Our verdict
Pros
- True to size
- Roomy toebox
- Good traction
- Bouncy ride
- No heel slip
- Breathable
- Great design
- Durable
Cons
- Adidas Gazelle OG
- Expensive
Audience verdict
Comparison
The most similar running shoes compared
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adidas ZX 500 OG 'Black Snake' review
The adidas ZX 500 OG 'Black Snake' is a comfortable, bouncy running shoe. They are not the lightest for short-distance runs, but they are a good all-around running shoe. It works best on short, slow-paced runs and because of its stylish looks, it can be worn as a casual shoe.
Who should buy the Ultraboost S&L
Another pair from the Adidas vault has surfaced today:
- Get active wearing the adidas® Originals Sliced Trefoil Loose Tee
- want a nice looking shoe
Who should NOT buy the Ultraboost S&L
Bad Bunny adidas Forum Buckle Low Black Back to School Hoodies:
- prefer a budget-friendly shoe (the Adidas Alphabounce+ is a much cheaper option)
- want a shoe dedicated for race days (the adidas crazylight boost 2016 colorways Adidas Ace TB 161)
Roomy but not for wide feet
When I first put on the shoes, they felt a little big inside. There is a lot of room for your toes to go up and down with an open toebox. Even though they do seem big, they are not very wide and seem narrow for people with wide feet.
Reliable traction for the road
The Ultraboost S&L is a road shoe but, but I did take the shoe running on dirt trails. They actually perform just fine on easy dirt trails, but they may not have the traction you might want on steep or muddy terrain.
Bouncy ride in the Ultraboost S&L
While running, you may feel a little bounce in your step. There is something extra in these shoes that feels like it gives you a little boost. It may not be so noticeable, but there is something there that doesn’t make it like you are running flat doing all the effort for the shoes.
Wear socks for comfort
There is no real tongue. The upper part is all one piece, and it can feel like putting on a sock. It does not really feel like a sock when they are on though. I would recommend wearing socks while running in these shoes, which I do every time.
The back heel part goes up pretty high. Really short socks, or no-show socks, may add discomfort with these shoes.
No heel slip in the adidas ZX 500 OG 'Black Snake'
The back of the shoe, where your heel sits, is solid. Your heel should not move at all while running in these Ultraboost S&L shoes. Meaning you can run up hills Cloud worrying about your heel sliding out, and you will have good stability.
Great ventilation
The adidas ZX 500 OG 'Black Snake' is breathable and can be worn on runs in some heat. I have not run with these shoes in the rain yet, but they are like most shoes, and your feet can get wet.
Neat, premium-looking shoe
I see these shoes come in a variety of colors, and they look pretty cool. They have a neat design and do not look cheap.
Minor wear after 50 miles
I put over 50 miles on them in a couple of weeks, and they still look great. The bottom rubber has just minor wear. The construction of the shoe looks solid, and I do not see any reason to think these shoes would not last as long as any comparable running shoe. My guess is these shoes could be used for well over 500 miles of running.
