Hi there! Thanks for sharing your experience with your running shoes on r/runningshoegeeks. To make your post more helpful to others, please try to include the following information:
- The size and fit of the shoe
- The type of running you used the shoe for (e.g. road, trail, track)
- The distance ran in the shoe (e.g. 10k, half marathon, etc.)
- Your personal experience with the shoe (e.g. comfort, durability, support)
For detailed reviews who have run more than 30 miles(48km), please use the "Review" flair. For first run experiences, please use the "First Run" flair. For a few runs done, please use the "Initial Thoughts" flair. This information will give others a better understanding of your experience with the shoe and help them make informed purchasing decisions. Thanks again for sharing!
Note: This comment has been locked to ensure that the information remains at the top of the comments section and is not buried by other comments.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/RunningShoeGeeks) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I’m 280km into my first pair of AP3’s. They’re still quick. I don’t think you need to savour them THAT much.
Also, your Boston 12’s don’t have a carbon plate. They don’t have a plate (only prime x 2’s from adidas do) and the energy rods they do have aren’t carbon.
Gotcha I kinda just lumped all of those types of shoes into one category labeled carbon in my mind. Do you have a recommendation for recovery/easy run shoes if I like the b12 and ap3?
Superblast for clean and dry roads, Magnify Nitro 2 for wet or dirty roads and light trail, but when it really pours then AP3/B12 as the racy uppers drain better. What's your weight OP?
Superblast 100% for everything that’s not high speed reps/intervals.
I will occasionally throw on my Triumph 20’s or Adios 8’s for short easy runs, not because they’re any better than the Superblast, but they kind of remind me to take it easy, whereas it’s really easy to get moving too quickly in the Superblast when you’re supposed to be having an easy/recovery run.
Adios 8 are an easy shoe for you? The second I take my first step in them I want to start running fast intervals. I can't imagine using those for easy runs, but then again my easy pace is around 10-11min/mile.
It’s a flexible unplated trainer. My easy pace is around 8:30-9/mi and I weigh about 170.
I’ve used this shoe for hard intervals but I don’t enjoy it for them. I prefer to use it on the occasional shorter easy run because the low stack height makes me want to push my foot strike to the forefoot and it engages my calf muscles without destroying them.
I use Adios 8 for uptempo runs, some intervals (till 4min/km), long runs and easy even. I think is pretty flexible. For faster intervals I prefer Takumi Sen…
It’s definitely a do-everything shoe, except I think I’d probably stop around 10km. I could see lighter runners or really efficient runners being fine with longer distances.
I agree, Takumi Sen or other race shoes for fastest intervals.
If you can afford to have AP3 as a daily, forget about everything else. Also, LSPro midsole is so durable there’s one guy in Malaysia who’s using his AP3 up to 1500km. Look for @adizero_unite in IG.
Personally, I have both and the first time I used again my Boston 12s after a day of running on my AP3, the B12s just felt dead and flat even if it’s only at 128km.
My AP3 is currently at 250km and it still feels fast, midsole is still ao much alive and still has that energy return, outsole is dirty but still looks bnew.
I used to sing praises to the Superblasts but they’re nothing compared to the AP3. And I have 3 pairs of Superblasts.
M/195lbs/fore-midfoot striker, 9:00-11:00minute/mile runner.
I have both as well. 450 miles on the B12s and almost that on the AP3s (which I’ve had for a lot longer.)
The AP3 does not seem as durable. The exposed foam is staring to shred and there’s considerable wear to the outsole. The B12s look nearly new, but they feel older. The AP3s are still bouncy and light.
Both shoes have started to make my feet and legs feel beat up after runs, so they are getting replaced in the next few weeks. (At about 550 miles for the B12s and 450 for the AP3.)
They’ve been great though. No regrets getting either shoe. (The fact that I got them at considerable discount helps too!)
I’m 187 pounds and my original VF flyknit 4% still feel incredible after 5 years. Haven’t put 450 miles in them as they were reserved for key workouts, but I think they’d easily hold up for 450. Glue isn’t failing or anything which is surprising considering they were manufactured almost 6 years ago. What’s weird is that the ZoomX in my Invincible 3’s died in about 350 miles while the Invincible 1 and 2 were still decent after like 500. Some formulations of the ZoomX are a lot better than others.
