Prime X vs Boston 10 - Adidas' Most Polarizing Shoes

The Adidas Prime X and the Adidas Boston 10 were highly anticipated shoes, but the general consensus seems to be that neither of these shoes quite lived up to the hype. But I think there may be more to each of these shoes than was originally considered.
0:00 intro
0:24 run testing
2:05 disclosures
2:25 specs Boston 10
4:57 specs Prime X
6:16 illegal shoe?
7:15 specs Prime X cont
9:00 running Boston 10
13:51 running Prime X
16:39 overall
disclosures: I bought these shoes. No one sent them to me or is paying me to make this video. No one will get a chance to preview my footage or my thoughts before this video goes up on youtube.
Thanks for watching! Leave a comment to let me know you stopped by!
Running footage shot on:
GoPro Hero 9 Black (paid link)
amzn.to/3iWG8v9
Music sourced via Epidemic Sound www.epidemicsound.com/referra...
Disclosure: It's 2021, so I think we all know how affiliate links work at this point, but for regulatory compliance or affiliate program purposes, I must state that affiliate links do not increase cost to you, but:
"As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”
Also, you do not need to use these links. You can also search for these same items in amazon or on any search engine/shopping site of your choice and buy/research them that way.
---
-------
strava: / strava
twitter: / wordofko
instagram: / kofuzi
subscriber count at time of upload: 83,878
end card music:
Jim Yosef - Checkered
/ jim-yosef-checkered

[@andreasmaher8749]

I have to hand it to Adidas, they were a bit late to the game with the "superfoams" etc....but they have since made up for it with a lot of innovation in their Adizero line.

[@EDDBUD]

Boston 10 feels terrible to me. Gave it numerous chances but at over 340g for a more premium shoe it feels so over engineered. The plate in the heel only has the insole between it and your foot. Very underwhelming.

[@kofuzi]

I really want to like it more than I do, but I understand what you are saying

[@EDDBUD]

@@kofuzi On paper it should be a winner. Just the balance of the foams seems a touch wrong.

[@kofuzi]

exactly

[@lohthx1r]

I always like to watch your shoe review, sir. The way you present is very layman and easy for a beginner like me to understand and appreciate. Thank you Sir !

[@robertot.m.8747]

Great review!!! I totally agree with you in you impressions of the Boston!!. First of all I will say this Boston 10 runs a little bit small... I´ve used them yesterday for a 12K run after 113Kms on bike in the morning, having "heavy legs" and I felt that the shoe really helped me, I felt them as "energy saving shoe" so I enjoyed the run a lot thanks to this shoe. Also I felt also just a little bit of "discomfort" in the balls of the foot, not pain, but as if they were too rigid.. I want to test them in longer distances... probably not for a marathon but maybe well usable for a half-marathon... Also, I don´t think weigh should be so important, as long as there are no changes in velocity, stops and starts, turns, uphills etc... The problem with weight (you can see it pretty well in clycling) is just in the start, after that... if you maintain a constant speed, the more weight, the more momentum you have, so that´s not a problem

[@paultimothyL]

Yo!! Great comparison/battle! Now I better understand these two shoes! Thanks for always a worthwhile watch!😁👍🙌

[@kofuzi]

thanks for watching!

[@andywright7425]

Your opening music choices and montages are always 🔥 Always make me want to press pause and go for a run.

[@kofuzi]

thanks so much!

[@Crookie57]

Great video as always Mike! I agree with you with regards the Boston 10. I think it works really well when using it at pace…I wouldn’t race in it but it’s a great durable uptempo shoe imo 👍

[@massi888]

Nice review. i totally agree with you. i have both shoes and i love the prime x only the price i think is a bit too high. the boston 10 i really wanted to like it, i get that for a workout session it works well, but if you compare it to other shoes for workout for example the Fuelcell TC, i think it can not compare, i think even the adios 6 is better for workout sessions. Overall the new adizero franchise did great this iteration, the adios pro, the X and the 6 are excellent (the adios 6 a bit less :)), especially if you think how many great shoes are out there, we live in exciting times, expensive, but exciting :). thank you for your work, i really appreciate your reviews, the video footage today was amazing, love it.

