Running Warehouse Europe – adidas Ultra Boost 20 Shoe Review

Despite the minimal changes, our testers were very happy with the new adidas Ultra Boost 20. They appreciated the improved upper, and they felt that it maintained the sock-like fit that the line is known for while also offering a more secure hold of the foot when running. The Boost foam still delivers bouncy cushioning with a plush yet energetic ride, but as new foams from other brands continue to get lighter and bouncier, our testers agreed that the Ultra Boost 20 would not be their first choice for faster runs. Still, with its stylish design and comfortable ride, the Ultra Boost 20 continues to be a great daily training option for those who want one shoe for both workouts and urban wear.

With a few minor changes from the previous version, the adidas Ultra Boost 20 continues to be a comfortable and stylish shoe with the versatility to handle a wide range of runs. The full-length Continental outsole continues to offer incredible durability, and the Boost midsole provides bouncy cushioning that is ideal for daily training but can react quickly to faster paces. For a more secure fit, the Ultra Boost 20 now features Tailor Fiber Placements throughout the midfoot cage and Primeknit upper. These stitched-in reinforcements help eliminate side-to-side movement inside the shoe while the new padded heel collar offers an improved lockdown. For those who desire an even more performance-focused fit, the Ultra Boost PB delivers a lighter, more breathable mesh upper on the same platform.

Fashion or Function? Why Not Have Both?

How structured the upper feels as it wraps around the foot.

How much the shoe bends during the gait cycle.

How much energy return the shoe delivers with each stride.

Our In-Depth Look

Shoe Softness

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Firm

Soft

The Ultra Boost 20 offers a soft underfoot experience that feels plush at any pace without sacrificing a responsive ride. Our testers felt that the shoe was comfortable whether they were on a long run or using the shoe for everyday wear.

Liese: “I love the softness of the Ultra Boost 20! Even though this model has 20% more Boost foam than the original Ultra Boost, I didn’t notice a bulkier feel as a result.”

Connor: “The Ultra Boost 20 continues to offer a soft and ultra-comfortable midsole that is by no means mushy or dead feeling. It’s a little squishy upon initial step-in, and once you start running, it offers a nice softness that feels great at a variety of paces.”

Ride/Energy Return

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Less Springy

More Springy

The Ultra Boost 20 features a Torsion Spring through the midfoot that tenses as the foot flexes to create a snappier toe-off. Our testers felt that this worked with the bouncy Boost foam to provide a very responsive ride.

Liese: “The Torsion Spring keeps things snappy with just the right amount of cushioning underfoot. During my slow-paced warmups, the shoe feels soft, but when I throw in a few strides at the end of my run, the shoes feel very responsive.”

Connor: “Boost is known for its energy return, and the Ultraboost 20 still adds a little extra pop to your step. It’s bouncy and makes running feel smooth at a variety of paces, but the overall weight of the shoe kept me from choosing it for uptempo workouts.”

Underfoot Protection

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Low

High

Our testers loved how the Ultra Boost 20 offers plenty of protection for everything from long runs to recovery days. The shoe has a plush feel underfoot without being bulky or losing a connection with the ground.

Liese: “The stack height is low yet feels very protective. This shoe is a great option for those who like a cushioned running experience but don’t want the high stack height that often accompanies it.”

Connor: “The shoe simply has a lot of Boost foam underfoot, which delivers an extremely protective experience. It’s plush, luxurious, and has the cushioning needed to go longer distances.”

Underfoot Flexibility

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Rigid

Elastic

The Continental rubber outsole’s grid design provides the Ultra Boost 20 with a perfect balance of flexibility and stability. Our testers enjoyed the smooth ride and the extra springiness offered by the shoe’s Torsion Spring.

Liese: “The feel is quite flexible through toe-off. The low stack height keeps things bendy, and the torsion spring gives the shoe a nice forward propulsion.”

Connor: “The Ultra Boost 20 offers the same flexible Stretchweb outsole. The flexible design bends nicely with the foot while the Torsion Spring adds some rigidity. Overall, this provides an extremely balanced experience that delivers an ultra-smooth ride.”

Upper Feel

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Structured

Adaptable

The stylish Primeknit upper now features stitched-in reinforcements that are strategically placed to secure the foot from side-to-side movement. Our testers agreed that this new upper, combined with the soft elastane heel cup, created a more performance-based fit that felt stable at any speed.

Liese: “The knit upper is super breathable and accommodating. Where the Ultra Boost 18 and 19 failed to securely lock down my foot, the reinforcements along the sides keep the Ultra Boost 20 from feeling sloppy.”

Connor: “The upper on the Ultra Boost 20 has small modifications for a more comfortable and stable experience. The Primeknit 360 is nearly seamless and feels much more refined than the previous version. The midfoot wrap also feels more natural and keeps my foot locked in place.”