adidas Ultraboost Light Review: A Plush Trainer Great for All Runners
adidas
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Key Features:
- Weight: 10.5 ounces (men’s 9), 9.2 ounces (women’s 7)
- Arch type and support: Neutral arch, medium support
- Terrain: Road
- Material: TPU beads and EVA foam
- Distance: Mile to marathon
- Use: Everyday trainer
- Standout feature: highly responsive, lightweight midsole
- Price: $190
Adidas has been a key player in running shoes and apparel for decades. And while many new brands have popped up over that time, Adidas has a few styles that have remained a top pick for runners. One of their most popular models is the Ultraboost, and while the shoe was already great, it went through quite the redesign after the Ultraboost 22, which resulted in the Ultraboost Light. This newest rendition dropped a ton of weight while still retaining the integrity of the shoe.
Whether you are on your tenth pair of Ultraboosts or are interested in giving the shoe a try, we gathered all the information you need to determine if this shoe is right for you. Keep reading to learn more about the Ultraboost light including all of the features that make it great.
Ultraboost Light Design
While this shoe may look quite similar to the original Ultraboost, it has had a massive upgrade that is more than meets the eye. It features a new foam than the previous Ultraboost models which gives it a snappier, more responsive feel and has produced the lightest Ultraboost to date. Previously, the Ultraboost featured its TPU bead boost foam which was known for its super bouncy, plush feel. The downside with full TPU however is that it is pretty heavy, so this new model kept TPU beads in the boost midsole, but replaced some with a lighter EVA foam throughout. This does make the sneaker slightly firmer, but it significantly cuts down on weight, and makes it slightly more stable. The shoe also features a grippy continental rubber outsole that keeps it from slipping in wet conditions.
The shoe also features adidas' LEP (Linear Energy Push) system which was first seen in the Ultraboost 21. The LEP is a reinforced material—similar, though less aggressive than a carbon plate—placed in the center of the midsole that helps to increase responsiveness and decrease torsion in the heel and midfoot while running which gives the shoe a reasonable amount of stability despite being categorized as a neutral shoe, and it may even be stable enough for moderate overpronators or those with flat feet.
The Primeknit upper of the shoe is reminiscent of a traditional mesh style but it is actually a stretchy knit material that gives it a sock-like fit. Though it has more give than a traditional mesh upper, the Primeknit was still supportive and allowed for the foot to flex without causing shifting or excessive movement—though if you are someone that prefers a super snug, locked in fit, this may not be your cup of tea. It also comes in an impressive 15 colorway options for both men and women.
The upper also has a particularly high heel with a deep cut on either side of the ankle. This fit keeps the heel secure in the shoe while preventing any irritation on the ankle bones. Like the Ultraboosts that came before it, this rendition keeps the plastic heel counter which adds great rearfoot stability and prevents over-rotation of the inner heel.
Running and Walking With the Ultraboost Light
adidas
Whether you are a competitive runner, hobby jogger, or neighborhood walker, finding a comfortable, supportive running shoe is key to making the most of your workout. And no matter your fitness level, the Ultraboost Light is a great option with versatility for multiple activities. It feels lightweight on the foot and has a protective, cushioned midsole that keeps you comfortable for long miles or a day spent on your feet. The flexible, breathable upper is comfortable and won’t rub the foot—plus it accommodates slight foot swelling due to warm temperatures.
This is a great option for runners looking for an all around daily trainer that’s on the higher side as far as cushioning, and can be a great first daily training shoe for new runners. While the midsole did lose a bit of bulk, it is still definitely a high cushioned shoe and is excellent at shock absorption. TPU beads are also particularly springy which helps with energy return and gives the shoe a snappy, fast feel despite the high level of cushion.
If you are just walking in the shoe, you probably won’t get quite as much energy return, but it will still feel bouncy and cushioned underfoot which is great for those that like to cover a couple of miles on their walks or jobs that require you to be on your feet. The classic look also makes it a great choice for an athleisure or casual look.
Customer Reviews
Customers love how lightweight the shoe is, particularly when compared to the original Ultraboost, though some of those that loved the softness of the previous version found this one a bit too firm.
They also noted that they felt incredibly stable—particularly for a neutral shoe—and that the upper offered a secure, close fit.
Some customers that used them for walking compared the feel to Yeezys (previously manufactured by Adidas) but noted that they were more comfortable and more supportive.
Many customers did note that the shoe runs a bit on the small side, so it’s best to size up, particularly if you are between sizes.
How We Tested
I tested these shoes on track, road, cinder, grass, and treadmill to see how it would perform on all surfaces. I also wore them on everything from walks around the neighborhood to training runs to workouts.
Personally, I found that it performed best on hard, solid surfaces. While it was ok on the cinder trails, it was most responsive on something a bit firmer. It has great cushioning in the heel and would make a fantastic choice for heel strikers.
Since it is a high cushioned shoe, it is best used as a training shoe and can be a great option for those dipping into high mileage. It also has a flared midsole and plastic heel counter which reduces lateral heel movement and helped to give it some mild stability. I am a fairly neutral runner, so I didn't notice much motion control from the shoe, but it did feel secure and stable on uneven surfaces.
It fit me pretty true to size in length, though I did find it to be a bit wide in the heel. I never slipped out, but it did have some slight movement that was more or an irritant than true concern.
