The adidas Adizero Boston 13 is a shoe that combines the comfort of everyday training with the speed of racing shoes. It is lighter, stiffer, and more dynamic than classic training shoes, yet still comfortable for long runs. For some, it will be the perfect companion for faster runs; for others, it will be too tough a competitor. What has changed in version 13? First, the upper is now more comfortable.
Basic info
Tech specs
Purpose
The adidas Adizero Boston 13 is a training and competition shoe designed for hard surfaces. It offers moderate cushioning and a dynamic feel that is most noticeable at speeds of 4:00–4:15/km. Lighter and faster runners can use it for everyday training, and slower or heavier runners may find it an interesting option for their first racing shoes. The Boston 13 is therefore versatile, but with an edge.
Pros
- good dynamics
- good cushioning (softer than its predecessor)
- profiling that helps roll the foot
- versatility, both for training and competition
- significantly more comfortable upper than in Boston 12
Cons
- outsole may be less durable
What’s New in the Latest Edition
adidas Running Shoes – lineup
The Boston 13 is part of the adidas Adizero line, which is the faster and more athletic part of the collection. It’s a great alternative to everyday models from the Supernova, Ultraboost, and Adistar lines, especially if you’re looking for a shoe for faster training or competition. Interestingly, the Boston is one of the slowest models within the Adizero family. But don’t worry – that’s why it’s also the most versatile.
Want to see other models that are faster and more comfortable? Check out the adidas running shoe guide.
| RACING 42-21 KM | RACING 10-5 KM | TRAINING AND COMPETITION | |
|---|---|---|---|
| maximum dynamics |  Adios Evo 1  Adios Pro 4 |  Prime X 2 | |
| very high dynamics |  Takumi Sen 10 |  Boston 13 | |
| high dynamics |  Adios 9 |  Evo SL |
Similar to adidas Adizero Boston 13
Training and competition shoes combine the features of training and competition models. They are the golden mean for runners who want more than everyday comfort but don’t need the fastest “rocket” for every run. These shoes incorporate features from racing shoes, such as carbon, nylon, or glass fiber plates. They also incorporate features from everyday, safe shoes, such as more stable and durable foams. Models such as the Boston can be used successfully for races and fast training.
You can find more training and competition running shoes in this guide.
| MODEL | STACK HEIGHT (mm) | DROP (mm) | WEIGHT MEN'S (grams) | WEIGHT WOMEN'S (grams) | REGULAR PRICE (€) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| adidas Adizero Boston 13 | 36/30 | 6 | 260 | 219 | 160 |
| Asics Magic Speed 4 | 43,5/35,5 | 7 | 242 | 207 | 180 |
| Asics Noosa Tri 16 | 34,5/29,5 | 5 | 215 | 185 | 150 |
| Brooks Hyperion Max 2 | 36/30 | 6 | 255 | 193 | 150 |
| Diadora Frequenza 2 | 36/28 | 8 | 220 | 175 | 175 |
| Hoka Mach X 2 | 44/39 | 5 | 266 | 227 | 190 |
| Nike Zoom Fly 6 | 42/34 | 8 | 265 | 214 | 180 |
| Nike Pegasus Plus | 35/25 | 10 | 245 | 205 | 180 |
| Saucony Kinvara 14 | 36/28 | 4 | 198 | 198 | 145 |
More Lightstrike Pro Means More Softness and More Pop
The midsole of the adidas Adizero Boston 13 features two layers of foam: the advanced Lightstrike Pro and the more classic Lightstrike 2.0. Compared to the previous version, the proportions of these have changed – Lightstrike Pro now dominates. This is the same resilient foam that adidas uses in its top running shoes. This makes the Boston 13 significantly softer and more responsive than its predecessor. You will notice the difference from the very first steps – the shoe responds better to impact and offers greater comfort over longer distances.
