adidas Ultraboost 22 Shoe Review

I don’t usually make friends when I write a review on the Ultraboost, and the adidas Ultraboost 22 is no different. It’s not a bad shoe, just expensive and not as versatile as you would hope for the price. Although really, as shoes increase in price, it’s not extremely expensive as it once was. Over the past several versions, it’s trended to be a more casual shoe. Finally, adidas makes it hard to work for with run-specialty stores. I want to like the brand, which many world record holders clearly do.

So what is the adidas the Ultraboost 22? It’s a max-cushioned and heavy-duty trainer made for easy recovery runs. At nearly $200, it’s expensive, but it also “looks good.” I receive some of the most questions with the Ultraboost.

Is the adidas Ultraboost 22 an excellent running shoe?

Is the adidas Ultraboost 22 worth the cost?

Why is the adidas Ultraboost 22 so expensive?

Let’s take a look.

adidas Ultraboost 22 Quick Facts:

Weight: 11 oz

Heel to Toe Drop: 10 mm

Price: $190

adidas Ultraboost 22 Introduction:

If you are looking for a highly cushioned trainer, the adidas Ultraboost 22 is a great choice. It’s not going to run fast but is durable with plenty of cushion. The Ultraboost 21 was much more firm and, in turn, felt like you were running with cinderblocks attached to your foot. Thankfully, the adidas Ultraboost 22 has been redesigned. It’s now nearly 7 oz lighter but also costs $10 more.

adidas Ultraboost 22 Fit:

If you are looking for a running shoe that fits more like a casual shoe, the adidas Ultraboost 22 has always been it. There have been a few updates to the fit of the Ultraboost but nothing substantial. The major update is more padding on the inside of the heel counter. This makes a more secure heel lockdown with less heel slippage. Although the adidas Ultraboost 22 has yet to have a row of double eyelets so you won’t be able to use the runner’s knot.

Going into the midfoot, the plastic panels have also been updated. They are less “pointy.” If they ever dug into your midfoot, you know what I mean. The lacing has improved with larger, more circular eyelets in the front and thinner eyelets in the back. This also contributes to a better fit.

As far as the mesh, it’s also different than the Ultrabroost 21. There aren’t as many perforations (which means less ventilation). It makes the adidas Ultraboost 22 more susceptible to breathing well, but it’s not terrible. I’ve done some warmer runs indoors and haven’t had an issue.

One of my favorite parts of the adidas Ultraboost 22 is the shoes upper is made with yarn containing 50% Parley Ocean Plastic. This means they used plastic waste found on remote islands, beaches, coastal communities, and shorelines. How awesome is that?

In running shoes, I typically wear a size 10-11 wide. In adidas running shoes, I’ve almost always worn a size 11, and this is no different. It does run narrow, and I’d probably choose a 10.5 wide if that were an option.

 

adidas Ultraboost 22 Ride:

The Ultraboost 22 is a max cushioned trainer designed to compete against shoes like the Brooks Glycerin, Saucony Triumph, or New Balance 1080.

The adidas Ultraboost 22 is much softer than previous versions. It’s designed to be the softest of any adidas shoes. The Ultraboost 21 and 22 have the same midsole and outsole, but they are built slightly differently, with the Strobel directly underneath the insole.

The Ultraboost 21 had a thick lattice with small rectangular cutouts. This year, the 22 has a large oval cutout underneath the ball of the foot. Ok, what does that do? The larger cutouts in the Ultraboost 22 allow you to expand more under your heel and forefoot, so it feels softer.

Continuing down the technology road, the adidas Ultraboost 22 also has a Linear Energy Push (known as an LEP) plastic shank on the midfoot of the outsole. It also extended to the rearfoot and forefoot. This makes the shoe feel more responsive because it helps with energy return.

Durability and Traction: The adidas Ultraboost 22 claims it is one of the most durable running shoes, and it is. That’s because the Ultraboost uses “Stretchweb outsole with Continental™ Better Rubber. Yes, the same Continental as your car tires.

It usually lasts about twice the amount of regular running shoes. I already have about 100 miles on mine with no issues.

The Ultraboost 22 also uses Continental Rubber on the forefoot and toe, which means it has excellent traction. I’ve run in inclement weather and sandy conditions with no issues. The Ultraboost 22 shines with the amount of traction.

The Ultraboost 22 is a tank of a shoe. I do easy, and recovery runs in it, and that’s about it. I think it’s one of the most comfortable shoes out there, but it’s so heavy and bulky it’s hard for me to “love it.” If you are looking for an easy or recovery run shoe, it’s great, but it does become hard to pick up the pace. I must admit, I like the look a lot, so I’ll occasionally walk around or go to the gym in it too.

adidas Ultraboost 22 Conclusion:

the Ultraboost 22 looks good and is a good recovery or easy run shoe. Is it worth the $190? That I don’t know. If you like the look of the shoe and plan to wear it for easy runs or casual days, then sure, but I can’t say it’s definitely a running shoe worth $190. It’s one of the best-looking shoes out there. Most high cushioned trainers tap out at $160 and are equally as good, if not more versatile, in the running world.

My Current Shoe Rotation:

Easy/Daily Runs: Brooks Aurora, Diadora Mythos Blushield Volo, New Balance 1080 v11, Hoka Bondi 7, adidas Ultraboost 22

Speed Work: 361 Flame, Nike Tempo Next%, New Balance Fuelcell TC Shoe Review, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro,

Long Runs: Hoka Clifton Edge,  Under Armour Sonic HOVR 3

Trail Running/Hiking: Hoka Torrent 2, Saucony Peregrine 11, North Face Flight VECTIV

Races: Asics Metaspeed Sky, Hoka One One Rocket X, adidas Adizero Pro, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Nike Next%,  Saucony Endorphin Pro, New Balance fuelcell TC, Reebok Run fast Pro 

You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.

Looking to learn more about running shoes? In my ebook, I talk about why you need a good running shoe, a shoe’s anatomy, neutral vs. stable, and even myths of running shoes.

Questions for you:

Have you tried the adidas Ultraboost 22?

What is your favorite easy run shoe?