Running Shoe Review – adidas Ultraboost Light

Running Shoe Review – adidas Ultraboost Light

I asked one of the athletes that I coach to test and get a feel for how the adidas Ultraboost Light men’s running shoes fit and perform. He’s 23 years old, ran Division 1 NCAA Cross Country & Track and recently ran a 2:27 marathon.  He has a lot of experience training in a variety of lightweight running shoes. 

Lighter than Ultraboost 22 

In the past, few serious runners thought of the adidas Ultraboost series as lightweight running shoes. The stylish shoes were popular with casual runners, but weighing over 11 ozs, not many competitive runners took to these shoes. The Ultraboost series have been great shoes for average or recreational runners. They are stylish, stable and very comfortable.

Now with the Ultraboost Light, adidas offers a lightweight, high performance running shoe that is much lighter than older Ultraboost shoes. It achieves this using BOOST midsole foam. The shoe also has the Linear Energy Push (LEP) system, which adds torsional rigidity. It was named one of the best training shoes of 2023 by Runner’s World. The shoes weigh about 10.5 ozs for a size 9, which is heavier than the adidas Adizero Boston 12 which we previously reviewed in this blog post. The Ultraboost Light is a neutral running shoe designed for daily training, but can also hold up well on the track and for tempo runs.  It’s lightweight, but provides ample cushioning. Its sock-like upper makes it suitable for easy miles, long runs, and even casual wear.


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Ultraboost Light Review

The Ultraboost Light running shoe from adidas was the first adidas trainer I have ever tried. It’s one of their most popular shoes and I rate the Ultraboost Light as a 10 out of 10 when it comes to style and choice of colors. In my opinion, adidas is different from other running shoe companies because they care about looks and offer a variety of colors which I like. This shoe offers a comfortable fit as well, so I can wear it around town. 

The Ultraboost Light impresses me most with its durability. Even after a little more than 30 days of running in them, the shoes feel good as new. I am confident I can get at least 2 more months of solid running in them, if not more. This means 400 – 500 miles total.  Also, being someone who has not worn many neutral shoes before (due to some bio-mechanical issues, I prefer stability shoes), I am happy these shoes have kept me healthy. No injuries or tweaks.


If you’re interested in joining Coach Dan, he can put together either a custom training plan or personally coach you. Either program will be specific to your goals and athletic abilities. Just click on the links for details. 


Ultraboost Light is comfortable & stylish 

 

adidas Ultraboost Light

The Ultraboost Light running shoe is really comfortable and it provides a secure fit for my ankle. I find that even without a traditional tongue, my ankle stays in place well in the shoe. Yet, I do need to tie the laces quite tight to achieve this. The only downside to the comfort of the shoe is that the heel cushion feels unusually large. That translates to a heavy drop from heel to toe, and a bit of a clunky feel. A lightweight running shoe shouldn’t have a “clunky feel.” It makes it more challenging to strike on the balls of my feet because it forces me on my heels. In that sense, it may cater to beginner runners, runners of a slower pace or even walkers.

The average runner can use a shoe like the Ultraboost Light as a daily trainer or workouts in the weight room and cross training.  

 

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Quality Everyday Trainer 

 

The Ultraboost Light is a good quality shoe, but it makes me lean back slightly. My feet are used to a different style of running shoe, so I wouldn’t buy it again.  But, if you like neutral shoes with a rolling feel, then this shoe is for you. in fact, the Boost midsole foam is designed to cushion your stride upon landing,  while rebounding you forward during toe-offs. However, if you’re more of a forefoot runner and prefer shoes that support landing on the balls of your feet, this shoe may not be for you. My recommendation before trying the Ultraboost Light is to assess the shoes you have worn in the past. It is important to do research on what works for you, especially when it comes to comfort and staying healthy.

