Our verdict

We found that the Boston 13 brings a nice mix of speed and value. It’s now lighter, bouncier, and more stable for midfoot and forefoot strikers. On our runs, the shoe felt more energetic than the v12 thanks to its upgraded Lightstrike Pro, and we really liked the updates to the upper—especially the softer heel and locked-in tongue. The main downside was the tapered toebox, which could feel too snug for wide-footed runners or those tackling long runs.

Pros

  • Keeps losing weight
  • Midfoot-friendly geometry
  • More Lightstrike Pro!
  • Breathable upper
  • Redesigned heel counter improves lockdown
  • Outsole grips well and lasts forever
  • Stellar value for a supertrainer
  • Ideal for tempo workouts

Cons

  • Narrow heel limits stability
  • Pointy toebox restricts toe splay
  • Still too much Lightstrike 2.0?

Audience verdict

N/A
Not enough reviews yet

Who should buy

After testing the Adizero Boston 13 to its limits, we can recommend it for:

  • All runners who enjoyed the Boston 12! It’s a similar ride with a lighter build, better upper, and improved comfort.
  • Midfoot and forefoot strikers needing a stiff shoe that works wonders for tempo runs and the occasional race.
  • Fans of Adidas supershoes looking for a solid training partner that won’t empty their wallets.

Adidas Adizero Boston 13

Who should NOT buy

The carbon-based Energy Rods 2.0 make this shoe stiff, and definitely not for runners who dislike that rigid, plate-like feel. A better option might be the Adizero EVO SL, which features a full Lightstrike Pro midsole, offers more flexibility, and even comes at a lower price.

We also believe heel strikers looking for extra rearfoot stability won’t enjoy the Boston 13. In that case, we’d recommend supertrainers with a broader base like the ASICS Superblast 2 or Mizuno Neo Vista.

Adidas Adizero Boston 13 parts

Lastly, the tapered toebox may cause discomfort on long runs. The Nike Zoom Fly 6 and the On Cloudmonster Hyper offer more room for your toes.

Cushioning

Heel stack

The Adizero Boston 13 likely fits the supertrainer label with its high-end foam and carbon Energy Rods, though some might say the 34.3 mm heel height is too short for that club. Still, there’s no rulebook, so we’re placing it right alongside models like the ASICS Magic Speed 4.

Meanwhile, it's refreshing to see this setup wrapped in a non-maximalist build that leans toward more traditional stack heights from the past.

Adidas Adizero Boston 13 Heel stack
Test results
Adizero Boston 13 34.3 mm
Average 34.3 mm
Compared to 422 running shoes
Number of shoes
22.5 mm
Heel stack
46.3 mm

Forefoot stack

While the heel feels fairly average, the forefoot stands out with a plush 28.3 mm of foam—more than what we find in most running shoes. That’s why we believe the Boston 13 can easily handle long runs too!

Adidas Adizero Boston 13 Forefoot stack
Test results
Adizero Boston 13 28.3 mm
Average 25.7 mm
Compared to 422 running shoes
Number of shoes
13.7 mm
Forefoot stack
37.1 mm

Drop

The Adizero Boston 13 is one of the rare shoes we’ve tested where the brand’s claimed drop actually aligns with our lab measurements. With a 6 mm offset, it’s a standout choice for midfoot and forefoot strikers. Heel strikers can still use it, but due to other design aspects we'll disclose pretty soon, we wouldn’t recommend it as their top pick.

We also want to take this chance with the sliced shoe photo to highlight the dual-foam setup and the amount of Lightstrike Pro inside. It mirrors the Adizero Boston 12 combo—Lightstrike Pro on top, Lightstrike 2.0 below, with more LSP in the forefoot and less in the heel. Adidas also states there’s exactly 13.8% more Lightstrike Pro than before, which is a welcome upgrade!

Adidas Adizero Boston 13 Drop
Test results
Adizero Boston 13 6.0 mm
Average 8.6 mm
Compared to 422 running shoes
Number of shoes
-0.2 mm
Drop
16.1 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

The first layer of foam that we analyzed in the Boston 13 is Lightstrike 2.0—the one that hits the ground first. It's the same firm compound (23.0 HA) used in the previous version, designed to enhance stability and increase durability.

