Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 114, January 2019 | Page 54

TRIED & TESTED
Give Your Running
a Solar Boost
I
recall being at the launch of Boost in Germany in November 2012, listening
fascinated as the adidas technological development team explained that their
new TPU foam compound was comprised of tiny pellets compressed together
under steam heat to yield a midsole that provided better cushioning, energy-return
and endurance than traditional EVA foam rubber. They proved it by bouncing balls
of the two materials, and the Boost rubber was streets ahead in terms of energy-
return, but it was when I put on the shoes and ran in them that I really knew they
were on to something. Those first Boost shoes were an absolute delight to run
in, with a pillow-like feel underfoot and natural springiness that literally gave my
running a boost, and I have happily worked my way through several more pairs
since then.
However, the early Boost shoes did receive some criticism for being a bit too
‘bouncy’ for some runners, who said they preferred a little less bounce and a bit
more structure, so the adi team came up with a fix by adding a small amount of
EVA to the forefoot, and in some models as a thin-layered cradle above the boost
midsole. They also brought back their tried and tested plastic midfoot Torsion
System shank, in use since the mid-90s, which smoothes the transition from
heel-strike through to the toe-off phase, and that brings us to the latest shoe in the
range, the exquisite Solar Boost.
BETTER THAN EVER
In the forefoot, the stretchy material is strengthened with 3d
printed lines that help keep the shape while still allowing the
upper to form to your foot. Another plus-point is the two-part
Fit Counter – the two large pastel blue plastic cups around the
heel – which has a cut-away middle section to avoid rubbing
your Achilles and comfortably lock your heel into the shoe. All in
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ISSUE 114 JANUARY 2019 / www.modernathlete.co.za
Take one look at this new shoe and you are struck by its looks. The
all-black forefoot upper looks smooth and comfy, the pastel colouring
of the EVA forefoot section and cradle adds a classy touch, and the
embroidered saddle lacing wrap section blends in well. Put them
on, however, and you really get a feel for how good these shoes
are, with a noticeably more secure fit than other recent Boost
models. This is thanks to a stretch fabric inner sheath connected
to the tongue, which locks the foot down in conjunction with
the woven yarn saddle that features adidas’ new Tailored Fibre
Placement technology, made from recycled ocean plastic.