adidas review: pelletized TPU foam midsole delivering maximum energy return and soft upper comfort.

Our verdict

adidas is our #3 pick in shoes for September 2026, scoring 8.3 out of 10 against our weighted rubric. Entry pricing starts at $140, Ultraboost 5X MSRP with free shipping for adiClub members, and the highlights below are the specific findings that moved the score.

Pelletized TPU foam midsole delivering maximum energy return and soft upper comfort..

The trade-off. Sock like knitted upper offers minimal lateral stability on sharp corners or technical cambered roads. That is the single factor most likely to change whether this is the right pick for you, so we surface it next to the price rather than at the bottom of the page.

Pros and cons

What you get

• Light Boost midsole technology provides bouncy cushion with lower material weight than original Boost foam.
• Primeknit upper wraps the foot like a sock to prevent localized pressure points.
• Continental Rubber outsole delivers exceptional wet and dry grip across all road surfaces.

Pricing breakdown

Advertised rates verified on 29 August 2026. Always confirm on the vendor’s own pricing page before buying.

Source: adidas published pricing.

adidas in depth: setup, features, performance and price

A full breakdown of usability, core features, pros and cons, performance, pricing and payment, and how useful adidas is in real use, written by the test desk that scored it.

Usability and day one setup

The adidas Ultraboost 5X abandons the traditional lace-cage system of older models in favor of a streamlined Primeknit upper glued directly over a massive slab of Light Boost foam. Pulling the shoe on feels like pulling on a thick wool compression sock. There is no traditional tongue structure; the upper expands around your instep and snaps back to lock down the midfoot. On step-in, the Light Boost foam compresses under your heel and pushes back up actively. The drop sits at 10 millimeters. Setup requires careful adjustment of the thin webbed laces to avoid bunched knit material over the top of the foot. It fits snugly, so runners with high insteps or wide forefoots must consider sizing up half a size right from day one.

What you get at the price

Listed at $140 on adidas's online store, the Ultraboost 5X features a full-length Light Boost midsole, an integrated Torsion system clip in the midfoot for structural flex control, a Continental Rubber outsole, and a Primeknit textile upper containing at least 20 percent recycled materials. It weighs approximately 10.1 ounces in a men's size 9. Missing from this version is the heavy external plastic midfoot cage found on previous Ultraboost variants, a deletion that successfully sheds weight but reduces lateral structural support when making sharp 90-degree turns on city sidewalks.

Where it beats the named alternatives in this category

adidas outperforms both Nike and HOKA in energy return elasticity. Light Boost is made from expanded thermoplastic polyurethane pellets that do not harden in freezing winter temperatures or pack down flat under long-term compression. While HOKA's EVA foam gets firm in winter and deadens over miles, adidas maintains a springy, identical feel across hundreds of runs. adidas also wins on upper ventilation and step-in comfort against Nike, as the single-layer Primeknit construction allows air to circulate directly through the top of the foot, evaporating sweat rapidly.

Where it loses, named, and who should buy the rival instead

The Ultraboost 5X loses to HOKA on shoe weight and lateral lockdown stability. The sock-like knit upper lacks rigid overlays, meaning your foot can slide sideways off the foam bed when cornering hard on wet pavement or descending steep hills. Runners who require secure midfoot containment or those running on uneven terrain should buy the Nike Pegasus 41 or HOKA Clifton 9 instead. Additionally, the high heel-to-toe stack profile makes it feel unstable for runners who overpronate, as there are no corrective medial guide rails to prevent foot rolling.

Billing, cancellation and conduct

Ordering on adidas.com offers standard digital checkout, including PayPal and Klarna. Joining the free adiClub tier unlocks free standard shipping and standard 30-day return windows. Unlike HOKA and Nike, adidas's official policy states that returns must be in unwashed, original condition with tags intact to receive a full refund to the original payment method. If you run five miles down a dirty street in the Ultraboost 5X, adidas customer service can deny the return upon inspection at the warehouse. Returns are initiated through their online portal with shipping processed via FedEx return labels.

Verdict

The adidas Ultraboost 5X is a supreme hybrid running and lifestyle option for athletes who prioritize high energy return, elastic knit comfort, and sleek design. It excels on flat paved paths, treadmill sessions, and urban walks. It is not suitable for runners who need wide foot options, those who require rigid lateral stability on cornering, or runners who want to test shoes on outdoor roads before committing to keeping them.

Frequently asked questions

How this review was produced

We assess every brand against the same weighted rubric and lock scores before any commercial review. See our rating methodology, or compare adidas against the rest of the category in best shoes.