[@chada4701]

Completely agree with your assessment of the Prime X - I took mine on a 14 mile run yesterday and my legs feel completely fresh today. I also can chime in that its important not to get sloppy with your form though, as I slightly rolled my ankle (on a straight section!) around mile 10.

[@frre9302]

The winner of today's Vienna City Marathon was disqualified for wearing the Prime X (as far as I could see the shoe)!

[@paddywiggle]

🤣 what an idiot who forgot to tell him

[@kofuzi]

maybe he didn't think he was going to be in the prize money?

[@davidkelly0]

My guess is that it was a marketing stunt by Adidas to get people talking about the shoes 🤔

[@LuckyFullPR]

Thats why Im here.

[@ozenfant_ozn]

@@paddywiggle the race direction claims that Derara Hurisa was told the day before the race that he couldn't run in them, yet he decided he was gonna be fine doing so. he finished in 2:09:22 on a hot day, three seconds ahead of the later winner Leonard Langat, who ran in adios pro 2s. I don't know anything about Mr. Hurisa and his career, but if this wasn't a publicity stunt right away he might want to consider looking for a new coach, and a new agent.

[@livegreatalways]

I'm not going to lie, you got me wanting to buy a pair of Prime X right now. Went straight to adidas website but all sold out 😔. Had previously written off this pair due to all the - ve comments. Tq for this video.

[@qpae8503]

I think boston 10 is refreshingly different compared to any other shoe I've tried. It is very very cushioned but still quite responsive, and a nice racy type of fit and feel in the upper. It is heavy for sure (I'd really like it to be lighter) but anyway it feels quite pleasant and fluent to run at steady or somewhat fast paces. All in all deserves a spot in my rotation and look forward to the v11 in case they shave some weight off.. However if you're looking for a replacement for boston 9/8/7 you'll be disappointed. Better look at e.g. adizero adios 6 instead.

[@changliu9073]

I tested the Boston 10 for like 3 weeks, before I quit it.... I did like the push-off sensation when you land on your mid/fore foot... but I just wish if the weight of this shoe can be closer to the Endorphin Speed 2 or at least the Velocity Nitro....

[@MinhNguyen76]

The push off sensation is suitable for certain running form. I am on 3rd run in the pair. Still hard as brick. :(

Thanks for the review. Would recommend any of this two for someone who needs stabilization? My daily trainer is Solarglide ST. TÍA

[@m.r.6264]

I love my Boston 10’s. Don’t have the Prime X, so not sure about that shoe. Edit: I’ve done ran a 15 mile course in the Boston 10 without issue. So I guess it depends on what you’re comfortable with. I’m going to run my marathon in a few weeks with the Boston

[@kofuzi]

I hope it goes well for you! you'll have to let us know how it went!

[@nobumnow]

Not the perfect shoe and it needs some time learning to run in. Best part is it gives me a unique fun ride feeling during runs.

[@tfxcShoes]

Greta comparison! I agree both are misunderstood. Some days I don’t mind the Boston 10, other days I can’t stand it. I think it’s about understanding what types of runs it works well for, and not comparing it previous Bostons.

[@simoF6]

Great review. I may have missed it but does the Prime x have sufficient room in toe box ? I’m wide footed and was considering getting a pair.

[@jameswestmoreland9717]

My Boston 10s were fine till 90 miles when the lateral bias heel bevel combined with a compressed midsole caused shun splints, ankle issues. Me, back in the day: 3x1 mile repeats at 5 min/mile pace, 80% recovery, 4 minutes. Favorite workout.

[@chinitopogi7511]

This is a firm shoe and somewhat heavy. Though there are some triathletes use this as racing shoe.. anyhow, would really wait in takumi sen 10 and adios pro 4. Instead of buying SL, Adios, & Boston series.

