Adidas Ultra Boost vs Nike Air VaporMax: How 2 of the most popular running shoes stack up
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In recent years, sneaker trends have shifted away from performance basketball and retro shoes to more modern runners. Some people choose to wear running shoes strictly for fashion, while others use them for actual sport. Whether you're the former or the latter, there's no question that athletic brands are aiming to reach both types of buyers and are all in direct competition for the number one spot.
As two of the world's biggest sportswear retailers, Adidas and Nike are the top contenders and their best running sneakers have been subject much comparison — the Adidas Ultra Boost and Nike Air VaporMax.
To save you from shelling out close to $400 on both pairs of sneakers, I did exactly that for the sake of comparing the two. In short, you can't go wrong with either pair, but I've compared the specifics to better point you to the sneaker that's right for you.
Shop Adidas Ultra Boost sneakers here, $180
Shop Nike Air VaporMax sneakers here, $190
Learn more about both sneakers below:
Overview: The basics of each sneaker
Adidas/NikeBoth characterized by their lightweight knit materials, innovative cushioning systems, and overall comfort, the Ultra Boost and VaporMax are often thought of as similar shoes, but in many ways, are very different from one another.
The Adidas Ultra Boost debuted in 2015 as an entirely new running silhouette that used then two-year-old Boost technology in the midsole. The design was complemented by a Primeknit upper and a plastic cage lacing system.
On the other hand, the Nike Air VaporMax launched in March 2017 in celebration of Air Max technology's 30th anniversary. While Air technology itself isn't new, the brand's innovative take on the design resulted in the most Air in any Nike sneaker ever. Using a design intended to strip away all unnecessary elements of a shoe, the VaporMax doesn't have a midsole. Its Flyknit upper sits right on top of large sectional Air units that make up the outsole.
Knit uppers: Adidas Primeknit vs. Nike Flyknit
Adidas/NikeThe Ultra Boost and VaporMax both use knit materials from their respective brands that are designed to be lightweight, breathable and form fitting. Both can be described as a sock-like fit, but the Nike Air VaporMax is more true to that description. Its seamless Flyknit upper is thinner, lighter in weight, and allows the foot to move as it would if you were wearing a sock. The Flywire lacing system used also lends to the super lightweight and free motion of the design.
Primeknit is a bit thicker and features more padding, most noticeably around tongue, ankle collar, and heel. Its plastic cage lacing system doubles as the Three Stripes logo and provides added foot support. While this makes it slightly heavier than the VaporMax, it's beneficial for those looking for a locked-in feeling when running.
As long as you're not concerned with the exact weight of your sneakers, both uppers are equally good for day-long comfort.
Cushioning: Boost vs. Air VaporMax
Adidas/NikeIf you've owned Nikes in the last 30 years, there's a good chance you've experienced Air technology, but the VaporMax is completely different. While previous designs integrated Air units into the sole, the Air unit is the sole on the VaporMax. I found the VaporMax soles to be somewhat stiff at first, but once broken, in they had a bouncy feeling that kept my feet from becoming fatigued.
To make Boost technology, Adidas partnered with leading chemical company BASF to develop a solid granular material that’s essentially blown up and turned into thousands of small energy capsules. When put together to form the distinct Boost midsole, the capsules store and release more energy than any other design on the market. The way energy is stored and released in Boost makes for a soft, cushioned ride. I would describe it as walking on clouds and there's no break-in time needed.
I'm by no means a sprinter or a marathon runner, but the bounce provided by the VaporMax felt better for running faster, while the cloud-like cushioning of the Ultra Boosts felt better for running longer distances.
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