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Adidas adizero Boston 13 review

8 expert score
0 user's score
As editorial policy, we do not accept free samples. We purchased this pair at Running Warehouse with our own money.
Review written on 06th September by Justin Alpaugh Ultrarunner and running shoes expert.
10 other reviews

Adidas adizero Boston 13 Verdict

The Adidas Boston 13 is a versatile shoe that’s great for long runs, tempo runs, and the casual stroll around the neighborhood. Thanks to its versatility, the Boston 13 could also serve as a budget-friendly option for race day. I found the Boston 13 to be a reliable daily trainer; I just wish it had a bit more energy and bounce, especially on my longer runs. However, it really exceeded my expectations with all the other features it provides.

The pros

  • Lightweight Upper
  • Sleek Design
  • Energy Rods
  • Outsole

The cons

  • Lacing
  • Tongue

Where to buy

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Rating breakdown

Comfort
9.0
Build quality
8.0
Upper
8.0
Sole unit
8.0
Landing
7.0
Transition
8.0
Toe-off
8.0
Traction
9.0
Durability
8.0
Value / Price
8.0

Facts / Specs

Brand
Model
adizero Boston 13
Previous model
Weight
9 oz (255 g)
MSRP
160.00

Heel
37 mm.
Toe
30 mm.
Heel drop
7 mm.
Carbon plate
No plate

Size/Fit

Sizing
True to size
Heel fit
Normal
Midfoot fit
Normal
Toebox fit
Normal

Cushioning & ride

Type of cushioning
Responsive/balanced
Amount of cushioning
Medium cushioning
Stability
Some stability
Flexibility
Rigid

Usage

Racing  
Speedwork  
Daily training  
Long distance racing
Ultra distance racing

Who should buy the Adidas adizero Boston 13 ?

The ideal runner to consider the Adidas Boston 13 is one who is gearing up for a marathon. Training for a marathon involves speed work, long-distance runs, and easy-paced miles. The Boston 13 is a great match for this kind of training.

Who should not buy the Adidas adizero Boston 13 ?

Runners who like a softer, more cushioned ride, and those who tend to land more on their heels might not get the most out of the Boston 13.

Adidas adizero Boston 13 Introduction

Picture of adidas adizero Boston 13

The Adidas Boston 13 is your everyday workhorse. It’s designed to handle everything from speed works to long-distance runs and all the stuff in between. If you’re trying to save some cash, you could even consider the Boston 13 as a budget-friendly option for race day.

If someone were to ask me what shoe to get for versatility, I’d definitely mention the Boston 13. To be honest, I’ve never actually worn or tested any Adidas road shoes, just a few of their trail models.

I really liked my first experience with the Adidas Boston 13 on the road.

One feature that caught my attention was the carbon-infused energy rods visible on the bottom of the shoe. They’re meant to ensure a smooth heel-to-toe transition, and frankly, they do the job well.

The Boston 13 reminds me of one of my favorite daily trainers, the Brandblack Kaiju; both have a firmer midsole but still feel somewhat responsive and lightweight when on foot.

Adidas adizero Boston 13 First Impressions

Picture of adidas adizero Boston 13

I was instantly attracted to the stylish look of the Adidas Boston 13; it has a very aerodynamic vibe and totally shouts, “I can handle speed.”

When I tried them on, I was expecting a little more cushioning, but they felt a bit firmer. My first run was a 5-mile jog with some quick pickups.

After the run, I wasn’t completely wowed, but I did appreciate that they’ll probably fit into my daily training routine.

Adidas adizero Boston 13 Upper

Picture of adidas adizero Boston 13

I found that the Adidas Boston 13 fits true to size and has a more spacious toe box. Everyone’s feet are unique, but for me, it was just right.

Picture of adidas adizero Boston 13

The heel counter is snug, which works well since I have slim heels, so it fit perfectly. The engineered mesh upper is lightweight, durable, and breathable. However, the Boston 13 has a downside with the laces and tongue.

I feel like I spend more time adjusting the laces and getting the tongue to sit comfortably on my foot compared to other shoes.

The laces tighten nicely on the lower part but tend to stay a bit loose on the upper part. So, when I try to slip my foot back into the shoe, I have to loosen everything up because the bottom half remains tight.

Adidas adizero Boston 13 Sole Unit

Picture of adidas adizero Boston 13

The sole unit was definitely one of my favorite features of the Adidas Boston 13, especially the Continental rubber outsole.

This outsole performed better on gravel roads and dirt paths than 90% of the road shoes I’ve tried. However, I did have a small issue with the stability of the sole unit.

It wasn’t really about rolling my ankles, but rather that my feet tend to roll inward, and I felt like the Boston 13 really amplified that inward rolling.

This might be due to the exposed foam on the bottom of the shoe not aligning perfectly with the midsole foam.

Adidas adizero Boston 13 Conclusions

Picture of adidas adizero Boston 13

The Adidas Boston 13 really ticks all the boxes for me when I think about what daily training means. Sure, it has some flaws, but what I really value in a running shoe is its intended purpose.

If it falls short in any major area for daily training, it probably won’t make it into my shoe rotation. That’s not the case with the Boston 13; it’s definitely staying in my lineup, especially for speed work or those 10-15 mile runs with some speed mixed in.

At $160, the Boston 13 is quite competitive in today’s running market. So, if you’re an Adidas fan or looking to give them a shot and don’t mind a little less cushioning, the Boston 13 is a great option.

How does the adizero Boston 13 compare?

Adidas AdiZero Boston 12
Adidas adizero Boston 13
Adidas adizero Evo SL
Expert score
7
8
9
User score
Best price
Retail price
US$160
US$159.95
US$149.95
Weight
9.4 oz
9 oz
8.1 oz
Heel Drop
6.5 mm
7 mm
7 mm
Recommended for
Daily training
Racing, speedwork, daily training
Racing, speedwork, daily training
Cushioning type
responsive/balanced
responsive/balanced
balanced
Cushioning amount
Highly cushioned
Medium cushioning
Highly cushioned
Flexibility
medium
rigid
medium
Stability
very stable
some stability
not particularly stable
Sizing
true to size
true to size
true to size

Why you can trust us

As editorial policy, we do not accept free samples from companies.
We purchased this pair of Adidas at Running Warehouse  with our own money.

This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about our policy.
Lowest price:

$159.95

Adidas adizero Boston 13 price comparison

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Reviewed by Justin

This review was written by Justin Alpaugh on 06th September.
Justin Alpaugh lives in Pocatello, Idaho. A place where in any direction you look you will find mountains. He grew up hunting and currently pursues the challenge of archery hunting. Hunting was an outlet to get into ultra running back in 2019. Since then he has ran a handful of ultras including the 100 mile distance. Running on the roads and trails molds Justin into becoming a better husband and father. Finding the right running shoes is equally an important part of his journey.

User feedback (0)

Lowest price:
$159.95

Where to buy

Best offers today in , all prices in
Sorry - Product not found. Please try RunningWarehouse.Com to check in their assortment.
This page contains affiliate links Read more

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