[@Trailrunner1978]

Great video about these polarizing shoes. I love the 6x6 min workout you do. 6x6min, 1 min rest is also a Jakob Ingebrigtsen, or Ingebrigtsen family favourite workout. And 10x1000 meter, 1 min pause. Both extremely good treshold workouts.

[@kofuzi]

I love those workouts, but thinking about 1 minute recoveries always makes me flinch just a little bit. it's just so incredibly short.

[@RileyRunTheCity]

I totally agree with your review on the Prime X. It's like the Mercedes Maybach of Adidas Running Shoes. Big, Smooth, Fast and Good Looking. I really like in this shoe... As for the Boston 10 It's a decent shoe but I agree to firm for easy Days better suited for Uptempo stuff better 6-10miles

[@jpod]

Great timing, with the great north run…

[@VelvetGoldminer]

Are you talking about the chap who was disqualified? That was a different race. Vienna I think?

[@jamiewright4704]

I am still rocking a pair of black Boston 9 in my rotation.If they were to update it ,I like my torin 5 zero drop ,so if I could get a boost stack of 28/26 roughly and the new rubber set up like what's in your review maybe the design team who read the comments could test it out , maybe lightstrike option too that would work for me as the upper is great and I don't like that new upper material.Just my ten cents worth of design feedback.thanks.have a nice day.

[@GarethFreshwater]

I have the Boston 10s and really like the lockdown, fit and ride. But as with everyone else, I don't like the weight! I can cruise along in them no problem, but I am training for Manchester Marathon and taking them out for 26 miles, when I'm no longer cruising and having to put in effort to keep my running form etc, the weight becomes noticeable. So I had to shelf them for race day and have gone with a pair of Saucony Endorphin Speed instead. Really like the trainers, but not for the marathon ironically.

[@hafizsyamir7702]

i change the lace on boston 10, i switch ortho insole and plus point i feel it fix the problem i feel that the energy rod and plate on the hill is to near to my leg. midfoot platform tooo snug.. daily trainer for me.

[@jono2154]

Love this!!!

[@kolinpa1]

Thanks, Do you recomend buying a one size bigger for running shoes?

[@tuliomartino9976]

It would be great to se a battle between Prime X vs RC Elite 2 as a marathon trainer

[@jeroen1989]

Seeing your stryd pod on mostly all videos I was wondering if you could use that data to deeper analyse shoes? Like objectifying energy return by being able to run a certain pace with less effort a.k.a. watts of power, seeing of asics magic speed etc. claims about improved cadence and length of steps match the data from stryd etc.

[@kofuzi]

there was a time where Ben Johnson on IG was collecting some of that data. but I'm just not sure how to set up the tests in a way that don't compel more questions than produce answers

[@ChristopherThomasVillano]

I bought the prime X because of you and I bought it for a sale price $200.00 on adidas site. Thank you buddy Always Love, Brother Christopher.

[@kofuzi]

Hope you love them!

[@ChristopherThomasVillano]

@@kofuzi I do I instantly was able to accomplish my 10,000 steps a day goal as soon as the first day and I am way beyond 100 miles

[@kazimzainab]

For durability, how many miles can I get out of prime x. Thanks

[@jennyg5426]

These give high heels a new name.

[@bendover2743]

The Boston 10 was a pain to break in. But when it loosened up, I found it was a pretty good shoe. I hate how heavy the shoe is though

[@kofuzi]

I'm hoping for that break in. but after about 35 miles, I'm not optimistic.

[@MinhNguyen76]

I am really frustrated how hard it is for the 3rd run in the boston 10. May ask what distance have you run before its break in?

[@bendover2743]

@@MinhNguyen76 I don’t know exactly when they started to shine, but it’s reasonable to guess around 30-35 miles

[@jameswestmoreland9717]

I think Jack might have called these repeats "cruise intervals". A bit different from VO2 Max intervals involving more recovery but harder effort. Mine would be a mile at 5 min pace with 4 min recovery. The cruise intervals mught be 6 min - 6: 30 with a min recovery thrown in. Supposed to help people go longer on tempo/ LT runs. The Prime x probably would have worked out well back in the 70's and 80's.

