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The Adidas Ultraboost line is one of the most popular sneakers from the brand and has probably doubled their revenue since their initial release in 2015 with the 1.0. They have since pumped out tons of colorways and new versions.

I’m a big fan of the comfort this shoe brings and the variety of colorways. It ultimately is a great choice as a comfortable sneaker and thus remains popular. Skip towards the end of the article to find out where to get them.

Are Ultraboost Good For Running?

The Adidas Ultraboost are good running shoes! At a minimum, the model is a better running shoe than its reputation as a lifestyle sneaker would suggest.

Do Ultraboost Fit True To Size

Ultraboost 1.0 fit true to size. Later models such as the 4.0 & 5.0 run smaller with a snug fit that some might have to go up a half size to accommodate. For most, true to size will still work.

Can You Put Ultraboosts In The Washer?

You can put Ultraboost in the washer. Use the lowest or no spin setting and cold water just in case. Cleaning by hand is always preferred though. A washer might not be effective on the boost midsole or the insole.

The signature look on the Ultraboost is easily recognizeable and is one of the best modern examples of a performance sneaker having crossover appeal to collectors and casual wear. Typically, a tech sneaker has to be in the retro stages in order to gain that much popularity outside of whatever sport they are created for. The Ultraboost found its way to the mainstream the same year it was released.

Adidas changed the midsole tech game with BOOST technology. In 2013 it appeared on the Energy BOOST, but was not widely accepted outside the running world. The first place I remember seeing it is on the Adidas Y-3 stuff in 2014. This was one of the few sock-shoe-looking-shoes early on that caught some eyeballs. While those were popular at the time, and the streetwear ninja / techwear look was coming into play, I remember them being high end and out of reach for many as far as price.

When Ultraboost first dropped in 2015, its fanbase was still mostly comprised of runners. What pushed the shoe into the lifestyle category was a cosign by Kanye West, who was spotted rocking them in photos and during shows within a few months after they released. That put the model on a trajectory that would change the entire brand of Adidas and it’s status in the sneaker world.

Popularity

After countless releases, the popularity on the Ultraboost seems to have drifted a bit with the sneaker enthusiast crowd. Yet it still continues to sell and is still very popular overall. The sock-shoe trend as a whole became a bit saturated and bulkier silhouettes became more popular. That said, after a few years of bulky shoes being the thing, I can see sneakers like the Ultraboost taking on new life again!

I went through a phase in 2018 where I was buying a lot of these, ending with the Grey Ultraboost 4.0. By the time I discovered I liked these, the line was already to the 4.0 and I purchased grey and black pairs as well as a pair of the Climacool versions. I wore the black pair into the ground as beaters!

I sold off pretty much all my Ultraboost, and hadn’t kept up with the line until 2021. My preference for long distance walking moved to retro runners for the more solid support. However, I still do a lot of short trips and Boost has always served well for that. Now that some of the older models are retroed and available again, I’ve got a little collection going!

Adidas Ultraboost DNA vs Performance

We are now at the point where older classic colorways of the model are being retroed. Adidas seems to now be acknowledging the lifestyle component of the sneaker instead of insisting it is strictly built for running performance. The DNA line contains new lifestyle versions as well as retro models from the past.

The performance line has sneakers that focus more on running tech than casual wear aesthetic. The split seems to be happening as of the Adidas 5.0 DNA and Ultraboost 21. The 5.0 combine elements of the 1.0 – 4.0 and the 21 adds in extra Boost to aid runners.

Ultraboost 4.0 DNA Cloud White

Click/tap image to shop for these on eBay!

The first pair I got were the Ultraboost 4.0 DNA Cloud White. I was able to get them on sale from End Clothing. I had the grey and black 4.0s as mentioned earlier and I always wanted the white pair. Instead, I had gotten the Yeezy 350V2 cream colorway. Now that I no longer have those, I have room for this retro of these all white Boost-based sneakers. While this pair may not age that well as far as keeping them clean and new looking, they look so clean when brand new. Talk about a minimalist look on a sneaker!

The 4.0 pattern isn’t everyone’s favorite, but it’s the first I ever knew from the brand so it does have some small nostalgia factor. I’m also feeling the black outsole as a way to keep the shoe looking a little bit better for longer and add some balance to the look.

Ultraboost 5.0 DNA Signal Green

Click/tap image to shop for these on eBay!

I guess I have a thing for the mostly white based boost colorways. On a quest for some 5.0s, I was able to grab a sale from Oneness for almost half off retail on these. I picked them based on price and availability in my size. These have the added feature of a glow in the dark cage and heel counter.

From what I understand, the 5.0 is kind of a combo of all the knit patterns of the 1.0-4.0. So a true DNA remix of the previous models. The shape reminds me a lot of the 4.0 overall which I’m a fan of. Toebox seems slightly taller though.

