When I saw the
adidas Boston 10
I didn’t realize I was looking at the adidas Boston 10. The Boston has always been an iconic, ongoing, and particularly recognizable model: each year it is updated and improved, but the concept and basic structure of the shoe have-rightly-been unchanged for years.
Then came the Boston 10. I don’t think I am exaggerating when I say that this is a new beginning, a new era for adidas. I can also say it right now: I loved it.
What it looks like
The object, as a whole, does not resemble the previous version one bit, which is why I did not immediately understand what it was. The first thing you notice is that dear old Boost-the foam that adidas has been using since 2013 for almost all of its running midsoles-is permanently ditched in favor of Lightstrike, a lightened EVA compound recently introduced without too much fanfare even on less emblazoned models. The Lightstrike is soft but simultaneously much more compact and responsive than the Boost. In addition in this case we also have a layer of Lightstike Pro – same compound, different intensity – placed just below the upper. The result is a particularly pronounced midsole with strong cushioning that will allow intensive use even by athletes of a certain weight.
The upper, on the other hand, combines extremely technological and innovative materials such as celer mesh (derived from adidas’ spiked shoes) with suede inserts, as if to ostentatiously catapult us back to the glorious 80s. Personally, I appreciate this style choice: it is certainly not on this type of shoe that a few extra grams will take away our personal best.
Turning the shoe upside down, one cannot help but notice the Energy Rods, rigid carbon fiber composite elements that follow the skeleton of the foot and whose purpose is to improve roll propulsion. Making this structural part visible is in my opinion a small stroke of genius: if it had been left completely drowned in the Lightstrike we would have forgotten about it minutes after purchase, but instead in this way it becomes a focal point of the shoe.
Ready, Steady
The fit is initially tight, then snug and finally decidedly comfortable. The new upper contains and supports, giving an immediate feeling of stability. The tongue is the way I like it: thin and snug, but with little padding in the right places so as to avoid unpleasant pains from too vigorous lacing. I sway back and forth and don’t restrain myself from jumping.
Go
I didn’t spare myself and on the first outing I did 18 km at a brisk pace, almost forgetting that I was wearing a shoe that had just come out of the box. Over the next few days I then wanted to test more aggressive rhythms with fast 10+10 km and sudden changes of direction: the Continental sole has been a guarantee of grip and precision for years, and as soon as you lengthen your stride, the Boston 10 follows you like a charm. Finally, a long slow 25 km-which in this heat never hurts-and you know what? The urge to do those 42 miles and change right away was great, the 8 mm drop gave the right comfort at a slow pace, but then I was overwhelmed by that other urge: that of a cold shower.
So what?
If you’re looking for an extremely versatile, all-around shoe, here it is :
Is the Boston 10
. You can safely use it for all kinds of training you can think of and – ça va sans dire – even and especially in competition. Only one drawback I would note (go figure!): the strings are a bit too short.
The adidas Adizero Boston 10 have a list price of 150€, definitely interesting for a shoe of this category that can accompany you for several kilometers. You can find them, along with all the other models dedicated to this period of great performance, already on sale at Cisalfa Sport. And yes, the Cloud White / Core Black / Solar Red color scheme (the Tokyo Collection) is the one you absolutely have to get so you don’t disfigure yourself at the next race.