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The Adidas Ultraboost 5X isn’t just another max-cushioned running shoe – and more importantly, it’s not another Ultraboost that fails when it comes to running performance – wahoo finally!
It’s a highly cushioned, versatile daily trainer that’s as comfortable while running as it is stylish in everyday wear. Whether you’re a dedicated runner looking for a shoe that provides great energy return and stability or someone who needs all-day comfort for walking or standing, the Ultraboost 5X has a lot to offer.
In this review, I break down everything you need to know about this daily trainer, from its fit and feel to its running performance on the road. By the end, you’ll know if this $180 shoe is worth the investment for you.
Key specifications
- Price: $180 at adidas.com (US) / £160 at sportsshoes.com (UK)
- Weight: 9.3 oz / 264g (Men’s size 9 – my pair)
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 10mm (high drop)
- Stack Height: 38mm heel, 28mm forefoot
- Upper: One-piece stretchy knit material with lots of highly reflective Adidas logos on it. Supportive flexible heel counter.
- Midsole: Highly cushioned yet responsive Light Boost foam. Includes extra stability with a ‘Torsion System’
- Outsole: Grippy and durable Continental rubber outsole
- Sustainability: Made with 20% recycled materials
Fit and feel
The Adidas Ultraboost 5X delivers a true-to-size fit with a medium width that will suit most runners. One of the features that I like is the toe box width, which offers a bit more room than usual. This extra space allows your toes to splay naturally, improving running biomechanics and overall comfort during runs.
The toe box isn’t wide per se, but it’s certainly roomy enough with a good amount of volume to prevent any cramped feelings, especially on longer runs.
Another thing to note is the collar height – It’s slightly higher than what you might find on most running shoes, which could be a point of contention for some runners.
If your ankles sit low to the ground, you might feel the collar rubbing against the bottom of your ankles. However, this sensation disappears once you start running (it did for me anyway), making it pretty much a non-issue. My ankles don’t sit particularly low to the ground so I was surprised to feel this initially.
The knit upper is a huge highlight for me, offering a snug yet flexible fit that wraps your foot securely without feeling restrictive. The lack of a separate tongue contributes to a streamlined fit, while the stretchy material adapts to your foot’s shape, almost eliminating the need for the lacing system—which, by the way, is simple yet effective – allowing for a fast secure adjustment in fit.
Breathability is decent, although in extremely high temperatures, your feet might get a little warm. Every cloud has a silver lining and that means that the Ultraboost 5X is great for cooler temperatures in shoulder seasons and winter.
Adidas Ultraboost 5X Performance Review
Before i get stuck into how they perform on the run, here’s a quick reminder that you can also watch my video review to get more insights, by tapping the image below – Don’t forget to give the video a like if you enjoy it (that really helps our channel), and subscribe to our Youtube Channel for more reviews of the latest running shoes :).
When it comes to performance, the Adidas Ultraboost 5X shines as one of the top daily trainers right now. The Light Boost foam in the midsole is the star of the show, delivering a plush, cushioned ride that still manages to offer a surprising amount of energy return.
This balance of cushioning and responsiveness makes the Ultraboost 5X ideal for those who want to log miles without feeling like they’re losing too much energy by sinking into a soft midsole.
The high 10mm drop may not appeal to everyone, particularly those who prefer a lower drop for a more natural running feel. However, for heel strikers, this drop is going to feel great for you. I tested how they felt running on my forefoot and heel just to be sure, you can watch those tests in my video review.
The extra stack height at the heel provides ample cushioning, making each landing soft and comfortable.
If you’re a forefoot striker, you might find a little dampened, and that’s where a slightly lower drop could have made a difference.
Reducing the drop by even 2mm would have spread the benefits of the Light Boost foam more evenly across the entire length of the Ultraboost 5X, expanding the shoe’s appeal to a wider range of runners.
The Continental rubber outsole is another strong point, offering excellent grip and durability. It’s been a winner for me when testing trail running shoes like the Adidas Soulstride Ultra, for example. Whether you’re running on wet pavement or cobble streets, this outsole should keep you planted firmly on the ground.
The Torsion System, visible from the outsole as an ‘X’ embedded into the midsole, adds to the shoe’s stability, ensuring a more balanced gait even with the high stack height cushioning.
This stability feature is particularly noteworthy because it’s not often you find a plush, high-cushioned shoe that also perform well as stability running shoes.
“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” – Peter Drucker
Comfort is further enhanced by the well-padded heel counter and collar. The heel counter is flexible enough to avoid putting pressure on the Achilles, making it a great option for those who have dealt with Achilles tendonitis in the past (myself included).
The ample padding around the collar adds to the overall comfort, making the Ultraboost 5X a pleasure to wear.
Aesthetically, the Ultraboost 5X is a head-turner, in a good way, or at least I think so – in my humble opinion. The reflective details are not only functional for low-light running but also add a stylish flair that makes these shoes suitable for everyday wear. Whether you’re running, walking the dog, or standing all day at work, these shoes will keep you comfortable and looking good.
Are they worth buying?
At $180 from Adidas.com, the Adidas Ultraboost 5X isn’t cheap, but it delivers excellent value for the money. It’s a premium shoe that excels as a daily trainer while also being versatile enough for casual wear. The combination of plush cushioning, stability, and a stylish design makes it a strong contender for anyone looking for a do-it-all shoe.
If you’re a heel striker, you’ll especially appreciate the comfort and performance this shoe offers. However, if you prefer a lower drop or are a dedicated forefoot striker, you might want to consider other daily trainer options.
The best alternatives right now
If the Adidas Ultraboost 5X doesn’t quite meet your needs, there are other daily trainers worth considering. Check out our Best Daily Trainers roundup for top alternatives that might suit your running style better.
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