 

Ultraboost Light Pricing

 

You can find Ultraboost Light online for under $95 USD on the adidas website. I prefer to support local specialty running stores, but not all will have adidas running shoes. Unfortunately the “brick & mortar” stores that carry the Ultraboost Light, will likely charge significantly more than purchasing directly online from adidas. The good news is that adidas allows runners to try any of their performance running shoes for 30 days and return them hassle-free.

 

How to Shop for a new Running Shoe

adidas running shoe

When it comes to choosing running shoes, it’s important to find the right fit for your needs. Not all running shoes are the same, so it’s crucial to do your research before making a purchase. Think about why you need the shoes: for everyday training, fast training runs, races, or other activities. Think about the type of terrain you’ll be running on, such as road, trail, or treadmill. Also, you need to decide how much support and cushioning you need and if you want a stable or neutral shoe. Also, take into account the weight of the shoe (average, lightweight, etc). The adidas men’s running shoe site helps to answer all these questions. Also, adidas offers 30 day return policy.  This is critical in the event the shoe isn’t comfortable.

 

Overall Summary – Ultraboost Light

 

I like the improvements that adidas has made with this shoe. The Ultraboost Light offers many positive benefits.

PROs:

-Includes adidas’ Light BOOST foam which is 30% lighter than previous iterations of the Boost midsole foam for a more responsive feel underfoot, but it does make the shoe a little less “plush.” 

-The Sock style upper is really comfortable and designed to fit close to the foot for a locked-in feel on your run.

-If you enjoy a blend of soft and responsive cushioning, you’ll likely enjoy the Ultraboost Light.

-Includes a series of recycled materials, which continues to reinforce adidas’ commitment to the environment

-Continental™ Rubber outsole is durable and provides great traction.

-Much lighter than adidas Ultraboost 22

CONs:

-If you enjoy a supportive, structured upper, this shoe might not be the one for you.

-Expensive price point unless you buy on the adidas website.

-Slightly heavier than competitive lightweight running shoes, but it still works well speed workouts.

 

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Review – adidas solarglide 6 running shoes

Review – adidas solarglide 6 running shoes

Adidas Solarglide 6 Running Shoe Review 

I really like the adidas’ Solarglide 6 men’s running shoes. This review isn’t super technical.  Instead, I’ll give my feedback in language that the average runner can understand and find useful.  Most runners want to know what kind of shoe it is (trainer, racing, neutral, stability, etc) and how it performs and feels. Features like heel drop, weight, cushioning, etc are also important.

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Neutral everyday training shoes

 

Like other adidas running shoes that I have evaluated, the Solarglide 6s took a few weeks to break in. The shoes are marketed as neutral everyday trainers. The Solarglide 6 are for athletes seeking a running shoe with good cushioning and some stability underfoot. I found that the shoe is able to maintain a firm and grounded feel. I rate the Solarglide 6 as a very comfortable shoe that performs well on the roads and crushed rock trails.


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Before running in these shoes, I removed the inserts and replaced them with my custom orthotics. Custom orthotics help correct some of my inherent bio-mechanical issues.  They provide additional support to my feet and ankles and fit right into these shoes. I also replaced the laces with extra long laces, which allows me to use all the shoes’ eyelets. This pulls my heel closer to the cup for added stability.  I have always tied my running shoes this way, so it’s a little annoying when the laces on the shoes out of the box must be replaced.


If you’re interested in joining me, I can put together either a custom training plan or I can personally coach you. Either program will be specific to your goals and athletic abilities. Just click on the links for details. 


The Solarglide 6 is very versitile 

 

Solarglide 6 running shoe

I selected the Solarglide 6 because of it’s versatility. The average runner needs a shoe like these for workouts in the weight room or cross training.  After training in these running shoes for a few weeks, I agree, they are multipurpose. They are a little lighter, but feel a lot sleeker than the SOLARCONTROL stability shoe, which I wrote about in this review.  The adidas Solarglide 6 comes in at 11.9 ozs (size 9), which isn’t noticeable for the average runner, unless you have been running in lightweight trainers.  Over the years, I’ve trained in heavier shoes with which I qualified/ran Boston, so these feel great.

solar running shoe review

 

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Benefits of Linear Energy Push

 

I haven’t run in a neutral shoe for years due to bio-mechanical issues. I wanted to try the Solarglide 6 because it uses what adidas calls Linear Energy Push (LEP). This provides added stiffness, resulting in a smooth transition from heel to midfoot. Also, I found that the heel is well padded and the heel cup is stiff, which provides stability.  

