adidas Adizero Boston 12 Shoes - Black
adidas Adizero Boston 12 Shoes - Black
Last updated at 03/21/2026 12:37:06
adidas Adizero Boston 12 'Black Carbon' | Men's Size 12
Delivery between 23–30 Mar $25
adidas Adizero Boston 12 'Black Carbon' ID5985 US 12
Delivery between 27–31 Mar $53
Mens adidas Adizero Boston 12 Core Black / Core Black / Carbon / US 12
Free delivery between 26 Mar – 3 Apr
originally posted on REI
I’ve used this shoe as an every day trainer up to long distances (13-23 miles). Compared to the Boston 10 and 11, the 12’s have a different shape, stack height, feel compared to Boston 10 and 11. Everything from the aesthetic profile of the shoe to it’s responsiveness and spring makes it an ideal shoe for a daily trainer up to a full marathon. I wouldn’t use this shoe for anything longer than a 26 mile run, but it has proven to be a one-stop-shop for short/fast to long/slow distances and pace. I love the versatility. There is a better responsiveness from a “step and feel” as they’ve reapplied the same technologies from their high-end racing shoes as each stride step roll through the foot and pops off on every stride. I think this speaks to the combination of midsole ... MoreI’ve used this shoe as an every day trainer up to long distances (13-23 miles). Compared to the Boston 10 and 11, the 12’s have a different shape, stack height, feel compared to Boston 10 and 11. Everything from the aesthetic profile of the shoe to it’s responsiveness and spring makes it an ideal shoe for a daily trainer up to a full marathon. I wouldn’t use this shoe for anything longer than a 26 mile run, but it has proven to be a one-stop-shop for short/fast to long/slow distances and pace. I love the versatility. There is a better responsiveness from a “step and feel” as they’ve reapplied the same technologies from their high-end racing shoes as each stride step roll through the foot and pops off on every stride. I think this speaks to the combination of midsole compounds in the Light Strike Pro in the forefoot and Light Strike 2.0 through the heel and midfoot. Having the carbon rod segment going from the heel and splaying out into 5 rods interacting with each toe instead of a full plate makes the shoe lightweight yet still durable. I would not use this shoe for any type of trail or off-road running, its not designed to for durability on trail surface conditions.I believe the shoe size is true to fit. I thought it was too long for my 11.5 size foot, but the shoe does narrow down at the toe box and if I went a half size smaller, my pinky toes would have been pinched.At first, I thought I was not going to like how thin the tongue material is. However, Adidas engineered in a thick/durable "eye let" system where the laces do not create pressure points as they cross over the top of your foot.
originally posted on footlocker.com
Waited to put at least 30 miles on these before leaving a review. I obviously can't speak to durability yet, but here are my initial impressions:The good: these shoes are so versatile! I'm using them for interval training, speed runs and hills, as well as occasionally for the long, slower runs that I'd typically choose more of a max cushion shoe for. I'm not an experienced runner, I'm just a guy in my mid-30s with an office job, road running 3 days a week and trying to work my way up to half marathon distances for fun and generally good health. So far, these are the best running shoes I've ever owned, and perfect for my needs.The less good (but still not bad): (1) I have a somewhat narrow foot and found that it reeeally matters how I tighten these laces and tie ... MoreWaited to put at least 30 miles on these before leaving a review. I obviously can't speak to durability yet, but here are my initial impressions:The good: these shoes are so versatile! I'm using them for interval training, speed runs and hills, as well as occasionally for the long, slower runs that I'd typically choose more of a max cushion shoe for. I'm not an experienced runner, I'm just a guy in my mid-30s with an office job, road running 3 days a week and trying to work my way up to half marathon distances for fun and generally good health. So far, these are the best running shoes I've ever owned, and perfect for my needs.The less good (but still not bad): (1) I have a somewhat narrow foot and found that it reeeally matters how I tighten these laces and tie these shoes for optimal comfort. The process requires more attention while getting ready for a run than any shoes I've ever owned before. During pre-run stretches, I now consciously think about how they're feeling and if I need to adjust one or not. (2) And lastly, Boston 12s are known to have slightly more room in the toe box than most running shoes. I've read many runners choose to size down a half size with these, and that's worth considering if you're really looking for a snug fit, but I kind of think a non-scrunched-toe situation is healthy, and that may be part of the reason I'm enjoying these shoes so much sticking with my true 10.5 size.
