Adidas has amazed with the innovative Boost line, which offers great cushioning, comfort, and perfect support. In 2016-2017, it has grown and the latest versions of the Boost line– Adidas Pure Boost DPR (Deconstructed Pure Racer) and Adidas Ultra Boost 3.0 have been introduced. In December 2017, a new version Adidas Ultra Boost 4.0 will be released.
Having much in common, these two models have specific features, which make them exceptional and appropriate for different types of activities. Here is a detailed comparison of Adidas Pure Boost DPR and Adidas Ultra Boost 3.0.
Contents
Ultra Boost vs Pure Boost – General Specs
| Feature | Ultra Boost 3.0 | Pure Boost DPR |
| Runner Type | Neutral | Natural |
| Best Used On | Road | Road, treadmill |
| Best Used For | Long training runs | Walking, casual use or easy paced, short runs |
| Midsole | Boost midsole | Boost midsole |
| Upper | Primeknit upper | Aramis-inspired knit upper |
| Midsole drop | 10 mm (heel 22 mm / forefoot 12 mm) | 8 mm (heel 24 mm / forefoot 16 mm) |
| Size | 6.5-15 | 5-15 |
| Price | 180$ | 150$ |
| Estimated Lifespan | The upper limit is 1200 miles. However, there is information that after about one hundred miles, the small convex contours of the outsole may be worn down, making the Ultra Boost lose a lot of traction. | The lower limit is 200 miles, the upper limit is 450 miles. |
| Release Date | December 6th, 2016 | May 18th, 2017 |
| Check Price | Check Price |
Ultra Boost 3.0 VS Pure Boost DPR: Key Features
| Feature | Ultra Boost 3.0 | Pure Boost DPR |
| Fit | The shoe fits rather snug. However, there is a tiny bit of room in the toe area. | The fit is slipper-like and the toes aren’t scrunched. The forefoot area is broad and the heel counter is narrow. |
| Stability | The Torsion System means that there is a Torsion shank – a plastic component, which is attached to the underside of the foam midfoot. It provides stability and good grip.
A webbed Continental outsole ensures good traction and eliminates the risk of slipping. |
The wider platform featured in the Pure Boost DPR promotes natural support, acting as a stabilizer and reducing the risk of pronation. Also, the lower stack promotes a higher level of stability. Besides, the web pattern of the outsole covers the large area, which gives better traction. |
| Support | A lockdown fit is provided by the supportive cage around the midfoot. | The heel counter is made of rigid plastic, which supports the heel. |
| Responsiveness | The shoe features a patented Boost Technology in the midsole, which provides excellent feedback and responsiveness. Besides, the rubber outsole also contributes to responsiveness. | The Boost midsole gives excellent responsiveness and shock absorption. Also, the stretchweb rubber outsole gives energy return underfoot. |
| Performance | The shoe allows your toes to splay agreeably. The midsole returns energy to help you bounce merrily through any distance. | The shoe supports slow, moderate, and quick training runs. Besides, it produces no noise when it strikes rough and soft surfaces. |
| Special Technologies | Adidas Torsion System means a thermoplastic arch support, which has been designed to allow the midfoot to adjust to the ground naturally. Besides, it offers high levels of support and stability. The result is a smooth heel-to-toe transition.
Boost Technology is an innovative cushioning technology. It uses the material called thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) that compresses under pressure for better shock absorption and instantly bounces back to its original shape. So, the shoe gives a higher energy return. Continental Rubber Outsole has been proven to give the shoe up to 30% more grip than other soles. More grip means better contact with the surface, better power transmission and faster running time. Besides, it provides the reduction in the slip. Primeknit Technology means that the upper of the shoe is made without seams from one single knitted material, formed from a weave of yarn. It provides comfort to the foot and a feeling of the “second skin”. Moreover, this technology on the upper provides good breathability. |
Stretchweb technology is the technology, which features a stretchweb on the outsole. This stretchweb is made of a rubber compound. It reduces the impact, placed on the feet, increases cushion, comfort, and grip.
Boost technology is created for better shock absorption and the increased energy return. Circular Knit Technology means that the upper is seamless. It eliminates irritation and friction. Besides, it makes the upper durable, stiff, and breathable as mesh insertions keep the feet cool. |
| Size | Runs true to size for people with wide feet. However, people with narrow feet should go a half size down. | As a performance shoe, the Pure Boost DPR runs true to size. As a lifestyle shoe, it should be a half size down. |
| Weight | 10.7 ounces (size 9) | 9 ounces (size 9) |
1. Design
The Pure Boost DPR features a sleek silhouette, a two-toned circular knit upper, a low offset, and a boost midsole.
Ultra Boost 3.0 Sneakers have a Primeknit upper, the TPU cage on the sides, and a boost midsole.
