Running shoes · owner-verdict comparison

Adidas Adizero Boston 13 vs Adidas Ultraboost 5: what real owners say

Real owners lean toward the Adidas Adizero Boston 13: 55% of 309 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 13

55%of 309 owners recommend

55% recommend · 20% neutral · 25% don't

Owners praise

Much-improved upper over the 12
Versatile do-everything trainer
Great for tempo and faster paces

Owners complain about

Too firm for easy, slow long runs
Laces and lockdown are fiddly
Narrow, tapered toe box

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 13 if

✓Runners doing tempo and faster workouts
✓Those wanting one versatile do-it-all trainer
✓Runners who like a firm, stable ride
✓Heavier runners needing stability and durability

Skip it if

Runners wanting soft cushioning for slow long runs
Wide feet or those needing a roomy toe box

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 13 owners say

“I love the 12 so much I will choose the 13 over EVO SL any time”
— @olsa2k on YouTube

“So i bought the Boston 13 and like it much more.”
— @marcojo111 on YouTube

“i found the 12’s. WAY too hard.”
— @neilhulme8426 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 13 vs Adidas Ultraboost 5: frequently asked questions

Is the Adidas Adizero Boston 13 or the Adidas Ultraboost 5 better?

Real owners lean toward the Adidas Adizero Boston 13: 55% of 309 owners recommend it, vs 35% of 34 for the Adidas Ultraboost 5.

Who should get the Adidas Adizero Boston 13?

Owners point the Adidas Adizero Boston 13 at runners doing tempo and faster workouts, and those wanting one versatile do-it-all 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 13 is too firm for easy, slow long runs. For the Adidas Ultraboost 5, it's sole cracking, peeling, and premature breakdown, sometimes within just 3-6 months of purchase.