The Most Polarizing Running Shoe of All Time: Adidas Boston 12

[@IrishHawk824]

My favorite shoe for Easy+, Tempo, intervals, and long runs with pace mixed in. I too had issues figuring out the lockdown initially. I’ve ran a marathon in this shoe and continue to use it for specific training. I am 170 miles in and it feels as good as ever.

[@MidLifeRunner]

Yeah I bet the durability is killer

[@JustinOsmerIV]

Great review, I haven't tried any Adidas shoes yet. I am on the Saucony bandwagon and haven't found a reason to switch, may one day. Also, I love how you didn't break character or pause due to the cat. Makes me like these videos more knowing you didn't cut and redo due to normal life occurrences. Keep em coming!

[@MidLifeRunner]

😂 that cat is something else . Thanks Justin. Saucony speed 1 and 2 are my favorites of all time. I heard the 4 got some of that magic back but I can’t afford to find out right now. Saucony uppers , in my opinion, are also the best in the game, while adidas has the most opportunities. I would stick with saucony

[@MedicineRunner]

4:19 Lmaoo - this is exactly why I prefer your vids over Kofuzi man. Don’t get me wrong, I love Kofuzi’s content but he is just… TOO NEUTRAL AND NICE. I feel like someone could rob Kofuzi at gun point and burn his home and he’d be like “overall it wasn’t the best experience I was hoping for but not terrible. Btw, here are some pairing options” Also, I think Adidas uppers are the biggest deterrent for me buying their shoes. Much love paisan

[@MedicineRunner]

@dextersuarez9948 believe me, I’ve had similar interactions with him lol.

[@MidLifeRunner]

Lol you can’t come after my boy like that, Lance! It’s man crush Monday every Monday with KOach. He’s out there on the streets practically pacing me at this point 🤣. Genuine laugh out loud at your burglary comment though. I appreciate the support as always 🙏🏼

[@MedicineRunner]

@@MidLifeRunner 🤣 I know, I know. Can’t deny his inspiration for shoetubers either. Without him, many would not exist.

[@LiveYoung0]

I love your polarizing emotions 😅😊 I will pick them up for $78. that's $80 you mentioned, hopefully it will become love and hate.

[@English.runner.en.Espana]

Videos getting funnier and funnier!! Your time to blow is coming!

[@MidLifeRunner]

Thanks Benjamin! 🤞🏼 chipping away

[@matthiassventoest6800]

the videos just keep getting better.. trying to find the Bostons right now, on the low, hopefully some day.

[@MidLifeRunner]

Keep a look out for REÍ if you’re stateside - they have sneaky deals

[@klipk7296]

LMAO that thumbnail. I have 200km in my pair. It genuinely took me about 100km before I didn't hate them anymore. I still don't think they are great, too harsh for slow days, but I do most of my running in them now. Completely agree about expectations impacting our perception of it, I was expecting shoe of the year and I felt like I got a clay brick instead

[@MidLifeRunner]

I imagine they’re pretty durable for as firm as they are and with that outsole coverage. Not sure when they started to soften, feels like maybe 80k for me

[@supwell]

Hahaha been waiting on this one. Agree that it's not good at easy paces - I have no idea how some people use this as a daily trainer. Btw I think the next super controversial shoe is going to be the skyward X. Ppl who haven't run in it (and superblast fan boys) are already calling it a heavy brick 😂 but it's been one of the best cruisers/marathon training shoes I've tried this year. Like a more comfortable Boston 12 that's better for everyday miles

[@MidLifeRunner]

I’m excited to try it and compare it to the sc trainer 1, which was very different than v2. Denser foam- more bounce.

