You don’t need good running shoes to run, but they sure as hell make things a whole lot easier. That’s something we’ve learnt after years of pounding the streets with substandard kicks. They just make your feet hurt, and that’s the last thing you want after going through an intensive cardio session.
Good thing we came across the adidas UltraBOOST ATR, which
launched earlier this September. After trying them on, we’ve only got one thing to say: they are extremely comfortable. To give you an idea of how snug they are, let’s just say that your feet will feel like someone who’s snuggling under a blanket after a long hard day.
But that’s not all. These kicks are packed to the brim with the latest and greatest in running technology. You’ve got a high knit ankle design that hugs your feet nicely like a sock (so you don’t actually have to wear socks), as well as a breathable primeknit upper that’s waterproof.
More importantly, they’re great for training too. The ATR’s have what is called a continental stretchweb outsole, a weatherproof feature that increases traction on slippery surfaces, and a BOOST midsole that channels the kinetic energy your foot gives off every time it hits the ground.
So it’s definitely one of the best running shoes out there in the market. Plus, you know, it got sold out a couple days after the launch, which just proves how popular they are — but don’t you worry about that now because the style just got restocked again, last we checked. To paint a clearer picture of its performance, we got members from the NYLON team to share their experiences trying out the shoes, and here’s what they’ve got to say:
Adele Chan, Editor-in-Chief
Just last month, one of my best friends was telling me about how her UltraBOOST sneakers were the most comfortable shoes in the world, and that kind of endorsement from a close friend is more powerful than any advertising that a brand can throw at me.
So it came as quite a coincidence that adidas launched their All Terrain version of the shoe last week and tossed me a pair for review. I have to be honest here and disclaim that I have not gone for a run in a while – a while meaning years. But there’s nothing more motivating than a new pair of shoes (ask any girl).
So for the past few days, I’ve done my duty and took the new UltraBOOST X ATR out; I went running on a treadmill, along wet pavements (it’s been raining recently), and I even walked down the length (well not the entire length) of Orchard Road.
The first day I wore them, they were tight; in fact, too tight around the sides. And when I removed the shoes after a day of walking around, I had mesh marks embossed onto the top of my feet. Then my friend suggested I adjust the laces (nothing like your friends to make you feel stupid), and after I loosened them, the shoes were glorious. The shoes
are glorious. They are truly so comfortable to wear; they mold to the shape of the foot and are incredibly flexible — really like a sock!
Running in these shoes was a breeze; they grip all surfaces well (it’s all terrain after all), my feet didn’t feel hot or tired throughout the run, and most importantly, I didn’t get any blisters at all!
And I always get blisters with new shoes — or even older pairs that I own — because of the shape of my foot; and it doesn’t help that I just discovered my left foot is slightly bigger than my right. The Primeknit upper solves all these feet issues for me; and any shoe that makes me want to go running, is definitely a shoe I’d invest in.
Joel, Writer
Let me tell you one thing about myself: I eat like a famine is going to strike Singapore at any moment. That’s why I am an avid runner. Heck, I have to be one, with my diet as such. Burning off calories is a weekly (but enjoyable) affair for me. Trouble is, my usual exercise gear isn’t the most advanced out there.
It’s not that I have no experience wearing good running shoes. Since my track and field days in secondary school, I’ve tried brands from New Balance to Asics, although sooner or later, they all fell victim to the ravages of time, with wear and tear setting in after a few years. I was then left with my army shoes that are so-so at best in terms of performance.
So you can imagine my joy when I tried on adidas’ new range of UltraBOOST ATRs for men. My first reaction was: “wow, these shoes are incredibly comfy”. Slipping them on was particularly easy, a real boon for me especially since I find it extremely troublesome to untie and tie your shoelaces again.
Then I took them out for a spin. Besides feeling a certain level of bounciness, I loved that these shoes had good grip. Usually, I like to run after a thunderstorm (or even while it’s raining), and I’m usually quite afraid to slip, especially since I like to train on sloped terrains that require me to run downhill pretty quickly.
And what do you know: I was able to go all out with the UltraBOOST All Terrain without a worry in the world. Now I truly understand why they are called all-terrain’s. Not a single droplet of water seeped into my shoes, and most importantly; they were as light as a feather.
So do I recommend these shoes for running enthusiasts out there? Definitely. I’ll even go one step further and say that non-running enthusiasts should buy them, because they’ll make you want to run too.
The adidas UltraBOOST ATR and UltraBOOST X ATR are retailing at $339 (both men’s and ladies) and are now available at
adidas.com.sg/ultraboost and in retail stores from October 4 onwards. The UltraBOOST ATR (for men) is available in dark burgundy, grey, core black, black, khaki (limited edition, $379) and green night (limited edition, $379), while the UltraBOOST X ATR (for women) is available in mystery ruby and core black.
For more information, visit adidas.com.sg.
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