Contents
Adidas Adizero Boston 12: Complete Review & Comparison Guide
In-depth review of the Adidas Adizero Boston 12. See how it compares to similar speed trainers, specs, pros, cons, and where to buy.

Adidas Adizero Boston 12: Complete Review & Comparison Guide
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support TrainingPlan at no extra cost to you.
Affiliate link - we may earn a commission
Overview
The Adidas Adizero Boston 12 is Adidas's versatile speed trainer—designed for runners who want to train fast without burning through race-day shoes. With ENERGYRODS, LIGHTSTRIKE PRO foam, and a refined Continental rubber outsole, the Boston 12 delivers serious speed with training durability.
This is Adidas's do-it-all speed shoe: fast enough for workouts, durable enough for daily training.
Key Specifications
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Category | Speed, Daily Trainer |
| Cushion Level | Moderate |
| Heel-to-Toe Drop | 6mm |
| Weight (Men's/Women's) | 8.6oz / 7.4oz |
| Stack Height | 39mm heel / 33mm forefoot |
| Pronation Support | Neutral |
| Width Options | Standard, Wide |
| MSRP | MSRP: $160 |
| Surface | Road |
What It's Known For
The Boston 12's combination of ENERGYRODS and LIGHTSTRIKE PRO foam delivers a fast, responsive ride that rewards uptempo training. The shoe bridges the gap between daily trainer and racer—fast enough to push pace, durable enough for consistent use.
Runners appreciate the Boston's ability to make hard workouts feel effortless while lasting hundreds of miles.
Why Runners Love It
Pros
-
Fast: ENERGYRODS provide excellent propulsion.
-
Versatile: Works for tempos, intervals, and daily runs.
-
Good for Workouts: Built for consistent speed training.
What Some Runners Don't Like
Cons
-
Firm for Some: Less cushion than plush trainers.
-
Less Cushion: Not ideal for recovery days.
Who Should Consider This Shoe
The Adidas Adizero Boston 12 is ideal for:
- Speed-focused runners (25-60 miles per week) training uptempo
- 5K to marathon workout and race training
- Those seeking speed trainer with race-day tech
- Runners wanting one shoe for fast and moderate days
Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere
Consider other options if you:
- Need maximum cushioning
- Prefer soft, plush rides
- Want dedicated easy-day shoe
- Have foot sensitivity
How It Compares: Cross-Brand Comparison
| Shoe | Cushion | Drop | Weight (M) | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adidas Adizero Boston 12 | Moderate | 6mm | 8.6oz | MSRP: $160 | Adidas speed training |
| Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 | High | 8mm | 7.5oz | MSRP: $170 | Versatile speed |
| HOKA Mach 6 | Moderate | 5mm | 8.0oz | MSRP: $140 | Light tempo |
| Nike Pegasus Plus | Moderate | 10mm | 9.0oz | MSRP: $180 | ZoomX training |
| New Balance SC Trainer v2 | High | 6mm | 8.2oz | MSRP: $200 | Plated training |
Adidas Lineup: Same-Brand Comparison
| Shoe | Cushion | Drop | Weight (M) | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adidas Adizero Boston 12 | Moderate | 6mm | 8.6oz | MSRP: $160 | Speed training |
| Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 | High | 6mm | 7.6oz | MSRP: $250 | Carbon racing |
| Adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 10 | Low | 6mm | 6.0oz | MSRP: $180 | 5K-10K racing |
| Adidas Adizero SL 2 | Moderate | 8mm | 8.8oz | MSRP: $120 | Value speed |
| Adidas Ultraboost Light | High | 10mm | 10.0oz | MSRP: $190 | Cushioned daily |
Final Verdict
The Adidas Adizero Boston 12 delivers versatile speed performance for runners who want to train fast without sacrificing durability. It's the workhorse of the Adizero lineup.
For speed-focused runners seeking a versatile trainer, the Boston 12 is an excellent choice.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Affiliate link - we may earn a commission