Here's why Boost technology makes Adidas the most comfortable sneakers ever
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When sportswear companies put a heavy emphasis on performance innovation in footwear, other areas like styling are oftentimes compromised. Technology-driven designs might do well on the track, field, or court, but when it’s time to take off the athletic gear and step back into the streets, they look severely out of place.
For Adidas, a brand whose success has skyrocketed in recent years, their experience with innovation has been quite the opposite — and Boost technology is a huge part of that.
In 2013, The Brand with the Three Stripes introduced Boost as its revolutionary cushioning system, which provided the highest energy return in any running sneaker. The technology was designed to provide runners with soft cushioning and long-lasting energy that more rigid sneakers couldn’t.
What makes Boost unlike any other cushioning used in sneakers is its material. Adidas partnered with leading chemical company BASF to develop a solid granular material that’s blown up and turned into thousands of small energy capsules. When put together to form the distinct Boost midsole, the capsules store and release more energy than any other design on the market.
While sneaker innovation across the industry consists of a lot of research and development, there’s also a lot of trial and error involved. To the consumers, new technology can seem gimmicky, as brands come up with air units, special foams, and such for performance. Boost is far from a gimmick and its uses continue to expand throughout Adidas' line of product.
The same technology that kept runners comfortable on long-distance runs, is now being used for basketball sneakers, football cleats, lifestyle sneakers, and even modernized brand classics like the Superstar.
Boost cushioning makes Adidas the best brand to shop for comfortable sneakers.
Whether you're looking for sneakers for your sport of choice, an on-the-go lifestyle, or purely for fashion, you can do it in comfort with Adidas.
Head over to Adidas and pick up a pair of Boost sneakers now.
Check out our favorite sneakers with Boost technology below.
Amir Ismael, commerce reporter: Adidas NMD
As a sneaker collector, I was well aware of Boost technology in its early days, but I was a skeptic.
I wasn’t quite sold on spending so much on a pair of Adidas. I was first introduced to the technology with the Yeezy Boost 350, a sneaker done in collaboration with Kanye West. At that point I was sold. While the Yeezys were (and still are) comfortable, my love for Boost came in full swing when I purchased a pair of NMDs, a sneaker Adidas designed for the urban nomad. When I think of a modern-day nomad, I think of someone who’s active, on their feet a lot, and travels — and the NMD is literally the perfect sneaker for that lifestyle.
The sneaker features Adidas’ proprietary Primeknit material on the upper, so they’re super lightweight and won’t crease like other shoes. That means they’re easy to collapse and pack in a travel bag. A full-length Boost midsole makes these by far the most comfortable sneaker I own.
I have many sneakers that I wouldn’t say are uncomfortable, but it’s very hard to put them on when Boost is an available option, too. If I can anticipate a lot of walking or a long day on my feet, I’ll be taking it on in NMDs. What makes the NMD great is that there are so many options. I have the original version released, but since then Adidas has created an updated second version with more Boost cushioning and other styles like Chukkas and City Socks.
Shop all Adidas NMDs here.
Mara Leighton, commerce reporter: Adidas Ultra Boost X
What initially drew me to this specific pair of Ultra Boost X shoes was the fact that they were made in collaboration with Parley for the Oceans. Parley is an organization that aims to raise awareness and make changes in ocean life sustainability, so some of the yarn incorporates recycled ocean plastic. I’ve actually been keeping my eye out for this pair for awhile, because of that and because I love the look. I trust Adidas, when it comes to great running shoes, so I focused on those features in lieu of trying to hunt for quality.
Not only are they sustainable and look great with anything, but they also have Adidas’ Boost technology which makes them really, really comfortable. The Primeknit feels like a sock, the body of the shoe is really lightweight, and the supportive cage fits closely to my feet without smothering. All in all, I love them and wear them multiple times a week, on errands and during workouts.
Shop all Adidas Ultra Boost Xs here.
Breton Fischetti, senior director, commerce: Adidas Iniki Runner
My experience with the Adidas Boost sole technology comes in the form of these Iniki Runners I got a couple weeks ago. I'd wanted to try a Boost shoe for a long time, but a lot of them look a little too high tech for my taste, and the Iniki was a great balance of modern technology with a classic upper. They reminded me a lot of the Adidas Samba that a lot of kids wore for indoor soccer growing up. They're also a more affordable entry point for the Boost, as they only cost $120 instead of $180 or $200.
The sole is exactly what it claims to be, which is incredibly comfortable. I also own a pair of Nike Frees and these are more comfortable. I love that the bounce in the sole is dynamic, meaning it bounces the more you press on it. It feels like I have a literal spring in my step when I wear these shoes.
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