adidas Ultraboost 5X  Running Shoe Review

Reviewed Nov 20, 2025 at 03:54pm
Test bench update Jun 17, 2026 at 02:00pm
Tested using Methodology v0.12 
adidas Ultraboost 5X

Track

6.6
Half/Full Marathon Racing 
6.4
5K/10K Racing 
7.0
Long Run 
7.7
Daily Training 
7.6
Energy Return 
6.4
Responsiveness 
7.4
Cushioning 
8.0
Stability 

Track

 0

We've tested these running shoes to expand our database and allow users to compare results to help with their buying decisions. We don't expect to write a full review, but if you have any questions about this product, please let us know!

Our Verdict

6.6
Half/Full Marathon Racing 
6.4
5K/10K Racing 
7.0
Long Run 
7.7
Daily Training 
7.6
Energy Return 
6.4
Responsiveness 
7.4
Cushioning 
8.0
Stability 
7.1
True To Size 
  • 6.6
    Half/Full Marathon Racing
  • 6.4
    5K/10K Racing
  • 7.0
    Long Run
  • 7.7
    Daily Training

  • Performance Usages

  • 7.6
    Energy Return
  • 6.4
    Responsiveness
  • 7.4
    Cushioning
  • 8.0
    Stability
  • 7.1
    True To Size
  • Changelog

    1.  Updated Jun 17, 2026: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.12, which fixes how we measure firmness, a component of the Stability and 5K/10K Racing usages. There may be inconsistencies between the text and the scores for these usages, but the scores should still be considered valid. We've also brought back the Energy Return score and added two new usages: Daily Training and Long Run. To read more about the changes, see the changelog.
    2.  Updated May 05, 2026: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.11, adding two new rocker measurements to the Design section, and three new responsiveness tests to the Performance section. The Energy Return usage score has been replaced with Responsiveness. Check out the details in our changelog.
    3.  Updated Apr 29, 2026: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.10, adding a new set of fit tests to the Design section and an overall fit performance usage. Check out the details in our changelog.
    4.  Updated Apr 13, 2026: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.9, which adds a Forefoot Long Run Cushioning test to our performance section. Read more in our changelog.
    How We Test Running Shoes
    How We Test Running Shoes

    We buy and test running shoes with a very data-oriented approach. While we're just getting started, our methodology already has dozens of tests to help you make the right purchasing decision for your needs. Not only do we use high-end equipment to gather objective data, but we also order multiple sizes of the same shoes so team members can log in miles. This real-world testing is conducted at various paces and conditions, across different types of workouts, to cover all the bases. This allows us to verify our results and ensure they align with what you might feel with a specific pair.

    Test Results

    perceptual testing image
    Sort:
    RATINGS
    Category:
    All
    Design
    5.5
    Weight
    Weight
    273.7 g (9.65 oz)
    Stack Heights
    Heel Stack Height
    39.5 mm
    Forefoot Stack Height
    27.7 mm
    Heel-To-Toe Drop
    11.8 mm
    Advertised Heel-To-Toe Drop
    10.0 mm
    External Shape
    Outsole Heel Width
    96 mm (3.8")
    Outsole Arch Width
    76 mm (3.0")
    Outsole Forefoot Width
    116 mm (4.6")
    Heel Width-To-Stack Ratio
    2.43
    Forefoot Width-To-Stack Ratio
    4.19
    Internal Shape
    Internal Length
    280 mm (11.0")
    Internal Heel Width
    65 mm (2.6")
    Internal Forefoot Width
    99 mm (3.9")
    Wide Sizing Available
    No
    9.2
    Forefoot Fit: Width
    Ball-Of-Foot TTS Deviation
    3.5 mm (0.139")
    Toe TTS Deviation
    2.7 mm (0.104")
    3.6
    Forefoot Fit: Height
    Toe TTS Deviation
    -7.4 mm (-0.293")
    7.3
    Arch Fit: Width
    Arch Width TTS Deviation
    -4.3 mm (-0.167")
    6.0
    Length Fit
    7.0
    Heel Rocker Geometry
    Heel Spring
    21 mm (0.8")
    Heel Apex Position
    23.0%
    Heel Rocker Angle
    16.7°
    5.4
    Forefoot Rocker Geometry
    Toe Spring
    39 mm (1.5")
    Toe Apex Position
    67.2%
    Forefoot Rocker Angle
    21.3°
    Other Features
    Tongue Gusset Type
    Non-gusseted
    Plate
    None
    Performance
    7.7
    Heel Compression Energy Return
    Heel Energy Return
    79.0%
    7.5
    Forefoot Compression Energy Return
    Forefoot Energy Return
    78.3%
    7.4
    Heel Cushioning
    Energy Absorbed At 550N
    2.70 J
    Energy Absorbed At 1100N
    9.20 J
    Energy Absorbed At 1900N
    18.04 J
    7.3
    Forefoot Cushioning
    Energy Absorbed At 800N
    4.51 J
    Energy Absorbed At 1300N
    7.87 J
    Energy Absorbed At 2050N
    11.40 J
    8.6
    Heel Firmness
    Firmness At 550N
    54.7 N/mm
    Firmness At 1100N
    60.9 N/mm
    Firmness At 1900N
    78.5 N/mm
    8.6
    Forefoot Firmness
    Firmness At 800N
    61.1 N/mm
    Firmness At 1300N
    79.4 N/mm
    Firmness At 2050N
    110 N/mm
    6.7
    Forefoot Long Run Cushioning
    Energy Absorbed At 10km
    7.38 J
    Energy Absorbed At 20km
    7.19 J
    Energy Absorbed At 30km
    7.07 J
    Energy Absorbed At 40km
    6.97 J
    6.2
    Rocker Stiffness
    Force To Flatten The Rocker
    65 N
    6.4
    Forefoot Bending Energy Return
    Forefoot Bending Energy Return
    61.9%
    5.9
    Forefoot Bending Stiffness
    Forefoot Bending Stiffness
    4.9 N/mm
    Forefoot Bending Force
    300 N