
While Adidas Boston shoes have a rich heritage spanning 40 years, the modern iteration of the Adizero Boston series is relatively recent. It was only in 2010 when the Adizero and Boston shoe lines merged to create the Adizero Boston, a performance-oriented racing shoe. Now, in 2023, although the Boston line has maintained its focus on performance, it is no longer the primary racing shoe in the lineup. Starting with the Adizero Boston 10, it has become the preferred training companion to the Adios Pro, which serves as the super shoe racer in the Adizero line.

The Adizero Boston 10 [(Read our Boston 10 review here)](https://shoegeeks.in/review/adidas-adizeroboston10-001009010/) marks a significant departure from earlier Boston shoes, featuring a higher stack height. The Boston 12 continues to build on this design and is intended to be a daily trainer with the flexibility to be used for faster tempos.

Notably, the Adizero Boston 12 is one of the very few running shoes in the Adidas lineup that have been discounted in India. I purchased one during the recent Big Billion Day sale. I was eager to try it out based on positive reviews, despite having had a negative experience with the Boston 11 in the past.

_So Is the Adizero Boston 12 the perfect training companion for the Adios Pro? Does it make a versatile daily trainer?  Read as I explore its features, performance, and whether it truly lives up to its reputation._ 


<ShoeCard shoeCode="001009012M"></ShoeCard>

##### What makes up Boston 12?

To an untrained eye, the Adizero Boston 12 appears very similar to the Adios Pro 3 [(Read our Adios Pro 3 review here)](https://shoegeeks.in/review/adidas-adizeroadiospro3-001013003/), and the profile is quite similar, albeit slightly less aggressive. When placed side by side, one can observe that the Boston 12 features a more gradually tapered toe spring angle and a less aggressive heel bevel. Another noticeable difference is the dual-stacked midsole in the Boston 12.

<LightBox src="/images/adizero-boston12_1.jpg" caption="Boston 12 and Pro 3 side by side" alt="" ></LightBox>


From a technical specs perspective, the Boston 12 represents a significant performance upgrade compared to the Boston 11. The Boston 11 feels clunky when compared to the Boston 12. The Boston 12 has a 6mm heel-drop (with a 38mm heel and 31mm forefoot), while the Boston 11 has an 8mm offset. The stack height on the Boston 12 is reduced by 1.5mm to 38mm (compared to the Boston 11's 39.5mm stack). The weight has also significantly decreased, with the Boston 11 in UK size 10 weighing 306 grams, while the Boston 12 in the same size measures 279 grams.

<LightBox src="/images/adizero-boston12_13.jpg" caption="Boston 11 and 12 side by side" alt="" ></LightBox>


The shoe's geometry strikes a good balance between rocker and classic styles. The rocker doesn't feel overly aggressive but is much more pronounced than that of the Boston 11.

__Midsole__

The midsole of the Boston 12 shares a similar construction with the Boston 11. It features a dual-layered midsole with Light Strike Pro foam in the top layer, closer to the foot, and Light Strike 2.0 foam in the bottom layer. Glass fiber rods are incorporated into the midsole between the two layers. In comparison to the Boston 11, the foam quality in the Boston 12 is significantly improved. LightStrike Pro foam has a durometer of approximately 24 HA, while the new Light Strike 2.0 foam measures around 34 HA. When compared to the Boston 11's 36 HA and 45, the new midsole foam is far superior and softer.

<LightBox src="/images/adizero-boston12_8.jpg" caption="Dual-foam midsole" alt="" ></LightBox>

__Upper__

The upper undergoes a major upgrade too.  It features a much lighter mesh construction that is extremely breathable. The suede elements from the Boston 11 are absent in the Boston 12, resulting in a much lighter and more supple upper that adapts well to the feet. The tongue is minimal, with minimal padding, making it very lightweight and more racer-like in feel.

<LightBox src="/images/adizero-boston12_6.jpg" caption="Major upgrade in the upper" alt="" ></LightBox>

__Heel__

The heel of the Boston 12 has minimal padding, resembling a racer more than a trainer. However, this might not be ideal, as the heel lacks the stiffness found in the Boston 11. There is a heel tab, similar to previous editions and other shoes in the Adizero line.


__Outsole__

Like many of the shoes in the Adizero line, the outsole of the Boston 12 is made of Continental rubber. The tread pattern is designed to provide traction on most surfaces, which is beneficial for a trainer. However, the outsole is notably thinner compared to that of the Boston 11.

