How Does adidas BOOST Compare to New Cushioning Technology?
The German sportswear name’s flagship BOOST tech is now over 10-year-old.
After uncovering what is really inside Nike Shox, footwear dissection YouTube channel Rose Anvil has returned with its latest sneaker investigation. This time around, Rose Anvil is looking into adidas BOOST technology, more specifically checking out how the technical properties of the now over 10-year-old technology stacks up to new cushioning tech used by competitors.
The video starts off with a brief introduction discussing the history of BOOST, highlighting that it was created by German industrial chemical company, BASF. BOOST technology was originally made for PUMA, but finished its agreement with the company in 2011. BASF would then sign an exclusive contract with adidas, introducing BOOST as we know it in 2013 and showing off its performance capabilities with Kenyan long-distance runner Dennis Kipruto Kimetto running the 2014 Berlin Marathon with a time of 2:02:57 in BOOST runners. Though it was Kanye West wearing the adidas UltraBOOST sneakers and making BOOST principle element of his adidas YEEZY line that really took BOOST to its level of popularity.
Moving into the composition of BOOST, we learn that the technology is like a styrofoam for shoes. The form of BOOST is made up of foam beads compacted together with steam to create a dynamic structure that provides superior cushioning and support. At the time of its conception, BOOST introduced the full-length foam sole design that is now prevalent throughout the footwear industry.
Taking a look at the hardness of BOOST, the foam reads 10 when measured with a Shore Durometer, displaying how soft the material is in comparison with other midsole materials that read 15 and above. During the ball drop test, BOOST scored an average of 20.2” (1/2” Slab) and 25.3” (Full Heel) beating out many of its competitors.
At the end of the tests, Rose Anvil notes that although there is better cushioning technology market, BOOST still performs well for being an over 10-year-old technology now.
Check out Rose Anvil’s full breakdown of the adidas UltraBOOST 22 above.
In case you missed it, take a first look at the adidas YEEZY BOOST 350 V2 “MX Grey.”