originally posted on REI
I wanted to put some real miles on these before submitting my review and after a little over a week running with them I think I have a new favorite road runner. These are the first pair of Adidas that I have trained in but I can say that out of the box I felt that they fit and felt better than my other running shoes.The fit is great, I have size 13 feet and I often feel like running shoes leave a lot to be desired in the size of the toe box. Typically when I run down hill my toes scrape the front or top of the shoes in a really uncomfortable way and that just wasn't an issue with the Boston 12. My local runs take me up and down hundreds of feet so a minor rub or pinch is not an insignificant issue over a number of miles. The mesh upper breathes very well and have ... MoreI wanted to put some real miles on these before submitting my review and after a little over a week running with them I think I have a new favorite road runner. These are the first pair of Adidas that I have trained in but I can say that out of the box I felt that they fit and felt better than my other running shoes.The fit is great, I have size 13 feet and I often feel like running shoes leave a lot to be desired in the size of the toe box. Typically when I run down hill my toes scrape the front or top of the shoes in a really uncomfortable way and that just wasn't an issue with the Boston 12. My local runs take me up and down hundreds of feet so a minor rub or pinch is not an insignificant issue over a number of miles. The mesh upper breathes very well and have just a little stretch so that when you lace up the thin tongue of the shoe you get that really nice snug but not-too-tight feeling through the middle. The heel is lightly padded which I prefer as I can be sensitive to contact there. I will say that the materials inside might be a little scratchy in an ultra thin sock but in both cheap cotton and my name brand merino wool running socks I was quite comfortable. Having not tried the older model Boston shoes I didn't have a frame of reference but the Energyrod 2.0 tech that Adidas is marketing for these shoes does seem to have a very positive effect on my performance. The feeling of transfer of energy from the ground strike to the lift is noticeable and I can honestly say the feeling made me want to keep going. The Boston 12 felt stable and sturdy without being heavy and after long runs I didn't feel like I had been battling gravity which is high praise for a heavy runner like myself. Ultimately I think the thing that I love about the Boston 12 is that when I see them sitting with my other gear I want to put them on and go running.
| Variant | |
| color | Core Black / Core Black / Carbon |
| size | US 12 |
adidas Adizero Boston 12 'Black Carbon' | Men's Size 12
Delivery between 23–30 Mar $25
adidas Adizero Boston 12 'Black Carbon' ID5985 US 12
Delivery between 27–31 Mar $53
Mens adidas Adizero Boston 12 Core Black / Core Black / Carbon / US 12
Free delivery between 26 Mar – 3 Apr
I’ve used this shoe as an every day trainer up to long distances (13-23 miles). Compared to the Boston 10 and 11, the 12’s have a different shape, stack height, feel compared to Boston 10 and 11. Everything from the aesthetic profile of the shoe to it’s responsiveness and spring makes it an ideal shoe for a daily trainer up to a full marathon. I wouldn’t use this shoe for anything longer than a 26 mile run, but it has proven to be a one-stop-shop for short/fast to long/slow distances and pace. I love the versatility. There is a better responsiveness from a “step and feel” as they’ve reapplied the same technologies from their high-end racing shoes as each stride step roll through the foot and pops off on every stride. I think this speaks to the combination of midsole ... MoreI’ve