Published: Jan 31, 2022
SCORE: 8.7/10
Weight: 11.80 oz / 335g
Shoe Type: heavy duty trainer
Heel Drop: 10mm (33mm/23mm)
Terrain: Road
Pace: Moderate speed
Pros
- Rides moderately soft
- Has sufficient cushioning
- Wide foot base for excellent stability
- A touch lighter than the previous model
Cons
- Does not perform exceptionally in fast pace running
- Quite heavy
Take Away
Since its inception in 2015, the Ultraboost has become one of the most popular Adidas sneakers. The Ultraboost 22 is an iteration of the Adidas Ultraboost 21 except for minor changes. Some are aesthetics related, while others are performance related. It means that those who loved the previous version will continue to love the Ultraboost 22 and even get to appreciate the right changes Adidas made.
Unfortunately, those who loved the Ultraboost 20 and Adidas Ultraboost 19 downwards may still complain because the Ultraboost 21 and 22 are complete makeovers and deviations from their predecessors.
The Ultraboost 21 displayed some excellent performance, and it would have done better had it not for heaviness and fitting issues. This time around, the Ultraboost 22 bears some improvements. It is about half an ounce lighter than the previous version with better running efficiency, making the weight issue disappear.
Also, unlike its predecessor, the Adidas Ultraboost 22 is gender-specific; for men and women. The difference is not just in the fitting but in the structure. This is a step in the right direction because men and women run differently.
Adidas Ultraboost 22 Instant Impression
It is less than a year since I bought the Ultraboost 21, and Adidas has not wasted much time releasing its newest version. I liked the 21 version even though I didn't use it a lot for daily training. I found it to be too "cool'' for casual wear. Then, I will be lying if I say that I inadvertently went for the Ultraboost 22 because I have Ultraboost fandom. Interestingly, I have run in the 19, 20 and 21 Ultraboost versions.
I ordered my pair of Ultraboost 22 online and was impressed when I unpacked them. Straight out of the box, the Ultraboost 22 felt as heavy as the previous version, but, on a weighing scale, it was merely an ounce lighter, but the upper is striking. The changes in the upper were apparent at first sight. It looked slightly more streamlined and vibrant than Ultraboost 21.
There was an instant feel of comfort when I slid my feet into the shoe because, unlike in the 21 version, the toe box was stretchy, thus unrestrictive. The fitting was much more secure, and I quickly noticed the midsole compresses.
When I took it out for a ride, the first thing I noticed was the considerable amount of softness under the foot, forward push, and less weight. It did not slap hard on the concrete floor and didn't explode when I switched up the pace. I loved the comfort, and stable gaits, especially at moderate speed. I did 7 miles on the first day, and I noticed a speed improvement compared to my first day with the Ultraboost 21 (8.9mins per mile versus 9.4 mins per mile).
Adidas Ultraboost 22 Upper Component
Aesthetically not a lot has changed in the upper, but there are notable improvements. Though small, they make significant differences.
The upper material of Ultraboost 22 is more stretchy and accommodating than in the previous version. I have a problem with the Ultraboost 21, especially around the toe box. It was very tight and restrictive. However, in the Adidas Ultraboost 22, the toe box is pretty roomy because the mesh stretches to give the foot space to flex. This is possible because Adidas utilized the elastic mohair yarn material around the toe box.
The mesh wraps beautifully around the foot, taking the foot's shape, and I can feel my toes splaying out naturally. The yarn material is 50% recycled polyester and 50% Parley Ocean Plastics.
An arrow-like 'cool' shape design on the toe box gives the upper a transformed appearance. It is also highly perforated to allow air circulation.
The lacing system of the Adidas Ultraboost 22 comes in a different setup compared to the previous version. Adidas tweaked the midfoot cage to enhance lockdown. It also placed a lace loop in the first eyelet, and then rounded final eyelets to free up the laces by reducing friction.
The eyelets have also been pushed back a little. This time around, the first eyelet has a metal ring, thus will do well in preventing tearing and providing a secure lockdown. I noticed that the rounded lacing loop allows the toe box to bend freely.
Adidas also placed a cushioned Adidas logo that runs somehow long from the top on the top of the tongue. The padded logo appears to be a genius idea because it prevents the laces from exerting pressure on top of the foot. The caging setup of Ultraboost 22 also seems to be about functionality rather than aesthetics. It has helped improve lockdown and does not dig into the foot. Besides, the toe box comes with a more pronounced design.
The heel collar of Ultraboost 22 extends upwards. It looks more like a fin and is easy to pull when sliding the foot into the shoe. The heel collar does well in protecting the back of the foot. It also enhances comfort, mainly due to the sufficient padding and a soft inner lining that doesn't rub against the Achilles.