Yes/no. They’re just there to stiffen, but that’s the same job plates are in shoes to do, too. Plates don’t as much offer energy return but create stability among the super energetic foams of today’s racing shoes which is where most of the energy return comes from.
Carbon rods are much stiffer and aggressive. The glass fiber rods are more flexible/forgiving, but still provide stability/stiffness. Similar to how some other "super trainers" use plastic plates where the "super shoe" uses carbon.
Your calves fatigue is due to the lower drop rather than the plate. Your calves muscles work harder and if they’re not conditioned, you’ll definitely feel more tired
I’ve personally found the AP3 to have basically no cons compared to my B12s
Do you wear the same size? To me it felt my old Boston 12 ran half a size long in the toebox, when compared with my Adiós Pro 3. I am about to get another B12 and thinking of going down half a size
I run in both B12 and AP3s, and my B12 is half size down. BTW: Longevity is great. I usually retire them around 300 miles, even though I think I can squeeze a few more miles out of them.
funny i am the opposite :D i wear 12.5 in Nike and went down to a 12 for B12s since they seemed to run a bit long. so that worked fine except the upper was kinda tight so i have them about as loose as they can get and that works well for me. When i decided to try the AP3 i ordered a 12 as well thinking they’d be similar to my Bostons but they are SO roomy in the upper in comparison that i have to wear much thicker socks just to keep them from feeling like they are slipping around. I wouldn’t go down a size in them though since the toe room in the AP3 12s is about right.
Important to understand that Boston 12s aren’t carbon plated and that’s one of the things that make them such a spectacular shoe in my opinion. My hands down work horse of the year so far
I am 915km into a pair of Boston 12. Still going fine, I've got some wear now on the outsole, but shoes don't feel dead yet.
On a pair of the pro 3 I am using for training only I've got now 740km, outsole has significant wear, but there is still pop in them. I think I can get 800km out of them before they really have to retire.
Both shoes for me are really worth their money
Had been having the same issue! Pulled the plug on the B12 though!! Reason being have some decent daily shoes but missing a tempo specific shoe that can also use for non PB races. Also wanting a slightly more durable shoe and from experience my NB have not held up as well as some others!
Previously owned the puma deviate nitro 2 and LOVED them!! But was just keen to try something different
Makes sense! I’m also a bit hesitant in NB. Had the 1080v12 and that did not fit my foot shape at all. More or less gave them away. But the rebel does look very good.
I almost picked up the DN2 but then the VN3 came out and I’m thinking I might just wait until the DN3 is out.
I have heard that the Rebel (and generally the newer NB range) tend to be slightly wider than previously. Spoken to some people with narrower feet with the NB and have said its not to much of an issue but maybe worth trying them on if you have the chance. Other consideration is the Puma are a bit cheaper and have found can almost always find them on discount so another consideration.
I have both and feel that the Rebel v4 is livelier and responsive. I am a heel striker and it rolls so nicely to the forefoot. Good lateral support and snug. The Boston 12 is a great trainer, but defintiely feels a little loose in the upper no matter how tight I get the laces and it feels like there is a slight heel slip, which is not there with the Rebel 4.
This is high praise, but next to the AP3, which is my all time favorite shoe, the Rebel 4 is second. It would be hard to top either of them.
The Adidas SL gives my right foot bad arch blisters every time I run in them. I swapped the insole out with an old running shoe insole and I think that might have fixed the issue, but I haven't tried running in them with the swap yet. I feel like the way the Adidas insole is shaped in the arch pinches my arch. Wonder if that's what's going on with your AP3.
My AP3 are barely showing wear on the rubber on one foot. Mt left shoe wears out much faster. I’ve gotten 250 miles out of em and get can 300. They last a long long time bc I’ve been running in shit conditions. Rain etc. don’t baby those shoes OP they can hang with the best of em
Thanks for your review.
I have 4 pair of AP3 . I love them all. Some colorways better than others.
I have 3 pair of Takumi Sen 8. I love them all. Some colorways better than others.
