Adidas Ultra Boost has been advertised as the “Greatest Running Shoe Ever.”
Featuring an offbeat design, the shoe has combined the best Adidas technologies.
The Boost technology, Torsion System, the Primeknit technology make the new adidas shoe perfect both for running long-distance and casual life for all you sneakerheads out there.
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There are several models in the Boost line and we will compare the Ultra Boost 1.0 vs 2.0 vs 3.0 and give recommendations as for the best choice.
Contents
General Specs
Feature |
Ultra Boost 1.0 |
Ultra Boost 2.0 |
Ultra Boost 3.0 |
| Runner Type | Neutral | ||
| Best Used On | Road | ||
| Best Used For | Short/long runs | ||
| Midsole | Boost midsole | ||
| Upper | Primeknit upper | ||
| Midsole drop | 10 mm | ||
| Size | 6.5-15 | ||
| Price | 180-200$ | ||
| Estimated Lifespan | The lifespan is about 800 miles. | The lifespan is about 1200 miles. | The upper limit is 1200 miles. |
Release Date |
May 19th, 2015 | May 12th, 2016 | December 6th, 2016 |
Also Read: Adidas Pure Boost DPR vs Ultra Boost 3.0
Ultra Boost 1.0 VS 2.0 VS 3.0: Key Features:
Feature |
Ultra Boost 1.0 |
Ultra Boost 2.0 |
Ultra Boost 3.0 |
| Fit | The shoe embraces the foot and fits perfectly. | The fit is snug and the upper isn’t loose. | The shoe fits rather snug. However, there is a tiny bit of room in the toe area. |
| Stability | The full-bootie construction makes sure the foot sits in its place. The heel counter and a rigid midfoot cage contribute to stability. | The Continental outsole ensures good traction even in wet weather so that the foot stays stable. The lacing system together with a heel counter and the Torsion system makes the shoe stable. | The Torsion System assumes the presence of the Torsion shank, which improves stability and provides good grip. Besides, a stretchweb Continental outsole also makes the shoe more stable. |
| Support | There is a supportive cage around the midfoot and a heel counter in the heel area. They provide a lockdown fit. | ||
| Responsiveness | All three versions have the Boost midsole, which is soft, responsive, protective and durable. | ||
| Performance | The shoe offers great performance due to the stretchy upper and a cushy midsole. | The upper is stretchy so that the toes splay easily and there is no discomfort. Besides, there is a responsive midsole and the grippy outsole. | The shoe enhances performance thanks to its midsole, which returns energy, and a rubber outsole, which minimizes the risk of injury. |
| Special Technologies | Adidas Torsion System means thermoplastic arch support, which has been designed to allow the forefoot and the rear of the forefoot to move independently and adapt to running surfaces. In the meantime, the foot doesn’t strain.
Boost Technology is used in the midsole and makes it compress under pressure and bounce back to the original shape very quickly. Eventually, it provides good shock absorption and responsiveness. Adidas ultra boost uncaged in 2013 and has been revolutionary ever since. Continental Rubber Outsole is used only in Ultra Boost 2.0 and 3.0. This rubber increases traction by 15-30% over competing models in both wet and dry conditions. Besides, it has remarkable durability. Primeknit Technology has been designed to increase comfort as it expands naturally with the foot while walking or running in order to reduce irritation and the risk of blisters and provide a more comfortable fit. It looks like a one-piece upper, which is tightly knit. It is highly breathable, durable, and elastic. |
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| Size | Runs true to size. | Runs true to size or one size up (for wide feet). | Runs true to size for people with wide feet. However, people with narrow feet should go a half size down. |
| Weight | 11.1 ounces | 10.7 ounces | 10.7 ounces |
1. Design
All three sneakers feature almost the same design. They have a Primenkit upper, the TPU cage, the Boost midsole, and the branding on the heel tab.
The difference is in the Primeknit and in its pattern.
Besides, the ankle area is wider than in the Ultra 2.0 and the TPU cage is semi-transparent so that the shoe looks like an uncaged version from the distance.
1.1. The Upper
All three versions feature a Primeknit upper and this is one of the major differences between them.
The Ultra Boost 1.0 has the Primeknit upper, which extends from the toe to the midfoot of the shoe, the rest of the upper is made of a mesh material. It is stretchy and has many perforations.
The Ultra Boost 2.0 has the Primeknit, which covers the entire shoe and the pattern is different. It features a gradient, which looks dope only in some colors.
