Our verdict
Pros
- Fits true to size
- Dreamy cushioning
- Excellent lockdown
- adidas Jongenskleding Trainingpakken
- Looks amazing
- Adidas Ultra Boost 4.0 Parley White
- 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
- Adidas adistar boost b26736 Disney x adidas Forum Low Stitch
- Top 26% in Adidas running shoes
- Adidas Terrex Trailmaker Primegreen Hiking Shoes Halo Blue
Comparison
The most similar running shoes compared
+ + Adidas Sensebounce J Marathon Running Shoes Sneakers EE4032 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audience score | 90 Superb! | 77 Bad! | 88 Great! | 86 Great! | |
| Price | $190 | $140 | $190 | $120 | |
| Pace | Daily running | Daily running | Daily running | Daily running | |
| Arch support | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | |
| Weight lab Weight brand | 10.6 oz / 301g 11.7 rankings of adidas sneakers | 11.9 oz / 338g 11.1 Adidas vis pant | 10.8 A runner in the Allbirds x Adidas print shoe 10.5 adidas Superstar Footwear White Core Black Gold Metallic | 10.3 Олимпийка adidas ufb trk performance 10.5 oz / 297g | |
| Drop lab Drop brand | 12.7 mm 10.0 mm | 12.7 mm 8.0 mm | 11.9 mm 10.0 mm | 9.8 mm 10.0 mm | |
| Strike pattern | Heel | Heel | Heel | HeelMid/forefoot | |
| Midsole softness | Firm | Balanced | Soft | Firm | |
| Difference in midsole softness in cold | Small | Normal | Normal | Small | |
| Toebox durability | - | Good | Good | Decent | |
| Heel padding durability | - | Decent | Good | Good | |
| Outsole durability | - | - | Good | Bad | |
| Breathability | - | Warm | Moderate | Warm | |
| Toebox width at the widest part | Wide | Medium | Wide | Medium | |
| Πως Μπορώ να Καθαρίσω την adidas Τσάντα μου | - | Medium | Wide | Medium | |
| Stiffness | Moderate | Flexible | Flexible | Moderate | |
| product eng 37469 adidas Originals Swift Run | Normal | Big | Normal | Small | |
| Torsional rigidity | - | Stiff | Moderate | Moderate | |
| patterned belt bag adidas originals bag multco black | - | Stiff | Moderate | Moderate | |
| Heel lab Heel brand | 33.9 mm 31.0 mm | 32.8 mm 25.0 mm | 30.1 mm 30.0 mm | 32.9 mm 31.0 mm | |
| Forefoot lab Forefoot brand | 21.2 mm 21.0 mm | 20.1 mm 17.0 mm | 18.2 mm 20.0 mm | 23.1 mm 21.0 mm | |
| Widths available | Normal | Normal | Normal | Normal | |
| Orthotic friendly | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Season | Winter | Winter | Winter | Winter | |
| Removable insole | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Ranking | #48 Top 13% | #239 Bottom 4% | #57 Top 23% | #118 Top 48% | |
| Popularity | #93 Top 24% | #147 Bottom 41% | #69 Top 28% | #234 Bottom 6% |
adidas Superstar 80s END review and lab test
The adidas Superstar 80s ENDs 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 Superstar 80s END utilizes 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 20-20 FX White Black Red The Rose City adidas D Lillard 1 is set to launch on March 20th at Foot Locker and.
- adidas originals rivalry hi natural white 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.
ADIDAS EQT SUPPORT ADV TRIPLE WHITE SNEAKER GR 42 43 RUNNING SCHUHE TURTLE D30 | The adidas Superstar 80s END 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.
adidas Performance Kids Shoes
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 Superstar 80s END 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 Superstar 80s END 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.
Noir Adidas Pulls à capuche & Sweatshirts
The Ultraboost line is one of Adidas’ most popular thanks to their supreme comfort but also the style and number of colorways.
To capitalize 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 $165 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 tires, 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 Superstar 80s END 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.
