Adidas Adizero Boston 13

With the Adidas Adizero Boston 13, the German brand keeps sharpening what already worked: less weight (254 g for men, 9 g less than the Boston 12), more Lightstrike Pro foam in the forefoot and an upper that breathes noticeably better. The result is a shoe that remains one of the most versatile training/racing options on the market, competitive against rivals such as the Hoka Mach 7 or the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5. It is not the most cushioned shoe or the fastest, but it is one of those that best balances both worlds, a road classic.

Compared with its predecessor, the Boston 12, the changes are more evolutionary than revolutionary. The midsole keeps the dual density with Lightstrike 2.0 at the base and Lightstrike Pro on top, but Adidas adds 13.8% more of the top foam in the forefoot (and it shows), with 69.7% energy return in that area, approaching racer territory. The carbon Energy Rods 2.0 are still there (as in the racer Adizero Adios Pro 4), providing maximum torsional stiffness and a lever effect that favours quick transitions. The 6 mm heel-to-toe drop makes it a benchmark for midfoot and forefoot strikers. The toe box narrows compared with its predecessor, which improves the racing look but may feel tight for wide feet on long runs.

The highlight of the Boston 13 is its combination of lightness, responsiveness and durability. The outsole with Continental rubber and the new LIGHTTRAXXION compound shows hardly any wear in lab tests, breathability shoots up and the heel counter is much stiffer, solving a recurring complaint about the previous version. The tongue, partly stitched to the sides, is another welcome improvement that increases lockdown, always appreciated to control the jolts that come with pushing hard. Heel strikers may find the heel narrow and somewhat unstable, and the stiffness of the Energy Rods does not suit those who prefer a more natural ride. Ideal for intervals, fartleks, races up to the half marathon and quality workouts.