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Adidas Ultraboost 5

Adidas Ultraboost 5

Scored on 34 verified owner verdicts, from 789 comments read across 1 community
TL;DR
Owner sentiment on the Ultraboost splits along durability lines: a solid contingent reports years of comfortable, high-mileage use (including 70+ mile weeks and multi-year pairs still going strong) and praises the shoe as among the most comfortable they own, with a true-to-size fit. But a meaningful minority describes premature failure, sole cracking, peeling, and loosening showing up in as little as 3 to 6 months, sometimes across multiple pairs, driving some to swear off the brand entirely. A secondary complaint is that comfort and cushioning have slipped compared to earlier Ultraboost generations (1.0, 3.0, 4.0), and the redesigned caged look and heel cup are polarizing, with several owners calling the newer styling unattractive. A smaller group also flags fit annoyances like heel slippage and a footbed that shifts during wear.

35% of 34 verified owners recommend the Adidas Ultraboost 5, based on real owner verdicts aggregated from Reddit, enthusiast forums, and YouTube.

See the problems 15 owners report →

What 34 owners say
789 comments reviewed · scored on the 34 clearest verdicts
35%
Recommend
12 owners
21%
Neutral
7 owners
44%
Don't recommend
15 owners
Last 6 months:36% recommend(14 recent verdicts)→ holding steady vs older reviews
Source
Score
N
Counted in the score
Reddit
35%
34
Reviewed, but not counted — and why
No clear verdictiSetup, tips & quirks
13

The headline score reflects owners (Reddit, enthusiast forums), independent lab tests, blogs with no affiliate links, and YouTube owner-comments when they line up with owners. is shown for perspective but kept out here — hover the i for why.

What owners like
  • Many owners call them among the most comfortable shoes they've owned, day to day and out of the box · 5 · 15%
  • Durability holds up well for years of regular wear when the pair isn't defective · 5 · 15%
  • Well suited to distance running, including high weekly mileage and marathon training · 4 · 12%
  • True-to-size fit, with owners saying they didn't need to size up · 3 · 9%
What owners flag
  • Sole cracking, peeling, and premature breakdown, sometimes within just 3-6 months of purchase · 9 · 26%
  • Comfort and cushioning have declined across generations, with older versions (1.0, 3.0, 4.0) feeling comfier than the newer 19/5 · 4 · 12%
  • Divisive looks, especially the caged design and redesigned heel cup, which some owners find ugly · 4 · 12%
  • Fit problems for some wearers, including heel slippage, the footbed sliding around, and toe rubbing · 3 · 9%
Who it's for
A great fit if
  • Casual runners and walkers who won't rack up serious weekly mileage
  • Distance runners who prioritize long-run comfort over sprint responsiveness
  • Buyers who want an all-around comfortable everyday sneaker for gym or casual wear
  • Shoppers grabbing them on sale who value fashion and comfort over ultimate durability
Look elsewhere if
  • High-mileage runners doing serious weekly distance or fast sprint training
  • Anyone wanting a shoe to double as regular walking or travel footwear
  • Buyers expecting soles and cushioning to hold up past 3-6 months

Synthesized from what Adidas Ultraboost 5 owners say — not a spec sheet.

Top quotes, sourced

789 reviewed · 34 shown
Sentiment
Sort
Reddit— neutral

Although, they feel great when new their longevity and cushioning declines way too early compared to the competition even at the time of release.

Reddit▼ don’t recommend

Anyone have the issue of the footbed moving around in their Ultraboost 19s? It makes mine nearly unwearable. (It slides back constantly. No matter how tight or loose they are.)

Reddit▲ recommend

I have Allbirds and UB 3.0s and I can say definitively my UBs are far more comfortable for me. It’s a treat to wear them haha

Reddit▼ don’t recommend

I have tried ultra boost, super boost, and Nike’s new Zoom Fly 6. And the Zoom Fly 6s’ are miles ahead in terms of running comfort and energy return.