[@kofuzi]

Yes. He calls them cruise intervals. Supposed to be a 1min jog recovery but I find that way too hard

[@eulogyforadream]

I know this wasn't a review of the Boston 9. However, this makes me want to get more miles in the previous Boston. What a fun shoe to run in.

[@kofuzi]

I've been telling the Boston faithful for a while to stock up on last year's model while they still can

[@qpae8503]

I recommend giving the adizero adios 6 a try if you're looking for a replacement for older bostons.

[@dominikschrott7412]

I still have got boston 8th generation in use ;) (and 9th too, of course).. awwww... it will hurt so much to give 'em up once they are outworn...

[@marylandflyer5670]

I never really liked Adidas shoes but I’d love to try the Prime X. Maybe it will come down in price.

[@ZanicL3]

I'm signed up for a marathon next month.. Stil have to buy a pair of new shoes. Should I get the Prime X or go with the usual Vaprofly's?

[@paddywiggle]

Vaporfly, Prime X has an illegal stackheight

[@kofuzi]

I think this decision may get made for you, based on relative shoe availability

[@ZanicL3]

@@paddywiggle Well I'm not looking to attempt an official 'high level race'...

[@ZanicL3]

@@kofuzi Yep, I have an alert set for when my size is in stock. I think I'm going to buy them then! Would love to see a alpha/vaporfly vs the Prime X comparison video!

[@zackbelcher3896]

The thin strip of Light Strike Pro along the heel of the Boston is completely a lie. If you take out the insole you’ll see that light strike pro rises above the midsole that your foot sits on, it’s purely a cosmetic wrap. I tried on the Boston 10 side by side with Atreyu Artist yesterday as I’m finalizing my shoes for Chicago. I’m not sure what kind of cement they use for the Boston 10 but I hated it. I’d like to try the prime X but not sure I can get one in time before my last 18miler.

[@kofuzi]

I discussed it at length in the original Boston 10. I think, at best, it may be there for either structural integrity of construction or perhaps to serve as a guide rail. but I think it's there in the rear more for show.

[@daveaskew2105]

Exactly! Pity so few people realise this. But the brand's deception in the marketing has put me off them for a while to come...

[@carlosblank6629]

What do you think adidas will do with the Boston 11? Soften the foam? Thanks, love the channel

[@kofuzi]

My understanding is that v11 is just an upper update

[@carlosblank6629]

@@kofuzi do they not watch youtube??Bummer...

[@Reggy9]

It's already out. Only upper

[@Whoever429]

Can not be in better timing! People will look into this after the DQ in Vienna Marathon imo 😉

[@kofuzi]

better to be lucky than good

[@mikowhy9608]

I'll not accept "rebranding" of the Boston. And calling it a good shoe. There are plenty of "good" shoes... I don't expect Boston to be good. And it's not me having a fixed/wrong concept of the Boston line, but Adidas messing up that concept. Couldn't they just call that new creation Adidas Berlin etc.? Sure, Adios 6 is an example the big changes do work (sometimes), but... ... today I'm sticking with my legacy Boston 8 for a fast workout 😅

[@chrisrose3967]

Ethiopia's Derara Hurisa won the Vienna City marathon on Sunday but was disqualified soon after when the soles of his shoes were found to be one centimetre too thick in violation of the rules. Hurisa crossed the line with a time of 2:09:22 but less than 45 minutes later was left distraught when his time was struck off as his shoe soles ( he wore the Adidas prime X)were five centimetres thick.

[@kofuzi]

his manager was quick to throw him under the bus

[@pkblade]

@@kofuzi it's a hard shoe to mistake for the AAPro 2 and a $25K mistake at that, so can understand manager not happy he wasn't getting pay day. Unless, Adidas made a behind the doors deal with Hurisa

[@luisdelpozo9674]

In your opinion , what are the ideal paces for both of the shoes?

