Adidas Adizero Boston 13 Review: Do Everything

Introduction the Adidas Boston 13

THOMAS: Over the years, the Adidas Boston has shifted its purpose. Once the shoe you’d lace up to race the Boston Marathon, it’s now the shoe you wear to train for it. Why Adidas chose to steer a race shoe toward the daily grind — especially one named after such a storied event — is anyone’s guess. What I can tell you is that the Boston line has seen its share of highs and lows, but with the last two versions, it seems to have settled into its stride. Today, it stands as one of the most versatile trainers you’ll find.

The latest model, the Boston 13, doesn’t stray far from the Boston 12 — and that’s a good thing. Adidas made changes where they were needed, mostly to the upper, adding comfort without overcomplicating the design. The old, minimal heel counter has been swapped for a padded, more traditional fit. Adidas listened to its runners and made smart, quiet improvements.

Underfoot, the story is much the same. The midsole now holds 14% more Lightstrike Pro, with Lightstrike foam still reinforcing the heel for stability. EnergyRods return, offering their signature blend of stiffness and snap. The drop is slightly lower — 6 mm now, down from 7 mm — but the difference is hard to notice on the run. The outsole gets a subtle but welcome tweak, pairing LightTraxion rubber (the same rubber found in the Adios Pro 4) with the familiar grip of Continental rubber.

In the end, even with all these updates, the Boston 13 runs like the Boston 12. The most noticeable changes are the ones you’ll feel before you take your first stride: a more secure heel and a better-padded tongue.

MEAGHAN: I’ve never been a big fan of the Adidas Adizero Boston line; in fact, I didn’t even bother taking versions 10 or 11 out of the box. But last year’s update added a layer of Lightstrike Pro – a softer, more resilient foam, which finally convinced me to give them a try. My main gripe of version 12 was the lack of padding and comfort in the upper. Well, wouldn’t you know it, version 13 brings a redesigned engineered mesh upper, new eyestays, and added cushioning around the collar and heel. Adidas also packed in 14% more Lightstrike Pro underfoot, even with a slightly lower stack height. The weight’s unchanged, and it still looks every bit like a Boston. But the real question is, how did it feel out on the road?

What We Like About the Adidas Boston 13

THOMAS: Let’s start by categorizing the Boston 13. This is the most versatile shoe in the Adidas running lineup, a one-and-done trainer. What I mean by that is, you can use the Boston as a daily trainer, tempo shoe, and even a race day shoe. Where other shoes are tuned for specific training, the Boston can switch gears and cover all the bases. All except one: I would want a soft cushioned shoe for recovery days, maybe something in the Supernova line, or even the Ultraboost 5X. But other than that, you can squeeze a lot out of the Boston 13.

The Boston 12 heel counter and tongue were not an issue for me, but a few vocal runners expressed a distaste for the minimal approach and some even got their Achilles scraped up by the heel counter. They will be happy to find the update to the 13 includes a more traditional padded heel counter and some padding added to the tongue.

The upper, made of perforated engineered mesh, fits true to size and breathes well. The outsole’s traction is tacky and smooth without obtrusive lugs. As for the weight, the Boston 13 weighs 9.8 oz./278 grams. That is on the heavy side for racing but the lighter side for a daily trainer. 

Another reason the Adizero Boston 13 might be a good pick is its durability. Lightstrike Pro is one of the premium foams that holds up well over time compared to some PEBA-based foams. The Continental rubber and LightTraxion foam combo will also be able to grind out the miles/kilometers.

MEAGHAN: I was pleasantly surprised by how much better the step-in feel is compared to the previous version. The added padding around the collar and tongue makes a noticeable difference in comfort without adding any extra weight (my W7.5 still came in at 7.5 oz). Bonus points for the clean white and teal colorway, which I absolutely love. The new mesh upper also feels more structured and supportive, and I had none of the lacing issues I experienced before. No hot spots, no rubbing, and the fit is spot on. The last model felt a bit roomy, but this one fits just right.

While the midsole setup hasn’t changed drastically, there’s now more Lightstrike Pro foam and a slightly lower stack height (2 mm less), but the ride still feels very similar to the previous version. The Boston continues to offer a firmer, more responsive feel, thanks to the combination of Lightstrike and Lightstrike Pro with EnergyRods sandwiched in the midsole. It’s a shoe that feels built for tempo days, essentially a fast daily trainer. I wouldn’t reach for it on recovery days, but for easy miles that might turn a little spicy, it’s a solid choice. I’ve found myself using it in the same way I use the Puma Deviate Nitro 3.

What We Don’t Like About the Adidas Boston 13

THOMAS: I was hoping the additional 14% of Lightstrike Pro would give the forefoot a little more bounce, but the Boston 13 actually feels, if anything, a shade firmer than the 12. The blend of dual foams — stable in the heel, cushioned up front — is a smart design in theory. I just wish Adidas had pushed that feeling further.

Adidas lacing systems always look straightforward, yet somehow, like assembling Ikea furniture, they never seem easy to dial in perfectly. Getting a solid lockdown takes trial and error. I noticed some heel lift in the 13, so I turned to the runner’s loop for a better fit — only to find the laces too short. Would including an extra pair of longer laces solve the problem or just create more waste? I’ll leave that question to the shoe philosophers.

MEAGHAN: Like Thomas, I was hoping the added Lightstrike Pro would translate to a softer, more cushioned ride, but that wasn’t quite the case. As someone who typically gravitates toward softer, bouncier shoes, it’s hard not to reach for the Evo SL over the Boston 13. I guess this isn’t so much a knock on the shoe, but more of a personal preference.

Final Thoughts on the Adidas Boston 13

THOMAS: I appreciate what the Adizero Boston 13 brings to the table. If you’re not the kind of runner who keeps a rotation of shoes, this one could do the job on its own. It’s a jack of all trades – though, like most, a master of none.

The Boston 13 is at its best as a daily trainer. But if all I wanted were easy, steady miles, I’d probably reach for the Adizero Evo SL. It handles tempo runs well enough, too, though if I were chasing a true tempo shoe, I’d lean toward the Adizero Takumi Sen. And while you could absolutely line up for a half marathon or full marathon in the Boston, the Adizero Adios Pro 4 would be my first choice for race day.

That said, if I were traveling and only had room for one shoe, the Boston 13 would be hard to beat.

Other shoes that sit in the same category: Puma Deviate Nitro 3, Asics Superblast 2, New Balance SC Trainer v3, Nike Zoom Fly 6, Saucony Endorphin Speed 4, and the Hoka Mach X 2.

MEAGHAN: If you liked the Adizero Boston 12, you’ll find the Boston 13 to be a well-executed update. It’s not a radical redesign, but rather a thoughtful refinement of the previous version. The upper – one of the key complaints last time around – has been improved for better comfort and fit, while the overall weight remains unchanged. For those of you looking in the super trainer category, the Boston 13 stands out as a strong, dependable option.

You can pick up the Adidas Adizero Boston 13 for $160 on May 5, 2025, at adidas.com using the buttons below.

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