<LightBox src="/images/adizero-boston12_5.jpg" caption="Continental rubber outsole" alt="" ></LightBox>

##### Why did I buy it?

I am currently in the midst of a marathon training cycle, and I've been searching for a reliable daily trainer with good bounce. I came across an article on Light Strike 2.0 and heard positive feedback about the Boston 12 in various running shoe forums. Given my less-than-satisfactory experience with the Boston 11, which felt clunky and made it extremely challenging to run at faster paces, I was somewhat hesitant. However, a 50% discount offer during the Flipkart Big Billion Day sale ultimately convinced me to make the purchase.

##### Boston 12 Ride

I've covered a distance of 170 kilometers with these shoes over the past 8 weeks. Primarily, I've used them for medium-long runs, typically around the half-marathon distance. I haven't utilized them in any races, as that's not my intended purpose for these shoes, and I wouldn't recommend them for racing unless it's the only pair you have.

To evaluate the shoe's bounce and speed, I've taken it on a couple of hard tempo runs spanning 8 kilometers each. Additionally, I ran a 10-kilometer route on a soft trail around a lake bed to assess its traction.

<LightBox src="/images/adizero-boston12_2.jpg" caption="Trainer with a bent on speed" alt="" ></LightBox>

The shoe takes some getting used to, as the minimal padding can make it somewhat uncomfortable during the first few runs. However, as you become used to it, running in the shoe becomes much more comfortable. The shoe truly shines during faster runs, offering excellent bounce and stability, making it an ideal companion for the Adios Pro. Despite being a bit heavier, I found it to be more suitable for tempo runs than the Takumi Sen 9, especially on uneven roads and typical road surfaces in India.

The shoe is perfect for medium-long runs, providing ample cushioning that can carry you all the way to a marathon. If I have to compare, the ride of the shoe resembles my older Adios Pro 2 more than any other neutral trainers on the market. The ride is bouncy but not overly soft, and I wouldn't recommend it for longer runs where post-run recovery is the primary goal. For those purposes, you'd be better off with Invincibles and Superblasts.

__The reduced heel drop of 6 mm means Boston 12 is more suitable for midfoot and forefoot strikers than heel strikers.__


__Fit and Comfort__

The upper fits perfectly on the foot, especially once you've become accustomed to it after a few runs. While you can sense the lack of padding, the softer and more flexible upper doesn't cause much discomfort. The toe box suits me well as my toe shape aligns perfectly with the shoe last. However, if you have a foot shape that is more square, with toes of similar height and a wide foot, you might need to explore other options. The forefoot and midfoot fit very well.

<LightBox src="/images/adizero-boston12_4.jpg" caption="Minimally padded heel and it slips" alt="" ></LightBox>

The main issue I encountered relates to the heel. Despite the soft heel counter, the lack of padding makes it uncomfortable. Moreover, the heel tends to slip, making faster runs more challenging. I had to experiment with the lacing to achieve a satisfactory heel fit. Depending on how well the heel fits, especially if your heel is narrow, you might have to consider going half a size smaller with the Boston 12.

__Stability__ 

Compared to its racing counterpart, the Adios Pro, the shoe feels notably stable. Given its 38mm stack height, it provides impressive stability, likely attributed to the firmer Light Strike 2.0 foam in the bottom of the midsole. Although it lacks specific stability elements, it doesn't offer the same level of pronation control as stability shoes.

__Road Grip__

The shoe delivers decent road grip, making it practical for daily training with an emphasis on speed, particularly on Indian roads. While it performs well, it doesn't match the level of grip offered by Puma Grip in the Nitro line from Puma. The shoe performs admirably on softer trails with pebbles. It handles corners effectively during tempo runs. The only challenge is with roads that have loose sand and construction debris.

However, I’ve noticed the outsole tread seems to worn out a bit, but that is not out of the ordinary. 

<LightBox src="/images/adizero-boston12_14.jpg" caption="Outsole after 170kms of running" alt="" ></LightBox>


__Aesthetics & Ergonomics__

The shoe has a great presence on the road, and looks like a racer.  I really loved my colorway, which is officially called “Cloud White / Core Black / Lucid Lemon”. It doesn’t shout for any attention, but looks really great. It is easy to clean too.

