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adidas PureBoost DPR | Detailed Look and Performance Review

adidas pureboost dpr detailed look and review

adidas has launched its latest performance runner: the PureBoost DPR.


I’m not much of a running shoe reviewer in terms of performance. Bryan (Duke4005) is much better suited for this type of thing as his knowledge far surpasses mine in this category. However, I was given the opportunity to wear-test and review the new adidas PureBoost DPR so here are my thoughts.



The adidas PureBOOST DPR is available now at Eastbay.com

Traction /// If you’ve used adidas’ StretchWeb traction before then you already know what to expect — solid traction that doesn’t hinder the ride. Being as flexible as it is offers a smoother transition and less bulk/weight, but you will be sacrificing durability. It isn’t really a high-mileage runner in terms of durability, but it’s very functional. I had not had the opportunity to try them out on wet pavement — it’s been dry here in CA — but the grip was great indoors on the treadmill and outdoors on the concrete and tar.

Setups like this offer many pros with the only con being durability. It’s up to the wearer to determine if the sacrifice outweighs the benefits of having something as fluid as this underfoot.

Cushion /// This setup is a bit different from other Boost models as this one sits the lowest to the ground at 16mm in the forefoot. The heel is raised to 24mm giving you an 8mm offset. Transition is super smooth if you happen to land on your heel while coming off a curb. If you plant at the midfoot or forefoot then you’ll experience a low profile ride without the loss of much cushion.

Barefoot running has been the craze over the past decade, and while it’s a more natural way of running, the modern human hasn’t run barefoot since they were children — and running circles in the front or backyard isn’t exactly the same as distance running. Most will need to adapt to the loss of cushion while transitioning into a minimalist shoe and the PureBoost DPR makes the transition pretty effortless. Having Boost is sort of cheating — you get all the benefits of being low to the ground without leaving cushion behind.

Materials /// A one-piece engineered circular knit upper is utilized here and it feels very similar to Nike’s Flyknit. It isn’t as stretchy as Primeknit, and it’s a bit more coarse. This type of knit is slightly more durable and offers a ton of ventilation within the shoe, something you can feel while in motion.

A traditional detached tongue is in place and I prefer this over the burrito style tongue featured on the PureBoost 2017. If you enjoy textiles and knits then there is no reason you wouldn’t enjoy the materials here.

Fit /// The PureBoost DPR fits true to size and is wide-foot friendly. There is enough room within the forefoot for wide footers but not too much to make things sloppy for everyone else. The materials don’t sit as close to the foot as the UltraBoost’s Primeknit so if you prefer a snug fit above all else then you may want to consider going down a half size.

I experienced no issued in terms of lockdown. Running is much different than playing basketball because it’s much more linear. Playing basketball is a bit more…chaotic. And multidirectional. If you were planning or training in the PureBoost DPR then overall lockdown could pose a problem upon lateral movements, but if you use them for what they were intended — running the streets — then you should be good to go. The shoe’s heel fit is nice and secure and I experienced no issues with hot spots or chaffing — this includes wearing no-show socks for my fellow no-show sock wearers.

Support /// The overall support was adequate. Nothing too extensive, but not flimsy by any means. Again, I’m not the best with the running category, but there have been some running shoes that I’ve worn that felt flimsy. On the flip side, I’ve also worn runners that are tremendously bulky. These balance being a lightweight runner and supportive runner.

The heel counter setup was perfect (for me) and ensured my foot wasn’t shifting off the footbed — important for those curb landings. Ever roll an ankle coming off a curb? Yeah. It sucks as bad as it sounds. To top if off you feel like an idiot as cars race past you while you’re trying desperately to recover — not that I’m speaking from experience or anything.

Offering the most support is the Boost midsole’s forefoot. Being 16mm off the ground keeps you closer to the pavement while the platform is wider than the UltraBoost in order to enhance stability.

Overall /// The adidas PureBoost DPR is a solid shoe for those looking at a runner on the minimalist side of the running spectrum that still offers cushioning. Every feature on the PureBoost DPR has a functional purpose because it is a performance shoe and not something that was intended to matchup perfectly with that YEEZY SZN 5 outfit.

Wide-foot friendly, affordable, and fairly durable (outsole aside). Here, you have something solid to help you transition into that minimalist running category without causing any pain. Cheating? Maybe. #Boostislife though.

5 comments
  1. Does it come with an insole? I know w the pure boost it’s like a thin fabric with holes and you can see the boost. Thanks.

  2. I probably have the worst reference, but I hate how free the uncaged UB feels. Can’t even tie tight because that’s just stretching the material more than anything. It’s been regulated to house-slippers. Wondering if I should try a caged UB or the Pure Boost for a more properly secure-feeling shoe.

    1. are you using them for running? i wouldn’t run in the ultraboost, much less the uncaged

      as for the pureboost dpr….these just dropped in a multicolor colorway that is pretty sexy…..but i think i’ve made too many impulse boost buys to just simply shell out the cash now

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