The Adios is adidas’ distance racing flat. It’s a shoe that can be found on the feet of many of the top elite adidas sponsored marathoners, and last year they released a version with a midsole composed of their recently introduced Boost material. I’d heard a lot of positive praise for the shoe from friends, and despite the fact that it had a higher drop than I typically prefer in a speed shoe (10mm), I wound up loving the ride. In fact, along with the New Balance 1400v2 and Newton Energy, the Adios Boost was one of my top 3 road shoes from 2013.
The Adios Boost had a perfect combo of a soft heel and a firm, responsive forefoot. It ran incredibly smooth, and the fit was dialed in on my feet. Pretty much a perfect shoe for my taste, and the 10mm drop did not bother me at all (probably due to the soft heel and the fact that the relatively thin forefoot provides good ground feel; or maybe just that since dialing in my form by going more minimal I now feel I can run in just about anything).
adidas Adios Boost 2 (top) and 1 (bottom)
adidas released version 2 of the Adios Boost earlier this year, and I again heard positive responses from other runners. In particular I heard praise for the new upper, which was supposedly a bit softer than the somewhat stiff, scratchy upper on version 1. I bought a pair to give them a try, and have now put about 40-50 or so miles on them, including a long run of 15+ miles and some speedwork on the track. Mainly what I’m going to do for the rest of this review is compare version 2 to version 1, and highlight major differences (there are only a few, one of which is important).
adidas Adios Boost 2 (top) and 1 (bottom)
Sole
The biggest positive about the Adios Boost 2 is that adidas did not mess with the ride. As far as I can tell, the sole appears to be identical, and stack heights are the same (23mm heel, 13mm forefoot). As with version 1, weight is right around 8oz in version 2. Like it’s predecessor, the heel is soft, the forefoot is firm, and I’d describe the ride as responsive when you pick up the pace (they actually feel really good on the track). If you’ve never tried a Boost shoe before, it has a bouncy feel to it, and it retains that feel in the cold, which is a big plus for the material. The bounciness is not noticeable in the forefoot since it’s pretty thin.
adidas Adios Boost 2 (right) and 1 (left)
Upper
The upper and fit are where the adios Boost 2 departs from the original. The upper has been completely redone, and externally the material does feel a bit softer. However, it is still somewhat scratchy internally and I would not personally attempt running sockless in this shoe. And whereas v1 relied more on welded overlays (including some of the adidas logo stripes), v2 has a more traditional stitched set of overlays. In v2 there is also a prominent faux-suede toe cap, and more traditional style lace rows made of the same faux-suede material. The shoe almost has kind of a throwback/vintage feel toe it – it looks great in a very understated way.
A couple of other upper differences worth mentioning. First, it’s hard to say for sure, but it feels like the heel counter in v2 may be a bit stiffer and rise a bit higher than that in v1. Also, the tab behind the Achilles tendon does not extend up as high in v2 (see photo above).
adidas Adios Boost 2 (top) and 1 (bottom)
Fit
Probably the biggest change from v1 to v2 for me is fit. I initially bough v2 in the same size as I had in v1 thinking that it would be similar. Upon initially trying the shoes on I could tell that v2 was a bit tighter up front, but length did not seem to be an issue. I think the toebox is a bit more tapered, leading to a bit more toe squeeze (this is similar to how I felt about the non-Boost Adios 2 fit). After several runs, including a long run that led to some toenail bruising, I was ready to give up on the shoes. Somewhat fortuitously, adidas sent out a pair in size 10.5 for me to try (Disclosure: they were free media samples; I thought they were sending me Energy Boost 2), and after several runs in them I can confirm that fit is much better. So, if you were a fan of v1, I would definitely recommend going a half size up in v2 to accommodate the shape of the toebox.
adidas Adios Boost 2 (top) and 1 (bottom)
Conclusion
With the fit dialed in (half size larger), the adidas Adios Boost 2 provides the same great ride as v1. This is a shoe I could use for speed or distance racing, and I love the cushioned yet responsive feel of the sole. For some this might be a 5K racer, for others it might be a marathon racer depending on how much shoe you are used to. Aside from the tricky fit, my only major issue with the Adios Boost is price – at $140 it’s an expensive shoe for a racer. Adidas might counter that durability of the Boost material justifies the price, but that’s a call you will have to make if you want to try them.
The adidas Adios Boost 2 is available are at Running Warehouse and adidas.com. Outside the US it can be purchased from Wiggle. Purchases made via these links provide a small commission to Runblogger and help to support the production of reviews like this one – thanks!
