ActiveRunningAdidas Ultraboost 5 review: run happy, look snappyThe new Ultraboost isn’t the fastest, but who cares when you’re this comfy?When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)T3 VerdictThe Adidas Ultraboost 5 offers a bouncy, comfortable experience for casual runs and walks. While not designed for speed, its stylish look, Primeknit upper, and enhanced foam midsole make it a solid choice for those seeking a fun, energetic trainer. Perfect for everyday comfort and style.Reasons to buy+Comfortable and bouncy+Stylish design+Enhanced foam midsole+Good for casual runs and walksReasons to avoid-Not ideal for speed-Looser heel construction-White upper gets dirty easilyWhy you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
ActiveRunningAdidas Ultraboost 5 review: run happy, look snappyThe new Ultraboost isn’t the fastest, but who cares when you’re this comfy?When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)T3 VerdictThe Adidas Ultraboost 5 offers a bouncy, comfortable experience for casual runs and walks. While not designed for speed, its stylish look, Primeknit upper, and enhanced foam midsole make it a solid choice for those seeking a fun, energetic trainer. Perfect for everyday comfort and style.Reasons to buy+Comfortable and bouncy+Stylish design+Enhanced foam midsole+Good for casual runs and walksReasons to avoid-Not ideal for speed-Looser heel construction-White upper gets dirty easilyWhy you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
The new Ultraboost isn’t the fastest, but who cares when you’re this comfy?
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)T3 VerdictThe Adidas Ultraboost 5 offers a bouncy, comfortable experience for casual runs and walks. While not designed for speed, its stylish look, Primeknit upper, and enhanced foam midsole make it a solid choice for those seeking a fun, energetic trainer. Perfect for everyday comfort and style.Reasons to buy+Comfortable and bouncy+Stylish design+Enhanced foam midsole+Good for casual runs and walksReasons to avoid-Not ideal for speed-Looser heel construction-White upper gets dirty easily
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
T3 VerdictThe Adidas Ultraboost 5 offers a bouncy, comfortable experience for casual runs and walks. While not designed for speed, its stylish look, Primeknit upper, and enhanced foam midsole make it a solid choice for those seeking a fun, energetic trainer. Perfect for everyday comfort and style.Reasons to buy+Comfortable and bouncy+Stylish design+Enhanced foam midsole+Good for casual runs and walksReasons to avoid-Not ideal for speed-Looser heel construction-White upper gets dirty easily
T3 VerdictThe Adidas Ultraboost 5 offers a bouncy, comfortable experience for casual runs and walks. While not designed for speed, its stylish look, Primeknit upper, and enhanced foam midsole make it a solid choice for those seeking a fun, energetic trainer. Perfect for everyday comfort and style.
T3 Verdict
The Adidas Ultraboost 5 offers a bouncy, comfortable experience for casual runs and walks. While not designed for speed, its stylish look, Primeknit upper, and enhanced foam midsole make it a solid choice for those seeking a fun, energetic trainer. Perfect for everyday comfort and style.
Reasons to buy+Comfortable and bouncy+Stylish design+Enhanced foam midsole+Good for casual runs and walksReasons to avoid-Not ideal for speed-Looser heel construction-White upper gets dirty easily
Reasons to buy+Comfortable and bouncy+Stylish design+Enhanced foam midsole+Good for casual runs and walks
Comfortable and bouncy
Stylish design
Enhanced foam midsole
Good for casual runs and walks
Reasons to avoid-Not ideal for speed-Looser heel construction-White upper gets dirty easily
Not ideal for speed
Looser heel construction
White upper gets dirty easily
Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
Jump to category:Price and availabilitySpecificationsDesign and materialsPerformance and comfortVerdictAlso consider
Jump to category:Price and availabilitySpecificationsDesign and materialsPerformance and comfortVerdictAlso consider
I have always been a fan of Adidas’ Ultraboost franchise. The first one I tried was the Ultraboost 19, and I’m pretty sure I’ve run in all of the shoe’s successors since then. The Adidas Ultraboost 5 is said to be the biggest update since the franchise was created in 2015, so I was curious to see how the running experience evolved with new changes.