Adidas placed more of it in the heel, while the forefoot gets just a slim layer under the superfoam.

Adidas Adizero Boston 13 Midsole softness
Test results
Adizero Boston 13 23.0 HA
Average 20.8 HA
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 348 running shoes
Number of shoes
5.9 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
35.0 HA

Secondary foam softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

The foam sitting above the carbon-based Energy Rods is the familiar Lightstrike Pro superfoam—a well-known compound known for its energy return and long-lasting build.

Adidas Adizero Boston 13 LSP

This layer is much softer than Lightstrike 2.0, scoring just 14.5 HA on our durometer. As a result, the ride feels nicely balanced—neither overly soft nor too firm.

Adidas Adizero Boston 13 microscope foam
Boston 13 (left) - Adios Pro 4 (right)

To confirm the material, we checked it under the microscope and discovered the updated supercritical TPEE formulation also used in the Adios Pro 4. This marks a shift from the Boston 12, which featured the older version found in the Adios Pro 3.

Adidas Adizero Boston 13 Secondary foam softness
Test results
Adizero Boston 13 14.5 HA
Average 23.7 HA
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.

Midsole softness in cold (%)

One of the drawbacks of including some EVA foam in the mix is that the Boston 13 turned 30% firmer after 20 minutes in the freezer.

Adidas Adizero Boston 13 Midsole softness in cold (%)
Test results
Adizero Boston 13 30%
Average 25%
Compared to 347 running shoes
Number of shoes
1%
Midsole softness in cold
63%

Insole thickness

The insole measures 3.3 mm, slightly thinner than average, though the difference is minimal.

Adidas Adizero Boston 13 Insole thickness
Test results
Adizero Boston 13 3.3 mm
Average 4.4 mm
Compared to 418 running shoes
Number of shoes
1.5 mm
Insole thickness
7.3 mm

Rocker

We also discovered that the ride of the Boston 13 feels less aggressive than the Adios Pro 4, thanks to a more moderate forefoot rocker.

Adidas Adizero Boston 13 side

This setup works better for runners seeking a training-friendly shoe or a more forgiving racing option if they're not lightning-fast. The heel also has a gentle curve, though nothing overly dramatic.

Adidas Adizero Boston 13 Rocker

Plate

New

As with most shoes in the Adizero line, Adidas keeps using its Energy Rods 2.0 instead of a carbon plate. The ride feels a bit different with the rods, but the end result is the same—added stiffness and a faster shoe that excels when hitting the accelerator.

Adidas Adizero Boston 13 Energy Rods 2

Size and fit

Size

Adidas Adizero Boston 13 is true to size (26 votes).

Owners of this shoe, how does this shoe fit?

1 size small ½ size small True to size ½ size large 1 size large
Compared to 404 running shoes
Number of shoes
½ size small
Slightly small
True to size
Slightly large
½ size large

Width / Fit

One of the things many appreciated in the Boston 12 was its roomy fit, but we felt this version a bit different.

We tested it using our custom-made gel mold. The good news is that width still leans wide-friendly at 97.3 mm, which offers some extra space for broad-footed runners. But there's more to it...

Adidas Adizero Boston 13 Width / Fit
Test results
Adizero Boston 13 97.3 mm
Average 95.3 mm
Compared to 177 running shoes
Number of shoes
88.5 mm
Width / Fit
102.4 mm

Toebox width

The Boston 13 tapers noticeably more than the v12. 

Adidas Adizero Boston 13 taper

Our lab measurements showed 70.6 mm here, compared to the previous 73.2 mm. This change creates a snugger, race-ready toebox that some may like, but it does reduce the toe-splay-friendly comfort the earlier version offered.

Adidas Adizero Boston 13 Toebox width
Test results
Adizero Boston 13 70.6 mm
Average 73.5 mm
Compared to 177 running shoes
Number of shoes
66.7 mm
Toebox width
83.3 mm

Toebox height

We also checked vertical clearance and found 28.3 mm.

That's an ideal measurement for a shoe that needs to offer comfort for longer distances.