1.1 The Upper
The Ultra Boost features a Primeknit upper, which allows more movement, comfort, flexibility, and breathability. Whereas the Pure Boost has one piece circular knit upper, it has engineered zones for an adaptive fit. The upper is similar to Primeknit, but it is stiffer than the Primeknit and more durable when it comes to wear.
1.2 The Outsole
The Pure Boost DPR has a webbed outsole, which flexes well, but it isn’t made of Continental rubber like the Ultra Boost 3.0.
The Ultra Boost 3.0 has a stretchweb outsole. The shoe has a Continental Tire rubber on the outsole, which provides good traction and tends to be more durable.
1.3 The Insole
The insole in the Pure Boost DPR lacks the padding, so sometimes the metatarsals may feel bruised. The Ultra Boost 3.0 features the removable insole, which gives extra cushioning.
1.4 The Midsole
Both sneakers feature a boost midsole, which is made of 3000 TPU capsules. They provide perfect responsiveness (the return of energy) along with good shock absorption. According to the studies, the Boost midsole shows a 10-15% improvement in energy retention versus EVA.
1.5 Heel-to-toe drop
Pure Boost DPR shoes have an 8mm heel-to-toe drop, which allows the fit to sit lower and closer to the street.
The Ultra Boost 3.0 is equipped with a 10mm heel-to-toe drop, which most of the conventional running shoes have.
2. Breathability
The Pure Boost DPR is well ventilated due to the plenty of forefoot and midfoot pores. The Ultra Boost 3.0 features the Primeknit upper, which is also breathable as it provides maximum airflow.
3. Cushioning
The Ultra Boost 3.0 has cushioning in the forefoot area, but the midsole is firmer than the midsole, which the Pure Boost DPR has. As for the Pure Boost DPR, it gives responsive cushioning and absorbs the damaging shock of each foot strike.
4. Comfort
The Pure Boost DPR has a suede lining for extra comfort and a seamless construction to reduce the risk of irritation. However, the stiff circular knit upper and the padding only in the heel area, make the Pure Boost DPR not as comfortable as the Ultra Boost 3.0.
The Ultra Boost 3.0 has the padding around the heel, and the padding extends to the midfoot area and the Primeknit upper adds to the comfort.
5. Flexibility
A stretchy Primeknit upper on the Ultra Boost 3.0 and the Boost midsole provide good flexibility. Whereas the Pure Boost DPR has a flexible outsole, but the upper is stiff. It makes the shoe less flexible than its competitor.
6. Safety & Support
Ultra Boost TPU gives more containment and a more snug fit around the midfoot when you lace up the shoe tighter. There is the padding all around the shoe and the toe guard area. Besides, there is a Fitcounter (molded heel counter), which offers a natural fit and prevents from wobbling.
The Pure Boost DPR has the tongue with double-folded knit. It adapts to different foot shapes and helps to reduce pressure. Also, the molded heel counter gives enough support and promotes a natural fit. However, the midfoot has only four lacing rows with no inner sleeve, so the lacing isn’t as secure as it should be.
7. Durability
The circular knit technology, used in the Pure Boost DPR sneakers, makes them a little bit durable than the Ultra Boost 3.0. As for the outsole, the Continental rubber, used in the Ultra Boost 3.0 is reported to be more long-lasting than the stretchweb rubber, used in the Pure Boost DPR.
Adidas Pure Boost DPR vs Ultra Boost 3.0 – Editors Choice
Therefore, we recommend choosing Ultra Boost 3.0 over Pure Boost DPR due to the several reasons:
- The Ultra Boost 3.0 has a better price/quality ratio.
- The Ultra Boost 3.0 has been designed for long runs. However, it is appropriate both for casual wear and short runs. As for the Pure Boost DPR, its purpose of use is narrower as it is great only for casual wear and short runs.
- Due to the Continental outsole, which improves traction and durability, the Ultra Boost 3.0 is more resilient when it comes to wear. Whereas the Pure Boost DPR, positioned as a city running shoe, features a stretchweb outsole, which is less durable.
- The Pure Boost DPR features a circular knit upper, which is more durable than the Primeknit, but it lacks elasticity. The Ultra Boost 3.0 has the Primeknit upper, which makes them lightweight, breathable, stretchy, and durable.
- The Boost midsole in the Ultra Boost 3.0 has more capsules, which affects responsiveness and cushioning.
- The Ultra Boost 3.0 offers better security and support than the Pure Boost DPR. The Ultra Boost has a TPU cage, the padding all around the shoe and the heel counter. In the meantime, the Pure Boost DPR doesn’t offer enough support as the lacing isn’t as secure as it should be.
- The Ultra Boost 3.0 offers a wider range of colorways than the Pure Boost DPR does. Thus, there are more styling options.
Thereby, take into account your budget, think about how you will use the shoe (lifestyle, short distance running, trail running, long distance running) and choose the best one. And if yeezy, the possible future President chooses these, then so should you!