Adidas is currently on a high with the ADIZERO ADIOS PRO 3 (review), notching up podium finishes at a number of marathons, including Gerda Steyn’s astounding gold at the Comrades. With the success of the PRO 3 in mind, two other shoes in the Adidas line-up are receiving updates – the BOSTON 12 and ADIOS 8, both falling under the top ADIZERO franchise.

ADIZERO BOSTON 12

The first BOSTON appeared way back in 1982, with the new version, 12, coming across as the shoe you train in during the week, to then race with the ADIOS PRO 3 on the weekend. Adidas notes the BOSTON 12 is “designed to give runners the race feeling on fast training runs, with high-performance technology inside a training shoe.” There’s a midsole drop of 7 mm (heel 38 mm / forefoot 31 mm), with a weight of 227 g, but that’s for the rather small UK5.5, so expect a heavier weight for larger sizes. Once again Continental rubber is doing duty on the outsole, with a few more technolical advances that include:

• ENERGY RODS 2.0: These are glass-fibre infused, not carbon, designed for a seamless transition from heel to toe, adding that extra bit of energy during toe-off.
• LIGHTSTRIKE PRO + LIGHTSTRIKE 2.0: A layered midsole construction consisting of Adidas’ high-performance foam, LIGHTSTRIKE PRO, and the all-new LIGHTSTRIKE 2.0, for an overall cushioned and dynamic ride.

Although Adidas notes the BOSTON 12 as a training shoe, it's clear they will manage PBs on race day too.

And the ADIZERO ADIOS 8…

Joining the new BOSTON is the ADIZERO ADIOS 8, a shoe Adidas calls a “racing allrounder”. If you can’t quite get used to the thick stack heights of most super-shoes, then the ADIOS 8 might be the one for you. With an 8mm drop from its 28 mm heel to its 20 mm forefoot, the stack height is quite a bit lower compared to the PRO 3’s 39.5 mm in the heel and forefoot of 33 mm (making for a 6.5 mm overall drop).

Throw in a decent weight (205 g for UK 8.5) and the ADIOS 8 is off to a great start. Finally, add to the mix the updated ENERGYTORSION ROD 2.0 (which has a new third rod that runs from the midfoot to the forefoot), plus LIGHTSTRIKE PRO foam in the forefoot and the new LIGHTSTRIKE 2.0 in the heel and midfoot area, and you have yourself what looks like a serious contender. Much like the BOSTON 12, the shoe is made from at least 50% recycled materials, with a Continental outsole.

The Adidas ADIZERO BOSTON 12 is retailing for just below R3k, with the ADIZERO ADIOS 8 a bit cheaper at R2 500, with both already available to purchase.