[@ScentNomad]

I was struggling quite a bit with the B12 at first, that upper is pretty brutal, at least initially - for some reason it started to soften up after the third or fourth run, now it's actually very comfy for me. I agree that some adidas shoes, including the B12, change a bit midsole wise over the miles, but I wouldn't consider it a break in, because it starts great, but then gets "better and better" (quoting EdBud). I don't mind (and sometimes actually enjoy) a bit of a firmer midsole though. My first Boston was the legendary Boston 9 (still got a pair with a few miles left), so the B12 not being ideal for easier paces actually makes a lot of sense to me. The Boston should be a speed shoe, not a daily trainer. And while the current iteration is still far away from the Boston 9, it is absolutely brilliant for speed days in my opinion. Picking up the pace is so much fun in this shoe. Maybe not quite as fun as in the Prime X, but the Prime X is more like a nice treat I gift to myself when choosing it for a run. The B12 is just serious shit. I tremendously enjoy your content. Cheers from Berlin / Germany!

[@MidLifeRunner]

Thanks for the kind words . I do agree it’s really nice at the intended paces. Love me some Edd Bud too. I like the firm ride maybe once a week. I like the vomero 16, Boston 12 or trinoosa for something little firmer.

[@MidLifeRunner]

Never did get the 9s when it was on sale when I first started running . I have regrets

[@ScentNomad]

@@MidLifeRunner I'm not so sure how runners would react if the B9 was released today. I chuckle a bit when remembering that Kofuzi in his review mentions "lots of cushion" (due to the lower midsole layer made of Boost), most runners today would probably disagree with that (including Kofuzi himself I guess). But it is a super peppy, lightweight, low to the ground shoe, very puristic. Also the first that made me understand that shoes can actually make a difference, so there's a lot of nostalgia attached to it for me personally.

[@MidLifeRunner]

@@ScentNomad yeah I was thinking of making a top 5 “more minimal” shoe list and they’re all on the 30+mm like rebel v3. They just keep getting bigger and bigger. I do enjoy something more nimble like the puma liberate nitro 1 or 2. Small slab of nitro infused foam under foot and a lot of flex

[@ScentNomad]

​@@MidLifeRunner Ha, totally agree - I consider myself to be a fan of lower stacked shoes (well, I like both, high and low stacked), but the B9 and the Adios 8 are actually the only sub 30mm shoes in my rotation (of 12 pairs of shoes) these days. I love Puma shoes, but haven't had the chance to test the Liberate Nitro yet, but they are on my radar. It's a pitty that that pair of Floatride Run Fast Pros didn't fit you way back then, they were the absolute peak of minimalism, I miss them so much.

[@AuDHDRunner]

Surprisingly love the shoe! Pretty much only thing I use for long runs. 6' 1" 210lbs. Reminds me of my adi pro 3's. I think 6mm and slightly firmer just works better for me. I've hated nova 1-3. So like you said just depends on runner. I tend to line up more with yowana on most shoes.

[@MidLifeRunner]

Yeah I think I’m realizing me and Yowana and/or RunMissouri have the opposite taste and it likely the amount of weight/ force y’all are able to put into the shoe . I’m also landing more mid to forefoot versus heel to mid foot lately and that is changing the feel of some of the shoes I run in. It’s all so fascinating. Do you find the fuel cell foam of NB last year too soft?

[@SagasuRunning]

To be fair... I did wait 6 months after release to try this one because I expected a massive turd. The upper is good for a 2023 Adizero shoe, given that they were pretty harsh on the foot... but it has some ways to go. I also agree about the tongue and laces, but I'm numb to Adizero tongues and laces now (as are my feet). The outsole and the foam are what won me over on this one and I have a LONG history with the Boston series. However, I'm reaching more for the Takumi Sen 10 and Adios Pro 3 now...Chris Sagasu out. Oh, and one of my subscribers pointed out the Brooks Ghost is the Toyota Corolla of running shoes. That makes the Reebok Floatride Energy more like a Chevy Cavalier of running shoes...

[@MidLifeRunner]

Thanks Chris Sagasu! I looked back at my strava and I called the floatride a ford Taurus. 🤣 in high school I drove a Mercury Tracer. I’ll have to make a video with car comparisons for sure and get eaten alive because I’m not a huge car guy. Anyway, thanks for the insight. Loving the Endorphin videos lately as the ES3 kind of pushed me away from the line

[@justoutlaw6423]

250km in my pair. Divorce is expensive so we're stuck for the time beign.

