adidas ushered in a new era in performance footwear with its energy-returning Boost midsoles. Launched in 2013, adidas Boost shoes were revolutionary thanks to their unique features. The soft, flexible adidas Boost was developed by the adidas Innovation Team (AIT) together with chemists from the German chemical company BASF. In addition to flexibility and cushioning that provided seamless support during movement, the midsole could return energy. After becoming an icon in the running world, Boost technology, originally created for the running line, was also adopted in other athletic shoes and in sneakers designed for streetwear. Since its launch, Boost technology has continued to evolve and remains a leader in performance footwear.
What Is Boost Technology?
Until 2013, the material that provided performance support in running shoes was EVA foam. EVA foam is still used in many running shoes today. Despite its soft structure, EVA is an extremely durable material. Being lightweight, it's comfortable and gives runners cushioning and flexibility. However, cushioning and responsiveness can't be increased at the same rate. When more cushioning is wanted, the foam gets softer but its response time gets longer. When a faster response is wanted, the midsole gets firmer and cushioning is limited. Boost was designed to eliminate this dilemma.
Boost technology delivers what EVA foam lacks. Boost is made from thermoplastic polyurethane, a type of elastomer. This material gives the midsole exceptional cushioning and flexibility without slowing its response. The midsole also stays lightweight and lasts longer thanks to its increased durability. Shoes made with Boost technology are revolutionary, yet the flexible, durable, load-bearing material behind the technology isn't new. It had previously been used in bike helmets and car seats. What's new is adapting it to a shoe midsole.
Made from expanded TPU pellets that form closed cells around tiny air pockets, the Boost midsole gives the shoe five distinct qualities.
Five Features of adidas Boost
- adidas Boost shoes capture the athlete's kinetic energy, store it in the midsole and return it to the athlete. This ingenious energy-return innovation made Boost an icon in the world of performance footwear.
- Built from closed cells formed around air pockets, the midsole delivers outstanding cushioning. This gives the athlete an exceptionally comfortable experience.
- The midsole's durable structure resists not only wear but also the weather. Boost midsoles can be used year-round in any climate. They hold up to water, snow and heat.
- With its flexible structure, Boost supports the foot at any pace.
- On top of all this, it's durable and long-lasting. It doesn't wear down easily and keeps its resilience over long distances.
The Evolution of Boost
adidas continues to develop the Boost technology it launched in 2013. Since their debut, the shoes have been updated at regular intervals with new features. The Ultraboost line, which gets a more advanced version every year, keeps growing in popularity.
Designed for performance running and racing, the adidas AdiZero Boost is the model worn by athletes who have set world records. Developed with feedback from famous adidas athletes, the shoe's thick midsole provides extra cushioning.
The Sub2 Boost, for which adidas made the Boost midsole 100 g lighter, keeps the same exceptional cushioning. Developed for racing, these shoes are the choice of athletes looking for a lighter option.
Ultraboost, introduced in 2015, was a new revolution within Boost itself. This time, the adidas Innovation Team designed Ultraboost midsoles inspired by space technology. Ultraboost is an anatomical adaptation of NASA's ARAMIS technology. The technology, which made it possible to analyze an athlete's foot movements in detail while running, helped create the ideal midsole structure. Ultraboost is constantly being refined and, since its launch, has remained popular both as a performance shoe and as a streetwear icon. Beyond its superior midsole, part of this popularity comes from its launch by Kanye West. The model also has a special collection dedicated to the famous TV series Game of Thrones.
The Ultraboost 21 is one of the most loved models in the adidas Ultraboost line. With 6% more Boost in the midsole, it uses the LEP system in its outsole. LEP (Linear Energy Push) is a system that delivers a quicker response. It increases responsiveness by improving the balance between the forefoot and midsole.
The upper used in Ultraboost 22 shoes is a reinforced PrimeKnit. It wraps the foot and supports it comfortably. Of the upper's 50% textile portion, exactly 92% is made with Primeblue yarn produced from recycled material. The sustainable adidas Ultraboost 22 is a popular choice for both performance running and streetwear. Its more advanced follow-up is the adidas Ultraboost 22 Gore-Tex Shoes running shoe, designed with a Gore-Tex upper.
Because the midsole works in all weather conditions, it's ideal for outdoor shoes. That's why adidas uses Ultraboost technology in the midsoles of its Terrex hiking and outdoor shoes.