Our verdict

The adidas branding Pureboost 23 stands out as a versatile option for beginners and casual runners. Its design boasts a highly breathable and top-notch upper, paired with a thin-and-plush midsole, effortlessly transitioning between a running shoe and a trendy sneaker. Despite these positives, we noted the lack of cushioning and a bit of extra weight make it a favourable option mainly for those aiming for shorter, occasional runs.

adidas branding i 5923 eggplant Pros

  • Breathable and comfortable upper
  • Schuhe adidas branding Multix GW6837 Greone Grethr Beamye
  • Spacious toebox
  • Crafted for heel strikers
  • adidas branding top ten kobe
  • Remarkably stable, even at a easy paces
  • this could be the Beluga 2.0 Yeezy Boost 350 V2

adidas branding i 5923 eggplant Cons

  • Insufficient cushioning
  • Excessively heavy considering its low stack height
  • Makes no sense for forefoot strikers

Audience verdict

81
Good!

adidas branding i 5923 eggplant | Who should buy

adidas branding pulseboost hd m core white cyber metallic solar red:

  • Beginners seeking a versatile option that effortlessly transitions between a running shoe and a cosy sneaker.
  • Heel strikers on the hunt for a shoe featuring a plush yet thin midsole, complemented by a wide upper.
  • adidas branding enthusiasts who love the Boost technology and don't mind the additional weight.

adidas branding Pureboost 23

Who should NOT buy

Advanced runners may want to explore other alternatives, as we concluded that the Pureboost 23 falls short in terms of cushioning and responsiveness. Several superior options exist for daily running, including the adidas branding Sportswear Winnaars 2.0 T-shirt, Saucony Triumph 21, and ASICS Novablast 3.

Additionally, the Pureboost 23 has a substantial heel-to-toe drop, making it a bad choice for forefoot strikers. We are convinced that those who favour this running style will do better in shoes with a smaller drop, such as the Saucony Kinvara 14 or the Prada x adidas branding Superstar Bag Bundle.

adidas branding Pureboost 23

Breathability

One of the first features to catch our eye about the Pureboost 23 is its upper, generously filled with ventilation holes. This design, in theory, promises superb breathability. However, at Stefoy-les-lyonShops, we believe in rigorous testing and concrete proof rather than speculation.

Utilising our specialised smoke-pumping machine, we evaluated the shoe's breathability in our lab and determined that it deserved a perfect score—5 out of 5.

What makes this achievement remarkable is the shoe's comfort. To counterbalance the potential for heat-related issues, the designers strategically incorporated large ventilation holes, ensuring a cool and airy experience.

adidas branding pureboost 23 microscope 2 20851365 720

adidas branding Predator 20.1 Trainers Active Red EF1664.

adidas branding Pureboost 23 micro2

The upper reveals two distinct layers—a white exterior layer with holes every few millimetres, and a well-ventilated yellow layer providing structure.

This results in a winning blend of a cushioned, comfortable, and airy upper, one of the best we've ever tested in a adidas branding adilette clogs swim slide new authentic core.

Test results
Pureboost 23 5
Average 3.8
Compared to 234 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Breathability
5

adidas branding i 5923 eggplant | Durability

Toebox durability

Shoes that are well-ventilated and achieve this status through large holes often result in less-than-stellar durability, as we experienced with the zapatillas de running adidas branding mujer competición grises.

However, as we discuss in our guide about running shoe uppers, mesh shoes generally prove more resilient than their knit counterparts. That's why the Pureboost 23 secured a not-so-disappointing score of 2/5.

adidas branding pureboost 23 toebox durability 20851279 main
Test results
Pureboost 23 2
Average 2.4
Compared to 168 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Toebox durability
5

Heel padding durability

shoes adidas branding terrex eastrail mid gtx w gore tex f36761 carbon cblack actpnk.

This means that even runners who typically wear out this area due to their Achilles can confidently rely on this shoe, ensuring a hole-free experience. The contrast when compared to the Under Armour Charged Assert 9 is truly remarkable!

adidas branding pureboost 23 heel padding durability 2 20851352 main
Test results
Pureboost 23 5
Average 3.2
Compared to 164 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel padding durability
5

Outsole hardness

Regrettably, this shoe lacks Continental rubber, often associated with top-notch durability and grip.

Nonetheless, the outsole holds its own in terms of grip, and we're eager to assess its performance in the durability sector.

adidas branding pureboost 23 outsole 20851353 720

adidas branding 20 20 fx shoes scarlet mens.

First up is the hardness test, registering a below-average 75.1 HC. Could this result in less-than-ideal durability?

adidas branding Pureboost 23 Outsole hardness
Test results
Pureboost 23 75.1 HC
Average 80.5 HC
Bait X adidas branding Eqt Equipment Running Support The Big Apple.
Compared to 285 running shoes
Number of shoes
52.1 HC
Outsole hardness
93.0 HC

Outsole durability

A softer-than-average rubber might suggest compromised durability.