At first the toe box seemed a little tight, but after a week of use (walking & running), these shoes started to break in. Over the last few weeks, I’ve been completing all my 4 – 10 mile easy runs in these shoes.  Additionally, I ran on a wood chip trail and completed 6 x 800m track workout in these SOLARGLIDE 6s. I usually don’t run track workouts in daily trainers, but many runners do. I found that they weren’t too “clunky” on the track.  So far, these shoes have held up well. They feel good on a variety of terrain, including pavement, crushed gravel, rubber track and wood chipped trails.

 

Positive Benefits of the Solarglide 6

 

Solarglide 6 shoe review

Consistent with other adidas running shoes, Solarglide 6’s upper includes a series of recycled materials. This reinforces adidas’ commitment to reduce plastic waste.

In Summary, the Solarglide 6 offers many positive benefits.

-Includes adidas’ unique BOOST midsole cushioning, which provides energy return & comfort.

-Continental™ Rubber outsole is durable and provides great traction.

-Plenty of cushioning and a very comfortable upper.

-adidas LEP 2.0 (Linear Energy Push system) increases forefoot and midfoot stability. Results in a neutral shoe that performs like a stability running shoe

 

The Solarglide 6 is comfortable and …

 

So far (after about 100 miles) I give the adidas’ Solarglide 6 “two thumbs up.”  These everyday running shoes are a great value as a neutral, but stable every day trainer. They are comfortable and strudy.  If you‘re a recreational runner (most people), you can walk in these shoes or use them for cross fit exercises. They are an excellent value for a running shoe.

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Shoe Review – adidas Adizero Boston 12

Shoe Review – adidas Adizero Boston 12

Adidas Adizero Boston 12 Running Shoe Review 

This is my second contribution to the adidas blogger community.  I had a young athlete, whom I helped train to complete his first marathon last month, evaluate the adidas Adizero Boston 12 running shoes.  This is his review:

I started wearing the ADIZERO Boston 12 running shoes during my buildup for my first marathon. My first takeaway was that these men’s running shoes are firmer and more supportive than I expected. It took three or four runs of 4-6 miles for me to break them in and get more used to them. I expected the shoes to be similar to Nike’s Zoom Fly or Alpha Fly, but that is not the case. It is not as cushioned and it does not provide as much pop. However, the ADIZERO Boston 12 offers more support and are more durable.

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Perfect for longer tempo runs and races

After running my first upbeat long run in the Adizero Boston 12, I was pleased with how well they perform at marathon pace. They have the support of an everyday trainer, and almost the performance of a racing shoe. The propulsion is not as significant as a Next Percent or a Saucony Endorphin, but still noticeable and feels great when running hard. They are perfect for those longer, faster training runs. I advise this shoe not to be used for every easy run, but mostly for tempos, fartleks, speed work, and upbeat long runs. 

 


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Lasts longer than carbon plated shoes 

adidas men's running shoes

The durability of the shoe is its best characteristic. For a 4 – 5-month training cycle leading up to a marathon, this shoe will get you through all of your hard workouts without falling apart. Many of the other lightweight performance shoes fall apart after 150 miles, but not the ADIZERO Boston 12. These have lasted 3+ months and they still are performing like new. While I might recommend acquiring a faster shoe for race day, it depends on your marathon pace. More experienced runners will need a quicker shoe for their race, but more recreational runners will see a lot of benefit sticking with the ADIZERO Boston 12 on race day.

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What’s next for these Adizero Boston 12 running shoes

 

adidas men's running shoes

After running a 2:27:26 at the Newport OR marathon, Jackson will take a little time off, but continues to train in these shoes.  Since they are so durable, he can train for another race without having to replace them anytime soon.  


