I was curious about the adidas Ultraboost Light. I haven’t run in the adidas boost in a few years, but I always love how much cushion and bouncy it is (and how fashionable they are!). The adidas Ultraboost Light is a lighter, firmer, well-cushioned trainer with smooth transitions. Because of this, it’s better for daily and medium-paced runs. adidas has several different running shoes for easy runs, workouts, and races!
adidas Ultraboost Light Quick Facts:
Weight: 10.3 oz
Heel-to-toe drop: 10 mm
Price: $190.00
adidas Ultraboost Light Intro:
With the adidas Ultraboost series, I always like that they follow a similar pattern from year to year: a knitted bootie upper, a heavy Boost midsole, and a thick Continental rubber outsole. This year, the “Boost” is now “Boost light,” which means it’s much firmer.
What is the difference between the adidas Ultraboost and adidas Ultraboost Light? The adidas Ultraboost Light is the “Ultraboost 23”. It’s just a slightly different name. It took me a bit to realize that it is the continuation of the shoe, just updated. It’s now 1.5 oz lighter than the previous version!
Adidas Ultraboost Light Upper:
The adidas Ultraboost Light features Primeknit+ material. It’s very similar to the previous version and features a relaxed fit focusing on comfort. The plastic external heel clip extends to the midfoot of the shoe. This creates more stability and doesn’t cut into your heel like many other brands. I love that you can slide on a pair of Ultraboost and be comfortable.
The most significant update in the Ultraboost actually comes in the heel counter. The foam pods inside the heel are thicker and lock your heel down even more, so your feet feel much more secure.
The adidas Ultraboost Light fits true to size. I usually wear between a woman’s size 10-11 wide in running shoes, and I’ve found the size 11 to fit perfectly. You might appreciate going up a half size if you have wide feet but the knit upper accommodates width well.
Adidas Ultraboost Light Ride:
This year, the Ultraboost uses a new foam called the “Light Boost.” It’s 30% lighter than the regular Boost foam that adidas has used for the last eight years. Immediately when I put on the adidas Ultraboost Light, I noticed just how light it is.
What is the difference between the Ultraboost and Light Boost? The midsole of the Light Boost is much denser and much lighter. There is a webbed strobel lasting underneath the insole, which helps prevent the foot from sinking into the midsole and firming up the ride.
Most of the adidas Ultraboost Light cushioning is in the heel, making it an excellent shoe for heel strikers. It rolls well from heel to toe. There are new grooves on the side of the midfoot and forefoot of the midsole. It makes the rider softer because the foam can compress. But because the Light Boost foam is so dense, you don’t feel much of that compression and softness.
The outsole features a wide shallow groove that runs down the middle of the midfoot and rearfoot. This cuts some weight but makes transitions feel more snappy. There’s also an LEP plastic shank on the adidas Ultraboost Light’s outsole, making the forefoot stiffer.
Durability and Traction:
This year, there is less crystal rubber than the previous years. The heel now has transparent rubber versus blown rubber. This doesn’t affect the durability and traction. If you’ve never worn adidas, they have some of the best traction and durability of any running shoe. The Continental Rubber allows you to grab the ground in any condition. (I mean we do, after all, trust our car tires with Continental Rubber). I’ve found this true for the adidas Ultraboost Light, and there hasn’t been weather that I haven’t been able to run well. I’ve taken the Ultraboost Light out on rainy days and sandy trails with no issues. Truthfully, the adidas Ultraboost has better traction than a lot of trail shoes.
As far as durability, the Ultraboost has always been shown to last longer, and it does. You’ll get at least 400 miles out of the adidas Ultraboost Light, if not more.
I didn’t know where the adidas Ultraboost Light would fit into my rotation. Would it be an easy-run shoe like previous versions? A fast shoe? A daily trainer? I’ve found it to be the best as a daily trainer. It’s able to handle most types of runs with no issues. I enjoy all of the traction because I can take it out in the rain or on sandy trails without worry. It’s one of my favorite choices to pack if I need a shoe that can handle it all.
Adidas Ultraboost Light Conclusion:
I believe the adidas Ultraboost Light is a significant update, and seeing a lighter version is fun. It’s quickly become one of my favorite trainers, especially on the dunes and in inclement weather.
Who should buy the Adidas Ultraboost Light?
If you’re looking for a fashionable running shoe that you can use for running, the gym, or wearing around town, it’s a great option.
Who should not buy the Adidas Ultraboost Light?
If you want a super soft, flexible ride, the Ultraboost Light is not for you. The adidas Prime Strung X2 is softer with a lot more cushion.
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: adidas Ultraboost, Antepes Muscle Runners, Tracksmith Eliot Runner, New Balance 1080v12, Newton Gravity 12, 361 Degrees Centauri, ASICS Superblast
Speed Work: Hoka Solimar, Altra Vanish Carbon, 361 Flame, Nike Tempo Next%, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Nike ZoomX Streakfly
Long Runs: ASICS Superblast
Trail Running/Hiking: 361 Futura, Brooks Caldera 6, Hoka Tecton X2 Shoe Review Speedland SL: PDX,
Races: Nike ZoomX Streakfly, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Reebok Run fast Pro, Nike Vaporfly 3 Hoka Rocket X 2 ASICS Metaspeed Edge+
You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.
Are you 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 about running shoes.
Questions for you:
What is your favorite adidas running shoe? What is your famous daily trainer?