Adidas Adizero Boston 13 Toebox height
Test results
Adizero Boston 13 28.3 mm
Average 27.3 mm
Compared to 176 running shoes
Number of shoes
22.4 mm
Toebox height
34.1 mm

Traction / Grip

Traction test

New

The Adizero Boston 13 has reduced its use of Continental rubber to cut weight, but that didn’t have much impact on traction. We recorded a solid 0.47 score, enough for confident grip on both wet pavement and dry dirt roads.

Test results
Adizero Boston 13 0.47
Average 0.46
Compared to 216 running shoes
Number of shoes
0.11
Forefoot traction
0.83

Outsole design

New

The outsole of the Adizero Boston 13 uses partial rubber coverage, with a small patch of Continental rubber strategically placed on the forefoot. A central cutout exposes the foam to trim weight, and there's also Adidas’ new LIGHTTRAXXION rubber—first introduced in the Adios Pro 4 and now making its way across the Adizero series.

Adidas Adizero Boston 13 Outsole design

Stability

Lateral stability test

As usual with Adidas shoes, the heel has a noticeable tilt that helps create a more natural pronation path by gently guiding the foot inward after landing.

We also discovered that the firmer bottom layer of foam and the Energy Rods add some extra-stable support, although heel strikers may find it less planted due to the compact rear section.

Torsional rigidity

The carbon Energy Rods in this shoe add a bit of snappiness and help with stability, but they also make it extremely rigid. When we tried twisting the Boston 13 by hand, it barely moved—so we gave it a maximum 5/5 score.

Test results
Adizero Boston 13 5
Average 3.4
Compared to 401 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Heel counter stiffness

One of the biggest changes in this shoe is the heel design—likely a response to feedback from angry runners.

Visually and structurally, Adidas replaced the race-style 1/5 heel counter from its predecessor with a much stiffer one that scored 4/5 in our test, giving the shoe a more training-oriented feel.

Test results
Adizero Boston 13 4
Average 2.9
Compared to 385 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel counter stiffness
5

Midsole width - forefoot

The forefoot of the Boston 12 was already wide, but Adidas went even further with the Boston 13, hitting 121.0 mm. That’s on par with many stability shoes and the main reason we recommend it for midfoot and forefoot strikers—this is where this shoe really shines.

Adidas Adizero Boston 13 Midsole width - forefoot
Test results
Adizero Boston 13 121.0 mm
Average 114.2 mm
Compared to 423 running shoes
Number of shoes
102.2 mm
Midsole width - forefoot
126.9 mm

Midsole width - heel

On the other hand, the heel is quite narrow at 83.8 mm, which is a nod to the Adizero design language. For us, that’s another reason why heel strikers might not enjoy this one as much as other supertrainers.

Adidas Adizero Boston 13 Midsole width - heel
Test results
Adizero Boston 13 83.8 mm
Average 90.6 mm
Compared to 423 running shoes
Number of shoes
70.8 mm
Midsole width - heel
106.6 mm

Flexibility / Stiffness

New

One of the things we discovered in the lab is that Adidas' carbon-based Energy Rods are less rigid than full carbon plates, and the Boston 13 confirmed that with an average-like 15.4N score in our 30-degree bend test.

Adidas Adizero Boston 13 Flexibility / Stiffness
Test results
Adizero Boston 13 15.4N
Average 14.9N
Compared to 224 running shoes
Number of shoes
4.0N
Flexibility <> Stiffness
28.5N

Weight

Adidas keeps trimming weight from the Boston series, and while dropping from 9.2 oz or 261g to 9.0 oz or 254g won’t make headlines, it’s still progress—and a solid figure for a shoe with generous midsole, solid outsole coverage and a more comfortable heel counter.

Adidas Adizero Boston 13 Weight
Test results
Adizero Boston 13 9.0 oz (254g)
Average 9.3 oz (265g)
Compared to 423 running shoes
Number of shoes
5.6 oz (159g)
Weight
12.6 oz (357g)

Breathability

Adidas doesn’t have the best reputation when it comes to upper comfort in the Adizero lineup, and the Boston 13 sticks to that familiar playbook. Still, the breathability looked promising right out of the box, so we were eager to test it in the lab.

We ran our airflow test and were happy to record a 4 out of 5. That’s a solid result—good enough for all seasons, whether you’re hitting frosty roads or melting pavement. What caught our eye, though, is that Adidas pulled this off without using oversized ventilation holes.