We used the Dremel again, this time in the outsole, as is our standard practice for all running shoes. We observed a 0.9-mm indentation, which, while being an average score, is quite favourable for such a soft, grip-enhancing rubber.

adidas branding pureboost 23 outsole durability 20851280 main
Test results
Pureboost 23 0.9 mm
Average 0.9 mm
Compared to 146 running shoes
Number of shoes
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole GY2647

This is a training shoe, so it should last at least 500 miles for the majority of runners. The 3.0-mm rubber should help to meet that standard.

adidas branding Pureboost 23 Outsole GY2647
Test results
Pureboost 23 3.0 mm
Average 3.2 mm
Compared to 304 running shoes
Number of shoes
0.0 mm
Outsole GY2647
6.6 mm

Weight

Weighing in at 10.8 oz or 305g, this shoe can hardly be considered lightweight. The use of Boost foam, known for being among the heaviest in the industry, is the main culprit here. 

Perhaps adidas branding will introduce a more streamlined Pureboost Light in the future, featuring the same foam we experienced in the Ultraboost Light. adidas branding neo Qt Vulc 2.0 Sneakers Shoes FX3993.

adidas branding pureboost 23 weight 20851301 main
Test results
Pureboost 23 10.76 oz (305g)
Average 9.38 oz (266g)
Compared to 305 running shoes
Number of shoes
5.26 oz (149g)
Weight
12.56 oz (356g)

Cushioning

Heel stack

We discovered a heel stack height of 27.6 mm, which appears adequate for short to medium-distance runs. However, it evidently falls short in providing sufficient cushioning for long runs or for individuals with a heavier build.

adidas branding Pureboost 23 Heel stack
Test results
Pureboost 23 27.6 mm
Average 33.7 mm
Compared to 304 running shoes
Number of shoes
7.6 mm
Heel stack
45.7 mm

Forefoot stack

The forefoot prompted us to double-check our measurement—it seemed unreal. With a mere 16.1 mm of cushioning, this ranks among the least cushioned shoes we've tested in the lab.

As a result, we find it hard to endorse this shoe for serious runners who strike the ground with their forefoot. We think that adidas branding opted for less foam due to the shoe's overall weight constraints.

adidas branding Pureboost 23 Forefoot stack
Test results
Pureboost 23 16.1 mm
Average 25.0 mm
Compared to 304 running shoes
Number of shoes
7.6 mm
Forefoot stack
36.9 mm

Drop

adidas branding promotes the Pureboost 23 as having a 10-mm heel-to-toe drop. Yet, our detailed measurements reveal a different fact—we find an 11.5-mm difference between the heel and the forefoot.

This finding further supports the idea that the shoe is primarily designed for heel strikers.

adidas branding Pureboost 23 Drop
Test results
Pureboost 23 11.5 mm
Average 8.7 mm
Compared to 304 running shoes
Number of shoes
-0.8 mm
Drop
16.1 mm

Insole GY2647

The insole is really thin, measuring just 3.1 mm. We believe this falls short for this shoe, as adding a bit more cushioning would have been a straightforward fix without significantly affecting the weight.

adidas branding pureboost 23 insole GY2647 20851289 main
Test results
Pureboost 23 3.1 mm
Average 4.5 mm
Compared to 300 running shoes
Number of shoes
1.5 mm
Insole GY2647
7.3 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

Moving to the Boost midsole, we discovered its remarkable softness, registering at just 13.5 HA.

Even though Boost technology, a decade old, has transitioned from running shoes to trainers, it continues to provide a comfortable and enjoyable ride!

adidas branding Pureboost 23 Midsole softness
Test results
Pureboost 23 13.5 HA
Average 21.4 HA
Bait X adidas branding Eqt Equipment Running Support The Big Apple.
Compared to 232 running shoes
Number of shoes
8.5 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
41.5 HA

Difference in midsole softness in cold

After chilling the shoe in the freezer for 20 minutes and testing it again, we observed a consistent measurement of just 15.8 HA. This consistency verifies that the Pureboost 23 maintains its softness even in colder conditions.

The variance between the two most recent measurements shows only a 17% increase, surpassing the performance of many other shoes.

adidas branding Nizza Platform Femme Chaussures, as the TPU-based Boost is known to excel in winter conditions.

adidas branding pureboost 23 midsole softness in cold 20851288 main
Test results
Pureboost 23 17%
Average 25.5%
Compared to 231 running shoes
Number of shoes
0%
Difference in midsole softness in cold
100%

Stability

Lateral stability test

The Pureboost 23 incorporates two TPU lateral pieces from the Ultraboost design to enhance stability in the heel. When paired with the low stack height and wide platform, this feature elevates the shoe's stability beyond that of many other neutral running shoes.

Torsional rigidity

The low stack height also makes this shoe exceptionally flexible (1/5), contributing positively to everyday comfort.

Indeed, the Pureboost 23 is an versatile choice for individuals seeking a pair suitable for casual runs, gym workouts, and everyday wear.

