Our Adidas Adizero Boston 13 review covers a rod-assisted trainer for tempo runs and marathon training. It costs about $160 at full price, weighs 9 oz in the men's and uses Lightstrike Pro over Lightstrike 2.0 with glass-fiber Energyrods. RunRepeat scored it 88 ('Superb'), highest for tempo work. It has a narrow heel and tapered toebox, so fit matters. Best for: runners who want one shoe for tempo, long runs and marathon training.
Illustration drawn from the product’s specs — see the brand’s site for real photos and colors.
Adidas Adizero Boston 13 Review (2026): $160?
4.3/5
our rating
our rating
$160Full price on Adidas’s site, checked Oct 7, 2026
Best for: Runners who want one shoe for tempo, long runs and marathon training.
Skip it if: You need a wide toebox or a plush recovery ride.
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What we like
- Lightstrike Pro with glass-fiber Energyrods 2.0
- Lighter than the Boston 12 (9 oz / 255 g men's)
- Durable outsole per lab wear tests
- Redesigned heel counter improves lockdown
- Very good for tempo workouts
Watch out for
- Narrow heel limits stability
- Tapered toebox
- Toebox durability scored low in lab
On this page
Fit and sizing
RunRepeat's 256 owner votes call the Boston 13 true to size, and adidas lists Normal and Wide. Lab data shows a narrow heel and tapered toebox, and a redesigned heel counter improves lockdown. Try our running shoe finder to compare widths.
Cushioning and ride
Adidas lists about a 36 mm heel and 30 mm forefoot stack with a 6 mm drop. Lightstrike Pro sits on top, especially in the forefoot, with Lightstrike 2.0 below. The Energyrods give stiffness and snap but this is not a full plate shoe.
How it performs for tempo runs and marathon training
By its design it excels at tempo workouts and long runs, with a stable-feeling transition and lively forefoot. RunRepeat calls it a strong value for a super trainer. Our marathon shoe list compares the field.
Price and value
At about $160 at full price, it is cheaper than most plated shoes, with an outsole that tested durable.
Alternatives
The Adidas EVO SL is lighter and cheaper but has no rods. The Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 is a close rival with a nylon plate. More on the Adidas brand page.
Who should skip it
Skip the Boston 13 if you need a wide toebox, strong stability or a plush recovery ride.
Specs
| For | Men & women |
|---|---|
| Sizes | Men's and women's US sizes (full range not captured) |
| Extended fits | Wide widths |
| Weight | 255 g (9.0 oz) |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 6 mm |
| Heel stack | 36 mm |
| Forefoot stack | 30 mm |
| Cushioning | Balanced |
| Support | Neutral |
| Widths | Regular, Wide |
| Plate | Plastic |
| Midsole foam | Lightstrike Pro over Lightstrike 2.0, Energyrods 2.0 |
| Surface | Road |
| Best use | Tempo |
| Colors | 6 at time of checking |
| Good for | Running, Speed work, Long runs, Racing |
The verdict
A fast, light, durable trainer that suits tempo days and marathon work. Fit is narrow, but at about $160 it is good value. Skip it if you need a wide toebox or a plush recovery ride. Ratings here are editorial estimates, not our own testing.
Alternatives to consider
Frequently asked questions
Is the Boston 13 a carbon plate shoe?
Not exactly. Adidas describes glass-fiber Energyrods 2.0, which are separate rods rather than a full-length plate. Specs here come from the brand and independent testers, since we have not tested it ourselves. Check the brand page or a retailer for the latest colors, sizes and price before you order.
Is the Boston 13 good for marathons?
Reviewers rate it highly for tempo and long runs. Specs here come from the brand and independent testers, since we have not tested it ourselves. Check the brand page or a retailer for the latest colors, sizes and price before you order. Models are updated often, so make sure you are looking at the current version.
Does the Boston 13 run true to size?
RunRepeat's 256 owner votes say yes. Fit is personal, so try it on with your usual socks if you can, and buy from a retailer with an easy return policy. Specs here come from the brand and independent testers, since we have not tested it ourselves.
How heavy is the Boston 13?
Adidas lists 9 oz (255 g) men's and 7.6 oz (215 g) women's. Weights are the brand's stated figures for a men's size unless noted, and independent lab weights can differ slightly, so treat them as a guide. Specs here come from the brand and independent testers, since we have not tested it ourselves.
Sources and last checked · Oct 7, 2026
Notes: Price $160 per adidas.com (no sale shown). Weight 9 oz / 255 g men's, 7.6 oz / 215 g women's, drop 6 mm, stack 36/30 mm per RunRepeat quoting adidas; lab 254 g, 6 mm, 34.3/28.3 mm. Plate: adidas page says 'glass-fiber Energyrods' (RunRepeat calls them carbon-based Energy Rods 2.0, not a full plate); set plate 'plastic' as the closest enum, not 'carbon'. Widths Normal and Wide. 6 colorways. Sizing true to size (256 votes). Ratings estimated; we have not tested this shoe.
Specs and prices come from the sources above and change often; ratings are our editorial estimates, not lab tests. Spot something out of date? Tell us.