Shoe Review: Adidas SolarBoost

By Evan Matsumoto

The Next Generation

New year, new Solarboost.

Adidas unveiled the Solarboost to replace the outgoing Energy Boost, and it's a stellar debut. Built on a new last, the all-new Solarboost is more accommodating without sacrificing the bounce of a full-length Boost midsole.

Here's what Fleet Feet testers had to say about the launch. But first, the deets:

  • Heel-to-Toe Drop: 10 mm
  • Weight: 9.5 oz, women's size 7; 10.8 oz, men's size 9
  • Category: Neutral running shoe
  • MSRP: $160
Runners wearing the adidas Ultraboost

Fit

The adidas Solarboost is immediately comfortable. We mean seriously comfortable. While the Energy Boost felt good, it was missing a bit of the step-in, hold-onto-your-foot fit that this version has. On the Solarboost, the Boost foam underneath makes the shoe feel like a therapeutic foam mattress for you feet.

Adidas kept the lacing classic and straightforward, though one tester used the marathon loop lacing technique to lock in her heel. Cinched down, testers didn't experience any heel slippage.

The shoe is also roomier in the forefoot than the outgoing model. Designers added volume to the toe box, which is noticeable right away. The shoe gives your feet enough room to splay without feeling sloshy inside.

One tester who put more than 100 miles on the shoe said, "All around, it's a perfect fit."

The Techfit upper is soft and snug for a sock-like feeling, and the stretchy mesh forefoot and cushioned tongue offer a precise fit that's as comfortable on short days as it is on long hauls.

Shop Women's adidas SolarBoost
Runners wearing the adidas ultraboost

Ride

In a word: smooth.

Adidas' Boost foam provides the bulk of the cushioning in the shoe. The foam made the shoe plush and slightly bouncy—perfect for longer runs. It's also adidas' most responsive cushioning ever, meaning the more energy you put in, the more you get back.

For stability, adidas added a molded heel counter, which gives the Solarboost a natural fit, and a stabilizing torsion system between the heel and forefoot that makes for a stable ride. A Fleet Feet tester said, "The heel-to-toe transition is buttery smooth."

To protect all that cushion, designers tacked on a Stretchweb rubber outsole made by Continental—yeah, the same Continental that makes car tires. The waffle-pattern outsole is durable, lightweight and sticky to give you confident traction in wet and dry conditions.

Conclusion

The brand new adidas Solarboost is a well-fitting trainer that feels durable and dependable.


Still not convinced? Don’t sweat it. Fleet Feet's return policy means you can test drive your shoes and gear without risk. If you’re not happy with the way your gear performs, looks or fits, we’ll take it back within 60 days. Plus, you’ll get free return shipping on all fleetfeet.com orders. That's our Happy Fit Guarantee.

Shop Men's adidas SolarBoost