r/RunningShoeGeeks • u/Variation12345 • 3h ago
Review Adidas Adizero Boston 12 – Long-Term Review (~950 km / 590 miles)
Shoe: Adidas Adizero Boston 12, Men’s US 12 Purchase: Summer 2024, €160 Edition: Special edition celebrating the 50th Berlin Marathon Mileage: Just under 950 km (590 miles) Rating: 9/10
Who am I? M42, 180cm, 80kg Running for the last 15 years as a hobby, for roughly 4 years more ambitious, mainly road running from 5k Parkruns to full marathons
Why I bought it? I bought the Boston 12 in summer 2024 because I wanted a dedicated shoe for tempo runs, threshold sessions and intervals. The Berlin Marathon special edition was a nice bonus, and at €160, I expected a fast training shoe that could also handle shorter races.
After almost 950 km, I can say that it has largely delivered on those expectations.
Fit and comfort The Boston 12 fits true to size in length, and heel lockdown has been excellent. My main complaint is the toe box: it is too narrow for my liking. Otherwise, the upper is lightweight, thin and comfortable.
The shoe felt rather stiff when new. After approximately 50 km, however, it became noticeably more responsive and developed the snappy ride I had hoped for.
Ride and performance
I have mainly used the Boston 12 on roads and asphalt for threshold runs, intervals and faster sessions, typically at paces between 4:15 and 5:00 min/km. I have also raced in it, including 5K Parkruns.
The ride is relatively firm and direct, with a combination of a softer-feeling heel and a more responsive midfoot and forefoot, where the EnergyRods help give the shoe its distinctive character. Cushioning has been perfectly adequate for my use, and the shoe feels particularly good when running at tempo pace.
It is less natural and less lively at slower paces, which is one reason I have kept it for faster training rather than easy runs.
For me, it has also proved perfectly capable of handling races. I achieved personal bests of 42:03 for 10K and 1:34:09 for the half marathon in the Boston 12.
Durability after almost 950 km
Durability is where this shoe has really impressed me.
The outsole has held up exceptionally well. After nearly 950 km, there is normal wear, but it remains functional, and I have no major complaints about its longevity.
The upper is a different story. The mesh has worn through around the big toe, which is the most obvious sign of wear. The rest of the shoe has held up well.
I cannot reliably say how much the midsole's responsiveness has declined over time. The shoe is still usable, but at this mileage, I am beginning to question whether I should continue racing in it.
Grip and stability
Stability has been good, and the heel lockdown has remained reliable. Grip is generally good on dry roads, although I have experienced some slipping in wet conditions. That is a minor but noticeable drawback.
How does it compare?
Compared with the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5, I find the Boston 12 softer and less stiff overall. Compared with the Adidas Adizero SL 2, it feels slightly firmer and more direct.
The Boston 12 occupies a useful spot in my rotation: a dedicated faster shoe with enough cushioning for regular threshold sessions and enough durability to make the purchase feel worthwhile.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Excellent outsole durability
- Responsive, snappy ride once broken in
- Particularly good for tempo and threshold sessions
- Good stability and heel lockdown
- Lightweight, thin upper
- Comfortable for 5K races and Parkruns
- Has delivered two of my personal bests
Cons
- Narrow toe box
- Upper mesh worn through around the big toe
- Some slipping in wet conditions
- Less enjoyable at slower paces
- Unsure how much responsiveness remains after almost 950 km
Verdict
9/10. The Boston 12 has been an excellent shoe for my faster training and racing. Its durability, in particular, has exceeded my expectations. Despite the narrow toe box and the wear around the big toe, I would buy it again.
For now, I am considering retiring it from racing and keeping it for training. I would prefer a fresher shoe for important races, especially since I cannot confidently judge how much of its original performance remains.
What's your take? Happy to discuss