### Review Summary

<ReviewSummaryCard shoeCode="001009012M"></ReviewSummaryCard>

<ProsCard
title="PROS"
pros={[
"Significant upgrade compared to its predecessor, the Boston 11",
"Good balance between cushioning and responsiveness, making it suitable for various types of runs",
"Upper is lightweight, breathable, and adapts well to the feet",
"Excellent bounce and stability, particularly for faster tempo runs",
"Sleek and appealing appearance"
]}
/>

<ConsCard
title="CONS"
cons={[
"Minimal padding may require some time to get used to and might be uncomfortable during the initial runs",
"The heel area lacks sufficient padding and may cause discomfort",
"Heels may slip based on your heel shape",
"It may struggle on roads with loose sand and construction debris"
]}
/>

<InfoCard title="RECOMMENDATION">
The Adizero Boston 12 is recommended for medium-long runs and faster tempo sessions. Its balance of cushioning and responsiveness makes it ideal for these purposes. It pairs well with the Adios Pro 2/3, serving as a training companion for training. If looking to complement the Boston 12 with other shoes, consider the Prime X for longer recovery runs, Adizero SL for short easy runs, and the Takumi Sen / Adios Pro for racing. 
</InfoCard>


Reliable daily trainer with a bent on speed for Adizero loyalists

Adidas Adizero Boston 12 Review


The running shoes have seen a remarkable evolution, transitioning from an era where neutral shoes held the spotlight to the current dominance of performance-focused ones. The shift, as much as it looks challenging, the primary problem here is to create a selling point. While neutral trainers have traditionally been known for their dependable performance, the likes of Saucony are boldly innovating and keeping it not just lively, but also competitive. 

But hey, what are neutral trainers? Neutral trainers are running shoes designed to provide a balanced level of cushioning and support for runners with [neutral pronation](https://geeksonfeet.com/run/eversion/), offering a versatile option for different types of runs. Next, why Saucony’s Ride 16? Two reasons. Firstly, our previous reviews of their recent lineups have been consistently positive. Secondly, personally, despite reviewing or owning numerous neutral trainers from different brands, the Ride series had noticeably been absent from my collection until this moment. 

The Ride 16 is a neutral daily trainer, a line-up not just intended to be a workhorse, but also to compete with other brands' daily trainers like Pegasus and Ghost. _Before we delve into the details, however, it's important to note that this particular pair of Ride 16 was graciously provided to us by Saucony India for review purposes._ Rest assured, this review remains entirely impartial – it is neither a sponsored post nor does it bear any influence from Saucony India.


<ShoeCard shoeCode="006009016M"></ShoeCard>


##### What makes up Ride 16?

The Ride 16 is a modern-day neutral trainer with a lot of focus on aesthetics, comfort and build quality. The shoe is primarily designed to be an all-rounder, that is, to be able to do everything that's out through the feet, the easy runs, long runs, tempo runs and even handle the race day, if this is the only running shoe on your rack.

Ride 16 is one of the lightest in the daily trainer segment, and even marginally weighs lighter than the Puma Velocity Nitro 2, our favorite so far in this segment. The shoe weighs 250 grams for UK8, compared to 255 grams for the Ride 15, reflecting a positive trend in the daily trainers segment - lighter, the better. The Ride 16 is a mid-cushion shoe with a stack height of 35mm in the heel and 27mm in the forefoot, offering an 8mm heel-to-toe drop. The stack height has felt comfortable for me since day one, as I have predominantly trained in mid-cushion shoes over the years.

Ride 16 in India is priced at ₹12,990, which is slightly more expensive than the competition. Saying that, the shoe has always been available on discount. Even on the day of writing this review, the shoe was available under ₹7,500 on Flipkart, which makes it an exciting offering. 


**_Midsole_**

The midsole of the Ride 16 uses PWRRUN foam, which has been the case since the Ride 13. PWRRUN foam is designed to offer a balance of cushioning, responsiveness, and durability. Since this is the first Ride we are reviewing, we are unfortunately not in a place to compare the performance of earlier versions of the foam. Ride 16 maintains a notable level of firmness, as indicated by its durometer score of 29. This differs from my previous review of the Shift 3 a few months ago, where the foam felt noticeably softer with a durometer score of 25. 

<LightBox src="/images/saucony-ride16_6.jpg" caption="Firm midsole, but the insole tops it" alt="" ></LightBox>

Similar to the Ride 15, the Ride 16 features an insole powered by PWRRUN+ foam. The insole is about 6 mm thick and has a durometer score of 11, affirming it's plush and soft feel, strikingly in contrast to the midsole which feels firm. The insole feels similar to what is found in the Triumph series. 

The midsole features a heel bevel to aid the overall ride. Apart from this, the midsole flares on the forefoot to offer some stability. 