About Peter Larson
Looks like they’ve put the old (non-boost) Adios top half back onto the boost sole (similar heel counter, laces, toe buffer). That would account for the need to size-up (I’ve always had to go up 0.5 in the original Adios, whereas the Adios Boost 1 was a much roomier fit).
Do you know if the non-boost Adios is to be discontinued? Hope not – it has a great raw racer ride.
Not sure on the future of the non-Boost Adios.
Hi Rob,
The Adios Boost which was first released in 2013 replaced the Non-Boost Adios, Just as the Adios Boost 2 has now replaced the Original Adios Boost.
Adidas No-longer make the Non-Boost Adios and the gradually introducing Boost through their range of shoes.
Have you had a chance to try out the new Boston Boosts yet? While it’s too late in this training cycle for me to switch training, speed & race shoes, I’m always looking for the magical components (other than diet, miles, speed work and recovery) for the next cycle.
No, don’t have those yet.
I just tried on the Boston in size 12 and I didn’t have toe room. I then tried the Adios pictured in this article in size 12 and it felt like I’m used to. The Adidas employee said it should fit the same but it is different styles and stitch so The Boston is tighter. It’s strange, they didn’t have 12.5 only 13 for both styles. This was in Portland at their Employee store.
So is it the AB1 or the AB2 that you found were less tight in the front than the Bostons? Would think AB2 since that review is about them, but in a further comment you say you regret ordering size 12?
Reason I’m asking is that I got the Boston Boost in 12 as I really like my Glide Boost in 12 (almost a bit roomy in the front actually) but find the Boston to be really tight. Now if the AB2 are roomier than the Boston then I might consider these as the Boston Boost in 12.5 would most liketly be too big for me.
I feel the Boston is tighter. I don’t think they make a 12.5 in Boston. The AB 2 is the one I was talking about. I returned them w/o running in them. While standing over looking down my foot was over hanging slightly due to being wide. I’m still using my Adizero Boost version 2.
Ok, I understand now. They do make a 12.5 BB5 as I’m about to go running in those I ordered last week ;-) They seem to be identical in length to the 12 model, just larger, my toes no longer feel like they are in a straightjacket!
It’s consistent with what the shoeftr diagrams show and it sounds very much like Pete’s experience with the AB2, a bit odd!
For a comparison: the Glide Boost size 10 fits me perfectly, yet the Boston Boost in size 10 1/2 feels really tight (might need some breaking in, but then I can’t get a refund any more). The Adios Boost size 10 1/2 might be a tad long, but not too tight and works just fine.
Great review Peter!! The drop on these is simply too much for my running style regardless of how good the cushioning is. I love the energy boost and I definitely appreciate the heftier forefoot cushioning on them but I really wish they would release a zero or 4mm drop shoe. I already gave in and bought the energy boost, but I wont bother with another boost shoe I buy unless they release a lower drop shoe.
Same thing with me. While I liked the mid sole material feel, I felt the drop get in my way. Oddly, I didn’t notice it on the NB 1400.
I would love to see this in a 3-5mm version with a bit wider of a toe box!
I think it’s because the heel in the 1400v2 slightly softer and the revlite midsole compresses easier. The boost has a very bouncy feel so your heel won’t compress the boost material and have it stay that way. I had the same problem with the original 1400 with a slightly larger drop and not as soft heel not compressing enough for my stride.
Really good job on the site, Thanks for guide!
The only time in my life I developped plantar fascilitis was after running in Adios Boost 1 twice in a row… since then they’ve been in their box and I’m scared to run in them again.
Pete, in your experience, can a “race dynamic torsion plate” ;-) as you can find on the Adios Boost can interfere with the natural work of the arch and then lead to injuries ?
It was not my favorite shoe ever… but a shoe I could have seen myself doing long tempo runs in if it wasn’t for that injury I developped in them. Well I can always give them a second chance and see if it was just bad luck or of it’s really THAT shoe ;-) .
Good question. I haven’t felt any pain in my PF in a long time, but find that sometimes if I wear a stability shoe like the Saucony Guide it creates a bit of soreness. Might need to try that again and see what happens.
It looks like your pair of the Boost v1 is wearing very well, like mine. Like I said about a year ago, that seems to justify the higher price. I’m not anywhere close to needing to buy v2, but then, most of my running is still in the minimal stuff, so that probably has a lot to do with it.
I have 980 miles on my adios boost 1s. The boost material hasn’t degraded at all, judging from my head to head experience on a treadmill with my 980 mile v1s versus v2s. Sadly the Columbus Tire” tread is wearing out so I need a new pair. Sadder still, even though the upper is generally improved, the lower, harder heel on the v2 hurts my heel. So I need to find the v1 somewhere.
