adidas ushered in a new era in the world of performance footwear with its energy-transforming Boost soles. Launched in 2013, adidas Boost shoes were revolutionary with their unique features. The soft and flexible adidas Boost was designed by the chemists of the adidas Innovation Team (AIT) and the German chemical company BASF. In addition to its flexibility and cushioning properties, the sole had the ability to recycle energy, allowing it to offer excellent support during movement. After the Boost technology, produced for the running series, became an icon in the running world, it was also used in other sneaker models and sneaker shoes designed for street fashion. Boost technology has been evolving since its inception and remains the leader of performance shoes.

What is Boost Technology?

Until 2013, the material that provided performance support in running shoes was EVA foam. EVA foam is still used in many running shoes. Although it has a soft structure, EVA is an extremely durable material. It is comfortable due to its light weight, offering runners comfortable cushioning and flexibility. However, cushioning and responsiveness cannot be increased at the same rate. When it is desired to have more cushioning, the softness of the foam increases and the reaction time is prolonged. When the response time is desired, the sole becomes stiffer and its cushioning feature is limited. Boost is designed to eliminate this dilemma.

Features lacking in EVA foam are available in Boost technology. Boost is produced with Thermoplastic Polyurethane, a type of elastomer. This material offers unmatched cushioning and flexibility to the sole, while not reducing the sole's response time. In addition, the sole is still lightweight, and it also lasts longer thanks to its increased durability. Shoes designed with Boost technology are a revolution, but the flexible, durable and load-bearing material that makes up the technology is not new. This material has previously been used in bicycle helmets and car seats. Adaptation to the sole of the shoe is new.

The Boost sole, which is obtained by forming closed cells around the air sacs of expanded TPU particles, gives the shoe five different features.

Five Features of adidas Boost

1. Adidas Boost shoes take the athlete's kinetic energy, trap it in the sole and give it back to the athlete. This genius energy-recycling invention has made Boost an icon in the world of performance shoes.
2. The sole, created with closed vesicles formed around the air sacs, offers excellent cushioning. This feature provides the athlete with an extremely comfortable experience.
3. The durable structure of the sole is resistant not only to abrasion but also to weather conditions. Boost soles can be used in all seasons and in any climate. It is resistant to water, land and heat.
4. Boost supports the foot at any speed with its flexible structure.
5. In addition to all its features, it has a durable and long-lasting structure. It does not wear easily and does not lose its strength over long distances.

Evolution of Boost

adidas continues to develop Boost technology, which it launched in 2013. The shoes are renewed at certain intervals by gaining different features from the year they were released. The Ultraboost series of models, of which we see a more advanced version every year, has increasing popularity.

Designed for performance runs and races, the adidas AdiZero Boost is the model used by athletes who set world records. The thick soles of the shoes, which have comments from famous adidas athletes in their design, provide extra cushioning.

The Sub2 Boost model, designed by adidas by making the Boost sole lighter by 100 grams, maintains its unique cushioning feature. Developed for races, the shoes are the choice of athletes looking for a lighter option.

Ultraboost is Boost's new in-house revolution in 2015. This time the adidas Innovation Team designed Ultraboost soles inspired by a space technology. Ultraboost is the anatomical adaptation of NASA's ARAMIS technology. The technology, which allows to examine the athlete's foot movements in detail during running, has helped to create the perfect sole structure. Although the Ultraboost is a model in constant development, it has remained popular as both a performance shoe and a street fashion icon since its release. This popularity is due to the superior features of the soles, as well as the fact that they were launched by Kanye West. The model also has a special collection for the famous TV series Game of Thrones. 

The Ultraboost 21 is one of the most admired models in the adidas Ultraboost series. The LEP system is used in the outsole of the model, which has a 6% increased Boost sole. LEP (Linear Energy Push) is a system that provides a faster response. It increases the reaction speed by increasing the toe and midsole balance of the shoe.

The upper used in Ultraboost 22 shoe models is reinforced PrimeKnit. It supports the foot comfortably by wrapping it. Exactly 92% of the 50% fabric part of the upper is made with Primeblue yarn, which is made from recycled material. The sustainable adidas Ultraboost 22 is a popular model for both performance running and street fashion. The more advanced version of the model is the adidas Ultraboost 22 Gore-Tex Shoes running shoes designed with Gore-Tex upper.

Its sole structure is compatible with all weather conditions, making it ideal for the sole of an outdoor shoe. For this reason, adidas has used Ultraboost technology in the soles of Terrex models of hiking and outdoor shoes.