**_Upper_**

The upper is where the shoe really gets exciting. It incorporates a dual-layer, engineered mesh that provides exceptional comfort to the foot, and yet is the most breathable mesh I've ever encountered. The generously sized ventilation holes in the upper significantly enhance air circulation, aiding in keeping the foot cool and comfortable. On both the lateral and the medial side is a lace strap which is connected through the heel and forefoot offering a much secured lockdown. This set-up is better than the one in Triumph 20 I had reviewed a year ago. In the Triumph 20, both ends of the lace were only connected to the forefoot, whereas the Ride 16's design secures not only the forefoot but also provides added support for the ankle. Additionally, the upper incorporates reflective elements to enhance visibility.

<LightBox src="/images/saucony-ride16_3.jpg" caption="As airy as it can get" alt="" ></LightBox>

**_Heel_**

The Ride 6 features a firm and rigid heel counter that offers an overall snug fit. It feels very stable. There's ample padding along the heel counter that enhances comfort. For someone with [Haglund deformity](https://www.physio-pedia.com/Haglund%27s_deformity), the heel counter is something that worries me, since I have had shoes that have irritated my achilles, but that hasn't been the case with Ride 16. What's notably absent (referring to Saucony's recent lineups)? Ah, the pull tag! Does it make a difference? Absolutely not! Reflective elements on the heel counter is always a good and safe feature to have. 

<LightBox src="/images/saucony-ride16_10.jpg" caption="Well padded, and is stable" alt="" ></LightBox>


**_Bottomsole_**

Saucony uses its proprietary XT-900 rubber on the outsole. Known for its thickness and durability, the rubber is strategically positioned to ensure adequate traction but leaves a chunk of midsole exposed with no rubber. This is my only concern about Ride 16. We have loved the outsole coverage in Puma Velocity Nitro 2, whereas the one in Ride doesn't even come close. Nonetheless, it's worth noting that the Ride 16 still ranks as the second-best in terms of outsole within Saucony's present lineup, with the Triumph series taking the top spot.

<LightBox src="/images/saucony-ride16_7.jpg" caption="Decent grip, works well for most conditions" alt="" ></LightBox>


##### WHY DID I CONSIDER TO REVIEW?

A daily trainer for warm days has always been a necessity for me, and that's why I decided to give the Ride 16 a try. To be honest, Ride 16 wasn't my initial choice at all. I ordered Hoka's Rincon 3, known as one of the best shoes for warm days, after stumbling upon a good deal. Unfortunately, due to logistical reasons, it was never delivered. As days went by, I bought Puma Velocity Nitro 2 (VN2), primarily to own all of the neutral trainers. While I loved VN2, I realized that on hot days, which are quite common in Mumbai, it tended to feel warmer even on easy run days. That's when I reached out to the Saucony India team, who generously provided the Ride 16 for review purposes. So, finally, I had a shoe to tackle the hot and humid days, but did it serve its purpose effectively? I'll delve into that further below.


##### Ride Experience 

I have run more than 160 kms on Ride 16, and the experience has been amazing. The shoe did require some break-in since the initial few runs felt more firm. I have used it for all kinds of runs - easy, speed work, tempo, and long runs with a max distance of 18 kms. I was impressed with the weight of the shoe right from the initial few runs. Previous few daily neutral trainers I have tested have been Nike Pegasus, Brooks Ghost, and all of them are on a little heavier side. Furthermore, I was coming fresh out of reviewing [Asics Gel Nimbus (review here)](https://shoegeeks.in/review/asics-gelnimbus25-004005025/) which probably is the heaviest shoe I own. Like the other shoes I mentioned, Ride 16 is a little more exciting, but nothing compared to the Triumph 20, the one I pick on the days I don't feel motivated to run. 

I have used the shoe for a couple of speed intervals and tempo runs, and not surprisingly it is not the best.  While Saucony markets PWRRUN foam to be bouncy, the one in Ride 16 lacked the bounce whereas, [Saucony's Endorphin Shift 3](https://shoegeeks.in/review/saucony-endorphinshift3-006002003/), the other shoe that on-paper uses the same foam, offers an amazing performance here. I would pick Shift 3 over the Ride 16 for intense runs, but hey [Endorphin Speed 3](https://shoegeeks.in/review/saucony-endorphinspeed3-006012003/) is even better. I have Asics's Magic Speed 3 sitting on my rack to be unboxed, so make sure you stay tuned in for another review soon.

With a firmer sole, I didn't expect long runs to feel nice, but the plush and soft insole comes to rescue here. While Ride 16 can easily conquer distances over the half marathon, I would pick Triumph if the goal is to keep it easy and steady, otherwise Endorphin Speed 3 for closer to race pace runs.

