adidas adizero Boston 11 Shoe Review
The Boston is Back in a Lighter Package
Likes
- Bouncy and efficient ride
- High level of protection
- Lighter upper overlays
Dislikes
- Overall weight
What's New
The 10th iteration of the adizero Boston saw a complete overhaul, so much so that the shoes hardly resembled any of their predecessors. While some long-time Boston fans may have missed the shoe's more minimal design, many enjoyed the major updates that helped to modernize the model. The new adidas adizero Boston 11 continues with the same midsole and outsole of its tradition-breaking predecessor while refining the shoe's upper design. The midsole keeps the same 39mm stack height of Lightstrike and Lightstrike Pro foam with snappy EnergyRODS embedded within, but the revamped upper boasts a more race-ready feel with an improved fit and a lighter weight. Overall, the adidas adizero Boston 11 continues to be a highly protective workhorse that can handle nearly any pace and any distance.
The Bottom Line
Compared to its predecessors, the Boston 10 was almost an entirely new shoe. It had some runners questioning why it was not given a different name altogether, but after a year on the market, the new Boston has made a name for itself as a highly protective shoe that's equipped to keep runners comfortable over long-distance training runs while still being able to pick up the pace. The Lightstrike and Lightstrike Pro blended foam midsole delivers a firm yet responsive underfoot experience that really snaps at toe-off, while fiberglass energyRODS further contribute to the shoe's fast and efficient ride. When it comes to the Boston 11, the only notable update is in the upper, which features lighter weight overlays and a thinner mesh to amplify the race-ready feeling. Our testers were not fans of the suede overlays in version 10 and were very happy with this sleeker and better fitting upper design. The bottom line is that the adizero Boston 11 continues to elevate the Boston shoe line, and these trainers are more than equipped to handle any run you can throw at them.
Shoe Performance
Shoe Softnessi
FirmSoftRide/Energy Returni
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protectioni
LowHighFlexibilityi
RigidElasticUpper Supporti
StructuredAdaptableSpecifications & Fit
Shoe Specs
Weight | Men's: 9.89 oz (size 9) |
Stack Height | 39 mm (Heel), 31 mm (Forefoot) |
Terrain | Road |
Stability | Neutral |
Sizing | True to size |
Our In-Depth Look
Shoe Softnessi
The Boston 11 combines durable Lightstrike foam with a Lightstrike Pro compound that is softer and lighter weight underfoot, this results in a fairly balanced underfoot experience that leans toward the softer side.
Matt: "The adidas Boston 11 offers two different foams that deliver two unique underfoot experiences. The bottom layer of regular Lightstrike foam is firmer and more durable, while the Lightstrike Pro top layer (adidas' super foam) is softer and more responsive. By blending these two materials, adidas has created a firm but bouncy ride. For me, it took a few runs to really break in the cushioning and get the full experience, but I truly enjoyed the tight responsiveness once I started rolling. If you prefer a firmer feel rather than pillowy plushness, then the Boston 11 has what you need."
Connor: "The Boston 11 has a slightly soft due to the layer of lower density Lightstrike Pro super foam, but this shoe is fairly balanced with the combination of the firmer Lightstrike bottom layer."

Ride/Energy Returni
With its high stack height, the new Boston is well equipped to handle daily training demands. This is not to say that the Boston 11 cannot pick up the pace; its energyRods and bouncy Lightstrike Pro foam create a highly efficient ride that energizes each stride.
Matt: "The addition of Lightstrike Pro gives the Boston a more elite level of responsiveness, and the energyRODS embedded in the midsole provide some stiffness for additional propulsion. I still think the midsole could provide more bounce or a more aggressive rocker to give the shoe a better energy return. This shoe is more geared toward daily training, but if adidas wanted to make it more versatile, then I think further enhancing these features could do the trick."
Connor: "The Boston 11 offers a fairly good energy return that feels responsive at faster paces. I do think the overall weight limits its ability to perform optimally at really fast efforts, but for everything from cruising to the occasional tempo run, it definitely provides a snappy underfoot experience."

