Interview: The adidas UltraBOOST 5

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The latest flagship features more BOOST and is as lightweight as ever.

Since its launch in 2015, the adidas UltraBOOST line has redefined performance running with its revolutionary BOOST technology.

Initially celebrated for its unparalleled comfort and energy return, the UltraBOOST quickly became a favorite not only among runners but also in the streetwear scene. Over the years, adidas has continuously evolved the line, enhancing both aesthetics and performance.

The newest addition of the franchise, the adidas UltraBOOST 5, takes innovation to a new level. Featuring a re-engineered LIGHT BOOST midsole with 9mm more BOOST, the UltraBOOST 5 offers 2% more forefoot energy return than its predecessor.

With its new design, the BOOST-packed midsole provides responsiveness and cushioning, bouncing back instantly with each stride. Complemented by an adaptive Primeknit upper, the UltraBOOST 5 ensures a comfortable fit and maximum breathability, keeping runners cool and comfortable mile after mile.

As the latest iteration is the biggest redesign of the franchise since its 2015 debut, adidas pushes the boundaries of running technology, offering athletes the highest energy return yet in the UB line.

We spoke with Simon Lockett, adidas Global Category Director for Running Footwear for the UltraBOOST 5.

Read the interview below.

Nice Kicks: How important is it to launch the UltraBOOST 5 ahead of the Olympics?

Simon Lockett: We’re super excited to launch the UltraBOOST 5 ahead of the amazing summer of sport.

We look forward to seeing it on the feet of our athletes on the podium during their medal ceremonies.

NK: Running is witnessing a culture boom unlike ever before. How does adidas see the Ultraboost 5 make a difference with Three Stripes loyalists and newcomers to the sport alike?

SL: It’s incredible to see the culture boom in running. We’re excited about the number of runners who are embarking on new, reignited, or more ambitious journeys with the sport. Wherever runners are on that journey, the UltraBOOST 5 can support them to achieve their goals. This is a true running icon that returns with even more cushioning and higher energy return – all with a reduction in weight. We can’t wait to see it on runners out there.

We put the shoe’s energy return to the test and the figures speak for themselves. 82% of people who have tested it say they prefer its energy return to their own shoes, and 70% say they had more fun while running wearing it. That’s always been the superpower of UltraBOOST, especially now it’s back with more BOOST and lighter weight than ever before.

NK: What was the inspiration behind re-engineering the LIGHT BOOST midsole? Will we see that innovative spirit continue within UB and other franchises?

SL: When we launched the UltraBOOST Light, we used our ground-breaking material innovation – Light BOOST – for the first time, allowing us to create the lightest UltraBOOST ever.

As we looked at what was next for the franchise, we looked at how we can make the Light BOOST experience even better for runners and that’s what we’ve done with the UltraBOOST 5 and 5X. We wanted to get that known, loved wow moment back to BOOST.

And it really is back.

Innovating for runners is at the heart of everything we do and one of the ways we do that is by developing and refining the foams across our different franchises, whether that be the Lightstrike Pro in the Adizero franchise or the all-new Dreamstrike+ in the revamped Supernova franchise.

NK: With the Prime X Strung, Adios Pro 3, Supernova Rise & Prima, SL2, Boston 12, and others, where does the UB5 fit into the equation for the running consumer?

SL: The UltraBOOST 5 or 5X is for runners looking to energize their everyday run, whether it be the runner trying to get some quick miles in during their lunch break or someone looking for a shoe that can support them in runs with easy and tempo miles, the shoe will provide the highest energy return yet compared to any previous silhouette in the family.

As we think about the adidas lineup of running shoes, we center everything around how we can best provide runners of all kinds with shoes that will elevate their running experience. In thinking about the UltraBoost franchise, there’s a subset of people who use it as more of a lifestyle shoe, or as a combination of lifestyle and performance shoe. While this shoe will serve them well, we’re also eager to see runners embrace it as the true performance shoe it is.

NK: The UltraBOOSTline has a history of streetwear crossover with collabs in the past. Can fans expect any colorways/collaborations that extend beyond the running world?

SL: As a brand that sits at the intersection of sport and culture, we’re always eager to bring the performance and streetwear worlds together. The UltraBOOST franchise has historically been one that’s played a large part in that.

For now, we’re excited to introduce runners to the latest iteration.

NK: From creating different content from recipes to personality-focused series, how will the UB5 spearhead adidas’ voice in the running world?

SL: The UltraBOOST 5 is built for those looking to get more out of their run and to understand runners’ relationship to energy adidas commissioned research that revealed that one in five 18–24-year-olds (21%) cite their energy levels as their biggest concern right now. That’s why we’re on a mission to keep the energy going and have collaborated with nutritionist and adidas Runners Captain, Kiara Mayo, to create recipes to give runners that much-needed pre-run and post-run boost.

We’ve also launched an exclusive content series where running leaders from around the world, including German fashion blogger and model Caro Daurl; Mexican online personality Juan Bertheau; and Brazilian social media personality, model, & influencer Jade Picon share their energy-boosting essentials.