The Adidas Boston 10 is a famous shoe amongst the running fraternity. It came out as an improved version of the previous series and proved to be one of the best daily training shoes on the market. The introduction of Lightstrike foam in the Boston 10 transformed the Boston model. To date, runners have had good praise for Adidas Boston 10, and Adidas counted on its success. Recently, Adidas released the Adidas Adizero Boston 11 as the iteration of the previous version, but with better improvements.
Adidas Boston 11 Upper Design and Fitting
The most significant changes are in the upper layer. Many runners have complained that the Adidas Boston 10 has loose heels and narrow forefoot. Adidas sought to address its critical issues. Unlike Adidas Boston 10, the Adidas Boston 11 has a wider toebox and forefoot. A thick heel counter also locks down the foot pretty well.
Adidas also made the upper much lighter than in the previous version by removing the overlays in the toe box and using the super thin mesh found in the Adidas Adizero Takumi Sen.
8. The mesh is super breathable but static because it does not stretch. Hence, it does not provide a stretch-like fit.
Adidas even tried to minimize padding to keep the weight down. Consequently, the padding is minimal yet enough. The Boston 11 has padding inside the heel areas, heel collar around, and on the middle of the tongue. Since Adidas used soft material, the minimal padding does not affect the overall comfort of the shoes. It is comfortable, especially for long-distance running or prolonged walking.
Adidas Boston 11 fits true-to-size. Note that the foot doesn’t slip easily because of the tight window created by the semi-gusseted tongue. Still, using the heel tab helps push the foot inside the shoe.
Adidas Adizero Boston 11 Midsole Design and Performance
The Boston 10 became different from its predecessors after Adidas elevated it into a modern trainer shoe with Lightstrike foam, a modernized midsole foam. For this reason, the Boston 10 became a big success. Unfortunately, those who disliked it preferred the traditional models, especially the Adidas Boston 9.
The midsole of the Adizero Boston 11 is the same as in the Boston 10, with Lightstrike in the bottom that gives the shoe the needed stability this 39mm stack height running shoe. The energy rods also do well in enhancing stability.
Above the Lightstrike foam is the Lightstrike Pro foam, which is soft and bouncy. This foam makes the Adidas Adizero Boston 11 highly comfortable.
The forefoot is pretty rockered, which goes unnoticed when walking or running slowly but comes to life when running fast.
Hence, the Adidas Boston 11 has a similar feature.
What is Wrong with Adidas Boston 11?
Those with Adidas fandom, especially those who have tried the Adios Adizero Pro series, are accustomed to the lightstrike midsole that provides a soft ride. However, in the Adidas Boston 11, the design hasn’t worked out well because this shoe rides firm and is nothing close to the lightstrike Pro foam. This could be attributed to the energy rods between the midsole. The good thing is that there are those runners who prefer firmness underfoot. Besides, Boston 11 becomes pretty soft when the midsole breaks in. Still, Adizero Boston 11 is not ideal for easy runs because of its firmness.
Why You Should Buy Adidas Adizero Boston 11
I put the Adidas Boston 11 through various paces to see how it performs and copes. I have done tempo runs, primarily 60 seconds of fast speed, 5 minutes of marathon pace, 2 minutes of cool downs, and 5 minutes of moderate paces.
The Adidas Boston 11 is good. It is snappy but not explosive. I can easily pick up speed and sustain the pace without losing momentum. The gait cycle is consistent, and the heel-to-toe transition is seamless with the Adidas Boston 11.
The most exciting thing about the Adidas Boston 11 is that it is responsive and snappy. The energy returns from the energy rods satisfying. The midsole is flexible and pops back to create a snappy toe-off and seamless gait cycle. Its sweet spot is running between marathon pace and slightly below this pace. It is easy to rack long miles when doing a marathon pace with the Boston 11.
The Adizero Boston 11 is not as lightweight as the Endorphin Speed pro 3, but it is somewhat lightweight and lighter than the Nike Air Zoom Fly 5. It ranges between 9.5 and 9.7 ounces depending on the shoe size and doesn’t feel heavy on foot.
Another reason I recommend the Adizero Boston 11 is because it has a raised upper for snug-fitting. Hence, there is no room for slippage. It has a correct fitting for prolonged running, including a roomy toe box. Finally, it is durable, courtesy of the legendary continental outsole rubber. It is a shoe that can last at least 800 miles.
The Adidas Adizero Boston 11 fits in the daily trainer category. It is versatile for handling training variations.
What runners Think of Adidas Adizero Boston 11
Harper: I loved the Boston 10, which was quite heavy and responsive. However, the Boston 11 is lightweight and more responsive than the Boston 10, and I love it.
Philip: I liked the Boston 10 but had issues with the hot feet, especially in warm weather. It felt like a polythene bag wrapped feet. However, Adidas Boston 11 is highly breathable.
Justine: What I love about the Adidas Boston 11 is that it feels comfortable when you step into it.
By Kyle Parker
Parker is a gym trainer, runner, and shoe lover who enjoys everything to do with fitness and shoes. He deeply understands the relationship between the shoes you wear, your body, and how you run.
