adidas adizero Boston 13: Quick Review
By Matthew Klein
adidas adizero Boston 13Price: $159.95 at Running Warehouse
Weight: 9.0 oz, 255 g (men's size 9), 8.0 oz, 227 g (women's size 8)
Stack Height: 37 mm heel / 30 mm forefoot
Drop: 7 mm
Shoe Purpose: Performance Trainer
Pros: Snappy fast ride, great for supinators, secure fit, highly durable
Cons: Slightly short fit, medial bias, less midsole bounce than expected
SIMILAR SHOES: Nike Zoom Fly 6, Puma Deviate Nitro 4
PAST MODEL: Adidas Adizero Boston 12
PERFORMANCE SUMMARY
The adidas Boston 13 is a plated (through adidas' glass fiber rods) performance for those who want a shoe that can handle training, workouts and even racing for some. A new engineered mesh upper fits slightly short due to an overly padded heel that does break in with time. The toe box is tapered due to a thick toe guard that, opens into a normal width forefoot and a slightly snug midfoot/heel. The tongue is moderately thick and gusseted, allowing for the laces to easily lock the foot down. The heel features a stiff heel counter with extra heel collar padding. This overall creates a secure performance fit that feels more plush but thicker than the prior version.
The midsole features the same combo of a top layer of Lightstrike Pro and a bottom layer of Lightstrike. The exception to this is the lateral forefoot, which is all Lightstrike Pro. Combined with the stiffer rods and the lateral rod extension, the heel feels firmer. There is still a decent heel transition due to a laterally beveled heel. The medial heel cut out and the lateral rod extension in the heel/midfoot does create a strong medial bias at the midfoot. Those with lateral stability needs at the heel/midfoot will do well with this shoe, especially with the sole flare that extends in the lateral midfoot/heel. Those with medial midfoot stability needs will struggle, although it is somewhat offset by the medial sole flare in the forefoot and the stiff rods up front. The forefoot is a little softer than the rearfoot, especially if you land at the lateral forefoot. There is a bit of bounce to the forefoot, but it feels snappier rolling through rather than bouncy. The rods and quick forefoot rocker make the shoe stiff initially and it takes 20-30 miles for the shoe to break in. There is a tiny bit of flex to the mostly stiff forefoot, so those with stiff toes (hallux rigidus) may not have quite enough structure unless you are using this more for easy runs Once the midsole softens a little, the Boston 13 becomes a bit more friendly, but its firmer ride pushes it more toward the performance end of the spectrum rather than a full time daily trainer. The firmer ride likely comes from the extra outsole, which both grips the road well and creates incredibly durability. The Lighttraxion outsole is built like a tank and after 40 miles I have not been able to make a dent. Thanks to the midsole not breaking in much and no wear on the outsole, this shoe should last for a long time and longer than most in its class.
The Boston 13 functions best as a workout/uptempo trainer for those holding decent paces. I have used this shoe for both workouts and easy runs and it does better running faster. Tempo runs are especially good in this shoe although the forefoot is snappy and stiff enough to handle faster intervals. Its 9 oz weight makes it not feel quite as good at really fast paces but it it can still handle them. The Boston 13 does better at longer interval and tempo paces though. Those who have more neutral mechanics will easily be able to use this as an uptempo long run as a stand in for super shoes. I do not have the medial stability to handle this shoe for long runs and it is firmer than I would want for longer distances. It can be used for easy runs but will be better for those who want a stiffer/firmer shoe or those who land further forward to engage the larger amount of Lighstrike Pro at the forefoot. Thus, the true function of the Boston 13 is a performance trainer that excels at tempo/longer workouts and uptempo training.
Doctors of Running Checklist
Is This a Good Shoe for Walking: No
Is This a Good Shoe for Standing: No
Is the Forefoot Flexible: No
How Flexible is the Shoe: Not Flexible
Is This a Good Heel Bevel: Yes
Recommended for Haglunds: No
Is This Shoe Orthotic Friendly: Somewhat
Recommended for Sockless: No
Durability Expectation: High
FINAL THOUGHTS
Matt
Fit: B (Slightly short fit with extra heel collar padding that makes the upper feel thick for a performance trainer)
Performance: B+ (A snappy performance trainer with versatility into uptempo training and tempo/interval workouts. A good companion shoe to use to support keeping super shoes for race day.)
Stability: B- [Lateral Heel/Midfoot Support, Medial Bias] (Lateral Rod extension creates supination resistance and medial cut out creates midfoot medial bias. Forefoot is more guided thanks to sole flare and rods. Best for those with neutral mechanics or those with lateral support needs)
Value: B+ (Incredible durability and will be a great deal for those who want a more versatile plated trainer. Although it is a little heavier than others in its class, it is far more durable. However, the firmer and less bouncy ride makes it less competitive compared to others)
Personal: B- (The lateral rod extension, firmer and less responsive ride compared to the thicker upper that fits short has not been fun. The upper does break in with wear, and some people are going to love this shoe, but the medial bias, less bouncy ride and short fit don't work for me. I appreciate it but it doesn't fit my mechanics)
Overall Design: B
I can see adidas tried to maintain the success of the positive overall of version 12 but ended up making it firmer and more plush. Although the weight drop is great, the fit being off for me made it uncomfortable. The Boston series used to mirror the Adios series as a slightly more cushioned, less aggressive but still fast distance racer/workout/training shoe that many people from elite to recreational runners used for long distance racing. I would encourage Adidas to at least get rid of that lateral rod extension to stabilize the heel better.
I would love the Boston to get a bit more Lightstrike Pro, drop into the 8 oz range like versions 7-9 and really stand out as a top-shelf plated trainer. The shoe currently competes squarely with the Puma Deviate Nitro 4 and Nike Zoom Fly 6 as firmer plated training options. The Boston is still going on a positive direction compared to versions 10-11. Overall, this will still be a popular shoe especially when it goes on sale, but runners should adjust sizing accordingly due to the thicker upper.
SHOP | SUPPORT DORadidas adizero Boston 13Price: $159.95 at Running Warehouse
Shop Men | Shop Women
*Using the link to purchase helps support Doctors of Running. Thanks so much!
Check out Gear We Love
Naked Belt The best way to carry your phone and goods on the run. No bounce and various sizes for waist.
Saysky Running Gear: We were really taken aback by this Scandinavian company's ultra-thin, durable performance clothing
Skratch Recovery, Coffee Flavor: Mental and physical boost post run. Coffee flavor is excellent and goes great straight into a fresh brewed cup
goodr Sunglases: Run in style with goodr's super fun sunglasses.
Feetures Socks: Massively grippy socks that will make you feel more one with the shoe
Amphipod Hydraform Handheld Water Bottle: Perfect for long runs when you need hydration in the summer
Trigger Point Foam Roller: Help get those knots out post-run and feel better for tomorrow
Ciele Hat: Our team's favorite running hat of choice!
Fractel Hats: Our team's wider fitting running hat of choice!
FURTHER READING
Puma's plated trainer.
Find all Shoe Reviews at Doctors of Running here.
Thanks for reading!
FOLLOW DOCTORS OF RUNNING ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook: Doctors of Running
Youtube Channel: Doctors of Running
Instagram: @doctorsofrunning
LinkedIn: Doctors of Running
Strava: Doctors of Running
Podcast: Virtual Roundtable
Pinterest: Doctors of Running
PODCAST
Check out the Doctors of Running Podcast to find more reviews, interviews, and running features from the team.
Visit our Podcast Page
Find us on Apple
Find us on Spotify
Contact us at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com
NEXT: Puma Deviate Nitro 4