Most of the marketing material about the shoes focused on how the Ultraboost 5 provides the highest energy return of any Ultraboost shoes to date, which gave me the impression that the Ultraboost 5 will change its sneaker-style running shoe approach.
This is certainly not the case; the new iteration provides a very similar experience to older Ultraboosts but with a modern twist. It might not be thebest running shoe, but if you need a good-looking, energetic trainer, the Adidas Ultraboost 5 is an excellent option. Read my full review below for more information.
Adidas Ultraboost 5 review
Price and availability
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
The Adidas Ultraboost 5 is available in-store and online directly fromAdidasfor €180 from 18 July 2024, with Early Access for members of the adidas adiClub from 11 July 2024. It launches for both men and women in a white and grey base with ‘Spark Orange’ and ‘Lucid Pink’ colours.
Specifications
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
Design and materials
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
The silhouette of the Ultraboost 5 reminds me of the Ultraboost Light 1, one of my favourite entries in the franchise. It has a ton of foam underfoot; in fact, Adidas says the re-engineered Light Boost midsole is packed with 9mm more foam under the heel and forefoot compared to Ultraboost Light 1.
Between you and me, I’m not sure where the extra 9mm is, as the Ultraboost 5 isn’t that much taller than the Ultraboost Light 1. Both shoes are supposed to have a maximum stack height of 39mm, but the drop is different (Ultraboost 5: 10mm, Ultraboost Light 1: 31mm)
More interestingly, the new shoes are lighter (my men’s UK 10 weighs 323g/ 10.4oz)andhave 2% more forefoot energy than the Light 1 while looking very similar to the Ultraboost Light 1. This isn’t a bad thing, though; I liked those shoes and like the way the Ultraboost 5 looks and feels, too.
The Ultraboost 5 features Adidas’ Torsion System technology, which adds a bit of rotational stiffness to the midsole. It’s not as stiff as a carbon plate and is also placed differently – sandwiched between the Continental outsole and the Light Boost midsole – but it helps you control your stride better, which otherwise might be difficult, given the softness of the foam.
Performance and comfort
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
One thing I haven’t mentioned above is the Primeknit upper, which is very similar to (I’d say) most Ultaboost shoes in the past. However, I found the section just above the toes a little less roomy compared to the Ultraboost Light 1. I was wondering if I should size up, based on my recent experience with theAdidas Dropset 3, but apart from the toe vertical space issue, the shoes fit well.
The Ultraboost 5 isn’t about chasing PBs and going fast and hard. It’s a bouncy, fluffy trainer that’s aimed at yonder runners wanting to have a good time. It helps you move forward just fine and looks dapper on the feet. The white Primeknit upper got dirty straight away, needless to say, so be careful if you like your trainers to look box-fresh.
As for the 2% better forefoot energy return, that’s as impossible to verify as you can imagine. The Ultraboost 5 certainly doesn’t feel much faster than other Ultraboosts I’ve tried, but at the same time, I didn’t expect it to replace mySaucony Endorphin Speed 4orAdidas Adizero Takumi Sen 10.
One thing that prevented me from running faster in the shoes was the looser heel construction. The lack of solidity in this area is perfect for keeping things comfortable, but you can definitely feel the rear of your foot travelling in and out slightly as you run.
That said, I often reach for the Ultraboost when I go out for walking or jogging or just don’t feel like punishing myself with my running sessions. The Ultraboost 5 continues the good tradition of providing a comfortable experience when out and about. If that’s the sort of thing you need, boy, have I got a running shoe recommendation for you!
Verdict
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
Also consider
It might not look as cool, but ASICS' Gel-Nimbus 26 is just as comfortable as the Ultraboost 5. It offers improved traction, enhanced midfoot support, and plush cushioning, making it ideal for recovery runs and slower paces. Perfect for those seeking a comfortable, cushioned running experience. Read my fullASICS Gel-Nimbus 26 review.
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