Adidas has astonished with the innovative Boost lineup, which offers excellent cushioning, comfort, and ideal support. In 2016-2017, it’s grown, and the most recent versions of this Boost line– Adidas Pure Boost DPR vs Ultra Boost 3.0 are introduced. In December, a brand new version of Adidas Ultra Boost 4.0 will be released.
Having much in common, these two models have specific features, which make them exceptional and appropriate for different types of activities. Here is a comprehensive comparison of Adidas Pure Boost DPR and Adidas Ultra Boost 3.0.
Table of Contents
Ultra Boost vs Pure Boost – General Specs
| Feature | Ultra Boost 3.0 | Pure Boost DPR |
| Runner Type | Neutral | Natural |
| Best Used On | Road | Road, treadmill |
| Best Used For | Long training runs | Walking, casual use or easy paced, short runs |
| Midsole | Boost midsole | Boost midsole |
| Upper | Primeknit upper | Aramis-inspired knit upper |
| Midsole drop | 10 mm (heel 22 mm / forefoot 12 mm) | 8 mm (heel 24 mm / forefoot 16 mm) |
| Size | 6.5-15 | 5-15 |
| Price | 180$ | 150$ |
| Estimated Lifespan | The upper limit is 1200 miles. However, there is information that after about one hundred miles, the small convex contours of the outsole may be worn down, making the Ultra Boost lose a lot of traction. | The lower limit is 200 miles, the upper limit is 450 miles. |
| Release Date | December 6th, 2016 | May 18th, 2017 |
Pure Boost DPR vs Ultra Boost 3.0 – Key Features
| Feature | Ultra Boost 3.0 | Pure Boost DPR |
| Fit | The shoe fits rather snug. However, there is a tiny bit of room in the toe area. | The fit is slipper-like and the toes aren’t scrunched. The forefoot area is broad and the heel counter is narrow. |
| Stability | The Torsion System means that there is a Torsion shank – a plastic component, which is attached to the underside of the foam midfoot. It provides stability and good grip. A webbed Continental outsole ensures good traction and eliminates the risk of slipping. | The wider platform featured in the Pure Boost DPR promotes natural support, acting as a stabilizer and reducing the risk of pronation. Also, the lower stack promotes a higher level of stability. Besides, the web pattern of the outsole covers the large area, which gives better traction. |
| Support | A lockdown fit is provided by the supportive cage around the midfoot. | The heel counter is made of rigid plastic, which supports the heel. |
| Responsiveness | The shoe features a patented Boost Technology in the midsole, which provides excellent feedback and responsiveness. Besides, the rubber outsole also contributes to responsiveness. | The Boost midsole gives excellent responsiveness and shock absorption. Also, the stretch web rubber outsole gives energy return underfoot. |
| Performance | The shoe allows your toes to splay agreeably. The midsole returns energy to help you bounce merrily through any distance. | The shoe supports slow, moderate, and quick training runs. Besides, it produces no noise when it strikes rough and soft surfaces. |
| Special Technologies | Adidas Torsion System means a thermoplastic arch support, which has been designed to allow the midfoot to adjust to the ground naturally. Besides, it offers high levels of support and stability. The result is a smooth heel-to-toe transition. Boost Technology is an innovative cushioning technology. It uses a material called thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) that compresses under pressure for better shock absorption and instantly bounces back to its original shape. So, the shoe gives a higher energy return.
Continental Rubber Outsole has been proven to give the shoe up to 30% more grip than other soles. More grip means better contact with the surface, better power transmission, and faster running time. Besides, it provides a reduction in the slip. Primeknit Technology means that the upper of the shoe is made without seams from one single knitted material, formed from a weave of yarn. It provides comfort to the foot and a feeling of the “second skin”. Moreover, this technology on the upper provides good breathability. |
Stretch web technology is the technology, which features a stretch web on the outsole. This stretch web is made of a rubber compound. It reduces the impact, placed on the feet, increases cushion, comfort, and grip. Boost technology is created for better shock absorption and the increased energy return.
Circular Knit Technology means that the upper is seamless. It eliminates irritation and friction. Besides, it makes the upper durable, stiff, and breathable as mesh insertions keep the feet cool. |
| Size | Runs true to size for people with wide feet. However, people with narrow feet should go a half size down. | As a performance shoe, the Pure Boost DPR runs true to size. As a lifestyle shoe, it should be a half size down. |
| Weight | 10.7 ounces (size 9) | 9 ounces (size 9) |
1. Design
The Pure Boost DPR features a sleek shape, a two-toned circular knit top, a low countertop, and a boost midsole.
Ultra Boost 3.0 Sneakers possess a Primeknit upper, the TPU cage around the sides, and also a boost midsole.
1.1 The Upper
The Ultra Boost features a Primeknit upper, which allows more movement, comfort, flexibility, and breathability. Whereas the Pure Boost has just one piece round knit upper, it has engineered zones for a flexible fit. The top is similar to Primeknit, but it is stiffer than the Primeknit and more lasting in regards to wear.