[@MidLifeRunner]

😂 spot on. I may continue to rack up miles between this one and Novablast 4

[@matanshiller7644]

I need daily trainers, 😩. I wanted the sc trainer v2, but then I wanted the Boston 12s, what shoes should I get?? Something in the realm for quick, daily long runs, around 7-10 miles. Please help!!

[@MidLifeRunner]

This Sunday is a battle between Boston 12 and the SC trainer v2- just have to wait 3 days.

[@matanshiller7644]

YOU ARE SO AWESOME!!!

[@videos-gl2qq]

Great vid. Yeah the Adidas SL20.2 made me want to throw it in trash for first 50 miles... then i loved it- took it all the way to 1000 miles. I think some Adidas just need break in. Fine by me cuz i take shoes way too long.

[@MidLifeRunner]

That’s good to hear - hopefully it will soften even more as I put 2-3 hundred on it. I definitely want to take the strung to 1000

[@LequinWade]

Surprisingly, I had no issues with the upper…the foam for me is just way too firm.

[@MidLifeRunner]

It never softened for me like the adios pro 3 did. It softened in the adios pro 2 and I am hoping in the EVO SL but the Boston has too much rods and regular light strike

[@LequinWade]

@ I’m hoping that the EVO SL’s are plush with some sort of responsiveness.

[@thewalls7770]

You said workhorse so I’m out lol. I did try the Boston 12 on and did the in store jog thing at FleetFeet. I tried to like it but the fit just isn’t going to work for me. I’m in a weird spot with running shoes. It’s a long story but I’m no joke down to one shoe for all my miles. The Rebel V4. Not because it is the best at everything I just can’t find a long run shoe that compliments it well. The 1080 V13 sucks. Too soft and unstable. The Triumph 21 was good until it wasn’t and I’m not buying another pair. I missed all the Prime X sales. The NV 4 might be an option but I would need to find a wide version because the standard width is too tight in the toe box. I’m a tad frustrated right now. Why is it so difficult to find a light weight long run shoe with 4-8 mm of drop, plenty of toe box room, not too soft or firm, a little flex in the forefoot, and doesn’t feel like I’m running on stilts? Oh, and shoe prices are dumb right now. /rant

[@Ziggymundus]

whoa, im almost at the same place (except i still cant buy V4 because my size is unavailable where i lilve and it was Triumph20). sooo frustrated

[@MidLifeRunner]

I feel this. When the super trainer 1.0s all go on sale for 80 dollars, they still won’t be worth it in my opinion. I think they’ll figure them out eventually. It’s getting harder and harder to find more “minimal “ shoes . I bought an extra pair of Rebel v3s as everything becomes more structured. I love the NB4s but they are massive. Lots of support and a smooth ride like a Cadillac. I just prefer something more nimble too.

[@thewalls7770]

@@MidLifeRunner, I continue to enjoy the V4. I agree that it has a bigger footprint, but it still feels nimble to me. It's not Kinvara 12/13 or Rebel V3 nimble, but it's enough to be very versatile for me. I'm 6' 175ish, though, so I think that makes a difference. I still find myself searching for a comfortable basic daily trainer. I might try the new Adidas Supernova Rise. I agree with you about super trainers. I think the best option for a "super trainer" is to either buy last year's version of a comfortable super shoe at a discount or to wear a super shoe you already own that is no longer suitable for racing.

[@shirtxl]

I hate my pair. Heel slip is an issue, but it has some kind of an imbalance for me. The forefoot feels too loaded and makes the shoe feel 'clumsy' while wearing. I wanted to like it, think I'll pass on the 13. Excellent take and video. Thank you.