The back of the shoe is stretchier than in 1.0 and it is thicker. Therefore, it is more comfortable.
Moving to the Ultra Boost 3.0, the pattern here is different and it is calmer compared to the Ultra Boost 2.0.
The whole shoe is made of the Primeknit material, it is stretchier than in the previous versions. Thereby, the shoe is snugger.
1.2. The Outsole
The outsole in all three versions is made of rubber and it has a stretch web design.
It means that each shoe features an open grid pattern, that adapts to the foot’s movements and promotes a smoother transition from heel-strike to toe-off.
The only difference between them is that the Ultra Boost 1.0 has a rubber on the outsole, which is less durable and wears off quickly.
Whereas the Ultra Boost 2.0 and 3.0 feature a Continental rubber, which is more durable and provides better traction on various surfaces.
1.3. The Insole
The insole in all versions has additional cushioning, so the shoe is more comfortable.
1.4. The Midsole
Adidas Ultra Boost 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 has a unique Boost technology, presented by Adidas.
The Boost technology means that the midsole is made of 3000 TPU capsules. They compress under pressure and then return to the initial position quickly. It gives excellent cushioning.
1.5 Heel-to-toe drop
The Ultra Boosts have a 10mm heel-to-toe drop, which most of the neutral running shoes have.
Also Read: Adidas Ultra Boost 3.0 Review
2. Breathability
Every Ultra Boost has a Primeknit upper, which is breathable and lightweight.
In the Ultra Boost 1.0, the Primeknit is thinner than in other versions, the upper has many perforations, but the Primeknit doesn’t cover the whole shoe.
The Ultra Boost 2.0 and 3.0 have the Primeknit upper all over the shoe and they are more breathable than the Ultra Boost 1.0.
3. Cushioning
The boost extends all over the shoe to the heel area in all three versions, it encourages the natural foot motion and good cushioning.
However, the Ultra Boost 3.0 has cushioning in the forefoot area, which makes them more comfortable.
4. Comfort
The sneakers are super comfortable as they have the collar (made of elasticated fabrics), which is comfortably cushioned with foam, and so is the upper part of the tongue.
Besides, there is padding around the heel.
In fact, the entire upper lining of the midfoot is padded.
Also, the Primeknit upper also enhances comfort. But the Ultra Boost 3.0 has the most form-fitting upper.
5. Flexibility
Each model has good flexibility because it features the Primeknit upper and the boost midsole.
However, the Ultra Boost 1.0 tends to be less flexible than their counterparts.
6. Safety & Support
The Ultra Boost line offers good safety and comfort as it has a rigid midfoot cage and a secure lacing to ensure the foot stays in its place.
Each model has the same TPU heel counter for containing the foot.
Besides, the shoes have padding all over the shoe. Also, a good outsole contributes to safety and support.
Thus, the Ultra Boost 1.0 features a rubber outsole with rectangular perforations exposing the Boost midsole.
But the Continental rubber, used in the Ultra Boost 2.0 and 3.0 provides better traction on different terrain.
Also Read: Brooks Ghost 10 vs Glycerin 15
7. Durability
The Ultra Boost 2.0 and 3.0 are more durable than the Ultra Boost 1.0 due to several reasons.
Firstly, the Ultra Boost 1.0 doesn’t have the Continental rubber outsole, which is extremely durable. That is why the outsole wears off quickly.
Secondly, the Primeknit upper extends only to the midfoot area and the back of the shoe is the mesh material.
Therefore, it is less durable than other models.
Bottom Line:
So, the Ultra Boost line by Adidas is superior as each model offers the owner exceptional support, comfort, cushioning, and safety.
But if you are to choose between these three, we recommend choosing the Ultra Boost 3.0 due to these reasons:
- The Ultra Boost 3.0 features a wider toe box, so the toes extend well and you don’t feel any discomfort and the model is perfect for people with wide feet.
- The Primeknit upper is stretchier and more durable compared to the earlier versions the Ultra Boost 1.0 and 2.0.
- The Primeknit pattern is neutral and looks better than the extravagant pattern, used in the Ultra Boost 2.0.
- The TPU cage is less rigid than in the Ultra Boost 1.0 and 2.0 and it is semi-transparent. Thus, the shoe looks more appealing.
- The ankle area is larger than in the Ultra Boost 2.0, which increases comfort.
Therefore, the shoes have many similarities and the major differences touch upon the upper and the outsole. Each version has its distinctive features and drawbacks.
So, if you want to have one pair of sneakers, grab the pair which looks best on you and meets your needs.