adidas Running has released their new pinnacle performance innovations – the updated UltraBOOST and UltraBOOST X, designed to push the boundaries of running technology and provide the ultimate running experience.

Fusing the past and future – as well as adidas’ most advanced technologies – the new silhouettes are inspired by the best from previous UltraBOOST models and engineered for unparalleled movement, precision and fit.

Test Cru

To test the power of the all-new adidas ULTRABOOST, Runner’s World recruited a team of runners to form the adidas Test Cru. This group consisted of 10 avid runners, who submitted their running resumes via an Instagram competition and were subsequently tasked with putting the new ULTRABOOST range to the ultimate test.

After running in the shoes at least five times, this is what the Test Cru had to say:

Abbey Hardingham: “The ULTRABOOSTs are ultra light! When running in them, it feels like I’m hardly wearing any shoes at all. Despite wearing my orthotics, the shoe still provided extra-comfort, which is a rare find for a runner with flat feet.”

Ashraf Orrie: “I must commend the shoe for its extreme comfort, responsiveness and grip on my run in the rain.”

Awonke Tini: “After doing over 100km over a good six runs in the adidas ULTRABOOST, I can report that I had no blisters or feet irritations. I was impressed by the bounce which kept my ankles feeling fresh without any pressure or quick fatigue.”

E.P. Oliver: “The ULTRABOOST scored high on grip and ride, contributing to one of my fastest 5km runs of 2018 thus far.”

Fareed Behardien: “The Primeknit upper is really comfortable and allows for extra flex with its sock-like feel. I found it to be a nice balance between flex and durability, and didn’t give me any hot spots or rub my toes. My favourite part of the shoe is the fit around the ankle – the additional padding provides a snug and secure fit, so you don’t get tempted to tie the laces mid-run.”

Mmabatho Nyamane: “I love the PrimeKnit fabric as it provides ample breathability, making the shoe feel like part of your foot. The ULTRABOOST’s also exceed aesthetic standards as they go well with any gear, whether you’re off to a run or the gym. Heck, they’re even great to just wear when running errands!”

Mulalo Mammburu: “I tested the shoe on a 4km time trail as well as while running two middle distances (10km & 14km), and a marathon (42km). The shoe comes with a very obvious extra bounce which is most beneficial on hills, as I felt myself landing on my heel and pushing off my toe. The bounce also helped me keep a solid rhythm on the flats and assisted in preserving my energy as I was more able to focus on my breathing while running in the all-new ULTRABOOST.”

Naiema Dalvie: “The knitted upper embraced my feet like a second skin, allowing me to move freely, especially on the hills.”

Stacey Rehbock: “I was totally blown away by the ULTRABOOST’s responsiveness – it felt like I was bouncing from kilometre to kilometre as the shoe just moved with my foot.”

Tamara Rasivhetshele: “I did a lot of heel strike as well as mid- and forefoot running as part of my shoe test. I found the shoe to have enough cushioning on the heels as well as the mid/forefoot. I didn’t experience any of the discomfort that comes with forefoot running, especially on the very steep downhills.”

Boost movement and comfort 

With the new UltraBOOST, the upper ventilation holes from the original UltraBOOST return across the foot’s key sweat zones. This with a newly-developed PrimeKnit composition, for reduced stretch, provides prime fit and additional support. The silhouette features a high-tech Fit Counter integrated within the heel to enable free movement of the Achilles tendon whilst complementing the built-in BOOST™ midsole, providing runners with adaptability, cushioning and energy return.

Like the UltraBOOST Uncaged and the adizero Sub2 running shoe, the cage and support features of the UltraBOOST X move to the inside of the shoe, providing a sleeker aesthetic for women. Fusing this with modern, female-specific design features, including the Adaptive Arch, which permits the PrimeKnit Upper to mould to any foot whilst moving in sync with the wearer’s running style, the UltraBOOST X guarantees style and comfort.

Boost your running with adidas

To support the new footwear, the adidas Running community presents Energy From The Ground Up – a campaign which aims to celebrate the raw, unfiltered emotions and energy of a runner’s journey, before, during and after they run. Featuring global sports talent including South African pro-distance runner Dominique Scott-Efurd, sprinter Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake and ambassador Adrienne, both from the UK, the campaign aims to inspire runners with the confidence and inspiration to run to rise. Find out about the adidas Running community.

The UltraBOOST is available in two colourways, for men and women. The UltraBOOST X is available in grey and comes with a blue heel counter.

UltraBOOST and UltraBOOST X have a retail price of R2999, and are available at adidas.co.za and in stores.

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