What is the best Adidas Boston 9 Replacement

Are you trying to find the perfect running shoes?

Well, I am too. The struggle is real.

Whether you are searching for your first pair of running shoes, replacing a discontinued favorite, or building your running shoe rotation you may find some of these tips helpful. (or just follow along, and realize your not alone in this search)

December 2023 Update: I am on my second pair of the best Adidas Boston 9 Replacement.

It is time to replace my Adidas Boston 9. I have been wearing these for years. When the Adidas Boston 10 I stocked up came out because I did not think the increased stack height would work for me since I prefer running shoe with ground feel.

Now a couple years later, and the last of my Adidas Boston 9’s are being worn, my search for a replacement continues.

I find it helpful to determine what you like about your current shoes.

If you are new to running, this will take time, and may require some trial and error. I keep a record of my Running Shoes, which you can view here.

I have been wearing the Adidas Boston as a daily trainer since the Boston 7, so I was sad to see what happened with the Adidas Boston 10.

So the Search for an Adidas Boston 9 Replacement began…

Saucony Did Not Fit Well

At the end of 2021, I ordered Saucony Kinvara 12, Endorphin Speed, Endorphin Pro because of all the love they get on r/runningshoegeeks. The fit did not work well for my feet. The size was right, but the arch did not align with my arch causing me discomfort, so I returned them all.

Nike ZoomX Invincible gave me Pain

Next I ordered Nike ZoomX Invincible. These were so comfortable. So Soft. I wore them until maybe August 2022. I was in PT from March 2022 – September 2022 for right knee pain, and at some point thought the Nike Invincibles were contributing to my pain, so I stopped wearing them. My Physical Therapist did say it was a possibility, that the softness made me bounce more increasing my vertical oscillation, and pain was similar to jumper’s knee. I also found them to be a bit bulky, and would have a harder time increasing my Cadence, and lowering my GCT with them. Luckily I still had some Adidas Boston 9s to wear.

Adidas Adizero Adios 6 was a Win

After searching more for a replacement, many people recommended the Adidas Adizero Adios 6. I purchased these, and I like them, and continue wearing them ( I even bought I second pair), but I feel I need something else for longer distances. I also would not say the Adios is great for Recovery. I do enjoy them for easy runs though.

So it appears that I prefer firmer shoes, with less cushion. Finding shoes that are not max cushion, high stack is difficult these days.

I Gave New Balance a Chance

I was definitely spreading my wings a bit with taking a shot with New Balance. There shoes are just not exciting, but I was willing to give it a try.

I ordered the Freshfoam X Tempo V2, and Fuelcell Supercomp Pacer. I ordered both in my usual 7.5W, and they were both two small, and tight in the forefoot. I was not pleased with the feel, so I sent them back.

Will Puma be the One?

I am still trying to find something that works. I figured it was time to try another brand. I’ve heard PUMA has been making a come back, and read a lot about the Velocity, Liberate, and Deviate. (The last pair of PUMA’s I owned was the Speedcat back in High School. I didn’t even realize they were still sold.)

Of the 3, I ordered the Liberate Nitro, and Velocity Nitro because they both had a heel stack under 30, and the Deviate has a Heel Stack of 38.

Once again, I ordered them both in my usual 7.5 W’s. They were okay in length, but the midfoot was too tight. Besides for the fit issue. I noticed that the heel of the Velocity Nitro looked off. Both shoes did not look the same.

The puma liberate Nitro felt flat, and had a very narrow midfoot. Also the wide lace area made my foot look wider. Not a flattering shoe. Also what is up with those creases? I was not impressed with Puma. This shoe also went back. Don’t know if I should give the Puma Deviate a chance.

So as of now my search is still on. I just ordered the Adidas SL20 and Adidas SL20.3, so I will report back once those arrive. Read Report Here