Adidas Ultraboost 5.0 DNA Review
Popular with shoe collectors, the Ultraboost 5.0 DNA is so much more than a fashionable running shoe.
Specifications
- Heel stack
- 22 mm
- Forefoot stack
- 12 mm
- Heel-to-toe drop
- 10 mm
- Weight
- 11 oz
- Cushion
- Regular
- Arch support
- Neutral
- Pronation
- Neutral Pronation
- Widths
- Standard
- Available in
- Mens, Womens
How this score was built
No usable ratings survived migration for this shoe — sources were recorded without scores. It will be re-scored on the next run.
What people like
- Stable ride with smooth transitions
- Nicely cushioned
- Glove-like fit
- Appealing style
What people don't
- Feels heavy
- May run narrow on some feet
How it performs
Comfort and fit
A very comfortable shoe. For those whose feet are not too wide, the Ultraboost 5.0 DNA fits like a glove and is fun to run in thanks to the Boost foam. Those who report a glove-like feel also mention no hotspots or blisters.
Durability
The knit uppers get good reviews for flexibility and durability and the soles showed little wear after over 100 miles of running by one tester.
Traction
Very strong traction for a road shoe thanks to special rubber material from Continental Tire. Works well under dry and wet conditions.
Breathability
A knit upper allows the shoe to breathe very easily.
Support
While not as plush as many other road shoes, the UltraBOOST 5.0 DNA has a very supportive midsole and feels stable on the run.
Flexibility and responsiveness
This is how energy return should feel on a shoe - snappy and responsive.
Style
The Ultraboost line-up has been popular with shoe collectors and resellers which makes this style trendy. Outside of being trendy, the shoes do have a nice look.
Construction
Outsole
The Ultraboost 5.0 DNA outsole is made of a Contintental Tire material and works well in wet conditions, even on smooth surfaces. The lugs also work well in dry conditions and could even manage some trails.
Midsole
Here's a midsole for runners who what some cushion, but not too much! This shoe features a Boost foam which is firmer but offers great energy return coupled with a very light weight.
Upper
The uppers are either going to be a dream, or too narrow. The forefoot is wider with room for some toe splay, but the knit upper as a whole feels narrow to some. For those who fit into the knit, it's locked down and very comfortable.
It’s hard to believe a trendy street shoe can deliver the goods for real runners, but the Adidas Ultraboost 5.0 DNA is a fantastic running shoe. The 10mm drop may be a bit bigger than some neutral runners prefer but it’s hard not to at least try a shoe which gets high marks across the board.
Video reviews
Sources consulted (3)
Carried over from the previous methodology. Ratings shown are historical and do not contribute to a current pulse score.