Underfoot Protectioni
The 39 mm of Lightstrike and Lightstrike Pro super foam underfoot provides next level protection from the Boston. This stack enables runners to wear these impressive shoes for nearly any training run at nearly any distance or pace.
Matt: "The Boston 11 has protection and a lot of it. Between the high stack of top-end foam and the Continental Rubber outsole, the Boston 11 leaves my legs feeling great at the end of long or fast efforts. The foam is on the firmer side, so this might cause some runners who prefer a plush ride to feel a little more beat up after runs, but overall, the Boston 11 protects runners well no matter the distance."
Connor: "Coming in close to 40 mm in the heel, the Boston has plenty of underfoot protection for nearly any distance."

Flexibilityi
If there was a formula for a stiff shoe, then adidas has nailed it with the Boston 11. The high stack, along with the fiberglass energyRODS, creates an undeniably rigid midsole. That said, these shoes are not designed to be flexible. Instead, the Boston 11 uses this stiffness to create a smooth and responsive ride that is also highly efficient over long distances.
Matt: "Flexibility is not what the Boston 11 excels in. There is a large amount of foam, as well as rigid rods in the midsole, so it's clear that this shoe isn't meant to flex. This shoe still feels smooth out on runs, but I did wish that it had a little more of a rockered design to make it transition even better."
Connor: "This shoe's large stack height is combined with the energyRODS to create a fairly rigid underfoot experience. Although the rod setup is not quite as aggressively stiff as a full-length carbon plate, this shoe does not bend much and still creates a fairly efficient running experience."

Upper Supporti
The only notable update for the Boston 11 in particular is in the upper. The mesh design is stylish and lighter weight than the previous version, with a race-ready feel. Our testers appreciated the removal of the suede overlays from version 10. The upper delivers a secure and comfortable lockdown that runners will enjoy for all their training runs.
Matt: "The Boston 11 offers an upper that holds and adapts to the foot. It starts with a gusseted tongue that helps to create a nice lockdown, and the top layer of mesh is light but also provides some structure. I always felt locked down and was never restricted."
Connor: "The upper material is fairly thin through the midfoot. Overall, this shoe has a good lockdown which held my foot securely in place, and the firmer heel counter provided everything I needed for longer miles."

adidas Men's adizero Boston
adidas Women's adizero Boston
Individual Thoughts

The adidas adizero Boston 11 surprised me and became a shoe I looked forward to lacing up every day. This shoe got a modern facelift in its 10th version with more foam and added rigidity, making it totally different from past versions which continues with the Boston 11. Once you accept this new bulk and updated design, you'll see that the Boston 11 is a shoe that really glides down the road. The addition of Lightstrike and Lightstrike Pro gives this shoe a firm bounce that can handle any amount of mileage.
I enjoyed having the Boston 11 in my lineup because it was a durable trainer with newer technology that made me want to take it farther and farther. My only complaint with this shoe is that it weighed in heavier than expected, but I do think that this is an easy fix that could make the Boston one of the most versatile trainers available. Overall, the new Boston is a firmer shoe with some of adidas' best technology, and I'd lace it up for any kind of daily training and even some uptempo running.
Shoe Softness
FirmSoftRide/Energy Return
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protection
LowHighFlexibility
RigidElasticUpper Support
StructuredAdaptable
The adidas adizero Boston 10 looked like a new model compared to past versions, and the 11th version continues to refine on this models modern overhaul. The ultra-high stack height mixed with energyRODS continues to perform at a variety of paces, and it seems to be right in line with trends of higher stacks paired with super foams or plates (or in the Boston's case, rods).
This shoe delivers phenomenal protection to go far with the efficiency to handle uptempo efforts. The ride is smooth and the shoe is fun to wear for certain runs, but the weight held me back from using it even more often in faster efforts. The new Boston may not be my first pick for workout day, but I do think it deserves a slot in my weekly rotation. Its unique ride, mixed with plenty of cushioning and durability, makes for a perfect training companion to the much faster, race-oriented adios Pro 2.