Boston 12 Vs Evo SL: Which Speed Shoe Wins?
Alright guys, let's dive into a comparison that's been on a lot of runners' minds: the Adidas Adizero Boston 12 versus the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4. Both of these kicks are seriously popular for a reason, offering that sweet spot between a daily trainer and a full-blown race day shoe. We're talking about shoes designed to inject some serious speed into your runs without completely breaking the bank or feeling like you're on stilts. But which one is the ultimate choice for your feet and your running goals? Let's break it down!
The Contenders: A Quick Look
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let's quickly introduce our contenders. The Adidas Adizero Boston 12 is the latest iteration of a shoe that's been a staple for many runners looking for a versatile, responsive ride. It's built to handle everything from tempo runs to longer, faster efforts. On the other side, we have the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4, the newest version of a shoe that pretty much defined the super-trainer category. The Speed series is known for its aggressive rocker, PEBA-based foam, and often, a nylon plate that adds that extra pop.
Under the Hood: What Makes Them Tick?
When you're looking at performance running shoes, the real magic happens under the hood. Let's talk about the foams and the tech that make these shoes fly. The Adidas Boston 12 is rocking a dual-density midsole. We've got the new superfoam, Lightstrike Pro, in the forefoot and heel, which is Adidas's answer to the super-premium foams on the market. This is layered with Lightstrike, a more traditional but still responsive EVA-based foam, in the midfoot. This combo aims to give you both plushness and energy return where you need it most. What's really interesting about the Boston 12 is the inclusion of Energy Rods. These are glass-fiber reinforced rods embedded in the midsole, designed to mimic the mechanics of a sprinter's foot, providing a snappy and propulsive toe-off. It’s Adidas’s way of bringing some of that race-day DNA into a more accessible package. The upper is typically a breathable mesh, designed for a secure lockdown without being overly constricting, keeping your feet cool and comfortable even when the pace heats up. The outsole features their Adiwear rubber, known for its durability, ensuring you get plenty of miles out of these. They’ve really focused on making this shoe feel more modern and race-like compared to its predecessors, stepping away from the firmer, more traditional feel that the Boston line sometimes had.
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4, on the other hand, has always been about that PWRRUN PB foam. This is Saucony's fantastic PEBA-based superfoam, known for being incredibly lightweight, soft, and super bouncy. It's the same stuff you find in their race-day shoes, so you know you're getting top-tier cushioning and energy return. For the Speed 4, Saucony has updated the geometry, tweaking the stack height and rocker to make it feel even more dynamic. The big change for the Speed 4 is the introduction of a nylon plate. While previous Speed models had a different carbon-infused plate that was more flexible, the nylon plate is designed to work with the PWRRUN PB foam and the aggressive Speedroll geometry to provide a really smooth and powerful forward momentum. The Speedroll technology is Saucony's signature curved sole design that encourages a quicker, more efficient stride, almost propelling you forward with each step. It feels less like a rigid plate and more like a smooth transition enhancer. The upper is usually a lightweight, breathable mesh, often with a well-designed heel counter for stability and a secure midfoot wrap. Saucony also tends to use their XT-90 rubber on the outsole, which offers a good balance of grip and durability, though it might not be as hard-wearing as Adidas's Adiwear. The overall goal with the Speed 4 is to offer a shoe that feels effortlessly fast, making those harder workouts feel easier and more enjoyable.
The Ride: How Do They Feel on Foot?