To investigate further, we moved the upper over our LED light. There weren’t any major gaps to explain the airflow performance, and that left us wondering how they achieved this...

Adidas Adizero Boston 13 microscope

Our microscope gave us the answer.

Adidas Adizero Boston 13 mesh

We found a mono-mesh upper made with synthetic threads and translucent TPU fibers—an ultra-thin yet tough combination that promotes airflow without big ventilation holes.

The upper feels rigid and won’t stretch easily. It’s clearly designed with weight-saving in mind—not comfort. That said, we did discover one upgrade: the heel now includes more padding than before, making it a bit more welcoming than the previous version.

Test results
Adizero Boston 13 4
Average 3.8
Compared to 352 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Toebox durability

From our experience, durability was bound to be a concern with such a thin upper. And indeed, the Boston 13 landed an underwhelming 2/5 score—not terrible, but far from impressive.

Test results
Adizero Boston 13 2
Average 2.6
Compared to 286 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Toebox durability
5

Heel padding durability

The heel padding has improved in comfort, yet durability didn’t take a hit. It actually held up well with a solid 4 out of 5—so there's no need to worry about wear in this area.

Test results
Adizero Boston 13 4
Average 3.3
Compared to 281 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel padding durability
5

Outsole durability

Adidas consistently scores among the top in our outsole durability tests, and the Boston 13 followed suit. We measured just 0.5 mm of wear, making this tempo running shoe a clear standout when it comes to outsole longevity.

Test results
Adizero Boston 13 0.5 mm
Average 1.0 mm
Compared to 264 running shoes
Number of shoes
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

The Boston 13’s high-end durability gave Adidas the freedom to use a 2.3-mm outsole layer, helping shave off extra weight.

Adidas Adizero Boston 13 Outsole thickness
Test results
Adizero Boston 13 2.3 mm
Average 3.3 mm
Compared to 419 running shoes
Number of shoes
1.0 mm
Outsole thickness
6.1 mm

Misc

Price

One of the standout features of the Boston 13 is its price-to-performance ratio, and we believe that alone will attract plenty of runners. Few supertrainers offer this mix of speed-ready performance, attractive price, and top outsole durability.

Test results
Adizero Boston 13 $160
Average $147
Compared to 423 running shoes
Number of shoes
$60
Price
$285

Reflective elements

Adidas chose to skip reflective elements on the upper of the Boston 13, and while we always like seeing them, it’s something we’ve come to expect from speed-focused shoes.

Adidas Adizero Boston 13 Reflective elements
Test results
Adizero Boston 13 No

Tongue padding

The lacing system follows the same pattern as recent Adizero models, using reinforced eyelets to prevent early damage—it’s simple yet reliable and allows for some fine-tuning.

Adidas Adizero Boston 13 lacing system

The tongue keeps the same 2.9 mm thickness from the previous version, prioritizing weight savings over plush comfort. From our perspective, that’s a reasonable tradeoff—Adizero means lightning-fast runs and featherlight builds, not super-padded, all-day comfort like a HOKA Clifton 10.

Adidas Adizero Boston 13 Tongue padding
Test results
Adizero Boston 13 2.9 mm
Average 5.9 mm
Compared to 420 running shoes
Number of shoes
0.4 mm
Tongue padding
14.2 mm

Tongue: gusset type

One of the biggest letdowns of the Boston 12 was its non-gusseted tongue, but credit to Adidas for listening to the running community. We all wanted a secure-fit, movement-free tongue—and here it is!

Adidas Adizero Boston 13 Tongue: gusset type
Test results
Adizero Boston 13 Both sides (semi)

Heel tab

After a few years, it seems Adidas is moving away from the flap-style pull tab on some Adizero models. Whether that’s an upgrade or not is up for debate. For us, it looked distinctive and super cool, so it's kind of a miss.

Adidas Adizero Boston 13 Heel tab
Test results
Adizero Boston 13 None

Removable insole

If you want to adjust the fit of the Boston 13, you can easily swap the insole for a different one.

Adidas Adizero Boston 13 Removable insole
Test results
Adizero Boston 13 Yes