What are the primary ideas that come to thoughts whenever you hear the phrases “Boston Marathon”? I’m guessing a number of responses might be historical past, unicorn, heartbreak, or peak efficiency. The aptly named Adidas Adizero Boston 13 dials in on the latter as a quick, enjoyable, and responsive speedwork shoe.
The Boston line was first launched in 2009 as a dynamic, light-weight shoe constructed for velocity and execution.
Sure, I do know we’re now in 2025, and that trainers have vastly developed previously few years, however the Boston 13 nonetheless delivers the products. Plus, Adidas made considerate upgrades on this launch, delivering a extra snug trip whereas not compromising what has made this shoe so widespread.
I put the Boston 13 via an array of exercises, together with relaxed restoration efforts, speedwork, and lengthy runs.
50 miles in, I’m proclaiming it as my favourite on a regular basis coach in 2025. Not solely did it meet my admittedly lofty requirements for a coaching shoe, however I additionally loved each single step I’ve taken in it.
In case you’re on the lookout for a quick, snappy, and enjoyable coaching shoe, the Boston 13 delivers on all counts.
Who Is It Good For?
Who’s the Boston 13 an excellent match for, let’s break it down by some frequent classes:
- Extensive Ft: Not supreme. The midfoot runs a little bit slim, so it’d really feel tight for these with wider toes.
- Heavier Runners: The much less stiff rods make it extra accommodating!
- Lengthy Runs: Not a max cushion shoe by any stretch, however positively designed to go the space.
- Entrance of the Pack: The Boston 13 will hit with runners all through the pack.
The Boston 13 is a top-tier coach that’s versatile sufficient to deal with speedwork, tempo efforts, and lengthy runs. It’s additionally a darkhorse possibility for a race day shoe!
Jeff is certainly one of our resident speedy runners so we additionally regarded to a number of the mid-pack for suggestions. Whereas in addition they loved the shoe, it wasn’t a go to day by day coach for many of them looking for out extra cushion. As a substitute, it really works nicely for the mid-pack and our heavier athletes as a velocity shoe.
Whether or not that’s exercises or race day…however once more as you’ll see it’s not the identical bouncy really feel you would possibly discover in our prime carbon plated trainers.
Adidas Adizero Boston 13 Overview
As a marathon fan, something with “Boston” within the identify catches my consideration. Whereas I don’t normally run in a ton of Adidas fashions, I do have historical past with the Adizero Boston—particularly the Boston 8, which I skilled in forward of my first Boston Marathon.
The road has come a good distance since then, and I used to be pumped to reconnect with the most recent version. Particularly after so many discovered the Boston 12 to be far too agency…Adidas heard that chatter and went to work.
The Boston 13 has a clear, traditional look and delivers a quick, responsive trip.
They made some key tweaks—together with 13.8% extra Lightstrike foam, notably within the forefoot, which goes to enhance that push off feeling. Plus they added padding within the tongue and heel collar for total match consolation.
It’s a considerate refresh that makes the shoe extra snug with out sacrificing efficiency.
The shoe provides a firmer trip, so don’t count on that pillow-soft really feel underfoot. The shoe positively comes alive in quicker paces and tempo efforts, but additionally delivers a constant really feel in longer efforts. The 6mm heel-to-toe drop retains issues delicate, which helps the shoe really feel steady with out being too aggressive.
Boston 13 Specs
- Weight: 9.17oz Males’s, 7.72 oz Girls’s
- Stack Top: 36 mm
- Heel Drop: 6 mm
- At present out there in 1 coloration, with extra on the method
- Not out there in huge
- Obtainable on adidas.com for $160
We’ve got a pair drawbacks with the Adidas Boston 13 which can be essential to notice. It’s slim which goes to restrict the match for lots of oldsters and the firmer trip simply isn’t going to be successful for everybody.
Many of us have develop into used to that bouncier really feel in carbon plated sneakers and can miss it right here. That being stated, for the velocity and the value level it’s a BIG win.
Boston 13 Match
The Boston 13 provides a pleasant foot-hugging, barely there sort of match, with considerate updates that present Adidas is listening to runner suggestions—particularly in the case of the tongue and heel collar.