Okay, this is where it all comes together, right? How do these shoes actually feel when you're out pounding the pavement? The Adidas Boston 12 offers a ride that's definitely on the firmer side of responsive, but with a noticeable improvement in cushioning and pop thanks to that Lightstrike Pro foam and the Energy Rods. When you pick up the pace, those rods really come alive, giving you a distinct feeling of propulsion. It’s not a super soft, sinking feeling; it’s more of a firm, energetic push-off. The transition from heel-strike to toe-off is quite smooth, partly due to the rods helping to guide your foot through the stride. For tempo runs and intervals, it feels fantastic – you can really feel the shoe working with you to maintain a quicker cadence. On longer, steady runs, it provides enough cushioning to be comfortable, but you might notice its firmer nature more as the miles rack up. It’s a shoe that rewards a slightly more aggressive foot strike and a quicker turnover. The lockdown is generally excellent, keeping your foot secure without any hot spots, which is crucial when you're pushing hard. The shoe has a more connected-to-the-ground feel than some other super shoes, which some runners prefer for its stability and predictability.
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4, on the other hand, is all about that smoothness and propulsion. The PWRRUN PB foam is noticeably softer and bouncier than the Boston’s primary foam. Combined with the Speedroll geometry and the nylon plate, the ride is incredibly fluid. It feels like the shoe is actively helping you roll through your stride, making it feel almost effortless to maintain a faster pace. For tempo runs, it’s a dream. The softness underfoot can feel a bit less aggressive for very short, sharp intervals compared to a firmer shoe, but for sustained efforts and longer tempo sessions, it shines. The nylon plate adds a nice bit of stiffness and responsiveness without making the ride harsh. It contributes to that feeling of being propelled forward. It’s a shoe that makes running faster feel easier. The cushioning is substantial enough for longer runs too, though some runners might find the softness a bit much for very slow, easy miles. The lockdown is typically very good, with a comfortable upper that hugs the foot. The overall sensation is one of agility and speed, with a forgiving yet energetic cushioning that’s hard to beat.
Who Are They For?
So, who should be lacing up which shoe? The Adidas Boston 12 is a fantastic option for runners who enjoy a firmer, more responsive ride and appreciate a propulsive feel. If you're someone who likes to feel connected to the ground and wants a shoe that can handle a variety of paces – from easy runs to faster tempo sessions and even some marathon racing – the Boston 12 is a strong contender. It’s particularly good for runners who might find super-soft foams a bit too mushy or unstable. Think of it as a versatile workhorse that leans towards performance. If you’re training for a half marathon or marathon and want a shoe that can do your long runs, tempo work, and even race day, the Boston 12 is a serious contender. It’s for the runner who wants a shoe that feels energetic and engaging without being overly intrusive.
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 is the go-to for runners who crave softness, bounce, and effortless speed. If you love that feeling of sinking into plush cushioning that then springs you back, this is your shoe. It’s perfect for tempo runs, interval training, and even longer, faster efforts where you want to conserve energy. The Speed 4 excels at making faster paces feel more accessible and less taxing. It’s also a great option for runners who are new to plated shoes or want a more forgiving plated experience. If you're looking for a shoe that will make your speed work feel like fun, and you don't mind a slightly softer, bouncier ride, the Speed 4 is probably your best bet. It's also a popular choice for marathoners who want a comfortable, cushioned, and responsive shoe for their race day, especially if they prefer a bit more give than what a very firm racer offers. It’s for the runner who wants to feel fast and fresh mile after mile.
The Verdict: Boston 12 vs. Evo SL
Let's sum this up, guys. The Adidas Adizero Boston 12 and the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 are both phenomenal shoes, but they cater to slightly different preferences. The Boston 12 offers a firmer, more engaging, and propulsive ride with its unique Energy Rods and dual-foam setup. It's a versatile shoe that feels more connected to the road and rewards a good stride. The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 delivers a softer, bouncier, and incredibly smooth ride thanks to its PWRRUN PB foam and Speedroll technology, making faster running feel easier.
If you prioritize a more traditional, responsive feel with a bit of extra pop, the Boston 12 is likely your winner. It’s a fantastic all-rounder that leans towards performance. If you’re all about that cloud-like cushioning, bouncy energy return, and a ride that feels like it’s actively propelling you forward, then the Endorphin Speed 4 is probably the shoe for you. Ultimately, the best shoe for you depends on your personal feel, your running style, and what you want out of your speed-day sessions. Happy running!
