I Tried The New adidas Ultraboost 22, And Here’s Why They *Actually* Made Me Like Running

As with all things in life, a good shoe can change everything.

Hi, my name is Isabella. I’m here to bravely admit that I have never, ever liked running. This is me before a run. Don't I look terrified?

BuzzFeed / Via Isabella Torchia

But as winter started to melt away, I thought, Maybe this is my year! So I did what I do before starting any new hobby: I picked out new shoes. After perusing adidas, I went with the new Ultraboost 22.

youtube.com / Via adidas

It's a running shoe that was engineered and redesigned specifically for the female foot, which made me excited to try them. 

The team at adidas analyzed 1.2 million foot scans to get the fit right for women. A shoe? Just for me? *Adds to cart.* 

They arrived quickly, with a surprise message on the box.

BuzzFeed / Via Isabella Torchia

Turns out that the PRIMEKNIT+ on the UB22 is made with yarn containing 50% Parley Ocean Plastic. The plastic is intercepted on remote islands and beaches, preventing it from polluting our oceans. Without even opening the box, I liked these shoes already. 

And then, BAM!

BuzzFeed / Via Isabella Torchia

There they were in all their Magic Mauve glory. Pause for applause. 

I'm a purple girl at heart so I love this colourway, but there are lots of other options for the UB22s, like Flash Orange.

adidas

(I might have to get more than one pair).

But in the meantime, I laced up my Ultraboost 22s...

BuzzFeed / Via Isabella Torchia

...and did a tap dance in the mirror to psych myself up for my long-awaited run.

BuzzFeed / Via Isabella Torchia

My first thoughts? Super comfy and supportive. 

The UB22 was designed with a narrower heel and lower instep for women, and I could feel the difference from my other running shoes instantly.

BuzzFeed / Via Isabella Torchia

This narrower heel comes up higher in the back, which made me feel locked in and secure around the Achilles, without feeling restrictive. I was into them, and I hadn't even run yet.

Finally ready to head into the sun, I said goodbye to the last remaining bit of snow.

BuzzFeed / Via Isabella Torchia

I walked to a nearby park feeling optimistic about my run ahead. I was also feeling cute in my new shoes, which is just as important.

First I did what I considered to be "stretching."

BuzzFeed / Via Isabella Torchia

Runners, please... No comment! 

And then I was off! And not...hating it?

BuzzFeed / Via Isabella Torchia

I did a few laps around the park, and it felt like I was truly MOTORING. It felt surprisingly easy breezy in my new running shoes. 

I have a hunch that my run momentum was propelled by the BOOST midsole on the UB22.

BuzzFeed / Via Isabella Torchia

The new Linear Energy Push torsion system in the UB22, combined with the iconic BOOST sole, delivers extra energy return — 4% more than the Ultraboost 21 for women. 

Need a quick energy return lesson? It’s the amount of energy that a shoe can retain when you’re running. The higher the energy return, the more they can help drive forward momentum when running. That is why I was feeling springboard vibes!

Although I haven't run in years, I felt like I even had enough energy to tackle running up a hill on the way home.

BuzzFeed / Via Isabella Torchia

It was a little touch and go at the end there, but I haven't done running since I played soccer at age 12. So I considered it to be a success!

My final thoughts:

The PRIMEKNIT+ was super adaptive, the BOOST midsole made me feel like I was running like the wind, and the extra support in the redesign left me feeling comfortable the whole run. I enjoyed running in the Ultraboost 22s so much that I even went on a run the very next day. Who am I? 

Thanks for joining me on the first of many runs! For both new and experienced runners alike, you can check out the new Ultraboost 22 here. See you at the park!

BuzzFeed / Via Isabella Torchia