Reddit— neutral

UltraBoost of unknown generation, 240km, bought years ago but only use for occasional treadmill runs because of annoying heel slippage

Reddit▲ recommend

Say what you want about the design, these are insanely comfortable shoes. IMO look better in person.

Reddit— neutral

The 19s are considered more comfortable (and that was definitely the case for me imo), better suited for running, but no doubt uglier.

Reddit▲ recommend

I've run 70+ miles/wk for a few months in them. They're fine for that sort of distance.

Reddit▼ don’t recommend

This is a super steal, but I honestly hate the look compared to caged ultra boosts. side note: Boost shoes are AWFUL to drive in.

Reddit▼ don’t recommend

I have some nicely broken in 4.0's that feel much comfier than my UB19's I've worn maybe 10-15 times all day long.

Reddit▲ recommend

The heel cup on the 19s feel way more supportive and secure. It's an improvement IMHO.

Reddit— neutral

They are running shoes, but they aren't used by people that put in serious mileage. If you are a casual runner they will be fine.

Reddit▼ don’t recommend

Most expensive shoes i ever bought. 3 months and they look exactly like you showed in pictures 😞😞

Reddit▲ recommend

even I know UB 5X been using them for more than 2 years now they’re perfectly fine

Reddit— neutral

I actually find it the opposite. Love them for long runs, dislike for fast runs. Ran a marathon and half marathon in my 19s

Reddit— neutral

Triple black is really the way to go for the 19s. I hate the cage but you barely notice it on those.

Reddit▲ recommend

Bought the same 2 years back on Tata cliq for 9.5k, still holding up well.

Reddit▼ don’t recommend

it’s pretty disappointing that such an expensive pair of Adidas shoes can break down so easily

Reddit▲ recommend

I did not size up at all and am very satisfied with the fit.

Reddit— neutral

Heel cup is definitely what throws me off. Didn't even notice they removed the cage at first lol.

Reddit▼ don’t recommend

Great price for Ultraboost. I would actually buy a pair, but mannnn these are fucking ugly.

Reddit▼ don’t recommend

I personally find Nike free RN way more comfortable. Although boosts are more fashionable.

Reddit▲ recommend

I went TTS on all UBs and they've all fit perfectly for me.

Reddit▲ recommend

For that price its great shoe and has held up well for me.

Showing 124 of 34

Common problems & things to know

Practical notes owners raise — setup, quirks, and issues to watch for. They don't say whether the person likes the product, so they're not counted in the score, but they inform the pros, cons, and who it's for.

Redditⓘ good to know

Yea I agree. I got a pair before the triple blacks just for casual wear and the gym. Triple blacks are the only ones I style wise

Redditⓘ good to know

The shoes have a warranty of 6 months. Did the sole color started cracking during that time. If yes it’s a manufacturing defect.

Redditⓘ good to know

Just ordered the Uncaged Solid Grey / Core Black. These will be my first UBs - hoping the comfort lives up to the hype!

Redditⓘ good to know

I had to size up 1/2 a size because the deal is really good and my 1.0's are coming to an end. Hoping it works out!

Redditⓘ good to know

It varies user to user and how it is actually used. Could be a problem with the unit you got too.

Redditⓘ good to know

thoughts on caged v uncaged though? just got a pair of caged & thinking about exchanging.....

Redditⓘ good to know

I use the Adidas Ultraboost 5. From your pics, the Gel Cumulus and the Pegasus are good too.

Redditⓘ good to know

Hey bro you could’ve replaced them within theee months of buying as they’ve warranty for such cases also go for the nimbus this time it’s the best, also running shoes doesn’t mean they’re built for our rough usage the trail versions or goretex ones are all rough and tough

Redditⓘ good to know

I tried on the 4.0 and 19s in store and they both fit the same.

Redditⓘ good to know

I've found the 19's to fit the same as last generation.

Redditⓘ good to know

There was literally a sale on a wide range of their triple blacks (including the UBs) posted here just a few days ago, 30% off ($126 from $180). Snagged the triple black UBs for $106 with a local store having scratch-off discounts on top of the 30% off. The heel cup is definitely less noticeable with the all-black.