidas has moved away from the previous two-layer setup of Lightstrike Pro and Lightstrike 2.0, replacing it entirely with a single, integrated layer of Lightstrike 2.0.
This might initially sound like a downgrade, but the reality is quite the opposite. The Lightstrike 2.0 foam has been re-engineered to be lighter, more responsive, and softer than ever before. The result is a more balanced and livelier feel underfoot, rather than the firm ride some complained about in the Boston 12.
The shoe still retains the ENERGYRODS 2.0 system (glass-fiber infused rods), which provides the necessary propulsion and stability when picking up the pace. However, they are now better integrated within the Lightstrike 2.0 layer, creating a smoother transition from heel to toe-off.
Upper: Lightweight and Breathable
The upper features a lightweight, engineered mesh designed for maximum breathability. Unnecessary overlays have been removed, contributing to weight reduction and improved flexibility. The tongue is thin and well-gusseted, and the lacing system provides a secure and locked-down fit around the midfoot. Sizing appears to be true to size with adequate room in the toe box.
Outsole: Unrivaled Grip
As usual, no adidas shoe review is complete without praising the Continental™ rubber outsole. The Boston 13 offers exceptional grip on both dry and wet roads. The rubber is strategically placed in high-wear areas to ensure durability without adding excessive weight.
On-Road Performance adidas Adizero Boston 13
When running, the Boston 13 reveals its true character. The initial feel is one of balance. It’s not excessively soft like some daily trainers, nor is it overtly firm like super-race shoes.
- At Slower Paces: The shoe is comfortable enough for warm-ups and easy runs, though you can feel it’s eager to go faster.
- For Tempo Runs: This is where the Boston 13 truly shines. The responsiveness of the Lightstrike 2.0 foam and the propulsion of the ENERGYRODS work in perfect harmony. You feel light and efficient with every stride, making it ideal for maintaining a quick pace over longer distances.
- For Intervals: The shoe is light and responsive enough to handle sudden accelerations, making it a good choice for speed workouts on the track or road.
Compared to the Boston 12, the 13th iteration is smoother, livelier, and less rigid, making it a more enjoyable and versatile shoe to use.
Pros and Cons
Conclusion
The adidas Adizero Boston 13 is a strong and welcome return for the Boston series. Adidas has successfully addressed the main complaints regarding previous versions, delivering a shoe that is lighter, more balanced, and livelier.
It’s not just a mini-version of the Adios Pro; it has reclaimed its identity as a top-tier uptempo trainer. If you’re looking for a single shoe you can rely on for most of your faster training runs, and even for half marathon and marathon races, the Boston 13 is a hard-to-beat option. The Boston has rightfully reclaimed its place as the ideal training partner for ambitious runners.
id you find this review helpful? Check the latest price and color availability via the link below: adidas Men’s Adizero Boston 13