Is the Adidas Ultra Boost uncaged the most comfortable running shoe ever?

Adidas Ultra Boost Uncaged Facts:

Features Boost Technology.

Ultra Boost is seen as Adidas’ best running shoe.

A lot of colourways released however most sell out straight away.

10mm Drop.

Primeknit Upper.

Weighs around 304g.

Tight knit all around the shoe.

Padded Ankle collar.

Three stripes detail on the toe.

£130 RRP.

What is Adidas Boost?

Adidas Boost may just look like polystyrene packaging but is way more than that. Adidas’ Boost technology was created at NASA, giving you comfort which is out of this world. Adidas Boost is made up of lots of little pebbles of a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). The TPU absorbs the stress of your foot hitting the ground and, instantly goes back into its original shape. Adidas says this allows you to use less energy, allowing you to run further and faster. Adidas now have added various versions of the boost midsole on many of their products such as the Yeezy and NMD range.

Adidas Ultra Boost Uncaged Review

When I picked up my Adidas Ultra Boost Uncaged, there was a few colourways available but I was drawn towards the burgundy colourway. The shoe's upper is burgundy with navy also threaded into it. The shoe also features Adidas’ three stripes on the toe of the shoe in a material that's plastic like, which is also used for the eyelets. The plastic heel cup is navy with ultra boost written in silver. Adidas have released a lot of other colourways of the ultra boost uncaged (all selling out in minutes), such as the collaboration with the brand parley. The parley ultra boost uncaged collaboration was all white and featured recycled plastic from the ocean as the heel cup. In my opinion, they are the nicest ones they have made to date and I wish I was able to get them before they sold out.

When I first put my feet into the ultra boost uncaged, I knew straight away that these were going to be as or even more comfortable than my other pair of ultra boosts. The new and updated version of the primeknit gave a more snug, sock like fit than I was expecting. The shoe is like a compression sock attached to a cloud. It's so comfortable.The shoes feel very durable and if they’re anything like my previous pair, I won’t be needing to get a new pair anytime soon. I haven't been able to properly test them in wet conditions, however I wore them as a lifestyle shoe on a rainy day, and my socks stayed nice and dry.

The main reason people buy this shoe and other adidas products is Boost. When a shoe uses rocket science, you have to be intrigued. Adidas Boost technology allows you to have a very comfortable ride, but may not give you the support and stability some runners need. However, Adidas have other running shoes that feature boost and that are more stable or, better suited to different running styles.The shoe has Boost which is different to the Yeezy Boost or NMD range. Adidas put different amount of Boost in each model according to what they are meant for. For example, Adidas NMD’s are meant as a lifestyle shoe. I’m lucky enough to have the original model and they are a comfortable shoe although when I first put them on I was disappointed as I assumed the Boost technology would be the same as my ultra boost. Unfortunately I’m not lucky enough to own a pair of Yeezy Boost’s although, I have tried a pair on and they are very close to an Ultra Boots comfort.

The sole of the shoe is in the shape of Adidas’ Stretchweb design, allowing the sole to stretch and move whilst you run. The sole is also made of continental rubber, which is the same as car tyres. The sole gave me great grip on road and pavement in dry conditions but, I as mentioned earlier, I am yet to try wet conditions.

Adidas Ultra boost Caged Vs Adidas Ultra Boost Uncaged

Since I have been using the  Adidas ultra boost (2.0) with the plastic cage for nearly a year now, I compared the two models.

With both Adidas Ultra Boost models, I have found that they fit perfectly. In the adidas ultra boost uncaged, I went a size down as my usual size (UK12) was sold out. At first I thought this was going to be a problem but after running in them for a while, the new technology used in the primeknit proved it’s there for a reason, stretching slightly making it more comfortable for my oversized feet. The primeknit on the ultra boost uncaged model felt a lot nicer on my feet than the normal model. I found that the ultra boost uncaged model felt more like a sock rather than a mesh type material. The ultra boost uncaged version also has a sock like part where you put your foot into the shoe rather than the more traditional shoe. This along with the padded ankle stopped my foot from slipping and moving about in the shoe whilst running at quicker speeds.

After using them both for a while, I found them so comfortable that I didn't feel the need to tie the laces when I was jogging. With the normal ultra boost, This wasn’t a problem, I used the gaps between the three stripes in the cage to use as extra eyelets. However, the ultra boost uncaged doesn't have extra cage to wrap your laces round. Although, It does have extra eyelets on one side of the shoe to accommodate other lacing methods. But after trying many methods of having my laces, I decide to loosen them and just tie the remaining lace into a small knot. The small knot bounces around a bit but isn't really noticeable when running.

If I had to choose between adidas ultra boost caged or ultra boost uncaged, I would be slightly more inclined to choose the uncaged model. The latest ultra boost (3.0) features a different primeknit but isn’t as nice as the uncaged ultra boost. Also, the uncaged ultra boost can double as a lifestyle shoe due to its minimalist look.

The Verdict

Adidas Ultra Boost uncaged is my favourite running shoe I have ever had. The super comfortable primeknit upper, boost midsole, and the minimalist look makes me want to wear them 24/7, and I have started to wear them as a lifestyle shoe as well. The super high price tag and the availability in my size are the only thing stopping me from getting a few more pairs.