Overview
In January 2017 the latest version of the adidas PureBOOST was introduced and here we are just a couple of months later with a short review its features. This running shoe was released for the first time in 2014, just months after adidas introduced their revolutionary BOOST technology. It was the first shoe to feature a full BOOST midsole. Since then several versions were released, most notable being the “Raw” and “ZG” ones.
This new iteration keeps the name of the original while giving it a major makeover. As with the versions before, it was designed as a running shoe for neutral pronators, while giving it a lifestyle sneaker look. Some of the first colorways sold out within minutes but adidas kept coming up with new ones so we managed to grab a pair in burgundy and mystery red.
As a first impression the shoes felt very light and comfortable, with a roomy toebox. We first got a size 11.5 but it felt a bit snug to the toe so we went for a 12, eventually. We wore these around for several days and we got much of what we expected from a shoe from this series. Whether we ran, trained or walked in these we got one of the plushiest, most comfortable rides ever.
Upper
The adidas PureBOOST 2017 features a circular knit upper that is not as elastic as the Primeknit and feels sturdier. It is, however, just as breathable and offers the same snug fit. Since there are no support panels adidas went for this option and it feels like the right way to go.When trying these for light exercises in the gym they provided enough support when moving side to side. On the interior, just under the printed three stripes the shoes have some synthetic underlays that go all the way to the lacing system. There is a light padding around the heel area and it does its job just right. The “burrito” tongue is unique in its kind, folding up under the lacing system to create some padding effect and while conserving the sock like feel the shoes try to achieve. Before buying these we saw some people complaining about this feature and its sewing elongation to the forefront but we did not feel any discomfort, on the contrary, they felt great. The toebox is a bit wide which made this shoe even more comfortable during an all day walk on the streets of Chicago. The shoes also feature rubber side panels with perforations but as we found out after seeing them in hand, they are there solely for aesthetic purposes.
Sole Unit
As with the NMD and of the UltraBOOST, the adidas PureBOOST does not have an insole, which is replaced by a synthetic overlay of perforated material. This provides some breathability to the shoe along with a slight massage effect to the foot. What I noticed during this adidas PureBoost review it’s that the midsole feels a bit strange at the beginning but I got used to it pretty fast and I felt its benefits after 3 hours of walking in these. The BOOST midsole feels a bit harder than the UltraBOOST but is still very plushy. The adidas PureBOOST 2017 features a STRETCHWEB rubber sole in much of the style we’ve seen at the other shoes in this series. For the first time, however, it expands to the medial area of the shoes. It looks like an enforcement overpronators may benefit from so some extent. Since I am more of a neutral to underpronator I can only see it as a pretty cool piece of design.
Overall the midsole delivers a very comfortable ride, feeling very plushy. The brand advertises the BOOST midsole as for maximum energy return so it’s not all walking on clouds but also it helps working out your muscles. The day after my long walk I can feel my calves, yet to be fair I’ve been hibernating for the past couple of months of the winter. Running in these for five miles felt great but as an occasional runner I could not see myself going for longer runs.
Bottom Line
To conclude this adidas PureBOOST review , this is a nice running shoe that is well worth its money. It’s not as great as the UltraBOOST but you’ll also spend less. I felt that for me it will make an excellent shoe for every day walks as it feels super comfortable and it fits just right with a pair of jeans or shorts. As far as running shoe goes I will stick with my Brooks Gycerine for now, as I run more as a cardio exercise and I need more support and energy return. The adidas PureBOOST will work out your feet more and for most people that is just what they need. The brand issued several colorways and it looks like they will continue to do so at least for a while. The $140 retail price is right, considering you get the latest technology from adidas.