Steve; good price on the v1 here: link to runningwarehouse.com
use code: fb15d for another 15% off and they are $85…pretty decent price for that shoe.
~David
Thanks David! Just went over 1000 miles today. As today is Halloween, I am ordering the adios boost 1 in orange zest. For $85 this has to be one of the most inexpensive shoes/mile out there. And it is a great shoe.
Nice! Yeah, I ordered a pair as well. Been on the fence with them at the $140 price range, but I’ve heard good things and agree that at $85, seems like a good buy. All the best.
Very interesting post, thanks!
I bought a pair of Adios Boost 1 in April, and have done all my speed works, tempo/threshold runs and now a half-marathon in them, I absolutely love these shoes, and my feet and legs feel totally fresh in them even after longer runs.
My question concerns sizing: I usually wear a US size 10, but the 10 on the Adios Boost 1 felt a little snug, so I bought a 10.5, which feels a bit long, but still runs great. Should I still size up half a size to 11, or would this smaller 10.5 actually would be the perfect fit for me (not as tight as the older 10, but not as long as the old 10.5) ?
My other question concerns a comparison with the Mizuon Wave Hitogami, since both these shoes seems to have similar usages. I only tried the Hitogami in a store, and loved the feel. In some ways, the Hitogami seems the polar opposite of the Adios to me: it has a stiff heal, and a soft, very cushioned forefoot. This is generally the kind of shoe I like, but then again the Adios works great for me ! How would you compare those too?
Personally I prefer the adios over the Hitogami. Just a better match for my stride, though the Hitogami does fit a bit wider up front. As for sizing, if the 10.5 in the adios feels a bit long, you might be good staying with that in v2, particularly if you don’t have wide feet.
The Adios Boost 2 sizes the same as the non-boost Adios 2, which makes sense as the uppers are basically identical.
I’ve run about 100 miles in my pair now and love them, they feel effortlessly fast without beating your feet up like the old Adios 2.
I know they are not everyone’s thing (they are not low drop,designed as a minimalist shoe, a foot strengthening tool etc) but for running as fast as possible for long distances they are ideal.
May I ask how you compare those two shoes, boost and non?
The Boost is softer and more resilient, non Boost has a much firmer feel.
Thanks for the review. I’ve finally found a shoe that fits me well for most of my runs with the Adidas Glide Boost but they’re a bit “wide” and I could have used something “tighter” for my latest 10k. I tried the Adios Boost 1 but they felt even wider in the front and the upper felt too plasticky. It seems like the tighter Adios Boost 2 are shoes I should try!
Like Francis I’m looking forward to hearing how the Boston feel like. Not sure there’s a lot of room between the Adios and the Glide though.
I am cursed with a size 13. The adios boost is my favorite shoe and the 13 fits me perfectly. I just tried on the 2 and it is too tight. Why don’t shoe company’s make 13.5?
I couldn’t find a 12.5, almost bought a 13. Bought a 12, and now after reading all the comments I’m gonna call and try to have them replaced.
I’ve recently purchased the Boston Boost 5 and, looking at the Adios Boost v2, there appears to be very little difference between the 2 shoes. What is the difference? The uppers are almost identical (save for colour) and the amount of boost in the midsole also appears to be pretty much the same?
Wondering about that as well. Someone did a comparison here link to samwinebaum.blogspot.fr – with the Adios Boost 1 mind you, but I the sole is unchanged.
Looking at pictures it seems that there is no boost material under the forefoot in the Bostons…
Looks like a bit more stack on the Boston (3mm in the heel and forefoot) according to Running Warehouse. From the side it looks like there is black foam under the forefoot, but this pic of the sole seems to show Boost all the way through the forefoot on the Boston: link to img.runningwarehouse.com
Good catch, so the black foam on the side of the Bostons would just be cosmetic then. I’ll see if I can try on the BB5 and AB2 side by side this week…and I’ll bring my GB6 along ;-)
Looks like just a bit more cushion in the Boston (3mm heel and forefoot per Running Warehouse).
Boston runs differently. Considerably softer particularly heel as there is no torsion support. Yes more and longer EVA up front so softer feeling forefoot. Like the forefoot feel for a trainer/racer. Heel mushier thsn adios or Energy. My least favorite boost shoe, sitting somewhat uneasily between a trainer and a light trainer/racer I have used a durometer device to measure various midsole hardnesses and Boost is the softest by far. What makes Boost work so well or not is how it is combined with the torsion plastic and full coverage Continental rubber outsoles. My review link to samwinebaum.blogspot.com
So it seems there is no Boost material under the forefoot on the Boston? Wonder what the rationale is for that, on both the Adios and Glide it seems to stop “halfway” under the forefoot. Not sure what the Boston brings to a forefoot striker then…But you say more EVA upfront means a softer feeling forefoot, wouldn’t it be even softer if the Boost material went further?