In any case, I like that mostly white upper with volt accents type of colorway. I’m not sure the pattern is my favorite on these but it still looks good overall. The glow in the dark elements definitely add a bit of an added value to this shoe though. This pair got wife approved based off that alone!

Ultraboost 1.0 ZX 8000 & Burgundy

Click/tap image to shop for these on eBay!

The 1.0 is the model that started it all, and in a binge on the line, I picked up two colorways. The Burgundy pair is a classic colorway from 2015 that retroed in 2020 (the version I have). Meanwhile, the ZX pair is a new colorway based on the classic ZX8000 OG Aqua colorway.

In 2019 and 2020 adidas retroed a number of popular colorways such as the solar green, olive and burgundy. I found the Burgundy pair to be the cheapest out of all of them on the aftermarket, which swung my decision that way.

For the ZX pair, I’d been considering which out of the pack they released in to get. There’s also pairs based on the ZX6000 and ZX9000 OG colorways. However, I think overall this is my favorite of the 3. The pair of Aquas I have is actually the light blue 2021 version which is a bit darker overall. This pair here has a lighter color to it more reminiscent of the actual OG aqua ZX8000.

Click/tap image to shop for these on eBay!

Both of these 1.0s stay pretty much true to the OG 1.0 pattern and shape and of course both are great looking sneakers in my opinion. I like having something new and something old in the collection as far as the 1.0 as it is the model that started it all. The original versions of colorways such as the burgundy went for hundreds in resale back in the day. Surprisingly, the retros combined with the lower interest in the line from sneakerheads has pretty much collapsed the resale prices on some of the once sought after colorways.

Details/Materials

Starting off on the 4.0 we have a rubbery plastic tongue tag with adidas and the 3 stripes embossed onto it. The 5.0 and 1.0 tags are 3M instead. The tongue and rest of the shoe are all one Primeknit material. The DNA pairs utilize a form of Primeknit called Primeblue (more on that later). The burgundy 1.0 have wool on them as well while the ZX 1.0 has some suede around the mudguard by the toebox. On the toebox we get a unique knit pattern depending which version we’re looking at.

Moving to the side we have a rubbery plastic cage which gives the shoe structure and contains the eyelets as well as the 3 stripe branding. Moving towards the back we get the rubbery plastic heelcage with “ultra boost” embossed onto it. On the Signal Green 5.0 these areas glow in the dark as mentioned earlier. The back of the shoe is more knit with a pronounced heeltab/pulltab area. The ZX 1.0 adds a small 3M hit here.

Insole Details and Accessories on the Ultraboost

The insole on the DNAs is all one color, with a contrasting color reading “Primeblue” and “Made with Parley Ocean Plastic”. The ZX 1.0 just says Boost on the insole and the burgundys say “Ultraboost Endless Energy”. The outsole is all one color with the Continental rubber logo by the toe, and a torsion bar in the middle that reads “Torsion System”. We can see the boost poking through as well. The 1.0s have an additional color plastic piece by the torsion bar and inner rear.

These typically ship with a stretchy skinny lace, which looks good on this model. The box is usually a black Adidas box that opens at the top like a slanted set of double doors. That’s pretty much all you will get with most general release or GR colorways. The Aqua/ZX colorway comes in a special brown and lime green box and includes a yellow plastic deubre that says Adidas Torsion System in black. This is reminiscent of the deubre you get with most ZX models. It makes sense since the shoe focuses on minimalism, with most of the price point going towards the tech and fit.

Quality

Most Adidas Ultraboost out today have some kind of a knit upper with some plastic bits around the shoe as far as a lace cage and heel stability.

The Ultraboost brought Primeknit to the forefront for the brand. At the time, Nike was already popular with their Flyknit material, and PK proved a good competitor. To this day, many Adidas sneakers utilize the knit upper. On most Ultraboost, it covers the entire sneaker for a softer more socklike fit than most Flyknit runners.

The DNA versions of the shoe use a form of Primeknit called Primeblue. This is made partially from Parley recycled ocean plastic. So, your pair of Primeblue Ultraboost has recycled bottles in the upper!

I wish I still had my old 4.0s to compare. From people that do have both, I’ve heard the Primeblue is different. But just going from memory, I’m not noticing that huge of a difference. Maybe the upper feels slightly less soft to the touch that what I remember.

As far as the quality goes, I’m not seeing anything wrong with the knit used on these pairs. It seems durable but pliable and comfortable at the same time. The fact that it’s made more sustainably definitely adds to the altruistic aspect of getting a pair.

Atypical Materials On the Ultraboost

As mentioned earlier, the burgundy 1.0s are from 2020 and as such I’m not sure they are part of the DNA line. Instead, they utilize a wool material that I believe was a feature of the original version of the sneaker. I’m guessing this will add some warmth although I haven’t put them to the test in that department yet. This material does feel a bit softer than that of the Primeblue pairs.

The ZX 1.0s have that suede around by the toebox. It seems alright; kind of soft but not super remarkable except that it changes the shape of the toebox a bit from what I’m used to on the Ultraboost.

