adidas Adizero Boston 12 Review: Built for Runners or Built to Impress?

In partnership with adidas

About adidas Adizero Boston 12

Shoes built for speed often feel like a tradeoff. They’re either too soft to handle serious pacing or too stiff to use beyond race day. Runners who train hard but want something that can handle tempo days and go the distance usually end up bouncing between pairs, never quite getting what they need from one shoe.

adidas, one of the most recognizable names in running and sportswear, has been around for decades. Among their latest releases is the Adizero Boston 12. It’s a shoe built to bring race-day energy into regular training. adidas designed it to feel light, quick, and efficient while holding up through serious mileage.

There’s a lot packed into it. Fiberglass rods underfoot. Two types of foam in the midsole. A breathable upper and rubber outsole that’s meant to grip in tough conditions. adidas says it’s a shoe built for runners chasing their next big goal. 

That all sounds good on paper. But can one shoe really do the job of two? Is it as balanced as they say, or does it lean too far in one direction? We’re going to look at what it’s made of, how it feels on the run, and what kind of runner it actually makes sense for.

Highlights

• adidas has decades of experience making performance shoes trusted by runners around the world.
• The Adizero Boston 12 is built for both speed-focused training and long-distance runs.
• It uses fiberglass rods in the midsole to add extra push with every step.
• The shoe combines two different types of foam to balance softness and support.
• The mesh upper feels light and breathable, especially during warm or intense runs.
• The Continental rubber outsole provides solid grip even on wet roads.
• The upper includes at least 50% recycled materials, part of adidas’ push toward sustainability.
• It fits true to size with a regular shape that works for most runners.
• At 260 grams, it stays light without giving up cushioning.
• It has a 7mm drop, which offers a stable feel without feeling too flat or too elevated.

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adidas Adizero Boston 12 Review

There’s been some buzz around this release, but what does the shoe actually offer? Here’s a breakdown of the key parts, how they come together, and where it sits price-wise.

Unique Features

1. ENERGYRODS 2.0

Inside the midsole, adidas added five fiberglass rods that run parallel to the bones of the foot. These rods sit between the foam layers and are shaped to follow the natural movement of the foot. They give the shoe extra stiffness through the forefoot, but they don’t cover the full length of the shoe like a plate would. That structure helps guide the foot forward without locking it into a rigid pattern. Unlike carbon plates, these rods feel slightly more flexible, which may suit runners who want a bit more give underfoot.

2. Lightstrike Pro + Lightstrike 2.0

The Adizero Boston 12 midsole uses two layers of foam. Lightstrike Pro is the softer, bouncier layer on top. It’s designed to compress easily under pressure and rebound quickly with every step. Below that is Lightstrike 2.0, a firmer, more durable foam that gives the shoe a solid base. This layer supports the fiberglass rods and helps control how much the top foam compresses. The stack height measures 38mm in the heel and 31mm in the forefoot, giving a total drop of 7mm. Together, the two foams shape how the shoe responds under different running styles and speeds.

3. Continental Rubber Outsole

The bottom of the shoe is covered in Continental rubber, known for its durability and grip. The layout includes small, patterned lugs in the forefoot and a more solid surface in the heel. The rubber covers high-impact areas and leaves some sections of foam exposed to reduce weight. It’s built to handle pavement and light road debris while still allowing some flexibility across the sole. This kind of rubber is usually more resistant to wear than standard blown rubber or EVA.

4. Engineered Mesh Upper

The upper uses a single-layer engineered mesh with varying textures across the shoe. Around the midfoot and heel, the material is more structured to lock the foot in place. Over the toe box and sides, the mesh opens up with larger ventilation holes to help heat escape. The tongue is thin and lightly padded, and the collar wraps the ankle without feeling bulky. Stitching is minimal, and the structure is mostly created through pattern and weave variation rather than overlays.

5. 7mm Heel-to-Toe Drop

The midsole has a 7mm drop, which means the heel sits 7 millimeters higher than the forefoot. This setup supports a slightly forward-leaning stance, common in shoes made for faster pacing. It’s low enough to feel stable but still provides some elevation in the heel to help with impact control during landings. This drop suits runners who land on their midfoot or heel and want a bit of help transitioning forward.

6. Recycled Material Content

At least 50% of the upper is made from recycled materials. adidas doesn’t name each material source, but the move reduces the use of virgin plastics in the shoe’s construction. This recycled content appears mainly in the mesh and interior lining. The shoe is part of adidas’ wider efforts to make more of its product range less dependent on newly manufactured synthetics.

