Our verdict
The Adidas Ultraboost 5.0 DNA shares the same design with the Adidas Ultraboost. It delivers all-day comfort, plush cushioning, and superb grip. With the design that is more casual, the Ultraboost 5.0 DNA performs well on slow, short runs, making it ideal for beginners and casual runners.
Pros
- True to size
- Cushioned
- Very comfortable
- Nice fit
- Superb grip even on wet surfaces
- Versatile enough for casual walks
- Eco-friendly
Cons
- For short runs only
- Needs to dial in lacing
- Not propulsive in any way
Adidas Ultraboost 5.0 DNA review
The Adidas Ultraboost 5.0 DNA features a more casual look than the notable Ultraboost shoes from Adidas. Yes, you can run in these shoes but only for short, casual runs.
The shoe is very heavy for performance running but cushioned enough to provide comfort for various activities, from casual walks in the park to easy, slow-paced city runs.
Who should buy it
The Adidas Ultraboost 5.0 DNA is ideal for beginners looking for a casual running shoe that:
- is good for short-distance runs
- offers all-day comfort
Who should NOT buy it
Consider other running shoes if you:
- want a shoe for long-distance runs (consider the Ultraboost 21, which also offers a sock-like feel)
- prefer a lightweight, fast shoe (in this case look at carbon-plated Adidas Adizero Adios Pro)
- need a stability shoe (the Adidas SolarGlide 4 is worth checking out)
Plush fit in the Ultraboost 5.0 DNA
Comfort is the imperative word here, the bootie construction, although constricts the foot when entering, provides a very plush fit once on. The lacing cage on top ensures there is no rubbing with any rigid element of the shoe.
Desirable, comfortable cushioning
The Adidas Ultraboost DNA 5.0 midsole, being Boost, means it is plush and provides cushioning specially in the heel, where the thickest area is. If you lean your weight around the heel is when you feel the boost giving way the most.
Dial in the lacing for improve performance
I did find better results by tightening the lacing a bit more than I would. Doing this, provided a more connected experience and a better response from them.
The Ultraboost 5.0 DNA is not propulsive in any way
Having gone through many paces in them, I’d say they prefer to live in the slower end of the spectrum. The fact that the geometry does not seem to rock you forward like the Ultraboost 21, as well as not having any real elements of propulsion and only a torsion system to provide lateral stability of the midsole.
Retro-inspired looks
The looks in the Adidas Ultraboost DNA 5.0 are very retro inspired in this colorway, the beige tones with the corduroy accents give out a 70’s vibe. The plaid-like pattern in the bootie as well as the contrast with the black corduroy covered heel supports make it feel like they came out of a time machine.
I have pushed these Adidas Ultraboost DNA 5.0 to perform on tempo runs but they do not help move the stride along, the theme here seems to be to comply with what you want to do instead of the shoe pushing you to a better form, or to reward tip-toeing to prevent overstriding.
It is eco-friendly
Adidas Ultraboost 5.0 DNA is listed as being part of the Primerblue initiative. Primeblue is a recycled material that’s made in part with Parley Ocean Plastic. These plastics were intercepted from beaches, coastal communities and shorelines, preventing them from polluting the ocean.
Adidas Ultraboost 5.0 DNA vs Ultraboost 21
When you hear Adidas Ultraboost, running comes to mind, hence it is unfathomable how Adidas chooses to use the same name for casual shoes. The Adidas Ultraboost 5.0 DNA is the casual version of the Adidas Utraboost 21.
Here are the few differences:
- the midsole is substantially more prominent in the heel area in the Ultraboost 21
- the upper of the Ultraboost 5.0 DNA is busier with less breathable area
- lacks reflective elements
