Video summary

Adidas Adizero Boston 13 | Full Review

Main summary

Key takeaways

Product Review

Product reviewed

Adidas Adizero Boston 13 (Believe in the Run review)

Key features / what’s new in Boston 13

Upper / step-in comfort improved

  • More padding for easier step-in
    • Boston 10/11 had a very thin tongue and thin heel/collar.
    • Boston 13 adds more cushioning for a more comfortable feel when putting the shoe on.
  • New engineered mesh upper
    • Adds more structure/support.
    • Shifts the feel toward a daily trainer rather than a pure race-flat style.
  • Revised heel counter
    • Moved back toward a more traditional, padded setup.
    • Intended to reduce issues like Achilles irritation/rubbing reported with the earlier version’s heel.

Midsole update

  • More Lightstrike Pro foam
    • Approximately 13.9% more Lightstrike Pro.
  • But less total underfoot stack than before
    • From 38 mm heel / 31 mm forefoot (7 mm drop)
    • To 36 mm heel / 30 mm forefoot (6 mm drop)
  • Ride feel
    • Reviewers disagree slightly on the difference, but overall it’s described as slightly firmer and less bouncy under the forefoot than hoped.
  • Energy rods
    • Described as very stiff/rigid, contributing to a firmer ride and less “toe-off bounce” for one reviewer.

Stability / platform

  • Not a stability model, but described as stable
    • Firm, stable heel from Lightstrike (regular Lightstrike in the heel).
    • Wide forefoot improves stability, especially for heavier/bigger runners (who may load the rods more and get more from the system).

Outsole / traction update

  • Outsole changes
    • Moves from strict Continental rubber
    • To Continental + a new “Light Traction” X system layer
  • Performance notes
    • Great grip, including rain runs
    • Feels grippier/tackier while maintaining a smooth transition without excessive lugs
  • Durability expectation
    • Likely hundreds of miles of wear (reviewer expects long-lasting durability)

Pros (unique points mentioned)

  • Much more comfortable step-in than older Boston versions (especially 10/11).
  • Improved upper design: better padding plus engineered mesh for more daily-trainer structure.
  • Stable and secure platform: wide forefoot and firm heel.
  • Excellent traction, including wet/rain running; smooth transition.
  • Durability expected to be strong (hundreds of miles).
  • One-shoe “travel” versatility: works for easy runs, speed work, and long runs; described as a jack-of-all-trades.
  • Weight stays competitive (see ratings/weight section).

Cons / limitations (unique points mentioned)

  • Less forefoot “bounce” / squish
    • Even with the Lightstrike Pro increase, one reviewer wanted more.
  • Energy rods feel stiff/rigid
    • Can make the ride feel firmer.
  • Still described as “solid, not super exciting.”
  • Not ideal if you want specialized shoes for each run type (tempo/race/recovery).
  • Fit quirks
    • One reviewer reports some heel lift unless using the runner’s loop.
    • With the loop used, laces can feel short, forcing a tie/lock compromise (regular tie vs double-knot/heel lock).
  • Comparison drawback
    • Reviewers feel the adidas Evo SL is hard to beat, reducing excitement for the Boston line.

Comparisons made (with similar Adidas shoes)

Boston 12 vs Boston 13

  • For someone who liked Boston 12, 13 is framed as a “perfect update.”
  • It improves comfort without becoming radically different.
  • Main hesitation: Boston 13 may feel close enough to 12 that not everyone will feel compelled to switch.

vs other Adidas options

  • Tempo runs: reviewers would pick adidas Takumi Sen
  • Race day: reviewers would pick adidas adizero Pro 4
  • Daily + possibly recovery: reviewers would pick adidas Evo SL
    • Described as very good/cushier and “hard to beat”
  • Overall conclusion
    • Boston 13 suits runners who want one shoe that covers most needs, not those seeking the best dedicated tool for each category.

User experience / ride feel summary

  • Best use case: daily training / “super trainer,” also suitable for speed work and long runs.
  • Feel
    • More comfortable upper than older models
    • Firmer underfoot than the soft/bouncy forefoot many runners want
    • Stability is a highlight; not a stability shoe, but secure
  • Traction: strong in dry and rain conditions

Ratings / scores given (explicit)

Form/Fit/Function scoring by one reviewer each:

  • Form: Thomas 4, Megan 3
  • Fit: Thomas 3, Megan 3
  • Function: Thomas 3, Megan 4
  • Total score: Thomas 11, Megan 9 (as implied by the three category totals)

Weight and price (explicit)

  • Price: about $160 (same as last year)
  • Availability: released around Boston Marathon weekend as a limited release, with a larger release later
  • Weight:
    • Women’s size 7.5: 7.5 oz
    • Another stated example: 9.8 oz / 278 g
      • Described as light for a daily trainer and heavy for a race shoe, but still “a really good weight.”

Overall verdict / recommendation

  • Recommended for: runners who want one versatile trainer for most runs and don’t want a multi-pair rotation—especially those who liked Boston 12 but wanted the comfort/upper issues addressed.
  • Not ideal for: runners specifically chasing maximum forefoot bounce or those who prefer highly specialized shoes (tempo/race/recovery) for each purpose.

Final take: Solid, comfortable upgrade with improved upper comfort and a stable feel, plus strong traction/durability—but slightly less forefoot bounciness than some hoped. It may also face stiff competition from the Evo SL for users who want the best “daily/race-adjacent” option.

Original video