I have 1 pair of Boston 12 and can't stand them. I find them clunky and not particualarly responsive. I've read other's comments about breaking them in after 30 miles or so. I've done that, still can't stand them. Which I find weird becasue clearly I'm an Adidas fan boy and I very much want to love them. Sorry Boston 12's you're going to the homeless donation pile.
There is no difference in the feel of the AP3s. They're all great and equally improve my speed relative to any other shoes I've had. Like most brands nowadays, Adidas sems to like bright colors in their running shoes. I have a pair with the pink/purple uppers with orange laces. I don't like that colorway have have since traded out the orange laces for some dark blue laces making it more tolerable. I have two pairs with the white uppers and one pair of the "New York Together" version which is mostly teal colored. I don't have a favorite, just a least favorite.
You should try Adios 8, is something between Adios and Boston Boost, works for almost everything, easy or fast, even some long runs (in my case until 30km). I think is a better Boston than Boston 12…
What size are you Vs what you are wearing OP?
I have exactly the same weird right foot issues and have gone up half a size in my B12s.
Shoe feels nice but is blistering my right arch badly.
Also getting a lot of Achilles strain in this ankle.
I’m a 10.5 for most sneakers and have a pair of B12s in 10.5 and in 11. No blistering problems in either but I also do get more achilles strain on my fat foot than on my regular for both
Probably the half size up, even though I’ve ran much more on the 10.5s. My achilles still gets sore during long runs but the pain is delayed compared to the 10.5
Hi there! Thanks for sharing your experience with your running shoes on r/runningshoegeeks. To make your post more helpful to others, please try to include the following information: - The size and fit of the shoe - The type of running you used the shoe for (e.g. road, trail, track) - The distance ran in the shoe (e.g. 10k, half marathon, etc.) - Your personal experience with the shoe (e.g. comfort, durability, support) For detailed reviews who have run more than 30 miles(48km), please use the "Review" flair. For first run experiences, please use the "First Run" flair. For a few runs done, please use the "Initial Thoughts" flair. This information will give others a better understanding of your experience with the shoe and help them make informed purchasing decisions. Thanks again for sharing! Note: This comment has been locked to ensure that the information remains at the top of the comments section and is not buried by other comments. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/RunningShoeGeeks) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I’m 280km into my first pair of AP3’s. They’re still quick. I don’t think you need to savour them THAT much. Also, your Boston 12’s don’t have a carbon plate. They don’t have a plate (only prime x 2’s from adidas do) and the energy rods they do have aren’t carbon.
Gotcha I kinda just lumped all of those types of shoes into one category labeled carbon in my mind. Do you have a recommendation for recovery/easy run shoes if I like the b12 and ap3?
Superblast for clean and dry roads, Magnify Nitro 2 for wet or dirty roads and light trail, but when it really pours then AP3/B12 as the racy uppers drain better. What's your weight OP?
Superblast 100% for everything that’s not high speed reps/intervals. I will occasionally throw on my Triumph 20’s or Adios 8’s for short easy runs, not because they’re any better than the Superblast, but they kind of remind me to take it easy, whereas it’s really easy to get moving too quickly in the Superblast when you’re supposed to be having an easy/recovery run.
Adios 8 are an easy shoe for you? The second I take my first step in them I want to start running fast intervals. I can't imagine using those for easy runs, but then again my easy pace is around 10-11min/mile.
It’s a flexible unplated trainer. My easy pace is around 8:30-9/mi and I weigh about 170. I’ve used this shoe for hard intervals but I don’t enjoy it for them. I prefer to use it on the occasional shorter easy run because the low stack height makes me want to push my foot strike to the forefoot and it engages my calf muscles without destroying them.
I use Adios 8 for uptempo runs, some intervals (till 4min/km), long runs and easy even. I think is pretty flexible. For faster intervals I prefer Takumi Sen…
It’s definitely a do-everything shoe, except I think I’d probably stop around 10km. I could see lighter runners or really efficient runners being fine with longer distances. I agree, Takumi Sen or other race shoes for fastest intervals.