used this shoe as an every day trainer up to long distances (13-23 miles). Compared to the Boston 10 and 11, the 12’s have a different shape, stack height, feel compared to Boston 10 and 11. Everything from the aesthetic profile of the shoe to it’s responsiveness and spring makes it an ideal shoe for a daily trainer up to a full marathon. I wouldn’t use this shoe for anything longer than a 26 mile run, but it has proven to be a one-stop-shop for short/fast to long/slow distances and pace. I love the versatility. There is a better responsiveness from a “step and feel” as they’ve reapplied the same technologies from their high-end racing shoes as each stride step roll through the foot and pops off on every stride. I think this speaks to the combination of midsole compounds in the Light Strike Pro in the forefoot and Light Strike 2.0 through the heel and midfoot. Having the carbon rod segment going from the heel and splaying out into 5 rods interacting with each toe instead of a full plate makes the shoe lightweight yet still durable. I would not use this shoe for any type of trail or off-road running, its not designed to for durability on trail surface conditions.I believe the shoe size is true to fit. I thought it was too long for my 11.5 size foot, but the shoe does narrow down at the toe box and if I went a half size smaller, my pinky toes would have been pinched.At first, I thought I was not going to like how thin the tongue material is. However, Adidas engineered in a thick/durable "eye let" system where the laces do not create pressure points as they cross over the top of your foot.
Waited to put at least 30 miles on these before leaving a review. I obviously can't speak to durability yet, but here are my initial impressions:The good: these shoes are so versatile! I'm using them for interval training, speed runs and hills, as well as occasionally for the long, slower runs that I'd typically choose more of a max cushion shoe for. I'm not an experienced runner, I'm just a guy in my mid-30s with an office job, road running 3 days a week and trying to work my way up to half marathon distances for fun and generally good health. So far, these are the best running shoes I've ever owned, and perfect for my needs.The less good (but still not bad): (1) I have a somewhat narrow foot and found that it reeeally matters how I tighten these laces and tie ... MoreWaited to put at least 30 miles on these before leaving a review. I obviously can't speak to durability yet, but here are my initial impressions:The good: these shoes are so versatile! I'm using them for interval training, speed runs and hills, as well as occasionally for the long, slower runs that I'd typically choose more of a max cushion shoe for. I'm not an experienced runner, I'm just a guy in my mid-30s with an office job, road running 3 days a week and trying to work my way up to half marathon distances for fun and generally good health. So far, these are the best running shoes I've ever owned, and perfect for my needs.The less good (but still not bad): (1) I have a somewhat narrow foot and found that it reeeally matters how I tighten these laces and tie these shoes for optimal comfort. The process requires more attention while getting ready for a run than any shoes I've ever owned before. During pre-run stretches, I now consciously think about how they're feeling and if I need to adjust one or not. (2) And lastly, Boston 12s are known to have slightly more room in the toe box than most running shoes. I've read many runners choose to size down a half size with these, and that's worth considering if you're really looking for a snug fit, but I kind of think a non-scrunched-toe situation is healthy, and that may be part of the reason I'm enjoying these shoes so much sticking with my true 10.5 size.