Hence, there is a subtle improvement from the previous version considering that Adidas did not wholly change the overall structure.
Overall, the Adidas Ultraboost 22 has a more comfortable upper than the previous version and is true to size, and has a sock-like fitting.
Adidas Ultraboost 22 Sole Component
The Adidas Ultraboost 22 has a wide running surface. It is wider around the midfoot and the heels than in the 21 version. Like the Ultraboost 21, the Ultraboost 22 has an excellent underfoot feeling and is exceptionally stable. I also noted that it feels soft underfoot. Even with speed surges, the 22 performs better. There is a significantly improved running economy due to significant energy return.
Did you know that Adidas made a weird and straightforward change in the midsole that is easy to overlook? When you take out the insole, you will see two cut out holes; in the heel and forefoot. The presence of the hole explains why the midsole feels squishy underfoot. Adidas has also replicated the design in the Adidas Utraboost 22 Women's.The intention is to enhance compression, making them softer than males' shoes, and for sure, ladies will love the experience of running in the new Ultraboost 22.
Adidas also placed the Linear Energy Push system to give the midsole the required rigidity, which translates to a stable running experience. The LEP system has a plastic-like feel and is not as rigid as the metallic version placed in the Ultraboost 21.
The slight rigidity allows it to bend, a mechanism that provides a slight forward push. Thus, apart from stability, the LEP system also enhances push -off when running. It picked up the pace progressively to post a pretty impressive performance considering that the Ultraboost 22 is not technically designed for fast paces.
The outsole is pretty much the same as the previous version in terms of design and performance. The traction pattern remains unchanged. Hence there is excellent traction, stability and durability. I neither experienced slippage when running on the surface nor loud slaps on the pavement. I fear that the spaces left by the continental rubber patterns tend to pick debris and gravel.
Like in the Ultraboost 21, the extended heel offers a comfortable landing pad and does well in launching a heel strike.
What I like about the Adidas Ultraboost 22 is the readjusted upper for comfortable fitting compliments the slightly tweaked midsole to produce better efficiency underfoot than in Adidas Ultraboost 21.
I have done 101 miles, and I firmly believe that the Ultraboost 22 is better than the Ultraboost 21. It rides softer, pretty faster and is stable. The broadened underfoot and the less rigid LEP allows Adidas Ultraboost 22 to perform in running styles, including mid-range distance running and fast paces. However, I felt like anything beyond 3 miles at a rapid pace is a big no, considering that it's slightly heavy and lacks the explosiveness associated with the Saucony Endorphin Pro 2.
Though it doesn't roll like the Adidas Adistar, The Ultraboost 22 is still a good option for fast, slow, long-distance running, hard but fast paces or easy effort running, walking and casual wear. I like it because it is not super compressive and has sufficient ground contact feel and stability. In essence, the Boost foam works for me.
Final Thoughts
Adidas Ultraboost 22 has subtle changes compared to its predecessor, and they significantly improve the fitting and performance of this shoe. Regardless of the big difference between the boost foam innovative foams by various shoe manufacturers, I admit that this boost foam works better in the Ultraboost 22. The energy return is okay, and there is slight snappiness.
Overall, Adidas Ultraboost 22 is for someone looking for high impact protection associated with the boost material and, of course, the continental rubber. It also perfectly suits persons who have Ultraboost fandom. If the previous model worked for you, the Ultraboost 22 would sweep you off your feet because it has remarkable improvements like improved upper and overall performance.
The retention of boost foam and hard continental outsole rubber means this shoe may not work for someone into compressive and squishy shoes that offers a limited ground-contact feel. However, carefully balanced Boost foam and continental rubber provide runners with a natural running experience devoid of injuries by reducing footstep misinterpretation caused by low muscle memory. This helps to reduce unnecessary injury to the joints.
Note that the Adidas Ultraboost 22 is not a speed shoe but an excellent choice for a moderate pace like 8 minutes per mile and for mid-range distances up to 10 miles. It's going to give you a leeway to try a bit of sprint work, but it will be hard fast paces because of weight issues and slight responsiveness. Don't go for Ultraboost 22 if you are looking for a fast running shoe.
Based on my running experience, the Ultraboost 22 is a comfortable shoe with exceptional fitting, outstanding performance and a relaxed look for casual wear. Adidas Ultraboost fans will love it without a doubt.
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Reviewed by Smith
Carter is an experienced runner from South Carolina. Smith is an ardent runner with thousands of miles on his feet. At 36, he has 12 years of running experience.