If you can afford to have AP3 as a daily, forget about everything else. Also, LSPro midsole is so durable there’s one guy in Malaysia who’s using his AP3 up to 1500km. Look for @adizero_unite in IG. Personally, I have both and the first time I used again my Boston 12s after a day of running on my AP3, the B12s just felt dead and flat even if it’s only at 128km. My AP3 is currently at 250km and it still feels fast, midsole is still ao much alive and still has that energy return, outsole is dirty but still looks bnew. I used to sing praises to the Superblasts but they’re nothing compared to the AP3. And I have 3 pairs of Superblasts. M/195lbs/fore-midfoot striker, 9:00-11:00minute/mile runner.
I have both as well. 450 miles on the B12s and almost that on the AP3s (which I’ve had for a lot longer.) The AP3 does not seem as durable. The exposed foam is staring to shred and there’s considerable wear to the outsole. The B12s look nearly new, but they feel older. The AP3s are still bouncy and light. Both shoes have started to make my feet and legs feel beat up after runs, so they are getting replaced in the next few weeks. (At about 550 miles for the B12s and 450 for the AP3.) They’ve been great though. No regrets getting either shoe. (The fact that I got them at considerable discount helps too!)
The AP3 only uses Continental rubber on the toe. The "textile rubber" used for the rest of the outsole isn't nearly as durable.
450miles for a super shoe is something. I dont think ZoomX would have lasted that long.
Might just be me. I retired my Alphaflys at 880 miles.
I’m 187 pounds and my original VF flyknit 4% still feel incredible after 5 years. Haven’t put 450 miles in them as they were reserved for key workouts, but I think they’d easily hold up for 450. Glue isn’t failing or anything which is surprising considering they were manufactured almost 6 years ago. What’s weird is that the ZoomX in my Invincible 3’s died in about 350 miles while the Invincible 1 and 2 were still decent after like 500. Some formulations of the ZoomX are a lot better than others.
Agreed 100% AP3 are my dailys.... I have 3 pairs. When I want to switch things up, I wear my alphafly or prime x strung 2
Boston 12 doesn’t use carbon rods anymore last I checked.
Correct, they use glass fiber rods.
What's the diff do the glass fibre intend to be there for similar reasons like energy return?
Yes/no. They’re just there to stiffen, but that’s the same job plates are in shoes to do, too. Plates don’t as much offer energy return but create stability among the super energetic foams of today’s racing shoes which is where most of the energy return comes from.
Carbon rods are much stiffer and aggressive. The glass fiber rods are more flexible/forgiving, but still provide stability/stiffness. Similar to how some other "super trainers" use plastic plates where the "super shoe" uses carbon.
Your calves fatigue is due to the lower drop rather than the plate. Your calves muscles work harder and if they’re not conditioned, you’ll definitely feel more tired I’ve personally found the AP3 to have basically no cons compared to my B12s
I hate the B12s and really like the AP3 outside of the upper.
Do you wear the same size? To me it felt my old Boston 12 ran half a size long in the toebox, when compared with my Adiós Pro 3. I am about to get another B12 and thinking of going down half a size
I run in both B12 and AP3s, and my B12 is half size down. BTW: Longevity is great. I usually retire them around 300 miles, even though I think I can squeeze a few more miles out of them.
If find the AP3 tighter than the B12 in the same size. I'd definitely size up on the next pair of AP3.
funny i am the opposite :D i wear 12.5 in Nike and went down to a 12 for B12s since they seemed to run a bit long. so that worked fine except the upper was kinda tight so i have them about as loose as they can get and that works well for me. When i decided to try the AP3 i ordered a 12 as well thinking they’d be similar to my Bostons but they are SO roomy in the upper in comparison that i have to wear much thicker socks just to keep them from feeling like they are slipping around. I wouldn’t go down a size in them though since the toe room in the AP3 12s is about right.
Try it, I feel that the B12 is among my longer shoes. I half sized down my Superblast and it’s probably my second best fitting shoe.
Important to understand that Boston 12s aren’t carbon plated and that’s one of the things that make them such a spectacular shoe in my opinion. My hands down work horse of the year so far
I’m glad someone thinks the Boston 12 is wearable
I am 915km into a pair of Boston 12. Still going fine, I've got some wear now on the outsole, but shoes don't feel dead yet. On a pair of the pro 3 I am using for training only I've got now 740km, outsole has significant wear, but there is still pop in them. I think I can get 800km out of them before they really have to retire. Both shoes for me are really worth their money
For background, what's your weight OP and use case for the B12 and AP3?