I wanted to put some real miles on these before submitting my review and after a little over a week running with them I think I have a new favorite road runner. These are the first pair of Adidas that I have trained in but I can say that out of the box I felt that they fit and felt better than my other running shoes.The fit is great, I have size 13 feet and I often feel like running shoes leave a lot to be desired in the size of the toe box. Typically when I run down hill my toes scrape the front or top of the shoes in a really uncomfortable way and that just wasn't an issue with the Boston 12. My local runs take me up and down hundreds of feet so a minor rub or pinch is not an insignificant issue over a number of miles. The mesh upper breathes very well and have ... MoreI wanted to put some real miles on these before submitting my review and after a little over a week running with them I think I have a new favorite road runner. These are the first pair of Adidas that I have trained in but I can say that out of the box I felt that they fit and felt better than my other running shoes.The fit is great, I have size 13 feet and I often feel like running shoes leave a lot to be desired in the size of the toe box. Typically when I run down hill my toes scrape the front or top of the shoes in a really uncomfortable way and that just wasn't an issue with the Boston 12. My local runs take me up and down hundreds of feet so a minor rub or pinch is not an insignificant issue over a number of miles. The mesh upper breathes very well and have just a little stretch so that when you lace up the thin tongue of the shoe you get that really nice snug but not-too-tight feeling through the middle. The heel is lightly padded which I prefer as I can be sensitive to contact there. I will say that the materials inside might be a little scratchy in an ultra thin sock but in both cheap cotton and my name brand merino wool running socks I was quite comfortable. Having not tried the older model Boston shoes I didn't have a frame of reference but the Energyrod 2.0 tech that Adidas is marketing for these shoes does seem to have a very positive effect on my performance. The feeling of transfer of energy from the ground strike to the lift is noticeable and I can honestly say the feeling made me want to keep going. The Boston 12 felt stable and sturdy without being heavy and after long runs I didn't feel like I had been battling gravity which is high praise for a heavy runner like myself. Ultimately I think the thing that I love about the Boston 12 is that when I see them sitting with my other gear I want to put them on and go running.
One of the best soles that I've ever experienced in a running shoe. Soft enough for comfort but firm enough for responsiveness at speed and protection on long runs. The upper is a mystery to me though. Of the countless shoes I've gone through from every major brand, I've never had to size down before, yet these still feel a little long after sizing down. I have to tie these so tight that they kind of hurt before the run in order for them to be tight enough that my heel doesn't feel like it's going to slip out during the run, but in doing so I've also tightened them so much that I thought I might get a blister along the outside of my arch for the first time in my life. When I get it right, they may be the best shoe I've ever trained in, but many is it hard to get right.
I received these products for free from the REI Trailblazers sampling program in exchange for my honest review.How I tested this product:I have taken these for two 5-mile runs, three 2-mile runs, and worn them on a long airport day and a half-day walk around the city.Pros1- snug and comfortable - it felt like my feet were being hugged. I liked the under ankle cushions on the sides of the shoe mouth.2- light - these are nice and light for long runs3- good cushion when running - my knees and heels did not hurt at the end of my runs.4- back of the heel tongue was convenient for putting onCons1- Difficult to slip on - I like my shoes to be able to slip into and not have to tie every time I put them on. Unfortunately, despite the cool tongue feature for ... MoreI received these products for free from the REI Trailblazers sampling program in exchange for my honest review.How I tested this product:I have taken these for two 5-mile runs, three 2-mile runs, and worn them on a long airport day and a half-day walk around the city.Pros1- snug and comfortable - it felt like my feet were being hugged. I liked the under ankle cushions on the sides of the shoe mouth.2- light - these are nice and light for long runs3- good cushion when running - my knees and heels did not hurt at the end of my runs.4- back of the heel tongue was convenient for putting onCons1- Difficult to slip on - I like my shoes to be able to slip into and not have to tie every time I put them on. Unfortunately, despite the cool tongue feature for helping you slip in, I found that I had to untie and tie every time I wanted to put these shoes on.2- I found them somewhat difficult to loosen and tighten, they may need a little more breaking in but I find that the lace holders did not easily loosen.