[@MidLifeRunner]

🙏🏼

[@seekingUltraNick]

😂 so much awesome right here. My take on the B12? Wanted to love it. Wore it around the house for an hour, then back in the box for a return. What really sucks is I then bought the Hoka Mach X, which I saw as a comparable shoe. (Even ran in it last night, which is strange since I haven’t run in them in months, because of the hate…) anyway, some 200-250 miles later… it’s only decent. Maybe I’ll give the B12 a second chance. For $80 anyway…

[@MidLifeRunner]

🤔 for 80 bucks, I’ll give any shoe a shot. I think most of the first run of these super trainers were a bit goofy or off. Mach x, kinvara pro. Sc trainer v2 a slight step back from v1. Boston 12 hit or miss. I think it’s almost better to just get a race day shoe from last year on discount than bothering with super trainers . I think they’ll fine tune them and get them right , but the 1.0s are lacking

[@dmleibo]

I really liked the Boston 12. Until the pressure from ankle collar started bruising my ankle. Had to return them.

[@maraballerina]

I have two pairs of these, got one pair for 60 and another pair for 45 …. Then they felt so much better than the Boston 11! I actually really like these shoe, but ALSO feel torn about how much? 🤔

[@elliottmondry1753]

I loved the shoe but had to return it because it kept causing me sharp foot pain. I wish it didn't cause those issues because it was a great shoe and felt good but just didn't work well for me.

[@MidLifeRunner]

Oh man that sucks. Where did it cause pain?

[@elliottmondry1753]

@@MidLifeRunnertoward the front of the under part of my foot, just a sharp pain and had to stop so things woudn't get worse. Just unfortunate for me.

[@LPMurph]

I'm 800k into this shoe and it really taught me what I love and dislike in a shoe... Its great. I'm looking at getting a second pair, easily translates into the super shoe in the Adidas line... I don't get the hate for the upper it worked really well for me and I get a great lockdown every time. The laces are shit though, I can't find a redeeming quality for them.

[@MidLifeRunner]

@@LPMurph thanks for the deep shoe review. 800k is A LOT of miles . I have no doubt this shoe could go even more as Adidas is the best durability buy out there. I’m getting the prime x strung to 1600k. Got maybe 400k more to go . It’s one of my all time favorite , very reminiscent of the Boston 12 but just a bit softer and larger.

[@fahimreza9]

Having watched your review on the Adidas Boston 12, touted as the most polarizing running shoe of all time, I'm curious: What are the main factors contributing to its divisive reputation among runners? Do you share your experiences or insights on Instagram? I'd love to follow along and learn more.

[@MidLifeRunner]

I need to post more on Instagram. Reading the comments in the video, there’s a lot of love for the shoe, but a lot of hate. Problems with the upper seem to be the majority of the issues but the ride being too firm also seems to be an issue

[@TolunayOrkun]

I think the reason you like the shoe at faster paces is because you are probably more into forefoot at faster paces where the Lightstrike Pro foam is the thickest. Lightstrike 2.0 foam is not giving as much back as Lightstrike Pro. I love the sensation of my Prime X Strung OG and Takumi Sen 8 and to some degree Adios Pro 2/3 all with full Lightstrike Pro midsoles but I skipped Boston 12 (I would have bought at $80 however, but it looks like REI is sold-out)

[@MidLifeRunner]

Yeah the adizero sl was a little too firm for me too. Like a more stable adios 6 or 7. I liked it okay but there are other options like it I prefer

[@MidLifeRunner]

Great observation

[@sschwen8050]

The Superblast had a break in period for me too. I had to navigate all the comments about it being the greatest thing since sliced bread while it broke in. It’s a good shoe. Not as great as people say but good. I kinda feel the same about the Boston 12. On the other hand, the Prime X Strung 1 is THE GREATEST SHOE EVER. The Strung 2 is too heavy but people have told me to give it time to break in…

[@MidLifeRunner]

Thanks for the feedback on the superblast. I have had too hard of time paying 200 for a non race day shoe like the Superblast, though I want to run in it . I feel like once I cross that line, shoes like that new Hoka bondi looking shoe for 220 is on the table too. Waiting for a sale that’s likely not coming. I put 400 in my SC Trainer v1 and closing in on 500 miles in the prime x strung. There are other shoes I can run in while I wait

[@sschwen8050]

I still have another pair of SC Trainer v1 still waiting for me to stop running in the first pair. They feel good for a long time!

