Shoe Review: Adidas Adizero Boston 11

Bring race day energy to your everyday training with the new Adidas Adizero Boston 11.

Made with Adidas’ signature Lightstrike Pro foam, carbon Energyrods and a lightweight mesh upper, the latest iteration of the Adidas Adizero Boston is built for comfort and refined for speed. It’s lighter than the Boston 10, making it more suitable for speed workouts and tempo runs.

Fleet Feet reviewers put the Adidas Adizero Boston 11 to the test during long runs, tempo efforts and easy miles. We also spoke with Adidas ambassador Kwasi Kessie, who’s run in every version of this shoe since the Adidas Adizero Boston 6. Here’s what you can expect from the latest iteration.

Last year’s release of the Adidas Adizero Boston 10 was a major revamp to the lightweight, flexible trainer runners had come to expect from the Boston line. The Boston 10 featured a dual-layer Lightstrike foam midsole with plastic Energyrods for extra responsiveness. While the shoe wasn’t as lightweight as previous versions, runners appreciated the extra cushion and extra energy return.

Now in its 11th iteration, the Boston 11 offers much of the same innovative technology as the Boston 10 in a lighter package. A dual-layer midsole made with lightweight Lightstrike Pro foam and durable Lightstrike EVA foam creates a firm, bouncy ride. Adidas’ rigid Energyrods help the foam compress and rebound during landings and takeoffs, helping you make the most out of every mile.

Reviewers appreciated the responsive feeling of the Boston 11.

“I love that extra boost and bounce that the Energyrods give. I didn't think the ride could get any smoother from the Boston 10, but it did,” Kwasi says.

I’m going to go ahead and say it, I love firm shoes. With the extra protection underfoot of a high stack height, I know these shoes are down for a good mix of longer miles, tempo runs and races too,” Nate says.

Some of our reviewers prefer softer shoes, but they still appreciated the energetic vibe of the Boston 11.

“These shoes felt pretty quick and responsive. The cushioning is firm but feels substantial underfoot, so there’s plenty of protection but almost no squishiness. I prefer slightly softer shoes, but found these to be quite pleasant to run in,” Alex says.

A durable Continental Rubber Outsole provides excellent traction and grip, so you can run confidently in all conditions.

“I love the Continental rubber on the bottom. I’m in New York City so I'm running in rain, sleet, hail and snow, and this tread really gives the shoes a non-slip grip,” Kwasi says.

The Adidas Adizero Boston 11 features a smooth mesh upper with suede accents. Adidas redesigned the upper to make it lighter than the previous version. It’s also made with 50 percent recycled materials, so you can run comfortably while reducing your carbon footprint.

“When I first put these shoes on, they felt much more breathable than the Adidas Boston 10. I love the blend of mesh and suede because it gives the shoes a retro feel, and the mesh is really breathable,” Kwasi says.

Reviewers appreciated the smooth upper and felt it was an improvement from the Boston 10, but some reviewers noticed that it felt stiff.

“The upper has a stiff feel to it. It’s breathable, but it’s not very forgiving and has practically zero stretch to it. This is good if the shoes fit your feet perfectly, but it’s a tad restricting if they don't. I did notice that the more I ran in the shoes, the more flexible they felt,” Nate says.

Depending on your foot size and shape, you may need to go half a size down in the Adidas Adizero Boston 11. Some of our reviewers wore their normal size, but some needed to size down.

“I find that Adidas shoes run a bit large on me, so I wear a half size smaller in these than I do in many other running brands. I’m glad I requested a half size down; these are the perfect fit,” Kate says.

If you’re unsure about the size and shape of your feet, head into your local Fleet Feet to get fit by an expert. Our fit id® Outfitting Process uses 3D foot scanning technology and expert gait analysis to help you find your perfect fit.

The Adidas Adizero Boston 11 is a great choice for beginner runners and experienced marathoners alike thanks to its versatility and durability.

“The Boston 11 is super versatile. I’d recommend them for 5K, 10K or marathon training. They have everything you need for a great run. They’re perfect for tempo runs, track workouts or for any type of training you throw at them,” Kwasi says.

It’s worth mentioning again that if you prefer soft shoes, you may not like the feeling of the Boston 11. But if you appreciate a firm ride, there’s a good chance you’ll enjoy these shoes.

“The underfoot feel comes down to personal preference. If you like a firm, responsive shoe, this might be just the one for you. If you’re looking for a bit more squish or bounce along the way, or more flexibility, this might not be your top choice,” Kate says.

Overall, reviewers appreciated the miles they put on the Boston 11 due to the lighter weight, responsive midsole and stylish upper.