Our verdict
Pros
- Fits true to size
- Dreamy cushioning
- Excellent lockdown
- Grips both wet & dry tarmac
- Looks amazing
- Very popular as a sneaker
- Great for long slow runs
- No break-in period needed
- Great for heavy runners
- Supreme comfort
Cons
- Not for wider feet
- No energy return
Audience verdict
- Top 15% in road running shoes
- Top 22% in Adidas running shoes
Comparison
The most similar running shoes compared
Adidas Ultraboost 22 review and lab test
The Adidas Ultraboost 22s are probably more popular as a sneaker than a running shoe. Even so, Adidas has put huge care and thought into the construction of this super comfortable, plush runner.
Who the shoe is for
The Adidas Ultraboost 22 utilises its comfy foam midsole and I felt it provided a cushioned and protective ride. As such, it’s perfect for a daily runner or for longer, easier runs.
Who the Ultraboost 22 is not for
The Ultraboost 22 might not be for you if you:
- Want a faster shoe, try the Adidas Adizero Pro 2.0 for less padding and more speed.
- Pronate, you might want a stability shoe like the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23
A tried and tested design
At 11.9 oz or 337.7g, the Ultraboost 22 isn’t the lightest running shoe out there.
The Adidas Ultraboost 22 has a tight upper
Although we've measured the upper at the forefoot to be wider than average, the toebox is shallow and actually feels quite snug. This running shoe is not wide-feet friendly and it does not come in Wide.
The toe-box is especially tight, it tapers a lot, and we found them uncomfortable to wear over a long period.
It’s a shame because we don’t think it would have added much weight just to reinforce the toe-box a little to stop it wrapping around the end.
Excellent lockdown
One benefit of the restrictive upper is the fantastic lockdown when paired with the lacing.
Hard TPU plastic supports the sides of the shoe, tightend by the laces, which ensure a secure fit. We felt absolutely no movement in our testing, meaning there was also no break-in period for these.
The Ultraboost midsole is the stuff of dreams
Probably purposefully constructed to resemble clouds, the midsole on the Ultraboost 22 is incredibly comfy. They’re perfect for heavier runners who want to look after their joints.
With a stack height of 21.2mm in the forefoot, there’s plenty of cushioning throughout the shoe and a relatively neutral drop. The shoe feels like it’s there for long, slow runs.
The Adidas Ultraboost 22 tries to add speed
The midsole cushioning really dampens every step in the Ultraboost, which is great for comfort and our joints, but gave absolutely no energy back to me.
A TPU shank is added and helps give the shoe structure (with all that foam it needs it). We suspect it also helps the shoe not suck all the energy out of our legs, but it still felt like running through sand.
Flexible and fairly consistent
Using a force gauge, we measure how much force is needed to bend the shoe to a 90-degree angle. The Adidas Ultraboost 22 has a pretty flexy 27.6N score (average is 34.5N). This isn't too much of a surprise and we welcomed the flexibility on our runs, allowing the shoe to shape to our feet.
We also lab test the flexibility of shoes after they've spent time in a freezer to see how consistent that flexibility is in different conditions. The Ultraboost 22 scored 35.1N a 27% change, which is also relatively close to the average.
It's always good to know you can rely on your training shoes to take on all weather.
The Ultraboost 22 also look incredible
The Ultraboost line is one of Adidas’ most popular thanks to their supreme comfort but also the style and number of colorways.
To capitalise on this, Adidas have released the Ultraboost 22 in a huge number of colorways. We picked up the Magic Grey/Turbo colorway and love them for the muted blue look.
At £180 for a daily running shoe, it’s a great addition to be able to wear them casually as well.
The Continental grip is insane
With a 5.8mm rubber outsole from Continental (the people who also make car tyres, so they know their way around rubber), the Ultraboost 22 has an incredibly serious grip.
On wet and dry tarmac, with or without leaves (you rarely get a choice in Scotland), we found the Ultraboost 22 to be secure underfoot, which always helps with confidence on downhills.
What’s more, the injected rubber means the shoes are highly durable.
Conclusion
The Adidas Ultraboost 22 is a seriously comfy and stylish shoe. With excess padding and a solid lockdown, this is a great option for longer distances and relaxed runs.