The adidas Adizero Boston 13 has glass fiber elements known as Energy Rods 2.0 between its two layers of foam. Resembling a fork or set of rods, this element is embedded in the midsole along its entire length. They improve the shoe’s stiffness, which allows it to better support fast foot roll and facilitate dynamic push-off. Additionally, the Energy Rods help return energy more efficiently, resulting in a more resilient and economical run, especially at higher speeds. This technology is common in racing shoes.
In short, the new Bostons are significantly softer and more cushioned than the previous edition. While they don’t match the most “cushioned” shoes on the market, they offer unbeatable comfort. The increased amount of Lightstrike PRO foam, especially in the forefoot, makes these shoes springier and more dynamic than the previous edition. This makes the Boston 13 a shoe that will make you want to run faster. They are designed for quality training, including intervals, continuous runs, running games, and races ranging from 5 km to marathon distances. It will perform well in all of these areas.
Updated Outsole Design with Reliable Traction
The outsole of the Boston 13 has also undergone significant changes. It is still flat and not very aggressive, and it is designed for hard surfaces such as asphalt and pavement. It features a new Lighttraxion rubber compound that is lightweight and provides good grip. This compound is located in key areas that are important for effective foot roll. This feature was inspired by racing models, such as the Adios Pro 4.
The amount of durable Continental rubber has decreased. It is only found in two strategic places: the front, where the foot strikes, and the rear, where the heel comes into contact with the ground. This helps slim down the shoe without compromising its grip, which remains very good. This is true regardless of whether you run on dry or wet urban surfaces. One potential downside is that the entire outsole is less durable than its predecessor’s.
Better Upper, Greater Comfort
The adidas Boston 13 has undergone several noticeable changes to its upper. It is still made of thin, durable mesh that feels breathable and well-ventilated. The most visible difference compared to its predecessor, however, is the finish. The Boston 12 had a very minimalist construction, with a thin tongue and heel collar that could be uncomfortable, especially during longer runs.
These details have been addressed in the thirteenth edition. The tongue and the area around the ankle are finished with a moderate amount of soft foam, significantly increasing comfort. For many runners, this may be a crucial change – now, the shoe fits better, is more comfortable, and does not cause chafing. This is a big step in the right direction, making the Boston 13 fast and comfortable for everyday use.
The foot stays firmly in place in the adidas Boston 13. The new, better-padded heel counter provides extra cushioning without compromising stability. Importantly, it retains slight flexibility, making it comfortable to work with during a run. Compared to its predecessor, the new Boston clearly stays on the heel better. There’s less slipping and more confidence, especially during dynamic running and stronger strides. This improvement is easy to feel.
Those who had to experiment with sizes for the Boston 12 will be happy to know that there’s no need to do so here. The 13 is back to standard, so you can safely go with your usual size. The shoe fits naturally – not too tight and not too loose. Just as it should be.
Lighter Than Before, Hovering Around Midweight
According to the producer, the men’s version of the adidas Boston 13 weighs 260 grams, and the women’s version weighs 219 grams. That sounds light and promising. However, my scale showed that the men’s Boston was slightly heavier at 291 grams. Still, that’s 8 grams lighter than the previous edition, which is worth noting. For my size, this weight is typical for training and competition shoes – not overly heavy, but also not featherweight. For comparison, the average weight of this type of shoe tested on the blog is currently 284 grams, so the Boston 13 is close to this average.
You could say that the new Boston weighs exactly what it needs to. It doesn’t weigh down the foot but offers enough foam and support to make long runs and intense workouts comfortable.
Final Thoughts
The Boston 13 is a successful evolution in the adidas training and competition shoe series. It is lighter, softer, and more dynamic than its predecessor thanks to the increased use of Lightstrike Pro foam. These changes not only make the shoe more cushioned, but also more responsive with every step. It is still a training and competition shoe, but with much more “teeth.” The new upper and the improved heel counter are features that were missing from the previous model. The foot is held more securely, especially at the heel, and the sizing doesn’t require any guesswork.
This is a shoe for people who like to run fast. It’s ideal for intervals, tempo runs, and competitions ranging from 5K to marathons.
