Apparel and run shoe specialist Adidas has taken a bold new step and unveiled ‘the greatest running shoe ever’, the new Ultra BOOST.
The launch of Ultra BOOST has seen state-of-the-art live testing demonstrations from Adidas using the ARAMIS system, which is also used by top engineering institutions such as NASA, Boeing and Audi to measure crash tests, vibration analysis and durability studies.
Adidas developed Ultra BOOST using ARAMIS’ 3D shape and surface measurement to provide ‘a fully adaptable running experience.’ According to Adidas, Ultra BOOST intuitively adjusts to a runner’s stride delivering ‘the unrivalled Energy Return of BOOST, superior support and adaptive comfort over hundreds of kilometres, in virtually any environment.’
“To answer the world’s athletes’ call for more Energy we aimed to create the greatest running shoe ever and we’ve done exactly that with Ultra BOOST,” said Eric Liedtke, Adidas Executive Board Member. “Adidas has raised the industry standard with BOOST and will continue blazing a path in Energy Running for those who dare to follow.”
Energy return
Ultra BOOST features 20% BOOST cushioning material compared to the original Adidas Energy BOOST shoe.
According to the company, this delivers ‘the highest Energy Return cushioning in the running industry, and has eliminated the traditional EVA midsole for more direct contact to provide the ultimate expression of BOOST.’ Made of thousands of unique energy capsules, BOOST aims to deliver a consistent performance over hundreds of kilometres, in virtually any condition.
Adaptive comfort
To complement the Energy Return of BOOST, Ultra BOOST features an innovative update to Adidas’ PRIMEKNIT technology built to reach new heights of comfort, support and style.
Adidas notes that a runner’s foot can remarkably expand up to 10mm or more in width while running. When restrained, this expansion can cause severe discomfort, friction and the leading injury in running, blisters. Unlike other leading knit technologies, Adidas claims that the innovative Adidas PRIMEKNIT pattern of Ultra BOOST provides comfortable support in less expansive areas of the foot and adaptive stretch where it’s needed to deliver maximum comfort.
“Each technology featured in Ultra BOOST was built to complement each other providing energized adaptability through a customized fit, look and feel,” said Ben Herath, Vice President of Design for Adidas Running. “While we’ve taken innovation to the next level, the sleek silhouette of Ultra BOOST is built to look as good as it performs.”
Energy harnessed
One of the most advanced features of Ultra BOOST is the Stretch Web outsole that adapts and stretches to a runner’s foot strike and movement. The perforated elastic design is claimed to harness and maximizes the energy of BOOST without restricting any of its qualities. The unique appearance of the Stretch Web outsole is positioned as a perfect look to complement the eye-catching Energy capsules of BOOST.
Support
Ultra BOOST also features an entirely new heel construction that frees the natural movement of the Achilles tendon. A carefully tuned external heel counter comfortably cradles the foot and adapts to the high extension of the Achilles. A new featherweight sock liner adapts to the runner’s natural foot form, for a customized fit and feel.
Ultra BOOST also boasts a new dual-density TORSION SYSTEM, embedded into the shoe’s base. This allows more independent movement between heel and forefoot for stability and a smooth, more controlled run.
Adidas Ultra BOOST will be available at adidas.com from 11 February 2015 with an MSRP of $180/€180 and Adidas Sport Performance stores and select retailers from 25 February.
