The Adidas Adizero Boston 13 Has One Major Flaw (And We Still Love It)

What are the first thoughts that come to mind when you hear the words “Boston Marathon”? I’m guessing a few responses could be history, unicorn, heartbreak, or peak performance. The aptly named Adidas Adizero Boston 13  dials in on the latter as a fast, fun, and responsive speedwork shoe.

The Boston line was first introduced in 2009 as a dynamic, lightweight shoe built for speed and execution.

Yes, I know we’re now in 2025, and that running shoes have vastly evolved in the past few years, but the Boston 13 still delivers the goods. Plus, Adidas made thoughtful upgrades in this release, delivering a more comfortable ride while not compromising what has made this shoe so popular.

I put the Boston 13 through an array of workouts, including relaxed recovery efforts, speedwork, and long runs.

50 miles in, I’m proclaiming it as my favorite everyday trainer in 2025. Not only did it meet my admittedly lofty standards for a training shoe, but I also enjoyed every single step I’ve taken in it. 

If you’re looking for a fast, snappy, and fun training shoe, the Boston 13 delivers on all counts.

Who Is It Good For?

Who is the Boston 13 a good fit for, let’s break it down by some common categories:

• Wide Feet: Not ideal. The midfoot runs a little narrow, so it might feel tight for those with wider feet.
• Heavier Runners: The less stiff rods make it more accommodating!
• Long Runs: Not a max cushion shoe by any stretch, but definitely designed to go the distance.
• Front of the Pack: The Boston 13 will hit with runners throughout the pack. 

The Boston 13 is a top-tier trainer that’s versatile enough to handle speedwork, tempo efforts, and long runs. It’s also a darkhorse option for a race day shoe!

Jeff is one of our resident speedy runners so we also looked to some of the mid-pack for feedback. While they also enjoyed the shoe, it wasn’t a go to daily trainer for most of them seeking out more cushion. Instead, it works well for the mid-pack and our heavier athletes as a speed shoe.

Whether that’s workouts or race day…but again as you’ll see it’s not the same bouncy feel you might find in our top carbon plated running shoes.

Adidas Adizero Boston 13 Overview

As a marathon fan, anything with “Boston” in the name catches my attention. While I don’t usually run in a ton of Adidas models, I do have history with the Adizero Boston—specifically the Boston 8, which I trained in ahead of my first Boston Marathon.

The line has come a long way since then, and I was pumped to reconnect with the latest edition. Especially after so many found the Boston 12 to be far too firm…Adidas heard that chatter and went to work.

The Boston 13 has a clean, classic look and delivers a snappy, responsive ride.

They made some key tweaks—including 13.8% more Lightstrike foam, particularly in the forefoot, which is going to improve that push off feeling. Plus they added padding in the tongue and heel collar for overall fit comfort.

It’s a thoughtful refresh that makes the shoe more comfortable without sacrificing performance.

The shoe offers a firmer ride, so don’t expect that pillow-soft feel underfoot. The shoe definitely comes alive in faster paces and tempo efforts, but also delivers a consistent feel in longer efforts. The 6mm heel-to-toe drop keeps things subtle, which helps the shoe feel stable without being too aggressive.

Boston 13 Specs

• Weight: 9.17oz Men’s, 7.72 oz Women’s
• Stack Height: 36 mm 
• Heel Drop: 6 mm 
• Currently available in 1 color, with more on the  way
• Not available in wide
• Available on adidas.com for $160

We have a couple drawbacks with the Adidas Boston 13 that are important to note. It is narrow which is going to limit the fit for a lot of folks and the firmer ride just isn’t going to be a hit for everyone.

Many folks have become used to that bouncier feel in carbon plated shoes and will miss it here. That being said, for the speed and the price point it’s a BIG win.

Boston 13 Fit

The Boston 13 offers a delightful foot-hugging, barely there type of fit, with thoughtful updates that show Adidas is listening to runner feedback—especially when it comes to the tongue and heel collar.

The heel and heel collar work together to create a solid, comfortable fit. While the padding isn’t overly plush, it’s just right: light, supportive, and secure. I experienced zero slipping or movement, and lockdown was easy to dial in without having to crank the laces tight. The subtle padding around the collar adds a nice touch of comfort without any extra bulk.

Through the midfoot, the fit is stable and snug without being overly tight. However, if you have especially wide feet, you might find this area of the shoe too confining. 

In the forefoot, there’s plenty of room around and above the toes. My feet felt relaxed and uncramped, even on longer efforts. If you like a roomy toe box, this setup should work well for you.

The tongue is another highlight—it’s lightly padded, stays in place, and feels comfortable without being bulky or getting in the way. A big improvement from the Boston 11 and 12.

As with many Adidas shoes, you might need to experiment with the lacing a bit to get your fit just right. The laces are on the narrower side but hit the right length, and I didn’t have any issues with them coming untied.

Overall, the Boston 13 fits light and secure, with a smooth, flexible feel on the run. It’s not the lightest shoe around, but it’s definitely less boxy than earlier editions of the shoe. One note on sizing: my usual men’s 11 felt a bit snug, so if you’re between sizes or prefer a little more room, consider going up a half size.

Adidas Boston 13 Feel

Right out of the box, the Boston 13 delivers a ride that feels responsive, speedy, and pleasantly snappy. While it leans more on the firm side, it’s not harsh—there’s just enough give to keep things comfortable without feeling overly squishy or sluggish.

Adidas added 13.8% more of their Lightstrike foam to this version, and you can feel the payoff. The midsole blends Lightstrike and Lightstrike Pro foams, with EnergyRods sandwiched between to add a bit of propulsion. The result?

A ride that’s smooth and efficient, with just the right amount of energy return to make each stride feel quick and natural.

The engineered mesh upper is another highlight. It’s breathable, quick-drying, and far more comfortable than previous versions. It’s light and flexible across the foot, and adapts well during movement without bunching or rubbing.

Traction is solid, thanks to a combination of Continental rubber and Lighttraxion on the outsole. I had no issues on wet roads, and the grip held steady throughout each run. Plus, the shoe’s 20% recycled content is a small but appreciated nod to sustainability.

It’s not the bounciest ride out there, but it feels fast, stable, and fluid. If you’re looking for a shoe that can handle a mix of training efforts while still feeling natural and grounded, this one’s a strong contender. Overall, the Boston 13 is a reliable everyday trainer that can shift gears when you need it to. 

Similar Shoes to the Boston 13

We’ve tested a few that feel similar, but different based on the brand fit:

• Nike Pegasus Plus – similar ride and feel but a little less responsive
• Puma Deviate Nitro 3 – more cushioning and solid energy return
• Asics Superblast 2– Great cushion and super light without a plate

Okay friends, that’s our take on the Adidas Adizero Boston 13! Let us know your thoughts about the it and how it stacks up to the shoes in your rotation. 

Who Tried It?

I’m Jeff, a marathon-loving runner in Kansas City! Every day, I fall more in love with running. It keeps me mentally and physically healthy, and continues to teach me all the life lessons. Typically, I run around 50 miles a week if I’m not building for a race. But I’m running Grandma’s Marathon in June and Chicago this fall, so let me know if you’ll be at either one! You can find me on Instagram @jaruane