adidas Solar Boost Review
Boosted Style for Everyday Running
Likes
- Improved fit
- Breathable
- Bouncy cushioning
- Stylish
Dislikes
- Thick tongue
- Heavy
What's New
The adidas Solar Boost delivers the endless energy return of a Boost midsole with the foot-hugging comfort of an overhauled new upper. Designed to provide both extra breathability and a precise fit, the updated mesh upper features stitched-in reinforcements made of recycled materials. This helps to create an adaptive fit while securing the midfoot with almost invisible comfort. Solar Propulsion rails run along the sides of the foot and work with the Boost midsole to help guide the runner forward for a smooth and fast transition, and a Torsion Plate extends from the forefoot to the heel for added stability and springy tension when the shoe is flexed. Finished off with a StretchWeb Continental rubber outsole, the Solar Boost offers durability, traction, and an energized ride.
The Bottom Line
If you are looking for a comfortable everyday running shoe with plenty of bounce, the adidas Solar Boost is a solid option. Although it adds some weight to the shoe, the Boost midsole offers a wonderful blend of softness and energy return. The mesh upper and padded tongue provide a comfortable and accommodating fit. Our team also appreciated the use of environmentally-friendly recycled materials in the upper, which helped add structure without restricting the foot.
Shoe Performance
Softness i
Ride/Energy Return i
Underfoot Protection i
Flexibility i
Upper Support i
Specifications & Fit
How It Fits
| Toe Box | Width: Medium | Height: Medium to low (Women's: Medium) | |
| Midfoot Volume | Medium to Low | |
| Heel Width | Men's: Medium to Narrow | Women's: Medium | |
| Arch Height | Medium |
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 10.6 oz (size 9) | Women's: 9.5 oz (size 8) | |
| Stack Height | 28mm (Heel), 18mm (Forefoot) | 10 mm Heel-Toe Offset | |
| Terrain | Road | |
| Stability | Neutral | |
| Sizing | True to Size |
Our In-Depth Look
Shoe Softness i
The adidas Solar Boost features a generous Boost midsole for a squishy-soft underfoot experience without any of that sinking-into-sand feeling. Our testers loved the blend of plush cushioning with stable responsiveness.
Liese: "The softness is near perfection from heel to toe."
Justin: "This shoe has the typical Boost feel for me. It is plenty soft and comfortable with a solid bounce to the feel."
Ride/Energy Return i
Boost is adidas' most responsive midsole, and this is definitely noticeable in the adidas Solar Boost. Our testers agreed that the shoe delivered bouncy propulsion with every stride.
Liese: "Even though the softness is a key part of this shoe, it still holds up well in the energy return department. The propulsion rails guide my stride through its gait cycle with ease."
Justin: "I found that the bounce from the shoe felt best when I wanted to go a little faster on my long run days. There is plenty of energy return; when you put more energy into the shoe, you definitely get even more back."
Underfoot Protection i
The underfoot protection of the adidas Solar Boost comes from the combination of the Boost midsole, torsion plate, and full-length Continental rubber outsole. Your feet and joints will feel protected from the impacts of the road without losing a connection to the ground underfoot.
Liese: "I feel like the Solar Boost provided a lot of protection. The stack height is pretty low, yet I felt that there was plenty of shock absorption without feeling mushy."
Justin: "This shoe feels the most protective when heel striking. There is less protection under the forefoot, but I still feel like you can cover long distances with no problem in these shoes."
Underfoot Flexibility i
Balancing flexibility with the support of the Torsion System, the adidas Solar Boost provides a smooth ride that still allows natural foot movement. Our testers were pleased with the springy propulsiveness and stability delivered by the midsole rails and torsion plate.
Liese: "There was as much flexibility as I like in a shoe. The Torsion System, which allows the forefoot and rearfoot to move independently, works well in tandem with the propulsion rails to keep things from becoming too rigid."
Justin: "There wasn't anything of particular note about the flexibility of this shoe for me."
Upper Feel i
The newly designed upper features stitched-in reinforcements that provide targeted support while still allowing for a comfortable and accommodating fit. The incorporation of recycled plastic fibers adds some always-appreciated sustainability to the shoe's construction.
Liese: "I like that adidas incorporated more of their sustainable Parley recycled plastic into the Solar Boost, and it's working out well for the comfort of the shoe! This year's version is streamlined with an all-over knit material that not only fits better but is more breathable."
Justin: "The upper on this shoe is comfortable with enough support and breathability for all-day wear."
Individual Thoughts
Your long runs will thank you! The new Solar Boost is a great shoe with huge improvements to the upper. Not only is it better for the environment, but the upper is more comfortable and better fitting as well!
I found the underfoot experience to be similar to the previous model. It has a soft landing and propulsive rails to help you bounce back with every stride. Also, even though they are not super lightweight, the shoes never feel like they're weighing me down, which makes them great for long days when I need more protection.
Softness
FirmSoftRide/Energy Return
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protection
LowHighFlexibility
RigidElasticUpper Support
StructuredAdaptable
The adidas Solar Boost is a solid daily training shoe that provides a good fit and plenty of bounce. In my rotation of trainers, I mainly use the Solar Boost for days when I want a bit more springy softness during my run. Overall, this shoe keeps my feet very comfortable all workout long.