[@jermainepostlethwaite7895]

I love them ...... my first run in the Adizero SL had me thinking ...NO......but after a while I quite like it......Boston I have liked from day 1 .....

[@LequinWade]

SL2’s over these, for me.

[@corey_ms]

Your right about the novablast 4 tho. My 3 died too soon but my 4s are my favorite still, passing 120 miles.

[@MidLifeRunner]

It’s my daily trainer of the year so far Corey

[@jeffmather5594]

I loved the B12 until I stopped loving them. I found them to be excellent for marathon pace and faster long runs but after 250 miles, the shoe seemed to really lose its responsiveness. The outsole looks brand new but they are basically bricked out . I don't know if other people have encountered this problem or if it's just me. I believe that a shoe at this price point should last for more than 250 miles esp. if it's supposed to be a trainer workhorse (yes, workhorse!).

[@MidLifeRunner]

Lol oh man. A work horse definitely needs to go above 250. I think 400 should be the floor for a workhorse

[@LuisBecerra79]

Great review Andrew. Am I the only one that likes the Boston 10 for speed work 🤔🤔🙈🤷🏻‍♂️😆😆. Oh, I already kicked the subscribe button a long time ago and are here after a 6 second, 10 sec a RoadRunners 30sec advertisement 🤷🏻‍♂️. They better pay up or send shoes🧐. That Cat’s butt on Camera was 😂😆.

[@fergusdenoon1255]

The Boston 10 and 11 were great as long as you didn't interact with the "lightstrike" more aptly named "deadthump"... Putting a hard plate on top of that stuff directly under the heel was the creation of sadists.

[@MidLifeRunner]

😂 I forgot the cat did that until I was editing . I got up and ran errands 3 times while filming this and helped the kids with homework . I could kind of feel the choppiness of it but that’s only because I know it took me 10 hours to shoot 😂. Thanks for the ad revenue . Saving for some alphaflys if I can ever get them fast enough

[@charlietwotimes]

I like the Boston 12 so much I have two pairs on the go simultaneously. But I don't love it for dailies or slower paces. With the Takumi Sen 10 & Adios Pro 3 also in the rotation the Bostons are gathering dust. Adios Pro 4 rocks. Easy day shoes? On's Eclipse + Surfer.. More v4, 1080 v14, Salomon Aero Glide 2... I love the Boston 12 but its definitely jack of all (most) trades & master of none. There are better shoes out there if you don't need THE ONE.

[@MidLifeRunner]

It was many runner’s shoe of the year for that reason. And it was one of the most durable if the most durable shoe of the year last year too

[@corey_ms]

I almost bought the 12 as many times, I never pulled the trigger. Never can find my big ass boat size for sale. It would probably be amazing for someone my size.

[@MidLifeRunner]

What size do you wear ?

[@corey_ms]

@@MidLifeRunner 14's

[@MidLifeRunner]

@@corey_ms oh man. So lots of the ASICS shoes they don’t make in your size either. You, FOD runner and Tim grose should start a Petition

[@jeremyday6864]

I like the Boston 12. I use it for my speed and tempo workouts primarily but I have done some long runs. I don’t know that I LOVE it but it’s good. I haven’t had any issues with the upper or heel slipping. Also, I did purchase mine for $60 so pretty happy with that. On the Prime X, do you have issues cornering? SJD said he wouldn’t wear it except on a point to point course. Would you race a marathon in it or just train?

[@MidLifeRunner]

I would run a marathon in them, though SJD is a good 45 minutes faster than me at the marathon. It’s a bit heavy for the distance and I think I would feel it deep in a race . But I love it for easy miles and steasy miles. 60 is such a steal btw. I get everyone shoe I see at 60 on discount

[@cesarzoghbi4695]

My Boston 12 have already 890 kms and is perfect , i think that could reach 1200/1400 kms! Im realitively heavy 160 lbs 5'11 and midfoot striker and is a shoe to go fast!!

