Adidas Ultraboost 5 – tried, tested and reviewed
Weight: 248g (UK 5.5), 292g (UK 8.5)
Stack height: 38mm (heel), 28mm (forefoot)
Heel-to-toe drop: 10mm
Type: Neutral/road
The shoe
The Adidas Ultraboost 5 is the latest iteration in the brand’s Ultraboost line, which first launched back in 2015. Simon Lockett, Global Category Director, Running Footwear at Adidas, describes the shoe as an ‘industry icon’, with the idea behind its original creation, he tells RW, being to ‘reinvigorate running footwear and the runner from a totally different perspective’.
The Ultraboost 5, Adidas claims, is the biggest update to the model yet. Lockett says it ‘moves the Ultraboost back to being one of the best individual running shoes and franchises within [Adidas’] line-up’ – perhaps alluding to previous iterations that felt a tad heavy and more lifestyle-orientated than something runners would actively choose to lace up.
That said, the Ultraboost 5 ‘isn’t just for one runner or one experience’, according to Lockett.
‘It really is built to be this all encompassing, all inclusive model that can help runners of all levels, be it experienced pros, less experienced – for example, zero to 5K – runners or those who run around the park twice a week,’ he says.
So, how does the Ultraboost 5 fair in practice? Here’s my verdict.
Adidas Ultraboost 5: What’s new?
The Ultraboost 5 promises enhancements in comfort and performance. The most significant modification is the addition of 9mm more Boost foam at the forefoot and heel, which surprisingly comes with a reduction in weight compared to its predecessor. According to Adidas, this update provides 2% more energy return, enhancing the shoe’s responsiveness.
The upper features a newly engineered Primeknit material designed to improve breathability, while a softer, moulded cage on the midfoot aims to increase comfort. An injection heel counter has been introduced to reduce heel irritation, too.
Finally, there’s a new torsion bar on the outsole – an old Adidas technology – to create tension and enhance stability on the run.
How does the Ultraboost 5 fit?
The Ultraboost has always been a good looking shoe, and the 5 is no exception. My pair, with its sleek white, pink and yellow colourway, has got several compliments both on and off my feet.
I got the shoe in my regular size (UK 8.5) and it runs true to size. The toe box is about standard – not too wide, narrow or high – and the Primeknit upper is great. It is very similar to that of previous Ultraboosts, with a snug sock-like fit that really cradles your foot. Breathability is improved in the latest version as well.
My heel felt nicely cradled – nothing overly plush on the cushioning front, but enough to avoid any heel slippage or irritation. A plastic clip surrounds the heel area rising on both sides to support the foot at the rear, too.
I did, however, struggle with irritation on the insides of my feet, where the big toes start, after wearing the Ultraboost 5 for a steady 22km training run. So, I’d detract marks for comfort here. Then again, while Adidas claims that the shoe is for every type of runner, I can’t help but feel that it’s lacking the comfort required for tackling longer distances.
What is the Ultraboost 5 like to run in?
Running in the shoe offers a balanced yet unremarkable ride. Sure, the latest version features a substantial amount of Boost foam, providing a cushioned underfoot experience that’s certainly comfortable. However, don’t expect the plush softness of something like the New Balance 1080 v13 or Hoka Clifton 9.
Landings are smooth and there’s some bounce to the toe off, but despite the increased foam and lighter weight, it doesn’t deliver a particularly fast or responsive feel. It isn’t clunky or flat by any means – it just doesn’t translate to a standout running performance worthy of a £160 price tag.
The outsole is good, though, featuring a continental rubber with a pattern that provides good grip on various surfaces, enhancing stability during runs. The addition of the torsion bar improves midfoot support, too, aiding that smooth and stable ride. This is definitely a shoe that is most at home on shorter to mid-distance (16km/10 mile) runs, ran at a steady pace. Anything faster and it just lacks the pop and energy return you need.
RW verdict
With a comfortable fit, decent cushioning and impressive traction, the Adidas Ultraboost 5 isn’t a bad shoe by any means. Plenty of people will consider it a reliable everyday trainer for tackling steady miles, walks or gym-based activities.
The problem is, with so many fantastic options on the market these days, the Ultraboost 5 presents itself as a pretty vanilla option in the realm of running shoes. It doesn’t shine in terms of softness, nor does it stand out for its speed. At the same time, it fails to carve a niche in the middle ground between these two qualities, getting lost in a sea of competition that does things better. Even Adidas itself, I’d argue, does things better in the form of the Supernova franchise, with the Rise and Prima being two fantastic daily trainers which both retail for less. The Prima in particular offers more performance-driven features for runners.
Overall, I feel that the Ultraboost 5 is more suited for the gym or everyday activities, and not so much a shoe that you’d eagerly anticipate lacing up in for a run. And while it may meet basic expectations for casual runners, it lacks the distinctive features that would make it a go-to choice for serious runners.
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