The QC and craftsmanship seems very close to what I remember my pairs being like back in 2018. I never had complaints or problems with the materials used on these sneakers. Overall I think if you want a shoe with a knit upper, you will be ok with whatever version of the Adidas Ultraboost you get as far as quality and craftsmanship.

Fit

I usually get a 9.5 in Adidas and consider that my true Adidas size. By comparison, I wear a size 10 in most Nikes and Jordans, except Flyknit pairs where I usually wear a 9.5 as well. I go with a 9.5 in most Adidas Ultraboost as a default. My recommendation is whatever you normally get in Adidas, stick with that same true to size.

Most Primeblue pairs will give a somewhat snug fit at true size, but that’s how they are supposed to fit. You don’t want a bunch of extra material in the front making the shoe look and fit weird. That said, if you have a particularly wide foot, the comfortably snug fit might not be so comfortable, and if that’s the case a half size up could be helpful.

Comfort

I’ve heard it said that the 4.0 fit more snug than most and the 4.0 DNA definitely has that snug sock shoe fit. Still, I like how it feels at true to size, although your mileage may vary as stated above. That knit upper makes the snug fit feel less like it’s crushing my foot and more like it’s hugging it gently. I find it very comfy and hard to beat as far as upper materials go. For me the 5.0 is a similar fit, if not ever so slightly roomier. As the upper material feels thinner on the 1.0, I find it to be the most accommodating of the 3 even thought they also seem to be slightly narrower.

Underfoot is of course where the sneaker really shines. The Boost midsole is iconic for a reason. Not only do the Boost pellets give Boost it’s signature look, they also provide a famously comfortable experience.

For me, the retro runner is still my go to for long distances because the support on those is more solid which for me is more comfortable long term. However, these hold their own on a long walk too. My preference for Ultraboost though is for either hanging out or for getting short trips and errands done.

The super squishy comfort on a pair of Boost is really great in the short term. It’s a little rough for me to continuously walk on it for longer miles because I need the extra support. But for pretty much any other instance, these will be just as comfy or surpass a retro runner. To the point where after wearing nothing but Boost, a retro runner might feel like a downgrade even if it’s comfortable shoe.

Personally, for the casual wearer, besides the retro runners like the Air Huarache or recrafted Air Max 90, I can’t recommend a more comfy shoe than any of the DNA line from Ultraboost.

Specific Colorways – Thoughts

The Cloud White 4.0s and Signal Green 5.0s I got are super clean. I personally like the look of the 4.0 although some 1.0 purists might not be as big of a fan. I’m not quite as much of a fan of the 5.0 look but it still looks good overall. The 1.0 are of course dope shoes and I get why people latched onto this version so much when they came out.

If these are slept on, then I’m glad because getting these under retail feels like I’m getting a huge steal every time. I love rocking these to the store or on a casual outing when I want something very comfortable and don’t plan on really putting in a long distance walk. The fact that I can get a new version of the 4.0 triple white all these years later after wanting them before is great! The glow in the dark on the 5.0 signal green is again, a nice differentiator from other UB I have or might get.

I like having both a classic 1.0 colorway and a newer one based on another colorway I really like. These not being white-based pairs, I feel like I won’t have to be as careful in these walking around.

Final Thoughts

I’m glad we’re finally getting some retros on these Ultraboosts, as well as new models that are more clearly for running. I think by acknowledging the lifestyle aspect of the line, they can play to their strengths there on the DNA side of things. Meanwhile, they can continue to innovate the line on the performance pairs without still having to keep the same aesthetic as the DNA releases.

While the Ultraboost isn’t the most popular model anymore with sneaker collectors, it still has a dedicated fanbase and is still very popular with many just looking for a comfy shoe to wear. I’m sure a great portion of Adidas’ business is comprised of Ultraboost sales. Personally, I think it’s a good idea to keep at least some in the collection for comfort that still looks stylish.

Is Adidas Primeblue Good?

The Primeblue is a step in the right direction environmentally. While some may insist that old Primeknit is better, considered designs on these more “techy” lifestyle shoes is a smart move. Most aren’t going to the Ultraboost for luxurious suedes and leathers anyway.

I don’t need to remind you how comfy this shoe is. No matter what model you get, you can’t deny that Boost technology comfort. I can easily recommend a pair of Adidas Ultraboost to anyone that wants a comfy shoe. Best of all, they look great on feet!

Where To Buy Adidas Ultraboost?

You can buy Adidas Ultraboost at Adidas’ website, and patience may be rewarded with discounts as colorways that don’t sell out immediately may wind up being marked down eventually.

Shop Adidas’ website now

Here is where you can buy all the colorways mentioned in this article:

• Triple White 4.0: eBay
• Glow In The Dark 5.0: eBay
• ZX8000 1.0: eBay
• Burgundy 1.0: eBay