The Ultraboost series is Adidas' most successful running shoes franchise ever and with the new Ultraboost 21, Adidas has a shot at reimagining the original Ultraboost and delivering a bold new design combined with the latest performance technology the Herzogenaurach-based company has to offer. Can the new Ultraboost 21 dethrone the Adidas SL20 and become the best Adidas running shoes?
• Adidas Ultraboost 21 review (early verdict)
The Adidas Ultraboost 21 moves away from yesteryear's techno-futuristic aesthetics and returns to the roots of the Ultraboost franchise: the 21st iteration of the shoes reminds us of the Adidas Ultraboost 19, but with some extra Boost under the heels and a whole new torsion system thrown into the mix, just for good measure.
Adidas Ultraboost 21: price and release date
The Adidas Ultraboost 21 will launch on Adidas channels on 28 January 2021 and globally on 4 February 2021 for a recommended retail price of $180 / £160 / AUD $270, in a vibrant white and fluorescent yellow colourway with further limited-edition drops to follow.
To find out more, please visit Adidas (opens in new tab).
Adidas Ultraboost 21: what's new
The core development in the new Ultraboost 21 is the redesign of the shoe’s torsion system. The new Adidas LEP (‘Linear Energy Push’) is said to provide a "15% increase in forefoot bending stiffness for a more responsive stride". There is also more Boost present in the midsole: 6% more, to be precise, "through an exaggerated heel curve", providing runners with better energy return and more comfort.
To recap, the best Adidas Ultraboost 21 features are:
- Optimised Boost – 6% more Boost capsules than Ultraboost 20
- Adidas LEP – newly redesigned ‘Linear Energy Push’ torsion system with stiffer, reinforced material in the midsole to provide runners with less flex in the forefoot and "increased responsiveness"
- Primeknit+upper – a more precise knit designed and forged for incredible support and enhanced movement, combining pure comfort with lightweight performance
- Sustainable Support – Upper made with Primeblue, a high-performance recycled material containing at least 50% Parley Ocean Plastic
