Like toothbrushes, mattresses and make-up, running shoes have a shelf life. Replacing them when they’re getting worn out isn’t just about keeping up with trends and looking swish at the gym – it’s vital for preventing injury and protecting joints. Plus, a comfortable, well-fitting shoe can elevate your workouts and ensure you’re actually having a good time (rather than limping around in pain).

But with so many options available, how do you narrow down the search when looking for a new pair? That’s where our Adidas PulseBoost HD review comes in.

ADVERTISEMENT

We tried and tested Adidas’ PulseBoost HD shoes, one of the newer releases in the popular brand’s line-up.

Read our guide: How to select running shoes for a marathon – expert buying advice.

Here’s what you need to know…

 

Adidas PulseBoost HD review

What is the Adidas PulseBoost HD running shoe?

The Boost range has been going for a few years now, with different variations on the design. As the name suggests, they’re designed to provide a ‘boost’ of extra energy return on your stride. I was pretty fond of my UltraBoost shoes, a predecessor of PulseBoost HD, so I’m curious to see how these differ.

On paper, the Boost HD promises even greater stability, with Adaptive Traxion Continental Rubber soles that promise maximum grip in both wet and dry conditions, even when changing direction quickly. The idea is this is a reliable and quick-responding shoe, designed to suit an unpredictable, out-and-about run.

While the Adapt Knit fabric used for the uppers is familiar among other Boost designs, here it promises to ‘adjust to any foot shape’ for a ‘personalised fit’, and there’s a sock-like hem around the ankle for an extra close and more supportive fit.

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Boost. We made it a game-changer. You made it an icon. . Feel the Boost. . 🔊 Best with sound on

A post shared by adidas (@adidas) on

The shoes also come with a QR barcode that you can scan with your phone to access an exclusive playlist of tunes!

How do the Adidas PulseBoost HD look?

Really smart. There’s less rubber going on than with previous Boost shoes and the sole isn’t as chunky as the UltraBoost’s, giving the PulseBoost HD a sleeker, neater look.

There’s also a really sweet choice of colourways in both the men’s and women’s shoes, including a chic inky blue and dark grey, and soft grey and white with coral accents – these are the ones I go for and I love them. They look good with any colour kit and the coral stripes at the front add a subtle colour pop.

Read our guide: How to start running – advice and running tips for beginners.

How do the Adidas PulseBoost HD feel?

One of my favourite things about the PulseBoost HD is the Adapt Knit uppers. Although billed as a standard fit, they’re great for my slightly wide feet – because they really do stretch and mould to your individual foot shape, without looking bulky or losing any of their integrity. The sock hem means they feel nicely supportive and sturdy at the ankle too, but because the whole shoe is so breathable and light, I still found my feet stayed pretty cool.

Adidas PulseBoost HD (Adidas/PA)
Adidas PulseBoost HD (Adidas/PA)

As promised, they make for a responsive, stable run too. I jog in my local park across a mix of tarmac, grass and bumpy woodland path, with a fair bit of dodging random holes and tree roots involved – which the shoes handled as well as I could hope and my knees don’t seem to feel the jolty movement as much as usual. That said, I’d probably still think it’s sensible to get something more specialist if you were hitting technical trails – but for my urban park runs, these shoes are nippy, supportive and very comfortable.

Another big plus for me was that they work great for my gym workouts too, thanks to the flexibility and super-grip of those Adaptive Traxion soles.

Adidas PulseBoost HD review – Wise Living verdict

A smart shoe that looks the business and delivers on its promises – super-comfortable, super-responsive and ultra-grippy. Big thumbs up from me.

Adidas PulseBoost HD Shoes. Available from Adidas on Amazon.

More reviews: Honor Band 5 review – the £29.99 fitness tracker that packs a punch.

This article may include affiliate links to products and services where we may receive a small fee to support the running of this site if you make a purchase or is a sponsored article from one of our select editorial partners providing valuable advice and information to our readers.

ADVERTISEMENT

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.