As a Health Editor and nine-time marathoner, one of the questions I get asked the most, without doubt, is which shoes I reckon are the best running trainers.
It’s fair to say I’ve trialled a few in my time – I’m always keen to sweat-test them for you to make sure whatever product you read about here on Fashion’s DIgest UK comes personally recommended and with my seal of approval. From the shiny new Nike Invincible 3 to the Allbirds Tree Flyers, I’ll always share my honest thoughts on the pros and cons of the shoe, alongside an insight into what sport they’re best suited for.
That said, I have a handful of designs on rotation for wear week in, week out – some for recovery runs, some for training runs, and some for races, too.
The Ultraboosts are one of those, and I’ve tested every single iteration of the shoe since their launch in 2015. Why? Because they’ve always been next-level comfortable, springy, easy to put on, and stylish enough to wear to work, should you need to.
I even completed a 37-mile ultra marathon in them once. It had been due to snow but instead was bitterly cold. I wore trail shoes for extra grip but risked injury pounding the hard streets of London in shoes designed for muddy offroading. Desperate for my comfiest option to change into, I slipped on my Ultraboosts – case in point, really, that they’re a reliably comfortable all-rounder.
The Ultraboost’s are adidas’ most popular shoe and have a cult-like following for a reason. But the all-important question: could they improve the design? You’ll have to keep scrolling to find out. While this review was first published in March 2023, it has since been updated to reflect how much use I’ve got out of the shoe, twelve months later.
adidas Ultraboost Light review: “They’re a real joy to run in”
You might have guessed from the name that the new adidas Ultraboost Light is – yep – their lightest shoe ever, promising to offer “epic” energy return and a new innovative, lighter material.
Speaking to adidas Global Category Director Simon Lockett, he shares that the main focus for the shoe stemmed from the necessity to create an all-rounder shoe that ticked the right boxes for every kind of runner – whether you’re training for your first 5km, an avid half marathoner, or a long run kind of person. “Every time we develop a new shoe, we start by reading and watching reviews,” he shared with me. “My main aim is to understand what people want – then you start to break down what the key requirements are not just in an Ultraboost, but in any shoe.”
And so the Ultraboost Light was born. From there, his team went back to basics, identifying comfort, bounce, and responsiveness as three key pillars for the new shoe. Not only that, but they were on a mission to make it lighter, too – 30% lighter, in fact. Compared to competitors, the shoes are much heavier, which this 2020 study suggested could impair both running economy and performance.
First thoughts: you can barely feel the shoe on, and bouncing through four easy miles, they’re a real joy to run in. They’re cushioned, comfortable and responsive, and don’t cause any blistering or discomfort despite being worn straight out of the box.
You can notice the new lighter midsole, too. Wondering why a lighter running shoe could benefit you? Well, as above – you need only picture tired, heavy legs, and you’ll get it. The lighter the shoe, the more enjoyable your run promises to be. Plus, lighter shoes have been found to make running more efficient, meaning they have the potential to improve your performance.
For reference, the older Ultraboosts sat at around 85g heavier than competitor shoes, but the new Lights are 30% lighter with 4% more energy return, too. And you can feel it.
Also to note – the shoes are breathable and stable. Plus, I’m a fan of the knit upper and narrow heel fit. I have wider feet and often get blisters from “narrow” fits from other competitors, but not here.
Health Editor Ally Head testing the adidas Ultraboost Light
(Image credit: Ally Head)
Other need-to-knows: they’ve redesigned what they call an “LEP” – in short, an energy point on the sole of the shoe that boosts the responsiveness of the shoe.
While I didn’t initially test their grip in wet weather – it was a clear, sunny day when I initially tested the shoes – a year one and I can confirm that I’ve worn them for both wet and sunny runs. While the grip isn’t something to write home about and I wouldn’t wear them for trail running, they are a great option for if you live in a City and train predominantly on roads.
Other thoughts, twelve months down the line: they’re one of the easiest pairs of trainers I have for just slipping on and heading out the door, which isn’t to be sniffed at. They’re a simple, easy to wear all-rounder in my opinion.
That said, if you’re looking to save money and not fussed about the weight of your shoe, opting for one of the earlier versions could be a more cost-effective way of investing in a pair of Ultraboosts (I also rated the earlier 22 design and would recommend).
Design-wise, they’re aesthetically pleasing, as ever, with a range of seven different colourways. My personal favourite is the pink colourway above – a shoe you could wear to the office, gym, or brunch, too.
An Ultraboost fan I remain..
Shop other MC UK fit kit favourites here:
Adanola ultimate leggings
Looking to invest in your workout wardrobe? Adanola offers some seriously impressive quality leggings for the price point you pay. They’re suitable for any workout and sweat-wick well, too.
Sweaty Betty power icon running bra
I’m a big fan of Sweaty Betty’s sports bras, but especially their Power design, which is great for supporting you through even the most high impact of workouts and never sags or chafes.
Hotty Hot High-Rise Lined Short 4″
It’s nearly summertime (we hope…), which means nearly time to get the running shorts out again. These high-rise lined shorts from lululemon feel like a second skin and come in a range of eye-catching colourways.
Oakley Radar EV Path glasses
Last but by no means least, complete the look with a pair of polarised shades from Oakley.