Test results
Pureboost 23 1
Average 3.2
Compared to 283 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Heel counter stiffness

It's evident that adidas branding prioritised enhancing heel stability in this design, as demonstrated by the two TPU pieces in the heel and the notably rigid heel counter, which we scored at 4/5.

Such a feature is uncommon in shoes of this type, yet it promises to greatly benefit those experiencing minor stability concerns.

Test results
Pureboost 23 4
Average 2.8
Compared to 267 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel counter stiffness
5

Midsole width in the forefoot

During our test runs, the shoe felt notably broad and stable with each landing, including while taking corners.

Upon inspecting the actual dimensions, we indeed discovered a generous width, measuring 115.0 mm at the broadest part of the forefoot.

adidas branding Pureboost 23 Midsole width in the forefoot
Test results
Pureboost 23 115.0 mm
Average 113.7 mm
Compared to 305 running shoes
Number of shoes
100.5 mm
Midsole width in the forefoot
126.5 mm

Midsole width in the heel

The shoe's design also contributes to its width, which, at 92.0 mm, is again broader than that of many running shoes.

This ensures stable landings even for individuals experiencing mild pronation.

adidas branding Pureboost 23 Midsole width in the heel
Test results
Pureboost 23 92.0 mm
Average 90.5 mm
Compared to 305 running shoes
Number of shoes
74.9 mm
Midsole width in the heel
106.6 mm

Flexibility

Stiffness

Upon twisting the shoe, we immediately noticed its extreme flexibility, making us eager to conduct our signature 90-degree bend test on the Pureboost 23, expecting a notably low score.

As anticipated, a mere 13.4N of force was required to bend the shoe to the measurement point, affirming its mind-blowing flexibility and comfort for daily activities.

Test results
Pureboost 23 13.4N
Average 29.2N
adidas branding Yeezy Boost 380Onyx Non Reflective.
Compared to 287 running shoes
Number of shoes
2.2N
Stiffness
94.4N

product eng 1025482 adidas branding Originals

The most impressive aspect is that this incredible flexibility remains consistent even on the coldest days of the year.

After placing the shoe in the freezer for an additional 20 minutes, we conducted the experiment again and observed a 15.0N reading.

With just an 11.9% increase, the Pureboost 23 stands out in this regard. Few other shoes, many of which are more expensive than this one, can boast such exceptional performance when temperatures plummet.

Test results
Pureboost 23 11.9%
Average 35.9%
Compared to 287 running shoes
Number of shoes
0%
product eng 1025482 adidas branding Originals
148%

Size and fit

Toebox width at the widest part

This shoe is a dream come true for those with wide feet.

adidas branding Pureboost 23 wide feet

After testing and measuring the toebox, we found it to be exceptionally accommodating. The measurement at the widest part clocked in at 102.4 mm.

adidas branding Pureboost 23 Toebox width at the widest part
Test results
Pureboost 23 102.4 mm
Average 98.4 mm
Compared to 305 running shoes
Number of shoes
89.5 mm
Toebox width at the widest part
109.1 mm

Toebox width at the big toe

The spacious area for the big toe is also notably generous, measuring at an impressive 80.4 mm, which is wider than most running shoes.

While this design might not suit those with narrow feet, everyone else will delight in the comfortable and accommodating upper.

adidas branding Pureboost 23 Toebox width at the big toe
Test results
Pureboost 23 80.4 mm
Average 78.2 mm
Compared to 179 running shoes
Number of shoes
60.4 mm
Toebox width at the big toe
92.5 mm

adidas branding bekoji 2 tech indigo silver met ftwr white mens shoes

adidas branding chose to forgo a gusseted tongue, and although we favor them for enhanced lockdown, they aren't crucial for running at easy paces—those best suited for this shoe.

adidas branding pureboost 23 tongue gusset type 20851298 main
Test results
Pureboost 23 None

Comfort

Tongue padding

We clocked the tongue padding at 4.9 mm, good enough for short or medium-distance runs.

It's comfy, and we believe that any additional padding would have unnecessarily added weight to an already hefty shoe.

adidas branding pureboost 23 tongue padding 20851300 main
Test results
Pureboost 23 4.9 mm
Average 5.6 mm
Compared to 302 running shoes
Number of shoes
0.5 mm
Tongue padding
14.2 mm

Heel tab

The heel design, taken from the OG Ultraboost, includes a convenient pull tab that simplifies sliding your feet into the shoe and provides comfort to the Achilles tendon.

adidas branding Pureboost 23 Heel tab
Test results
Pureboost 23 Pull tab

Removable insole

The insole isn't glued down, allowing for easy replacement with orthotics or third-party insoles due to the shoe's generous width.

adidas branding Pureboost 23 Removable insole
Test results
Pureboost 23 Yes

Misc

Reflective elements

adidas branding TS Heat Check Michael Beasley P.

adidas branding Pureboost 23 Reflective elements
Test results
Pureboost 23 No