REASONS TO BUY
Comfortable upper
Substantial cushioning
Unique color options
REASONS TO AVOID
Heavy
Expensive
Adidas Ultraboost 22 Review
A knitted upper locks in the foot and is incredibly comfortable, perfect for those who put a priority on upper comfort
Credit: Adidas
RELATED: Best Running Shoes for Men of 2024
Our Verdict
If you're looking for a comfortable, sock-like upper, then the Adidas Ultraboost 22 is a great option. It features a fully knit upper that securely holds your foot in place. Cushioning is substantial, while still maintaining a firmness which allows this model to still feel snappy when you are picking up the pace. Unfortunately, this is one of the heavier shoes in our lineup but, given the premium materials, incredible upper design, and excellent stability, we think this is a great option for those wanting one shoe to do it all. Due to the premium materials and excellent craftsmanship, this shoe does cost substantially more than the competitors.
Our Analysis and Test Results
Plush, responsive cushioning, good stability, a super comfortable upper, and a ton of cool colorways make this one of the most comfortable models we tested. A large bulbous heel helps lock the foot into a progressive footstrike and leads to a comfortable landing. A wider platform helps with stability and increases rigidity throughout the shoe. The knit upper is the best we tested and locks your foot into place and feels perfectly supported throughout even the longest of runs.
Unfortunately, this premium design comes at the cost of monetary price and weight. It is one of the heaviest and most expensive models we've tested. After longer runs, the 11.9-weight of each shoe can begin to feel sluggish and heavy, and the wide platform feels a bit restricting. But, if you are after a supportive and comfortable model, this could be the perfect fit for you.
Performance Comparison
The Adidas Ultraboost 22 has the best upper we've ever tested and eye-popping colorways
Credit: Matthew Richardson
Cushioning and Landing Comfort
The thick midsole foam makes the Ultraboost one of the most comfortable running shoes that we tested. The foam has a slightly firmer feel to it and is not nearly as compressive as other well-cushioned models, which helps provide enough energy return to compensate for the higher weight. This comfortable design was great for longer runs and led to our legs feeling less fatigued. The 10-millimeter heel-to-toe drop aids in comfort and allows this shoe to be worn all day. In our opinion, we think the average user would appreciate this foam design and we were big fans of it when running downhill.
This mid and outsole foam makes this one of the most comfortable models we tested but isn't overly plush.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
Responsiveness
Thick, cushy foam midsoles typically limit the responsiveness of a shoe, but we were still impressed with how this shoe feels when dropping the pace, thanks to the slightly firmer density of the foam. However, we just can't get over the heavier overall feel and think if this were just two ounces lighter, it could be one of our overall favorites. The heel rocker helps get you into a forefoot liftoff and engages your calves and hamstrings, creating a more natural and quick stride. This is appreciated in longer runs when you start to fatigue and your form starts to deteriorate.
The firm foam leads to great responsiveness, making this shoe feel surprisingly fast, though we wish it were a tad lighter.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
Upper Comfort
The standout feature of this model is the upper, which is ultra-comfortable and incredibly supportive. The seamless upper is stretchy yet form-fitting, allowing for maximum support without the upper feeling too constricting. The fabric is thick enough to be durable but plenty thin enough to be breathable. The heel cup is solid, maintaining rigidity through the heel and increasing the overall foot support. This is the best seamless knit upper we've tested.
Leading comfort is thanks to the fully knit seamless upper which is our favorite we've tested.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
Lateral Stability and Support
A wider platform combined with a firmer midsole foam allows the Ultraboost to score well in this metric, even with its excellent cushioning. This shoe makes us feel planted and stable and we loved it on smooth surfaces. The higher stack height could make it feel a bit loose on uneven terrain and you must maintain focus to adjust for this. Users looking to find a nice balance of cushioning and stability could find this model ideal. We felt solid throughout our entire running system from our ankles, knees, hips, and upper body.
Even the outsole of this model is designed with flair in mind.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
Weight
The major downside of this model is the weight and it's noticeable as soon as you put the shoes on. They feel large and bulky when compared to other models in our lineup. Luckily this shoe has a lot of great features such as good cushioning, responsiveness, and the most comfortable upper we tested. The durability is great and a rubber outsole makes us have confidence in uneven or wet terrain.
Unfortunately, these shoes are quite a bit too heavier than most modern trainers (at 11.9 ounces per shoe in a men's size 9.5), and we likely wouldn't choose them based on this metric alone. If you are less concerned about weight though, this could be a great model for you.
One of the most unique-looking models, bringing bright and vibrant colors to your running.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
Should You Buy the Adidas Ultraboost 22?
Ultimately, style and comfort will have to be your priority to purchase this model. We wish it were a bit lighter and a bit less expensive and think that runners looking for something lighter and more responsive would be better served by a different model. Those prioritizing a super-comfortable upper, balanced cushioning and support, and lots of color options will likely find this a suitable all-around trainer.
What Other Running Shoes Should You Consider?
Everyone has different running goals. If you're willing to sacrifice a bit of stability and upper comfort, we'd recommend the Hoka Mach 5, one of the lightest and most responsive shoes we've tested. You still receive a comfortable upper and excellent cushioning but in a much lighter package. The Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 is another top contender that balances lightweight cushioning, responsiveness, and all-around comfort.
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Matthew Richardson
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