[@kofuzi]

threshold effort

[@michaeldwilson1471]

Some have called the Adidas Adios 6 the actual "Boston 10." I don't know about that but I prefer running a little closer to the ground and will pass on the new Boston 10s (although I've been buying Bostons for many years) and instead buy the Adios 6.

[@kofuzi]

I haven't run in the 6 yet. conceptually, it makes sense. but I'll wait to see how the shoe does for me.

[@emmanuellenarduzzi3577]

I agree whith You. The Adiós 6 is the New Boston.

[@levandmarthapolyakin-aaron2183]

Also agreeing the Adios 6 is a misnomer and it should’ve been bequeathed with the .Boston 10 designation. The so-called Boston 10 is a completely different animal.

[@minksdabadger]

I love my Boston 10 as well. The more I run in it the more I appreciate how good my legs feel after the run. Great at faster paces and I find it very stable, unlike my Novablast 2. It's not as versatile as my Mach 4 but if you have a few shoes it could fit well into a rotation. I personally don't find it particularly heavy and I like that they feel durable.

[@m.r.6264]

I agree with you @Minkee Kim. The Boston 10, for me, is a good shoe and my legs feel just fine after running in them

[@soundofenigma]

agreed!

[@user-ze3nm3rl8v]

Where is the best running shoe?

[@bennettshfd2]

I would think Adios Pro 2 vs. Boston 10 would be better comparison.

[@eyevincast5440]

I like the Boston 10s however I have to admit though I find the Boston 10 seems a hair too tight than any other adidas or any other running shoe I got…..Nike….puma…Salomon…Hoka…..I wear a 10 1/2…..also the Boston 10s although to me it’s a high stacked or high cushioned shoe it’s also a bit firmer than most of my other shoes…..puma with their nitro foam got it spot on with their deviate nitro and puma magnify nitro. But the Boston is a firmer shoe until you “push” harder…….love going up hills with them though I can feel the spring action or the rods really working going up hill. Overall I think the Boston 10 will be in my rotation and will take over for my Nike zoom fly 3s…….retiring those shoes after 700 miles……😅

[@Ptrmndza]

Would you do a Prime X and Bondi X comparison?

[@kofuzi]

as soon as I get a pair, I will

[@roberttaylor8514]

Looks like the Prime X is comparable to the New Balance Fuel Cell TC...wonder what is more fun and forgiving to run in?

[@kofuzi]

both area scary in the corners

[@r.cordis8251]

@@kofuzi What about the RC v2 is it more stable than the tc or is also narrow in the midfoot (I have problems with shoes like endorphin speed, nike pegasus turbo 2, as I have wide feet). thanks

[@zackbelcher3896]

Wouldn’t the alpha fly break the rule as well then? It has the plate and the pods on top of each other. If plate + rod counts so should that.

[@levandmarthapolyakin-aaron2183]

@@sheldanmusick3787 people are referring not to rods, but the so-called air pods.

[@sheldanmusick3787]

@@levandmarthapolyakin-aaron2183 good call, didn't read that closely enough

[@kofuzi]

I think somehow, the zoom air pods are considered to be foam-equivalent rather than carbon-equivalent

[@vincents.6639]

How about Boston 10 x Adios 6 comparison?

[@kofuzi]

it will have to wait until after CIM and after CIM recovery

[@rm6857]

Anyone can tell mileage of Boston 10?

[@alexchen7406]

Any chance compare alphafly Vs prime x？

[@kofuzi]

I don't own any Alphafly anymore

[@dominikschrott7412]

Will miss Boston line until generation 9...

[@areksoo]

But how tall did the Prime X make you feel? I'm intrigued by the Prime X, but fear twisting my ankles on that stack height.