The knit upper allowed for just enough movement and didn't cause any hot spots, but it also wasn’t as stretchy as some of the competing knit uppers which makes it the ideal balance between supportive and flexible.
What We Like About the adidas Ultraboost Light
This shoe is lightweight, highly cushioned, and highly supportive—basically everything you want in a basic training or walking shoe. It has a flexible, breathable upper that allows the foot to move naturally, and the high heel keeps the foot secure in the shoe.
It also has a relatively high level of support for a neutral shoe. It features the LEP which reduces torsion and heel movement along with the plastic heel counter—together they are quite effective at reducing movement and preventing some overpronation.
It is also a great balance between a squishy high cushion shoe and snappy, lightweight shoe. It offers a high level of cushion which is great for double digit miles with great energy return that keeps your legs feeling fresh.
What to Consider About the adidas Ultraboost Light
At almost $200, this shoe does not come cheap. With most high-cushion shoes hitting closer to the $150–$170 mark, it may be out of many runners’ budgets—though if you are able to spend that much, we won’t deny that it is a great shoe.
It was noted by some customers that the fit ran at least a half size small, and that the colors were not always consistent in person with what was pictured on the website.
Finally, if you are expecting an Ultraboost twin, this shoe is more fraternal than identical. It does look very similar on the outside, but the foam is quite a bit firmer—something that customers were divided about in reviews.
Fit
This iteration of the Ultraboost seems to be running a bit small based on current reviews, so it is probably best to size up a half size in order to make sure that you have enough room in the toe box.
Since it has a knit upper, it has a bit of a sock-like fit that secures the shoe on before the laces are even tied. The high heel and tall tongue also help to keep the shoe properly secured while still allowing for full ankle mobility.
Though it does have the LEP and heel counter providing some decent stability, this is still a neutral shoe, and it feels like a neutral shoe when on, so you won’t feel any aggressive support pushing up against the arch.
Who the adidas Ultraboost Light Is Best For
adidas
This shoe is an ideal fit for neutral runners and walkers. The combination of plush and lightweight foam gives you support and comfort without feeling weighed down. Since the shoe is also relatively stable, it is also a pretty good fit for a range of arch heights, and can even work for those with moderate overpronation.
This is also a great shoe for those that walk and stand for hours at work as the combination of support and cushion keeps the feet comfortable and in proper alignment all day long.
Who the adidas Ultraboost Light Is Not Best For
If you are a severe overpronator, this is not the shoe for you. While it does offer a decent level of support, it is still a neutral shoe and it will not be able to offer the same level of support that a motion control or stability shoe can. If you really want to try the shoe, you can usually work around this issue by adding a supportive insole—though that will be an additional cost of $40–$60.
This is also not a shoe for heavy lifters. Though TPU is relatively resilient it will still break down under high compression of heavy weights—plus the addition of EVA makes the shoe even less durable under pressure. Because of the high drop and bulky heel, the shoe does not make a stable lifting shoe and may even set you up for injury. That said, if your definition of lifting day is 20-pound dumbbells and kettlebell squats, you can probably get away with this as your all-around gym shoe.
adidas Ultraboost Light FAQs
Are Ultraboost Lights good for walking?
This shoe is a great option for walking. Particularly if you are walking for over 30 minutes, or on hard surfaces like pavement, you will want a high level of cushioning. These will help protect the feet and joints, and the support helps to promote proper alignment without feeling too aggressive.
Are Ultraboosts supposed to fit tight?
Since they have a stretchy knit upper they should be slightly more snug than a traditional mesh shoe, but they shouldn’t feel suffocating. You definitely want to make sure that your toes still have enough room, so make sure you have a half to a full thumbnail’s width between your toe and the front of the shoe.
Are the Ultraboosts good for standing all day?
These are a great option for standing all day, as they have a high level of support and cushion that help to keep you both comfortable and properly aligned. Plus the lightweight feel prevents them from feeling too heavy.
How ultraboosts Compare to Similar Shoes
The Ultraboost fits into the high cushion category, but it also has an element of stability without being a full on stability shoe. There aren’t a ton of shoes that fit that bill, but if you are looking for some more options that have a similar feel, there are a couple to look at.
The most similar shoe would probably be the Nike Invincible 3. It is technically categorized as a stability shoe, but like the Ultraboost light, it does not push on the arch. It instead uses a flared midsole design on the forefoot and heel of the shoe to provide more surface area and in turn, more stability. It uses the Nike Zoom X foam in the midsole which is most commonly used in their racing shoes as it is particularly responsive and incredibly lightweight. The Ultraboost light is only .6 ounces lighter than the Invincible, and it has a slightly firmer feel.
The Saucony Triumph 20 is also a similar model. It does have less stability, but the high density foam prevents it from being too soft. It uses a full TPU bead foam like the original Ultraboost, but it is also incredibly responsive which prevents it from feeling heavy. This shoe has a typical mesh upper so it won’t stretch as much as the Ultraboost, but it’s a great option if you want something that is a true neutral shoe and will give you max energy return without a carbon plate.
Final Thoughts
The adidas Ultraboost Light is a great option for anyone that wants a ton of cushion without sacrificing speed. The shoe is a stellar choice for runners and walkers alike, and it even works for a number of different running styles ranging from a neutral gait to light overpronation.
Though it is a bit on the expensive side, it has been a hit with plush cushion lovers and Ultraboost purists, and is definitely worth a shot if you are in the market for a new comfort shoe.
Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.