If you’re interested in joining me, I can put together either a custom training plan or I can personally coach you. Either program will be specific to your goals and athletic abilities. Just click on the links for details. 


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Review – adidas Solarcontrol running shoes

Review – adidas Solarcontrol running shoes

Adidas Solarcontrol Running Shoe Review 

This is my first contribution to the adidas blogger community.  I started running in this shoe about 2 months ago. So far they’re performing really well. I selected these shoes because I was seeking a daily trainer with pronation support.  Solarcontrol is marketed by adidas as a running shoe with “extra stability, that’s made in part with recycled materials.”  Since I have used a variety of stability shoes over the last 10 years to keep me injury free, the Solarcontrol looked like a great solution to fit needs.

Before running the first mile in my new Solarcontrols, I removed the inserts and replaced them with my custom orthotics. I’ve used orthotics for 10+ years to help correct some bio-mechanical issues & prevent injuries.  Extra long laces were also needed because I use every one of  shoes’ eyelets to ensure a snug, yet comfortable fit.  Within a few weeks of walking around in the shoes and completing multiple 4 -6 mile easy runs, the shoes were sufficiently broken in. 

Since then, I’ve logged about 100 miles on a wide variety of terrain, including roads, hilly gravel & dirt trails, sandy beaches & bike paths.  As an experienced runner, it doesn’t take me long to evaluate a new running shoe.  Especially, an everyday trainer like the Solarcontrol.

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Solarcontrol Benefits

These shoes offer a number of positive benefits for me.

  • They include adidas’ BOOST cushioning, which provides energy return and comfort.
  • They provide solid support from upper, to midsole, down to outsole without feeling “bulky.”
  • The upper is really comfortable and as a bonus is made with 50% recycled content. I’m definitely onboard with adidas’ goal to reduce plastic waste. 

 


Marathon Training Plan

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Grading the Solarcontrol

 

adidas solarcontrol running shoe

 

So far, I give the adidas’ Solarcontrol a big thumbs up.  These everyday running shoes are a great value for both neutral and pronation control training shoe fans. They very comfortable and durable and can also be used as a walking shoe or a shoe worn by someone who’s on their feet all day. Bottomline, in my opinion, the Solarcontrol is a very versatile athletic shoe.

 

What’s next for my solarcontrol running shoes

 

adidas mens running shoes

Over the next few months, my plan is to continue to train in these shoes, put them through 10k and half marathon training and provide feedback.  I’ll discuss the shoe’s weight and provide my thoughts about the types of workouts for which the Solarcontrol is best suited.


If you’re interested in joining me, I can put together either a custom training plan or I can personally coach you. Either program will be specific to your goals and athletic abilities. Just click on the links for details. 


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Best Protein for Runners

Best Protein for Runners

Why Is Protein an Essential Part of Any Runners’ Diet?

A protein diet is generally associated with people who lift weights and spend some hardcore time at the gym. Long distance runners are lean and don’t want to bulk up for fear it will slow their running.  Yet, exercise scientists agree that runners during heavy training require just as much protein per pound of body weight as football players. 

On the most basic level, protein is one of the three macronutrients (along with fats and carbohydrates) that is an essential component of a balanced diet. Protein is made up of long chains of amino acids. These nine  “essential” amino acids are present in most animal-based protein sources, but not always in plant-based proteins.  Although many plant proteins are “incomplete,” there’s a lot of research that confirms  eating various plant-based proteins throughout the course of the day is adequate for protein needs.  Near the bottom of this article, I list plant-based protein sources.

We may not envision a marathon runner consuming a lot of protein. However, there are plenty of problems that result when runners don’t consume enough protein, including slower recovery from workouts, weaker adaptations to training and increased risk of illness, overtraining and injury. Athletes training for long races like a 10k, half or full marathon, must consume an adequate amount of protein to avoid these pitfalls. Even though carbs have long been seen as the holy grail to fast running, protein is important because it stabilizes your blood sugar and helps you feel fuller longer.