[@MidLifeRunner]

Wow! I love pushing durable shoes to the limit. I am going to try to get the prime x strung to 1600km

[@Shipwreckruns]

I love my pair, 200+ miles, so much so I bought a second pair at a substantial discount

[@MidLifeRunner]

That’s how you know it’s love. I’ve purchased multiple pairs of endorphins speed 1, rebel v3, takumi Sen 8, adios pro 2 and alphafly 1. Can’t get enough

[@ericchevalley]

Fair review. Love them, LOL.

[@MidLifeRunner]

Boston 12 or endorphin speed?

[@ericchevalley]

@@MidLifeRunner Hmmm, Boston 12 for racing, Speed 3 for training. Boston 12 is snappier. Though, I could envision a more comfortable marathon in the Speed if time doesn't matter.

[@jameschaves5723]

OMG!! The Boston 10 SUCKED. I am done with that series. Just like you said, the upper is tight and having to break a shoe in nowadays is absolutely ridiculous. I don’t know what they were thinking.

[@sercancuhadar]

If you see the name adizero. That means it doesn't work for slow paces. You can't have any good from boston 12 slower than 5min/km. If you have feet articulation more than normal. They don't work. If uour foot shape is weird. They dont work. Adidas doesn't make this shoes for us mere mortals. Another example. Takumi sen great great shoe. If you can run faster than 3:30min/km. If you can't it sucks. Anyway. My boston is at 415km and in great condition. Probably it will last 400km more. And my favorite training partner.

[@MidLifeRunner]

Takumi Sen slaps at 3:45/km and faster for me. My favorite speed day shoe of all time. Haven’t tried the 10 but have multiple pairs of 8

[@timtrenholm3698]

The midsole/outsole are great, the upper is terrible.Over 100km, and still the same....the heel lockdown, heel padding, lacing system. All do not work for me at all. I'm giving the shoe away to another local runner who likes the Boston 12. And I'll be glad it's gone.

[@BertoBatista]

The upper is trash 😂

[@travelingfit2032]

I really wanted to love this shoe. Turns out, there are just better shoes for me. For me the Prime X2 and SC Trainer 2 are both just better.

[@MidLifeRunner]

I’m going to shoe battle this one versus the sc trainer v2. Prime x is no competition in my mind

[@travelingfit2032]

@@MidLifeRunner for me the rods in the Boston hurt the bottoms of my feet, and I had to change laces out, and even then the upper wasn't comfortable. Meanwhile the SC Trainer v2 gets used every other day, never hurt my feet, get great lockdown, and protect me for my marathon training.

[@ThomasLaang]

yeah, no... Boston 12 is weak sauce for me. Boston 10 actually works better for me, but if I want a good "Boston 12-shoe" I'm picking the Asics Magic speed 3.

[@MidLifeRunner]

I still need to run in that shoe. It should be on sale somewhere

[@mattwells4294]

Yo mid life white guy! Kinda like when your friend says “smell this, it stinks!” Then you smell it, it stinks, and you smell it again just to make sure! Yep it stinks. That’s this shoe. 350mi later, I’m still smelling to make sure it still stinks. 🤷

[@MidLifeRunner]

Genuine laugh out loud . Got your moneys worth though. 🎯

[@MrUGA2010]

i don't like this shoe; its not working for me, too soft and not so much stable; i would not buy it again!!!

[@MidLifeRunner]

It’s a pass for me too

[@MrUGA2010]

@ at least for me, it takes extra effort running in these; no go!

[@LequinWade]

I find them way too firm for me. They’re a brick smh.

[@BadumTss-y1v]

Maybe something to do with your weight?

[@LequinWade]

@@BadumTss-y1v I’m 6’1” 205 lbs. I don’t think it’s anyone’s weight…

[@shannonsides6017]

Bahahhahahahhahaha is shoe weirdos who totally get the relationship status analogies. So it sounds like the terms of divorce will be pretty civil and there will be no hard feelings.

[@MidLifeRunner]

Yes, we will show up to the soccer games in support. No expensive lawyers

[@SpeedGio]

This was weird.

[@MidLifeRunner]

That’s probably because I am weird. Welcome

[@SpeedGio]

@@MidLifeRunner hahaha. But is always fun! 🙏🏼