Which is better, the Lightstrike or the Boost? Here’s a comparison of their cushioning and weight. Both have a firmness rating of 9.5, but which is better for flat feet? Let’s start with the Lightstrike. Up front, the Lightstrike is softer and more compressible. Its 8mm drop complements the firmness of the Lightstrike up front, which rocks the rider toward the toe and then rebounded to propel the rider forward.
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Boost cushioning
When comparing the bounce and cushioning of the two most popular running shoes, it is important to take into account the type of foam used in each model. adidas has been using Boost foam since 2013, but there are still a few differences between the two. Boost foam is made from thermoplastic polyurethane, or TPU, which has been known to have excellent energy return. The Lightstrike uses a TPU-based foam, which has a firmer feel, while its counterpart, the Boost, is much softer and responsive.
The lightstrike midsole is more dense on the heel than the forefoot, while the Pro layer is thicker on the front. Both materials work together to provide the same level of cushioning, but each one has unique benefits. Lightstrike offers better energy return, and the Pro layer is designed to provide stability. However, many people may not notice the difference until they run on these shoes.
Firmness
The firmness of Lightstrike vs boost is a key aspect to consider when comparing these two shoes. The difference between these two midsoles is considerable. The Lightstrike’s foam is a single slab, while the boost has an egg-shaped midsole. While the Lightstrike offers more rebound, the Boost is firmer overall. This is an important factor for runners because a cushioning shoe can make a big difference in how your foot feels when you run.
Weight
Adidas has been sleeping on the lightweight market for years, but this year they are finally waking up with their new SL20 running shoe. The SL20 is made with light and bouncy Lightstrike material, which was developed for basketball shoes and has now filtered into the running industry. Compared to the Boost, the SL20 is significantly lighter and is a fast-tempo running shoe. It is currently slated to compete with the New Balance 1400, Nike Zoom Rival Fly, Skechers Razor 3, and Boston Boost.
The SL20 is a bit sturdier than the Boost, weighing 7.8 ounces for a US M9 and using adidas’ Lightstrike midsole compound. As a result, the Lightstrike is slower than the Boost, which means it requires more energy to accelerate. The SL20 fits true to size, so you can expect to get a comfortable fit.
Durability
The Lightstrike has been around for a while, but its design is lacking the wow factor. It feels like an old pair of foam from six years ago, but the Continental rubber forefoot and soft Adiwear forefoot provide excellent durability. The midfoot is supported by a Torsion shank, which helps the forefoot snap back to its original position. While the sole feels soft and lightweight, it does have a firm heel.
In addition to being remarkably durable, the Lightstrike has a carbon-fiber plate in the heel, which adds extra stability. The midsole is made of two types of EVA foam, Lightstrike and BOUNCE, and this combination provides the best energy return of any shoe in the adidas line. But it does have a low durability rating compared to other models. Lightstrike Pro is a hybrid of BOUNCE and LIGHTSTRIKE foams, with one in the heel.