During marathon training, especially after long runs & tough track workouts, my body always feels so much better after I consume a meal with plenty of protein and healthy (not processed) carbohydrates. 

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Marathon Training Diet

Dietary experts recommend that the average person should eat 0.5 to 0.8 grams of protein per pound of their body weight. However, protein needs for long distance runners are higher.  Depending on the athlete’s training demands, daily calorie requirements and appetite may be greater. Accordingly, dietitians and healthcare experts suggest that a marathon runner’s diet consist of up to 1 gram of protein per pound of your body weight. 

Protein is not a fuel source, but instead it is a muscle builder or, in particular for runners, think of protein as a muscle re-builder, re-shaper and even a muscle re-conditioner.

Following ranges are broad, but there’s a wide range of macronutrient percentages that have been found to be effective for many athletes. Runners should test and adjust based on their specific situation.  Ultimately, the runner should “fine tune”  percentages of carbs, fat & proteins that make them feel and perform best.

Recommended Macronutrtient ranges for runners


 

Marathon Training Plan

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What To Eat After A Run

Protein for marathon training diet

Protein is responsible for healing your body from different injuries & muscle damage. The “good stuff” (building muscle) happens during rest and recovery.  The “bad stuff” (muscle damage) occurs during exercise. Rest is an essential part of recovery, but diet with protein  helps to speed  recovery. Protein aids the healing process of damaged tissues by forming collagen. Amino acids from proteins are the building blocks for the manufacture of new tissue including muscle and the repair of old tissue.  They are also the building blocks for hormones and enzymes that regulate metabolism and other body functions. 

Recovery Snack Ideas

Best protein for runners

In my article about wellness habits that improve running, the top of the list included consuming healthy sources of protein.  You can accomplish this while snacking.  

  • Small bag of assorted nuts (cashews, almonds, dried walnuts)
  • Smoothie with yogurt and berries
  • Crackers with peanut butter + low fat chocolate milk
  • Sports drink with nuts and/or crackers with nut butter

If you’re interested in joining me, I can put together either a custom training plan or I can personally coach you. Either program will be specific to your goals and athletic abilities. Just click on the links for details. 


How Does Protein Help People Who Are Training For Marathons?

During running, muscle cells are damaged by mechanical stress and oxygen radicals. Also muscle proteins are broken down by hormones to provide a source of energy. These lost proteins must be replaced between workouts. As long as you have protein from the right sources – it is suitable for your body. Some noteworthy benefits of protein for runners include:

Strengthens Immune System 

Our immune systems are highly dependent on protein consumption. You need to supply your system with sufficient protein to strengthen the immune system. Protein is known to make antibodies in your system. These antibodies are responsible for protecting your system from viruses and infections that intrude. Your immune system will respond faster and easily get rid of the potential problem.

Balances Hormone Levels 

Hormones are chemicals produced by the glands that help you handle different activities throughout the day. An athlete’s body will benefit from having balanced hormone levels. When a long distance runner overworks their body during peak training, they are at risk of having imbalanced hormones. The result can be depression, difficulty sleeping and anxiety.  All of these are signs of overtraining.   Runner’s need to consume a variety of proteins from sources like whey powder, eggs, lean meats, and even different nuts such as fair trade cashews to help maintain the hormone levels.

Maintaining a healthy body weight

fair trade cashews

Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash

I’m not suggesting that marathon runners diet to maintain a lower bodyweight, but in order to maintain an optimal body weight for a long race like a marathon, weight management is important. Eating healthy proteins like nuts and fair trade cashews will reduce your cravings for unhealthy and sugary food. Runners who want to maintain and not gain weight while training should consume lean meats, fish, chicken, and nuts. I also recommend grains like quinoa which also contain carbohydrates in addition to protein.