**Fit and Comfort**

The shoe fits true to size.  The forefoot is generously spacious and will be a deal-maker for those with wide feet. Personally, I lean towards a consistently snug fit, but I don't have any complaints in this regard because there are aspects that still contribute to a secure feel. 

<LightBox src="/images/saucony-ride16_8.jpg" caption="" alt="" ></LightBox>

To begin with, the lacing reminds me of the flywire lacing from the Pegasus series, which I've always admired. In the Ride 16, this laces, while minimalistic, effectively secures your foot from the heel to the forefoot. To improve the secure lockdown, the tongue is adequately cushioned and partially gusseted along the sides of the shoe. Additionally, the overall upper has a softer texture, further enhancing overall comfort.

Lastly, even though the upper features dual layer, it is one the best breathable neutral trainers out there. The ventilation holes are large enough to aid air circulation and if I remember, just twice I ever felt warm, and this was predominantly when I was putting in intense pace on hot days. Ride 16 is one the best warm-day shoes in the market. 

**Stability**

Out of the box, Ride 16 is a neural daily trainer, but it offers an excellent neutral-stable ride. The moment you are on the feet putting them on, you realize how stable the forefoot feels. This is because the shoe packs a few neutral-stable elements. Firstly, it boasts a broad forefoot that gradually widens towards the midsole, promoting a stable foundation. Additionally, the lock down features I previously discussed further contribute to this sense of stability. Overall, for someone with mild over pronation and if the weight of the shoe is a deal-maker like for me, this should be on the top of your cart. 

**Road Grip**

While the primary goal was to have a warm day shoe, I laced up Ride 16 for all rainy-day runs and had no concerns in offering good traction. This is considering the XT-900 rubber being only strategically placed. Was I confident enough to run through puddles? Yes, but I did lack confidence on wet muddy stretches, and hence wouldn’t consider it for my occasional trail runs. I have Puma Velocity Nitro 2 and Pegasus 39 to get non-technical trails sorted, but hey, I also got Xodus Ultra so Ride 16 is never going on trails, and is neither meant to be. 

**Aesthetics & Ergonomics**

The Ride 16 offers an impressive range of color combinations, but unfortunately, the choices are somewhat limited in India. As soon as the shoe was released internationally, I was drawn to the dual-tone blue color scheme. However, this particular color option is not available in India, leaving me with the next best choice, which happened to be white/gravel. This colorway has a light blue and light orange touch to it which is eye-catching. In India, the available color options include the marigold/lava and the recently introduced black/white. These options not only look visually appealing but also boast a well-constructed design. Indeed, the Ride 16 stands out as one of the most aesthetically pleasing shoes in my collection. On two occasions, I've even paired them with casual outfits for work, and I've received positive feedback from onlookers.

<LightBox src="/images/saucony-ride16_1.jpg" caption="Aesthetically pleasing.." alt="" ></LightBox>

But hey, white colorway and rain aren't the best friends. Between unboxing and writing this review, for a little over 160 kms, I had to wash them thrice already. Do I regret getting this colorway? Absolutely not! This is gonna shine once again post rains. 

##### Review Summary

<ReviewSummaryCard shoeCode="006009016M"></ReviewSummaryCard>

<ProsCard
  title="PROS"
  pros={[
"Firm midsole, and yet offers softer ride", 
"Breathable upper",
"Accommodates wide feet", 
"Offers decent stability for a neutral trainer",
  ]}
/>

<ConsCard
  title="CONS"
  cons={[
    "Rubber on the outsole could’ve been generous",
    "Pricier compared to the competition", 
  ]}
/>



<InfoCard title="RECOMMENDATION">
The Saucony Ride 16 stands as an excellent choice for a neutral daily trainer and narrowly edges out our beloved Puma Velocity Nitro 2. Weight and breathability has always been a major decision maker for me, and this is personally where Ride 16 has triumphed. What particularly impressed me was the softer ride combined with a firmer midsole, prompting me to select the Ride 16 for all easy runs and long runs up to the half marathon distance. The presence of stability in a neutral trainer is always a welcomed bonus, and Ride 16 achieves this without adding excessive weight.

For my shoe rotation, the Ride 16 earns its place as my go-to for easy days, while the Triumph 20 takes the lead for long runs, the Shift 3 for Interval Runs, and the Speed 3 for tempo runs. Outside of the Saucony lineup, the Ride 16 remains my preferred choice for easy runs, occasionally switching to Brooks Ghost 15.

Ride 16 is a daily trainer that deserves to be in your shoe rack.
</InfoCard>

Reviews

Adidas Adizero Boston 12 Review

Saucony Ride 16 Review