[@kofuzi]

I don't necessarily feel all that much taller. but taking corners is a bit unnerving

[@christianschobinger1131]

Did you know that the winner of the marathon today in (old) Vienna (Austria) was disqualified for using the Prime X in the race, maybe a good marketing Stunt of Adidas 😉 a Pro runner should know that this shoe is not allowed in races 😂

[@kofuzi]

I found out about that as I was uploading. Cuan Walker reported on it and also pointed out that, these kinds of things usually get sorted out the day before in tech briefings. so it's really weird that this happened. it's an expensive mistake

[@christianschobinger1131]

@@kofuzi the race director said, that all pro runners were briefed the day before, but they didnt check the shoes at the start, its the first time a pro runner was qualified because of his shoes, as far as I know, its really weird!

[@wakidz3868]

I've been using the Boston 10 over 100km but i still cannot break into it.. When im running with it, i can feel the carbon rod on my forefoot and causing numbness and pain over my foot.. Maybe the insole to thin🤔🤔 Im using boston 10 as my daily training shoes. Does anybody have the same problem with me?😢

[@MinhNguyen76]

Run 20km in the boston 10. I feel the same as you said on my right foot. ?!

[@wakidz3868]

@@MinhNguyen76 yes..!discomfort on right foot

[@skobodabaws8946]

Boston 11 is the same on the right foot

[@wakidz3868]

@@skobodabaws8946 maybe need to put extra insole?🤔🤔

[@skobodabaws8946]

@@wakidz3868 i think thick socks too! Will try yo use my ultra boost insoles next time

[@jimmypeach8838]

Whats the softest sneakers on the market? Have bad foot neuropathy and need them just to walk around! Have Zoomx Invincibles and 1080V11 in the mail....

[@mopoffool]

Why buy the Prime X instead of the Adios Pro 2? They're both expensive, splurge shoes. But wouldn't the AP2 be just as or almost as good at all the things you like about the PX, yet without the ankle instability? Plus it's lighter and more of a genuine race option. I have the AP2 but not the PX. I'm not sure what I think about the AP2 yet, but it has occurred to me to use it mainly for long training runs with pace work (i.e., just what you like the PX for).

[@kofuzi]

you said you want to use your Adios Pro 2 mainly for long training runs with pace work. now imagine, if you will, a shoe that will let you do that almost as well as the Adios Pro 2, but with less burden on your joints.

[@basils_bezels]

Would the Prime X be suitable for casual wear, or would they feel out of place?

[@franklehouillier8865]

My guess is that they will feel super weird to just walk around in. Think of squishy platform shoes.

[@Stefan-Forster]

Completely out of place…!

[@kofuzi]

it's your money and your feet. wear what you want.

[@basils_bezels]

@@kofuzi I was thinking under foot, would they translate in casual wear comfort wise. Thanks for all the great content!

[@chucky1golf]

Prime X v Nike invincibles be good

[@victory4life00]

People need to realize that the Boston 10 is nothing like any of the other Bostons. The boston 10 is a good shoe, and i found needs maybe 3-5 runs to get going. Once the 10 is broken in, it is a great shoe.

[@jimduyck]

Yeah, probably not going to choose a shoe in the same weight class as the Glycerin and Triumph for a workout. 🤪

[@kofuzi]

this is so funny

[@thefitzwah]

I'm hearing good things about the Adios 6. Have you touched those yet?

[@135Pandemonium]

I have them. They are amazing!

[@kofuzi]

not yet. probably won't get to them until after the Chicago Marathon, unfortunately

[@terryfurlong518]

Thank you for the air quotes to the six minute miles. In my dreams.

[@critmuniz7581]

Prime X makes sense, the weight of the Boston 10 does not. At that weight it just can’t be a workout shoe.

[@kofuzi]

I wish it were lighter. and a bit softer

[@BrendonCamm]

Oh man... I have the prime X in my cart, should I?!?!?!

[@kofuzi]

did you get them? inventory comes and goes real quick

[@BrendonCamm]

@@kofuzi Indeed I did 😀 there were two pairs left when I picked mine up, had to do it

[@javimora100]

Spanish translator please.....👍👍

[@2112sgb]

Prime X vs Nike Invicible.

[@matthewledvina8323]

Love the Boston 10s. Haters be damned.

[@daveaskew2105]

Lightstrike is trash.....