I bought special addition Bostons for the 2018 LA Marathon and really like them. I purchased the Boston 12s from RR this past October because of the carbon plate. I really liked the ride I was getting. I rotate three pairs of shoes for running, and I had just gone over the 280-mile mark for my Boston 12s. So, I went ahead and ordered a new pair from RR (May 15th, delivery still pending), but this morning, it happened.What happened?!?, you ask. Welp, about 2 miles into my 6-mile recovery run, I was feeling strange irritation in my left Achilles. It wasn't painful, so I ignored it, but by 2 1/2 miles, it got too much. So, I stopped to take a look, and it was the left shoe sole insert coming out of the back of my shoe. For the rest of the run, I had to stop every ... MoreI bought special addition Bostons for the 2018 LA Marathon and really like them. I purchased the Boston 12s from RR this past October because of the carbon plate. I really liked the ride I was getting. I rotate three pairs of shoes for running, and I had just gone over the 280-mile mark for my Boston 12s. So, I went ahead and ordered a new pair from RR (May 15th, delivery still pending), but this morning, it happened.What happened?!?, you ask. Welp, about 2 miles into my 6-mile recovery run, I was feeling strange irritation in my left Achilles. It wasn't painful, so I ignored it, but by 2 1/2 miles, it got too much. So, I stopped to take a look, and it was the left shoe sole insert coming out of the back of my shoe. For the rest of the run, I had to stop every quarter mile or so to shove the insert back into the shoe.After I finished my run, I pulled out the insert to inspect it. The left shoe insert is no longer structurally sound (you can see the crinkles), so I will have to replace the insert to run in that pair of shoes.I have full faith that this defect is an anomaly, and I will get the most mileage out of the new Boston 12s that are pending delivery. However, I can only give this purchase 3 stars due to the defective sole insert in the left shoe.
Loved the shoe out of the box. Nice fit on the heel, nice and smooth. The toe box was a bit large for me (I have a narrow foot), but running straight it was awesome. No knee, hip, or foot discomfort even on 16+ mile training runs. The shoe was light and pretty snappy and quick for a daily trainer. This was definitely my favorite all around shoe...until...the outsole (tread) on one of the heels peeled off with only about 140 miles on the shoes. Since returned the shoe. If I could buy a new pair I would...as I said, it was my favorite shoe (and I have 6 other pairs I rotate throughout the week depending on type of run).
The Boston 12 showed promise after all the rave reviews, I thought it would be my new super shoe. I was let down by a few things. Fit was too narrow at the midfoot, so it was a challenge to get a loose enough lacing (I have a feeling it had to do with the funky lacing system where the eyelets acted as gussets, squeezing your foot even if you don't intend to). The heel on the contrary was way too loose with no bumpers or pads (well a small almost nonexistent one), and the heel counter was stiff right at the center back. No matter what type of socks you wear with them, toe socks, thick cushioned wool ones, no-show or crew, nothing fills in this awkwardly loose fit (even in my TTS and one size up). Ultimately, it is a huge fail by Adidas on designing the shoe fit, even ... MoreThe Boston 12 showed promise after all the rave reviews, I thought it would be my new super shoe. I was let down by a few things. Fit was too narrow at the midfoot, so it was a challenge to get a loose enough lacing (I have a feeling it had to do with the funky lacing system where the eyelets acted as gussets, squeezing your foot even if you don't intend to). The heel on the contrary was way too loose with no bumpers or pads (well a small almost nonexistent one), and the heel counter was stiff right at the center back. No matter what type of socks you wear with them, toe socks, thick cushioned wool ones, no-show or crew, nothing fills in this awkwardly loose fit (even in my TTS and one size up). Ultimately, it is a huge fail by Adidas on designing the shoe fit, even though the other aspects held promise. Hopefully they get it right on the Boston 13 or maybe 14.
Just not for me 🤷🏼‍♂️ ran a few 3-5 miles distances in them and they just didn’t feel right. The heel sole for me was narrow compared to my Saucony Triumph 21’s. They were pretty light and have that race feeling. I heard from reviews about the lacing and how it is hard to get a good lock down. I experienced that. I had to buy a pair longer shoe laces because the pair that come with the sneaker are way too short to double knot and event for the lacing configuration for heel lockdown. I returned them after 3 runs in them. I really wanted them to work for me. I instead went with the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 shoes which fit me well, i don’t have to mess with the lacing, are super light and work with me well.
| Variant | |
| color | Core Black / Core Black / Carbon |
| size | US 12 |
