So, whats different you ask...well the Ultra Boost is 100% Boost material (Energy Boost is 80% I believe), it's a knight upper, and it's all one piece. The tongue of the shoe is at one with the rest of the upper, and while that may sound strange it's totally the most amazing thing ever!
Energy Boost on the Left, Ultra Boost on the Right.
The bottom of the shoe is different as well. The Ultra Boost has more of a waffle pattern while the Energy Boost sort of follows the bone structure of your foot. The waffle pattern creates a feeling of connection with the ground that is more solid and stable, especially side to side. It felt like the spring of the Boost material was settling in a bit more rather than bouncing your foot off the pavement. That settling in feeling made for a more powerful push off like I was getting more power out of the spring/rebound of the boost material.
Maybe I'm just used to the Boost material since I've worn Energy Boost since they hit the market, but the Ultra feels less bouncy to me, more controlled, and a more even ride across the bottom of my foot, which felt a bit more natural as my foot rolled through my landing to push off.
This is the color I want so bad!
The other big change (it's a total game changer for me!) is the cut out for the achilles. There are two parts of most running shoes that make me crazy. One is the top of the shoes where the laces hit across the foot bend/toes. Thankfully both the Energy and Ultra Boost start the laces so far back on the foot that there is zero pressure on the part of my foot that usually gets irritated. Second is the back of the shoe and where it hits on the back of my heel/achilles. It's just a sensitive spot for me, especially during longer runs. The heel clip on the Ultra has a cut out for the achilles so there is zero discomfort, like absolutely no pressure on the achilles at all.
There are of course a lot of other upgrades and improvements, but I can't hit all of them. These are the ones that I noticed and stood out while I was running. I'm not kidding...when I was testing these bad boys out I kept thinking, "this is what running should feel like, it should feel this good".
A little perspective for you...this was my first run after having been really sick and I was still dealing with sinus stuff and worn out legs, yet this run felt pretty darn great. Everything about the shoe is designed to let the runner use 100% of the energy they put into the run. Unlike other shoes that absorb energy, and offer less return on the effort. The Ultra Boost is a perfect supportive knit fit, but not tight at all. It's like the most perfect foot hug ever!
The Ultra Boost is available now at Fleet Feet Tacoma, or at adidas for those that aren't local. Check out these videos from Hypebeast with behind the scenes looks at the Ultra Boost: The Making of The Ultra Boost -it actually shows how they are made and it's pretty cool! Ultra Boost promo video
I need a new pair of running shoes and these are going to be it. Yes the price is up there, but it's worth it to me to save my money for a shoe that feels like perfection and helps me stay injury and ache & pain free. Totally worth it!
As a side note I'm still very happy with my Energy Boost, and they still feel great. I'll happily run in them until I can upgrade. It's just that the Ultra is pure perfection.
P.S. This is not a sponsored post. I'm just super excited about the Ultra Boost and how amazing it felt!
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