Reduces Inflammation & supports a healthy immune system

Running for several hours every week can cause inflammation in your muscles. There’s also evidence that runners who are training hard may be at an increased risk of minor illnesses & infections.  It’s common in the last week of training for a marathon to catch a cold.  Hard training compromises the body’s immune system. Protein & carbohydrates consumed within an hour of high intensity training, helps a runner’s recovery by reducing excessive inflammation and promoting restoration of proper hormone levels. 

Protein Requirements for Different Races

As discussed above, different intensities of training require a different amount of protein. 

10k to Half Marathon

A good rule of thumb for protein is to consume 1.2 grams to 1.5 grams per pound. On the days you train less, take 1.2 grams of protein per pound and when you train harder, eat 1.5 grams of protein for every pound of your body.

Remember this formula: 1 gram = .0022 lbs.  A 125 lb runner should consume between ⅓ lb – .41 lb of protein/day. 

Marathon 

Your protein intake should be around 1.4 grams protein per pound to 1.8 grams per pound for a marathon. To determine the right amount of protein for yourself, eat a specific quantity every week. If you are consuming a lot of protein – much more than your body can handle, it will make you feel tired. Women also feel a change in their menstrual period after a change in their protein intake.

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Protein Shake After Running

I don’t worry about having a protein shake after every run, but as the intensity of my workouts increases and long runs are 12+ miles, I think there’s benefits to consuming protein shakes within a hour of running.  There’s numerous protein powders available on the market.  Which one you choose depends on whether you want a product like Whey Protein, which comes from milk, or pea, hemp, soy or other types of protein powders which may be more desirable for athletes who are lactose intolerant or vegans.

Whey Protein

Whey is a complete protein that contains all the essential amino acids.  This is probably the most extensively researched supplement on the market. While you might have heard people say you can get all the protein you need from diet alone, this isn’t always the case.  Whey protein empties from the stomach and is absorbed into the bloodstream from the intestine faster than other proteins.  This is why whey is considered to be a faster, better muscle recovery than natural foods.

A 2017 NIH paper recently confirmed that Whey protein supplementation enhances whole body protein metabolism & performance recovery after resistance exercise. Consuming whey protein after exercise accelerated recovery and supported muscle repair, as shown by participants’ ability to perform various physical tests 10 and 24 hours after a hard training session. 

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Soy Protein

Soy proteins are derived from soy.  Although it’s a vegetable protein, it’s very high quality.  An Ohio State study found that soy protein supplements increased muscle mass in strength training men as much as a whey protein supplement. If you’re a vegan or strict vegetarian, soy protein will work very well.

Conclusion

Consuming protein is a vital part of an athlete’s diet. There are numerous reasons why marathon runners should include a variety of proteins in their diet. First, protein enhances recovery of muscles damaged in training, reduces  inflammation, stabilizes hormone levels and supports the body’s immune system which is compromised during heavy training.  Healthcare experts recommend that a long distance runner consume between 0.8 to 1.8 grams of protein per pound of body weight. Remember that this recommendation is completely dependent on your activity level. So to an extent, it’s trial and error to determine one’s precious needs. At Middleagemarathoner.com our runners have access to a registered dietitian who helps provide proper dietary recommendations.

Plant Sources of Protein 

  • Lentils
  • Nuts (almonds & cashews)
  • Tempeh & other Soy products
  • Chickpeas
  • Quinoa
  • Chia seeds
  • Black beans
  • Pumpkin seeds
  • Sweet potatoes

Sources of protein for runners

  • Eggs
  • Fish (tuna & salmon)
  • Beef
  • Chicken
  • Low fat milk (including low fat yogurt & skim chocolate milk)
  • Turkey sandwich on whole grain bread or pita.
  • Protein Bars – seek bars made with whole foods & avoid excess added sugar 

 

Resources:

  1. Performance Nutrition for Runners – Matt Fitzgerald, 2006
  2. Nutrition for Athletics, A Practical Guide to Eating & Driving for Health and Performance in Track & Field – IAAF Athletics, 2011

 

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