adidas Originals ZX 2K BOOST Review: A Modern Reboot of the 1984 ZX710

2020 was a big year for the adidas Originals ZX 2K BOOST. In May, the brand announced the reboot of the classic sneaker. The team reimagined the silhouette from the archives, some four decades in the making. adidas Originals launched numerous collections to the range, bringing a lot bolder and brighter colourways to the pack. In late September, adidas Originals dropped their latest collection, aiming to bring more “squish” to the ZX 2K BOOST. In addition, a tie-in launch campaign was also launched across a number of adidas Originals concept stores.

Following this, we received a pair of newly launched sneakers. Already familiar with the Ultraboost family of products, I was expecting nothing less than absolute comfort. Did it deliver?

Design Breakdown: How the adidas ZX 2K BOOST Blends Retro ZX710 DNA with Modern Tech

The adidas Originals ZX 2K BOOST is built upon the ZX710 silhouette. The ZX710 was originally launched in 1984. While the rebooted sneaker may have received a modern overhaul, it remains true to the original.

The newly crafted design bridges the gap between the retro and modern elements, including all the new technologies to boot. Many of the lines, overlays, and the like make their reappearance for a similar aesthetic.

The uppers are crafted in a mix of materials. This includes a mesh underneath, which is prominent on the forefoot as well as on the sides and tongue.

There is a heavy focus on the triangle shape across the silhouette if you pay close attention. You’ll notice this most easily on the forefoot, again right behind it, as well as the area surrounding the iconic three stripes. This is presented on both the lateral and medial sides.

On the rear end of the midsole is a semi-transparent, synthetic overlay. It doesn’t add much in the way of function but does to the look. The opaque nature of the overlay reveals the zig-zag shape of the inner midsole.

My favourite aspect of the design for this particular model is the colourway. The upper is finished in all-white, with only the midsole providing any colour. The front portion of the midsole is crafted from a violet metallic Ultraboost, with the rear end behind the overlay, a bit of blue to round things off.

Overall, the design is great. It’s complicated with the mix of materials and a number of overlays, yet it appears minimalistic thanks to the colour choices.

Real-World Performance Review: Walking, Standing & Everyday Comfort

If there’s one thing you can be sure of with any Ultraboost silhouette, it’s comfort. The upper and design may, at times, play a part, but underfoot, it will always remain stable and cushioned. And that’s no different on the adidas Originals ZX 2K BOOST.

Each time I get my hands on a new pair of adidas Originals sneakers, I’m impressed with the level of comfort it provides. This was the case even with the likes of the Supercourt a few years back, which was the most unexpected. But, with the ZX 2K BOOST, the comfort levels are elevated further.

As stated in the intro, the BOOST midsole provides the expected cushioning and support. The original ZX710 sneaker featured a PU heel stabiliser. The adidas Originals ZX 2K BOOST switches to a zig-zag TPU heel. Being merged with the Ultraboost, it provides even more stability and bounce upon landing.

The final touch to the comfort is the padded insole. While most insoles offer cushioning in modern sneakers, it is notably thicker here.

I’ve already mentioned the mesh finishes added to the sneaker as part of the design. But it forms an integral part of the breathability. Most elements and materials of the adidas Originals ZX 2K BOOST are padded and warmer than most; the ventilation from the mesh upper is critical.

Build Quality & Craftsmanship: How Well Is the ZX 2K BOOST Made?

There are a lot of moving parts on the adidas Originals ZX 2K BOOST, especially considering the materials and overlays scattered throughout. But the adidas design team has put it together well.

Having made an emergency trip at the end of 2020, I only managed to carry with me three pairs of sneakers, including the pair I had on at the time. I wasn’t thinking I’d be wearing the adidas Originals ZX 2K BOOST much, taking it with me mostly as a result of it being one of the newest in the bunch.

As it turns out, the correct decision was made to pack it. It turned out to be the most comfortable of the three. There were a few occasions where I was forced to spend hours on my feet at any time, and it worked great. Not only was it comfortable to walk in, but it was also comfortable to stand around in.

On top of all that, the comfort was also matched by the breathability, which kept my feet cool throughout. The upper was also stretchable to allow for flexibility, irrespective of what I was doing at the time.

The quality is also unmatched. The detailing and the tooling as they blend the materials across the upper are brilliantly put together. Oftentimes, if you look close enough, you will see some of the glue or such. This is especially important here; the sneaker offers a no-stitch approach. The same applies to the midsole. The three portions are also blended together without fault.

Should You Buy the adidas ZX 2K BOOST?

At first, I figured the adidas Originals ZX 2K BOOST would be more along the lines of looks and some level of comfort. As it turns out, it was far more about comfort than anything else. The detailing of the sneaker is great, too.

The sneaker is available online at adidas.com. There are a multitude of other colourways as well if the white and blue colourway isn’t to your taste.

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