Weight

A single shoe weighs 260 grams in size UK 8.5. That weight places it on the lighter end for a trainer with this much cushioning and structure. It’s not stripped down like a racing flat, but it still feels lighter than many daily trainers with similar stack height and features.

Benefits

Specs only tell part of the story. What matters more is how the shoe feels when it hits the ground. Here’s what stands out once you actually start running in the adidas Adizero Boston 12.

It picks up the pace without beating up your legs

The fiberglass rods underfoot add just enough structure to help you push off cleanly, without turning the ride stiff or uncomfortable. It supports faster runs without making recovery harder the next day.

It works for both long efforts and faster sessions

Some shoes are great for speed but fall short on longer runs. The Boston 12 doesn’t have that issue. It holds its shape, keeps the ride smooth, and handles both types of workouts without needing a backup pair.

It stays steady on the road

The outsole grips well on wet streets and cornering feels controlled. It gives you the kind of traction that makes you forget to think about footing, even on less-than-ideal surfaces.

It keeps feet cool and locked in

The upper breathes well and doesn’t stretch out or feel sloppy mid-run. It fits close without being tight, and you don’t have to mess with the laces once you start moving.

It has a cushioning that holds up

The foam mix doesn’t feel overly soft or overly firm—it lands in that middle space that absorbs impact without slowing you down. It stays consistent through the full run, not just the first few miles.

It feels lighter than it looks

It has enough build to support your stride, but it doesn’t feel bulky. Once you’re running, the weight disappears in the background, even during faster paces or hill efforts.

It can handle a full training block

Some shoes fade fast. This one keeps its feel and shape after plenty of use. You can take it through weeks of mileage without it breaking down or losing its bounce.

Price

The adidas Adizero Boston 12 is priced at $160 USD for both men and women. That puts it in the mid-to-upper range for training shoes, especially those built with race-inspired features.

It’s available in several color options, with some combos offered across both men’s and women’s versions. These include:

• Core Black / Cloud White / Carbon
  
• Cloud White / Lucid Blue / Cobalt Blue
  
• Dash Grey / Matte Silver / Warm Vanilla
  
• Onix / Matte Silver / Lucid Blue
  
• Core White / Dark Blue / Pure Ruby

The range covers neutral shades and bolder color mixes, giving runners some visual variety without straying too far from classic running shoe designs.

adidas Adizero Boston 12 Review: What Do Customers Think?

Runners have a lot of good things to say about adidas and the Adizero Boston 12 in particular. Across different experience levels and use cases, the most common points are stability, comfort, and how well the shoe adapts to different types of runs.

A lot of people describe the Boston 12 as dependable, especially for weekly routines that mix short runs, long runs, and workouts. Some use it for road running, others for the treadmill or track. Many mentioned how the shoe holds up well across these conditions without feeling too stiff or too soft.

“The Boston 12’s are my favorite daily trainers and they are versatile for any run.”

Comfort stands out as one of the most mentioned strengths. Users appreciate how light the shoe feels and how it stays comfortable through the whole run. Several comments point to how the shoe fits around the ankle and offers support without feeling bulky.

“Very light, has sole support and cushions around the ankle – ideal.”

Reviewers also point to the build quality, calling out the design, the way the upper fits, and how the sole feels underfoot. Some people mentioned the shoe helped support other parts of their active lifestyle, like cross-training or yoga.

“I love the stability this shoe provides. When I run in this shoe it supports my yoga practice.”

Design and colors get a lot of love too. Reviewers frequently say the look of the shoe is just as impressive as the performance. The wide range of color options gives people room to pick something bold or more low-key.

“Amazing colour schemes and nice design. Great for road running.”

In terms of who’s buying and reviewing these shoes, it’s a pretty diverse mix:

• Many run two to three times per week
  
• Some are training for longer distances, while others stick to under 6 miles
  
• Most use the shoe for road running, but there are also users on treadmills, at the gym, or on track
  
• Pronation types vary, though several noted the shoe worked well even without being sure of their foot type
  

“Superb build and performance, excellent shoe, can handle many types of run.”

There’s also a good number of buyers who purchased the shoe for someone else—partners, siblings, parents—who later reported back how much they liked the comfort and fit.

Is adidas Adizero Boston 12 Worth It?

