Pioneering sole material sporadically get’s on the market. A firm quantity deserves the brand “groundbreaking”. In the case of the latest “Boost” midsole fabric it deserves the use of this mark. Developed by German chemistry powerhouse BASF and utterly used by the three-stripe brand from Herzogenaurach it seems to be the latest material tale these days. 



Adi Dassler’s descendants prepared one of their finest models with this power returning stuff (it is made of TPU instead of the conventional EVA). In the midst of the release they issued a new-fangled edition of the “Adios” as well as a number of other new running or updated models. The improvement on the “Adios” comes with a fresh & distinct color blend and a comprehensive tune-up of the by now well done fit of the performance lightweight racing shoe.

A 10mm drop is maybe a bit too much for my likes as a fore-to-midfoot runner but makes the rigid hell feel a bit better and nevertheless brings across a high-quality “run fast” sensation in a well shaped setup. As common with adidas shoes the toe box seems a bit slim for my foot but was not a real problem with the “Adios” (I tested the shoe in size US 13). 



First of all we need to look into this miraculous wonder material quickly. Adi’s people say that the material provides a “industry leading” energy return as well as being not so temperature sensitive and basically longer lasting. Without going into further facts by discussing the data sheet they provide there is no discussing on the energy return data gathered in all the lab testing they did. But there is no real data available that provides any benefit on the actual physiological performance of an athlete. You could argue that heaps of adidas sponsored distance runners make use of the shoe as the go-to model when it comes to any road race distance. But the amount of data that talks about the new material is not backed up by any testing with athletes.

I wanted to experience it myself and had the chance t snap a media sample from adidas. So I got this newbie on the street as soon as I received it. 

The “Adios Boost” is a competition shoe without any hesitation. Minimal and simple design makes the “Adios” a classic since years. One of my very first racing flats where some pretty green ones ages ago. I recalled them as soon as I got them out on the way.

This time the shoe does feel a bit more cushioned and way more flexible as the first impact on the secretive midsole was very positive. A direct, simple feeling backed up with some cushioning that just does the job instead of slowing down the stride. I’m not sure if it was a good choice to read through the product description before going out but I was waiting for that light bouncy emotion. And I did get a bouncy feeling. It jog’s very smooth and gives enough flexibility without being too clumsy. Saying that the real sensation comes more from the heal part. I usually strike in the front or the middle so the effect was still there but is more apparent when pushing more in the rear part.

The heel could be a bit lighter and less inflexible but did not cause me any problem during my test-phase over approximately 150 kilometer in this shoe. I tried to take the shoe through all kinds of training runs. From track workouts to long runs. Always positive and dynamic towards my jog. When it comes to off-road running on trails and wet dirt surfaces the sole can be delicate. But this shoe is not made for anything beside the road or track.

It was fun to take the Adios Boost through the paces. The direct feeling of the shoe together with the snappy responsiveness produced by the mysterious “Boost” material make this shoe a really nice racing flat even with a 10mm drop. Be aware of the toe box when you consider the shoe as this could be a problem with a racing rifle like this.

▪ Weight: 220 g (size UK 8.5)
▪ Clover-shaped Coolever mesh upper for heat and sweat management and increased performance; Synthetic overlays for added support
▪ Non-slip lining for comfort and performance
▪ Extended TORSION® SYSTEM for midfoot integrity
▪ boost™’s energy-returning midsole keeps every step charged with an endless supply of light, fast energy; Moulded responsive EVA sockliner for anatomical fit and great step-in comfort
QUICKSTRIKE outsole decreases weight and increases flexibility and durability; Continental™ Rubber for optimal grip in wet conditions

Tune of the day: Midlake – It’s Going Down