Comments on: adidas Boost: Some Actual Running Economy Data

By: Robert

Robert — Sun, 17 May 2015 08:12:28 +0000

Hi there,

it’s nice to see a bit of science to back up claims. However, may I point out that a 1% difference on a sample size of 12 is not statistically significant at all (unlike the statement you made).

Thus, from a scientific standpoint there is still zero evidence to back up the claims from Adidas.

Best,

Rob

By: Supernova Glide 6 Boosts | stackreviews.com

Supernova Glide 6 Boosts | stackreviews.com — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 09:54:11 +0000

[…] After Burfoot’s piece, Peter Larson of RunBlogger.com described the results of a study done by the University of Calgary entitled “Running shoe cushioning properties can influence oxygen consumption.” Larson writes: […]

By: adidas Adios Boost Review | stackreviews.com

adidas Adios Boost Review | stackreviews.com — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 13:59:20 +0000

[…] no published data that I am aware of supporting the ability of Boost to improve performance, though an abstract with scant details from a scientific meeting suggested a 1% improvement in economy in Boost […]

By: James

James — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 21:21:42 +0000

I’m late here, but thought I would throw in my experience. I bought a pair of the first Adidas boost shoes and put 410 miles on them before the tread was done… Shame as the sole and uppers were still great, but I had zero traction at that point and had to buy a new pair.

I decided to give the Nike Flynit Lunar a try with all the great reviews. I liked my boost but can’t say I really noticed a huge difference, but when I switch over to the Nike that is when I did notice how great the boost sole was. 20 miles into the flyknit lunar I developed the worst shin splints I’ve ever had and my ankles & knees were sore as could be after each run… Once the shin splints subsided I went back to running and put another 30 miles on them and still wasn’t feeling comfortable in them and decided to buy another pair of Adidas boost shoes. After a few runs my knees and ankles were feeling fine again and my shin splints didn’t come back either. So that experience made me a believer in the boost sole.

By: Grumpy Runner

Grumpy Runner — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I always had problems with pain in my legs after running and tried everything including Brooks Ghost; Saucony eventually bought a cheap pair of Pegasus 29 which were so comfy and I didn’t get leg pain or black toes but everyone tells me they are poor so tried adidas boost and although I have broken a few PBs I do get a bit of ITB aggro with them and there does appear to be a definite advantage – as a person quite new to running but way past first flush of youth have found the boost excellent for shorter runs up to 10k but need the Pegasus for a half – any thoughts welcome

By: Travis Forbes

Travis Forbes — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I know they’re marketing the shoe this way, but I’ve just recently acquired a pair and it had nothing to do with potential performance gains (well, not directly anyway). I’m hoping that the shoe lessens impact, taxing the leg muscles/tendons less. This is somewhat related to oxygen consumption, but also just the fundamental laws of gravity and impact. I’m coming from a Kinvara, so it is a fairly radical change…but as a heavier runner I was wearing out Kinvara’s quickly and experiencing leg pain after they were well-broken in. I’m a little concerned about the change in heel drop, but we’ll see what my experience is. This doesn’t seem like a shoe that is geared toward serious performance runners; but more of one for the casual runner.

By: Alexander Beverly

Alexander Beverly — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

This is a very interesting subject. I have yet to hear about a running shoe that can help you run more efficiently. These shoes sound like they can gain more mileage than other training shoes. I would like to test this pair of shoes out myself.

By: Scott Taylor

Scott Taylor — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Ive used my pair for recovery runs and enjoy them. They are too heavy/bulky for racing. Personally, I think the adios which is coming on the market soon is the real test were waiting to see. One percent improvement and in a light shoe could be significant over 26.2 miles.

By: Zedric Dimalanta

Zedric Dimalanta — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I imagine the added weight with the new midsole material will likely obviate any perceptible gains the Boost provides in efficiency compared to lighter weight shoes, at least for smaller runners and across shorter distances. Still, for people who just need all that cushioning, I guess it's a decent option.

This reminds me of the Adidas Spring Blade... even if all the supposed claims about its "explosive energy" return properties are true and demonstrable and repeatable in non-laboratory settings, the added weight is sure to cut into whatever "efficiency advantages" it confers: IIRC, a size 9 Spring Blade is already about 3 ounces heavier than the equivalently sized Boost. Unless the Spring Blade improves runner O2 consumption economy by a whopping 2%, it's probably better (or at least much cheaper and less of a fashion disaster) to go with the Gazelle.

By: Pete Larson

Pete Larson — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to Scott Taylor.

The question would be whether any removal of midsole material to make the shoes lighter compromises the beneficial effect of Boost.
Sent from my iPad

By: vitor roma

vitor roma — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Colour me skeptical, afterall there are many characterics in the shoes that can have an effect. The arch support, how comfy is the upper, the weight of shoe, the drop, etc.

By: Mihail Sirbu

Mihail Sirbu — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

This shoe is pure marketing. It's like putting an armchair looking saddle on a carbon bike for the 300 pound cyclists! If you are a heavy guy, work on your technique and weight first. You don't need that 1% performance boost because you won't be able to run fast anyway.
Excuse me for my negativity. I just want adidas to not sell snake oil to us...