The adidas Adizero Boston 12 stands out as a strong option for runners who want one shoe to handle a variety of workouts. It offers a thoughtful balance between structure and comfort, which makes it a practical pick for anyone running several times a week. Whether it’s being used for long runs, tempo efforts, or daily training, the Boston 12 shows up with enough responsiveness to support faster pacing and enough cushioning to stay comfortable when the mileage adds up.

Its features point to a well-rounded build. Fiberglass rods underfoot provide a sense of push and direction without turning the shoe stiff. The layered foams give a mix of softness and durability, which helps the shoe stay stable while still feeling light on the run. The upper wraps the foot securely, and breathability keeps things cool through effort-heavy workouts.

There’s also something to be said about consistency. In reviews, runners consistently mention comfort, grip, and stability. The shoe adapts well to different needs. Some runners use it for faster sessions, others for steady mileage, and the feedback shows that the Boston 12 holds up across those settings. This makes it a solid choice for those who don’t want to rotate between multiple pairs during a training block.

At $160, it falls into a range that might seem high at first glance, but when considering the features, durability, and versatility, the value becomes more clear. It isn’t a stripped-down speed shoe for race day only. It’s a trainer built to do more, and it lives up to that purpose for runners who put it to use regularly.

Overall, the adidas Adizero Boston 12 delivers a reliable, well-constructed running experience for those looking to train with intent. For runners who want a fast feel without giving up support, it makes a strong case as a go-to option.

adidas Adizero Boston 12 Promotions & Discount

adidas offers a few ways to save when buying the Adizero Boston 12 or anything else from their site.

1. adiClub Membership. Joining adiClub is free and gives members instant access to perks. New sign-ups get a 15% off voucher for their next purchase, plus free standard shipping. Members also get early access to select drops, exclusive product offers, and access to adidas Running content. Over time, members can earn points and unlock more rewards by staying active with the brand.
2. Online Sale Section. The adidas website includes a dedicated sale page where shoppers can find discounts of up to 40% off on clothing, shoes, and accessories. It’s worth checking regularly, especially if you’re open to other models, colors, or product categories.

Heroes Discount Program. adidas gives 30% off online and in-store to verified teachers, military members, healthcare workers, and first responders. This group also gets 15% off at outlet stores. Verification is done through ID.me, and eligibility covers a wide range of professions including nurses, doctors, EMTs, police, and even seniors aged 65 and up. Some products are excluded, such as select Ultraboost and limited-edition releases.

Where Can I Buy adidas Adizero Boston 12?

The adidas Adizero Boston 12 is available directly from the official adidas website, both in men’s and women’s sizing. It’s also listed on other major retailers that carry running gear, including sports stores and online platforms like Zappos, Running Warehouse, and select local running shops.

Color options and sizing may vary depending on the store, so checking availability across a few sites can help. The full range of colorways—including Core Black, Cloud White with Lucid Blue, and Dash Grey with Warm Vanilla—can usually be found on adidas.com or the adidas app.

For those signed up to adiClub, early access or member-only pricing may also apply.

FAQs

Is the fit true to size?

Yes, most runners report that it fits true to size. Some mentioned going up half a size in the past but found that their regular size works fine in the Boston 12.

What type of runs is the Boston 12 best for?

It works best for tempo runs, long runs with steady pacing, and even intervals. It can also handle daily runs if you like a slightly firmer, faster feel.

Can I wear the Boston 12 for walking or casual days?

You can. While it’s built for running, it’s light, supportive, and comfortable enough for walking or standing for long periods.

Can I race in the Boston 12?

Definitely. It’s quick, lightweight, and comfortable over longer distances. Perfect for runners who want a fast shoe without going full carbon-plated.

How do I contact adidas?

If you need help with an order, have questions about products, or just want to reach out, adidas makes it easy to get in touch:

1. Phone Support. Call 1-800-982-9337. Available every day from 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM PT
2. Live Chat. Use the chatbot anytime—it’s available 24/7.  For live support with a real person, chat hours are the same as phone:  Mon to Sun, 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM PT
3. Bulk Orders & Corporate Gift Cards. Email [email protected].  This is for bulk purchasing or corporate gift card inquiries.
4. Running App Support. For help with the adidas Running app, email their support team.
   Response time is usually within 72 hours.

In-Store Help. You can also visit a nearby adidas retail location. Use the Store Finder on their website to locate one near you.

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