If Batman somehow found himself training for the Gotham City marathon, he’d probably wear the adidas Energy Boost running sneakers.
Now, before you get ahead of yourself, we’ll make it clear that the shoes aren’t tricked out with any sort of superhero gadgets that can obliterate opponents at the drop of a dime. But we will go ahead and say (if the images above haven’t done so already) that the Energy Boost is a stealthy, state-of-the-art shoe that the Dark Knight would be sure to approve of.
The Energy Boost is adidas’ answer to Nike’s Lunarlon, to Saucony’s ProGrid, to Under Armour’s Micro G-enhanced Spine, and so forth. To put it in more simple terms, by introducing its much-hyped Boost cushioning technology to running sneakers, adidas hopes to stay a relevant player in the running game. Now don’t get us wrong, we all know adidas has a rich history when it comes to running shoes (we see you Adios, Boston). But the Energy Boost provides the Three Stripes with a solid platform on which to build its future performance footwear offerings off of.
The concept behind the Boost midsole is relatively simple. It is designed to give off more energy return than traditional midsoles found in running sneakers. The Boost midsole, which is frankly just thousands of micro TPU balls squeezed together as a cohesive cushioning unit, adds a noticeable bounce to your step the instant you put the shoes on. Most importantly, after putting the sneakers through intense testing over the past few weeks, we’ve found that the midsole doesn’t lose its spring effect—this thing is built for the long haul.
Despite a lightweight build, the Energy Boost is capable of performing at optimal level even under extreme weather conditions. Unlike regular EVA foam, which loses energy return in cold temperatures, the BOOST foam is temperature-resistant. So whether your thermostat reads 40 degrees Celsius or 20 below, the shoes will keep on churning, as long as your legs are up for it.
The shoe’s Adiwear outsole features a modest tread pattern that is city-friendly. However if your daily route calls for some off-road running, the Energy Boost should hold up just fine. Though, by no means is it designed to be a trail running sneaker.
Upon lacing up the Energy Boost for the first time, we immediately noticed that the shoe fits a bit snug. It's Techfit upper offers a compression-like fit that holds the foot down firmly without constricting it. The seamless upper features welded synthetic overlays for added stability and support, and also to help the shoe keep its structural integrity. A seamless upper also means less chafing, making socks completely optional.
Category: Running (Neutral)
Best For: Veteran runners looking to try something new or beginners seeking a spring in their step.
Star Feature: Boost Cushioning System
Weight: 9.5 oz
Bottom Line: Speaking from experience, runners aren’t always open to trying new things. But if you’re in the hunt for a new of pair high-performance running shoes that can potentially help you shed a few seconds off your PR, the adidas Energy Boosts are a fine choice. Just remember, if you do decide to grab a pair when they hit retailers tomorrow, Feb. 27, make sure to go a half size up due to the snug fit.
$150
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