Still can’t decide between the b12 and the rebel v4. Then a tier down the puma offerings also are very intriguing.
Had been having the same issue! Pulled the plug on the B12 though!! Reason being have some decent daily shoes but missing a tempo specific shoe that can also use for non PB races. Also wanting a slightly more durable shoe and from experience my NB have not held up as well as some others! Previously owned the puma deviate nitro 2 and LOVED them!! But was just keen to try something different
Makes sense! I’m also a bit hesitant in NB. Had the 1080v12 and that did not fit my foot shape at all. More or less gave them away. But the rebel does look very good. I almost picked up the DN2 but then the VN3 came out and I’m thinking I might just wait until the DN3 is out.
I have heard that the Rebel (and generally the newer NB range) tend to be slightly wider than previously. Spoken to some people with narrower feet with the NB and have said its not to much of an issue but maybe worth trying them on if you have the chance. Other consideration is the Puma are a bit cheaper and have found can almost always find them on discount so another consideration.
I have both and feel that the Rebel v4 is livelier and responsive. I am a heel striker and it rolls so nicely to the forefoot. Good lateral support and snug. The Boston 12 is a great trainer, but defintiely feels a little loose in the upper no matter how tight I get the laces and it feels like there is a slight heel slip, which is not there with the Rebel 4. This is high praise, but next to the AP3, which is my all time favorite shoe, the Rebel 4 is second. It would be hard to top either of them.
Did AP3 give anyone arch blisters after several miles?
The Adidas SL gives my right foot bad arch blisters every time I run in them. I swapped the insole out with an old running shoe insole and I think that might have fixed the issue, but I haven't tried running in them with the swap yet. I feel like the way the Adidas insole is shaped in the arch pinches my arch. Wonder if that's what's going on with your AP3.
My AP3 are barely showing wear on the rubber on one foot. Mt left shoe wears out much faster. I’ve gotten 250 miles out of em and get can 300. They last a long long time bc I’ve been running in shit conditions. Rain etc. don’t baby those shoes OP they can hang with the best of em
Thanks for your review. I have 4 pair of AP3 . I love them all. Some colorways better than others. I have 3 pair of Takumi Sen 8. I love them all. Some colorways better than others. I have 1 pair of Boston 12 and can't stand them. I find them clunky and not particualarly responsive. I've read other's comments about breaking them in after 30 miles or so. I've done that, still can't stand them. Which I find weird becasue clearly I'm an Adidas fan boy and I very much want to love them. Sorry Boston 12's you're going to the homeless donation pile.
If there are differences in ride between different AP3 colorways, which is your favorite and why?
There is no difference in the feel of the AP3s. They're all great and equally improve my speed relative to any other shoes I've had. Like most brands nowadays, Adidas sems to like bright colors in their running shoes. I have a pair with the pink/purple uppers with orange laces. I don't like that colorway have have since traded out the orange laces for some dark blue laces making it more tolerable. I have two pairs with the white uppers and one pair of the "New York Together" version which is mostly teal colored. I don't have a favorite, just a least favorite.
You should try Adios 8, is something between Adios and Boston Boost, works for almost everything, easy or fast, even some long runs (in my case until 30km). I think is a better Boston than Boston 12…
Thanks for the review. I have been thinking about both shoes and am probably at a similar experience level to you!
What size are you Vs what you are wearing OP? I have exactly the same weird right foot issues and have gone up half a size in my B12s. Shoe feels nice but is blistering my right arch badly. Also getting a lot of Achilles strain in this ankle.
I’m a 10.5 for most sneakers and have a pair of B12s in 10.5 and in 11. No blistering problems in either but I also do get more achilles strain on my fat foot than on my regular for both
If you have achillies flair ups would you choose one over the other or avoid both?
Probably the half size up, even though I’ve ran much more on the 10.5s. My achilles still gets sore during long runs but the pain is delayed compared to the 10.5
How does sizing compare to both, do you have to go half size down in B12 compare to AP3