The Ultraboost is one of the most popular daily trainers in the Adidas lineup. It's so popular because it's durable, extremely comfortable and has deep cushioning. Recently, the Ultraboost has received substantial updates.
This comparison will tell you which version is better for you, the Ultraboost Light or the Ultraboost 22.
The Ultraboost Light has a new midsole foam called Light Boost. It’s firmer and denser than regular Boost but it has the advantage of being a bit lighter. This results in the Ultraboost Light having a firmer ride than previous Ultraboost versions.
The Ultraboost 22 has the older Boost foam in its midsole which is softer and more squishy. The Ultraboost 22 feels like a max-cushioned trainer is better suited to slow runs where you aren’t worried about pace. The Ultraboost Light feels more comfortable on fast runs. Its firmer midsole makes it easier to pick up the pace.
In terms of stability, the Ultraboost Light wins. It has less lean bias as a result of its firmer ride so your feet feel more planted in it.
Underneath the insole, the Ultraboost Light has a waffle strobel lining compared to the Ultraboost 22 which has a strobel lining with large holes in the heel and in the forefoot. This design increases the firmness of the ride of the Ultraboost Light.
Both versions have really tough, durable outsoles. The main difference is that the Ultraboost 22 has more crystal rubber than the Ultraboost Light. Crystal rubber is more durable but heavier than regular rubber so the Ultraboost 22 has the more durable outsole.
Both these versions have knitted, bootie construction uppers which are more focused on comfort than performance. The knit is thick, so they are more suited to cool climates rather than warm ones.
The biggest difference between the 2 versions is that the Ultraboost Light has thicker pads on the inside of the heel counter which lock your heel in better. This results in better overall foot lockdown than the Ultraboost 22.
The fit is true to size in both trainers but they have a narrow fit which is not suitable for wide-footed runners.
If you’re a runner looking for a soft ride for slow paces and long runs, the Ultraboost 22 is the better shoe for you. It has a plush ride with more long-distance comfort than the Ultraboost Light. It has more relaxed transitions which make it feel like a max-cushioned trainer.
If you want a firmer ride for faster-paced runs, the Ultraboost Light is the better trainer for you. Its firmer Light Boost midsole makes it easier to increase your speed because it compresses less. The Ultraboost Light also has better stability than the Ultraboost 22 and it’s substantially lighter.
