Running shoes · owner-verdict comparison

Adidas Adizero Boston 12 vs Adidas Ultraboost 5: what real owners say

Real owners lean toward the Adidas Adizero Boston 12: 56% of 230 owners recommend it, vs 35% of 34 for the Adidas Ultraboost 5.

Verdicts aggregated from Reddit, enthusiast forums, and YouTube owner comments — affiliate reviews excluded. Sample sizes differ; judge accordingly. How we score

Adidas Adizero Boston 12

56%of 230 owners recommend

56% recommend · 14% neutral · 30% don't

Owners praise

Excels at tempo and speed work
Extremely durable, high mileage
Firm, stable, responsive ride

Owners complain about

Stiff, unforgiving upper
Laces won't stay tied
Narrow forefoot causes blisters

Full owner report →

Adidas Ultraboost 5

35%of 34 owners recommend

35% recommend · 21% neutral · 44% don't

Owners praise

Many owners call them among the most comfortable shoes they've owned, day to day and out of the box
Durability holds up well for years of regular wear when the pair isn't defective
Well suited to distance running, including high weekly mileage and marathon training

Owners complain about

Sole cracking, peeling, and premature breakdown, sometimes within just 3-6 months of purchase
Comfort and cushioning have declined across generations, with older versions (1.0, 3.0, 4.0) feeling comfier than the newer 19/5
Divisive looks, especially the caged design and redesigned heel cup, which some owners find ugly

Full owner report →

Which should you buy?

Get the Adidas Adizero Boston 12 if

✓Runners doing tempo, interval, and speed workouts
✓Those wanting a durable, high-mileage daily trainer
✓Runners who prefer a firm, low-stack ride
✓Bargain hunters buying at sale prices

Skip it if

Runners wanting soft cushioning for easy or long runs
Narrow or blister-prone forefeet

Get the Adidas Ultraboost 5 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

Skip it if

High-mileage runners doing serious weekly distance or fast sprint training
Anyone wanting a shoe to double as regular walking or travel footwear

What Adidas Adizero Boston 12 owners say

“la recomiendo ampliamente”
— @King_Therion on YouTube

“ya puedo decir que disfruto con la 12”
— @juanluiscalvo6838 on YouTube

“Adidas parece que sigue sin darse cuenta de las grandes mejoras y evoluciones que el resto de marcas hace”
— @davidbelmonte2305 on YouTube

What Adidas Ultraboost 5 owners say

“Say what you want about the design, these are insanely comfortable shoes. IMO look better in person.”
— ridukosennin on Reddit

“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”
— SunriseMoon on Reddit

“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.)”
— Easy-Lucky-Free on Reddit

Adidas Adizero Boston 12 vs Adidas Ultraboost 5: frequently asked questions

Is the Adidas Adizero Boston 12 or the Adidas Ultraboost 5 better?

Real owners lean toward the Adidas Adizero Boston 12: 56% of 230 owners recommend it, vs 35% of 34 for the Adidas Ultraboost 5.

Who should get the Adidas Adizero Boston 12?

Owners point the Adidas Adizero Boston 12 at runners doing tempo, interval, and speed workouts, and those wanting a durable, high-mileage daily trainer.

Who should get the Adidas Ultraboost 5?

Owners point the Adidas Ultraboost 5 at casual runners and walkers who won't rack up serious weekly mileage, and distance runners who prioritize long-run comfort over sprint responsiveness.

What do owners complain about?

The most-cited downside of the Adidas Adizero Boston 12 is stiff, unforgiving upper. For the Adidas Ultraboost 5, it's sole cracking, peeling, and premature breakdown, sometimes within just 3-6 months of purchase.