The heel and heel collar work collectively to create a strong, snug match. Whereas the padding isn’t overly plush, it’s excellent: gentle, supportive, and safe. I skilled zero slipping or motion, and lockdown was straightforward to dial in with out having to crank the laces tight. The delicate padding across the collar provides a pleasant contact of consolation with none further bulk.
By means of the midfoot, the match is steady and comfortable with out being overly tight. Nonetheless, you probably have particularly huge toes, you would possibly discover this space of the shoe too confining.
Within the forefoot, there’s loads of room round and above the toes. My toes felt relaxed and uncramped, even on longer efforts. In case you like a roomy toe field, this setup ought to work nicely for you.
The tongue is one other spotlight—it’s frivolously padded, stays in place, and feels snug with out being cumbersome or getting in the best way. An enormous enchancment from the Boston 11 and 12.
As with many Adidas sneakers, you would possibly must experiment with the lacing a bit to get your match excellent. The laces are on the narrower aspect however hit the suitable size, and I didn’t have any points with them coming untied.
Total, the Boston 13 suits gentle and safe, with a clean, versatile really feel on the run. It’s not the lightest shoe round, nevertheless it’s positively much less boxy than earlier editions of the shoe. One observe on sizing: my common males’s 11 felt a bit cosy, so should you’re between sizes or choose a little bit extra room, contemplate going up a half measurement.
Adidas Boston 13 Really feel
Proper out of the field, the Boston 13 delivers a trip that feels responsive, speedy, and pleasantly snappy. Whereas it leans extra on the agency aspect, it’s not harsh—there’s simply sufficient give to maintain issues snug with out feeling overly squishy or sluggish.
Adidas added 13.8% extra of their Lightstrike foam to this model, and you may really feel the payoff. The midsole blends Lightstrike and Lightstrike Professional foams, with EnergyRods sandwiched between so as to add a little bit of propulsion. The outcome?
A trip that’s clean and environment friendly, with simply the correct quantity of vitality return to make every stride really feel fast and pure.
The engineered mesh higher is one other spotlight. It’s breathable, quick-drying, and much more snug than earlier variations. It’s gentle and versatile throughout the foot, and adapts nicely throughout motion with out bunching or rubbing.
Traction is strong, due to a mix of Continental rubber and Lighttraxion on the outsole. I had no points on moist roads, and the grip held regular all through every run. Plus, the shoe’s 20% recycled content material is a small however appreciated nod to sustainability.
It’s not the bounciest trip on the market, nevertheless it feels quick, steady, and fluid. In case you’re on the lookout for a shoe that may deal with a mixture of coaching efforts whereas nonetheless feeling pure and grounded, this one’s a robust contender. Total, the Boston 13 is a dependable on a regular basis coach that may shift gears whenever you want it to.
Comparable Footwear to the Boston 13
We’ve examined a number of that really feel comparable, however completely different based mostly on the model match:
- Nike Pegasus Plus – comparable trip and really feel however rather less responsive
- Puma Deviate Nitro 3 – extra cushioning and strong vitality return
- Asics Superblast 2– Nice cushion and tremendous gentle with no plate
Okay pals, that’s our tackle the Adidas Adizero Boston 13! Tell us your ideas in regards to the it and the way it stacks as much as the sneakers in your rotation.
80%
Whereas our speedy tester LOVED the Boston 13 and shall be reaching for it day by day, we don’t suppose it’s an throughout shoe that may converse to each runner which lowered our score. It’s gentle. It’s quick. It’s agency. It’s simply not going to be a win for everybody.
Who Tried It?
I’m Jeff, a marathon-loving runner in Kansas Metropolis! On daily basis, I fall extra in love with operating. It retains me mentally and bodily wholesome, and continues to show me all of the life classes. Sometimes, I run round 50 miles every week if I’m not constructing for a race. However I’m operating Grandma’s Marathon in June and Chicago this fall, so let me know should you’ll be at both one! Yow will discover me on Instagram @jaruane
