Photo: Adidas
The Adidas UltraBoost made its first debut back in 2015 at a time when Nike had firmly dominated the running shoe market, and Jordans were the most popular lifestyle sneakers. However, this was all about to shift revolutionary due to the game-changing Boost cushioning and its co-sign from Kanye West. Not only would the Adidas UltraBoost become the hottest shoe on the planet, but also running shoes, in general, would finally start to find mainstream success.
The UltraBoost 1.0 boasts a Primeknit upper using lightweight and breathable fabric, with a plastic heel counter called the ‘Torsion System’ to support the ankle during movement. Three plastic stripes can be seen on each side of the shoe. The midsole features Adidas’ Boost technology, which is protected by an outsole designed with webbed rubber. Additionally, the midsole includes an EVA foam layer to provide extra comfort.
The initial reason that played a vital role in the success of the Adidas UltraBoost was its Boost cushioning. It is made from tiny beads of TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) molded together. Boost can be easily compressed and instantly bounce back to its original shape once the pressure has been released. It has been regarded as one of the most comfortable sneaker cushions ever created, and this is one of the main reasons that motivates casual wearers to choose the shoe. Boost stood out with its noticeable springiness and arrived at a time when popular casual sneakers persisted with outdated technology, such as Max Air. There was a need in the market for more comfortable lifestyle options, and the UltraBoost successfully filled it.
The Primeknit upper adds more comfort as it also provides a sock-like fit that reduces the pressure point and allows the foot to move naturally. Depending on the way and time of usage, the durability of the Adidas UltraBoost is known among wearers as the rubber outsole is renowned for its grip and traction. You can wear this Adidas Ultraboost as a fashionable option for various occasions due to its different colorways and its eye-catching design. In addition, the Adidas UltraBoost is designed to be a running shoe, and it is suitable for any sport training activities.
It would also be unjust to discuss the success of the Adidas UltraBoost without acknowledging Kanye West’s influence on the model. Back in 2015, the Chicago-born rapper wore the Adidas UltraBoost 1.0 on several occasions, giving the silhouette an unparalleled level of media attention, wearing both the triple-white and the black version of the sneaker. Instantly, both colorways flew off shelves and started to resell for hundreds of dollars. The influence of Kanye West, who has now officially become a billionaire thanks to his Yeezy sneaker line, should not be understated as without him the Adidas UltraBoost would likely have never reached the sneaker blogs and the masses at the time it did.
There were other Boost sneakers before the UltraBoost, and Kanye West had already worn a pair of Adidas EnergyBoost. Still, the simple yet eye-catching design of the Adidas UltraBoost allowed it to reach an extraordinary level of success. It came at a time when running shoes, such as the Nike FlyKnit Trainer, were starting to become more popular, and the UltraBoost fit this new trend perfectly. It had the sleek, sporty shape people were after but was also simple enough that it still appealed to the masses.
Another factor that contributed to the fame of the Adidas Ultraboost is the collaborations made with different brands resulting in limited-edition collections. One of the notable collaborations is the Game Of Thrones X Adidas UltraBoost collection, offering a wide range of color schemes representing different houses. A-Ma Maniére Adidas Ultra Boost is another collab with the sneaker boutique that offered a unique design of the UltraBoost. Adidas partnered with the fashion designer Stella McCartney to release an elegant collection of UltraBoost shoes for women. Also, Adidas took into consideration the recycled plastic collected from the oceans and created the Parley for the Oceans Adidas UltraBoost.
In conclusion, since its rise to fame, the UltraBoost has been released in some different varieties, such as a winterized edition, a laceless edition, and multiple versions without the caging around the forefoot. Although the UltraBoost has recently seen a dip in popularity, it is still one of the most popular shoes, and sneakerheads are still kicking up a fuss whenever they re-release the UltraBoost 1.0 Triple White. It is the perfect choice for any occasion, combining unique fashion with performance.