I really enjoy the Glides, the Adios Boost 1 didn’t feel very different, closer to the ground definitely, but I didn’t like the “plasticky upper” at all, this seems to have been fixed in the Boost 2.
hollyoak, I think the Boost in the adios is thinner up front than the combination of EVA and Boost in the Boston. Plenty firm for me without being harsh. Added to that is that I think based on my measurement of outsole firmness that the adios outsole material may be firmer, I don’t have my Boston Boost here but did measure Energy. The combination of thickness, midsole materials, outsole, and torsion plastic is what gives the ride characteristics of each shoe
I just got my Boston Boost 5 and they are a very different fit compared to both the AB1 and the GB6, a lot tighter in the front! Since they seem to share the upper of the AB2 I can see why Peter would recommend sizing up. I think I’m ok with a size 12 because the AB1 were definitely too wide in the front and the GB6 are just ok as long as I don’t pick up the pace.
That tight upper would definitely make them a racing shoe for me. I’ll see how they work on my T-Pace session on Friday.
It looked like a adios boost party in the lead pack at Berlin
I got almost 500 miles out of the non boost adios but only just over a 100 from the boost 1 before the upper tore to shreds! I’ll be interested to see how the adios 2 plays out.
I liked my Adios Boost 1s for racing (HM-M), but did find the drop just a bit too much – I train more in pure connects. And now, I find that after 3 races, and not much training, that the soles are really wearing. The last HM I did in them gave me some ankle pain, which I think is because the sole wear is asymmetrical – I’ve never had that before. Grrrr!
I cannot run on Adios Boost – they are too spongy for me. IMO – the return energy is a joke. I use them only for recovery runs, they are very comfortable for slow runs. At least for me the spongy effect is increasing the ground contact time that is impacting running performance. But everyone is different. I’m using takumi sen 2 for racing, that is a better shoe in my opinion – you’ll get the real feeling of your run. btw – I’m not a minimalist at all. Boost is just marketing name around spongy shoes.
I have both the adios 2 (non boost) and adios boost 1, and as you say, find the boost 1 more suitable for easier runs, and the non boost to really come into its own when pushed to speed — simply put, for me the thin kevlar or whatever plate in the adios non-boost has a rigidity to it that seems to return energy to you at higher speeds, while the boost version feels a bit mushy, or at least mushier by comparison. I wonder how adidas’ elite marathoners felt about this? I think the non-boost version would work better over the final stages of a marathon…
hey pete,
would you choose 2 over 1? especially considering the 1’s sale price??
also, can you remove the insole to reduce the drop?
finally, would this be your next marathon shoe? if not, what is?
I like the fit of v1 better. This would be in the running for a marathon with the Kinvara 5, NB 1400v2, maybe the Skechers GoRun 4/GoMeb Speed 3.
Hey there Pete! Long time reader and first wanted to say thanks for all your great reviews! Secondly I was wondering if you would suggest the adios boost (1 or 2) as a daily trainer? I normally run in Nike Frees 5.0 and 4.0 but really want to use a boost shoe as I’ve heard nothing but good about the boost material however the Energy 2s seem a bit too high profile for me..any suggestions? I also tend to run on my forefoot/midfoot
I see no reason why not, I’d have no problem using the Adios as a daily trainer, and if you regularly use the Free you should have no issues.
I’d agree with Pete and in fact use the adios boost 1 as a trainer. I don’t run in Frees, but they definitely have less structure (torsion system and outsole adios boost adds over frees) than the adios although the frees do probably run a bit softer. I recently tried the Energy Boost 2 on and they could work for you…they are a little more stack height than the adios, but softer and more forgiving which might be closer to the frees in ride quality. I guess in the end it ends up what kind of ride you want: adios is less forgiving but much more responsive and energy 2 is more forgiving but a little less responsive; both would be fine as trainers though. Hope that helps, -David
Adios it is! Thanks guys
Hey Peter, thank you so much for the great info. I just started training for my first NYC marathon and I just purchased the AB v1 in orange for $68.99 at the Runners Warehouse website.
I wanted the AB v2 but I couldn’t find them in my size in orange anywhere on the web. I usually wear a size 12 and got the v1 in a 12. I hope they are not too small.
Can’t wait to get them. Great info on site. Thanks again.
Thanks Dre, and good luck at NYC!