1.2 The outsole
The Pure Boost DPR includes a webbed outsole, which flexes nicely, but it isn’t manufactured from Continental rubber like the Ultra Boost 3.0.
The Ultra Boost 3.0 includes a stretch web outsole. The shoe includes a Continental Tire rubber on the outsole, which provides excellent grip and tends to be more lasting.
1.3 The Insole
The insole in the Pure Boost DPR lacks padding, so occasionally the metatarsals may feel bruised. The Ultra Boost 3.0 features a removable insole, which gives extra cushioning.
1.4 The Midsole
Both shoes feature an increase in the midsole, which can be manufactured from 3000 TPU capsules. They provide perfect responsiveness (the yield of energy) along with excellent shock absorption. According to the research, the Boost midsole indicates a 10-15% improvement in energy retention versus EVA.
1.5 Heel-to-toe drop
Pure Boost DPR shoes have an 8mm heel-to-toe drop, which allows the fit to sit closer to the road.
The Ultra Boost 3.0 is equipped with a 10mm heel-to-toe drop, which most of the traditional running shoes possess.
2. Breathability
The Pure Boost DPR is ventilated due to the lots of forefoot and midfoot pores. The Ultra Boost 3.0 features the Primeknit upper, which can be breathable as it provides maximum airflow.
3. Cushioning
The Ultra Boost 3.0 has padding in the forefoot zone, yet the padded sole is firmer than the padded sole, which the Pure Boost DPR has. As for the Pure Boost DPR, it gives responsive cushioning and absorbs the damaging jolt of each foot strike.
4. Comfort
The Pure Boost DPR includes a suede lining for extra comfort and a smooth structure to reduce the danger of irritation. On the other hand, the stiff circular-knit upper and the padding only in the heel area, create the Pure Boost DPR less comfy than the Ultra Boost 3.0.
The Ultra Boost 3.0 gets the padding around the heel, along with the padding extends to the midfoot region, and that the Primeknit upper adds to the comfort.
5. Flexibility
A stretchy Primeknit top on the Ultra Boost 3.0 and the Boost midsole offer excellent flexibility. Whereas the Pure Boost DPR has a flexible outsole, but the upper is stiff. It makes the shoeless flexible than its competitor.
6. Safety & Support
Ultra Boost TPU gives more containment and a more snug fit around the midfoot if you lace the shoe up tighter. There is padding all around the shoe and the toe guard area. In any case, there’s a Fitcounter (molded heel counter), which supplies a natural fit and prevents wobbling.
The Pure Boost DPR gets the tongue using a double-folded knit. It adapts to different foot shapes and aids to reduce pressure. Additionally, the molded heel counter provides enough support and promotes a natural match. However, the midfoot has just four lacing rows with no internal sleeve, so the lacing isn’t as secure as it should be.
7. Durability
The circularly knit technologies, utilized in the Pure Boost DPR sneakers, make them a tiny bit durable than the Ultra Boost 3.0. Regarding the outsole, the Continental rubber, used in the Ultra Boost 3.0 is reported to be long-lasting than the stretch web rubber, used from the Pure Boost DPR.
Adidas Pure Boost DPR vs. Ultra Boost 3.0 — Editors Choice
Therefore, we recommend picking Ultra Boost 3.0 over Pure Boost DPR because of several reasons:
1 – The Ultra Boost 3.0 includes a far better price/quality ratio.
2 – The Ultra Boost 3.0 has been designed for long runs. However, it’s suitable both for casual wear and runs. Regarding the Pure Boost DPR, its purpose of use is narrower as it’s great only for casual wear and short runs.
3 – Due to the Continental outsole, which improves traction and durability, the Ultra Boost 3.0 is much more resilient when it comes to wearing. Whereas the Pure Boost DPR, positioned as a town running shoe, features a stretch web outsole, which can be less lasting.
4 – The Pure Boost DPR features a circular knit top, which can be stronger compared to Primeknit, but it also lacks elasticity. The Ultra Boost 3.0 includes the Primeknit top, which makes them lightweight, breathable, stretchy, and durable.
5 – The Boost midsole from the Ultra Boost 3.0 has more capsules, which affects responsiveness and endurance.
6 – The Ultra Boost 3.0 offers better protection and support than the Pure Boost DPR. The Ultra Boost includes a TPU cage, padding all around the shoe, and the heel counter. Meanwhile, the Pure Boost DPR doesn’t offer adequate support as the lacing isn’t as safe as it should be.
7 – The Ultra Boost 3.0 offers a broader range of colorways compared to Pure Boost DPR does. Thus, you will find more styling options.
Thus, take into account your budget, think of how you will use the shoe (lifestyle, short distance running, road running, long-distance running), and choose the best one.