Quick Answer: The Adidas Ultraboost 1.0’s heel stack measures roughly 3.4 cm (≈1.35 in), making it one of the taller everyday sneakers; key point: it delivers a very plush, high-cushion ride at the cost of added weight.
Why People Ask This Question
The UltraBoost 1.0 is famous as a plush, lifestyle and running shoe, prized for its comfort and style. Many sneakerfans and casual runners wonder how much extra height its thick Boost midsole actually provides. Adidas marketed the UltraBoost as a high-cushion trainer for everyday wear, and celebrity endorsements plus a popular streetwear look have only increased interest. In short, it’s a high-profile shoe with a chunky sole, so height-conscious buyers and curious runners ask “just how tall does this make me?”
Official Stack Height vs. Real-World Measurement
Adidas’s own spec sheet lists the Ultraboost 1.0 at 22 mm heel / 12 mm forefoot stack height (10 mm drop). However, lab measurements paint a different picture. When tested fully assembled (including outsole and sockliner), the heel measures about 34.4 mm – roughly 12 mm more than the brand’s foam-only spec. This discrepancy arises from measurement methods: Adidas reported the foam core alone, whereas independent labs (following World Athletics standards) measure the entire height from ground to footbed. In practice, the actual in-shoe height is significantly above Adidas’s published number.
How We Measured
We used a digital caliper on a men’s UK 9 sample, measuring at the centre of the heel (ground to footbed). This closely follows World Athletics rules. Our caliper has ±0.2 mm precision. (Forefoot stack came out around 20.2 mm, giving a measured drop of ~14.2 mm.) Shoe height varies only slightly with size, so any given pair should be within about ±2 mm of our sample. Readers can generally expect the quoted figure to hold across adult sizes.
Exact Height Increase
The Ultraboost 1.0 adds about 3.44 cm (≈1.35 inches) under the heel. In other words, wearing them lifts your heel roughly 34–35 mm off the ground. This is noticeably more than the 22 mm Adidas lists. The extra height comes from including the full sole and insole in the measurement; in effect you get about 1.2 cm (half an inch) more lift than the official spec suggests.
On-Foot Feel & Gait Changes
With nearly 3.5 cm of heel foam, the Ultraboost 1.0 delivers a very plush, bouncy ride. RunRepeat’s lab found it returns ~66.9% of energy, well above average – it feels lively when you push off. However, this high stack (and measured 14.2 mm drop) means it tends to encourage heel striking. Runners who land heel-first will enjoy the cushioning, but forefoot strikers may find it pushes them onto the heel and feels less natural.
Stability is moderate: the wide heel platform and molded heel clip do give neutral-footed runners a solid landing zone, but the shoe is not especially rigid. In fact it’s very flexible (low torsional stiffness), so it doesn’t lock you in. This flexibility feels comfortable and good for walking or easy runs, but heavy at the same time – the UltraBoost 1.0 weighs around 320 g (men’s size 9), which is well above average. In practice, the ride is soft and luxurious for casual wear or recovery miles, though the weight and tall drop make it less ideal for fast-paced workouts or technical runs.
Comparison Chart
| Shoe | Heel Height (cm) | Heel Height (in) |
|---|---|---|
| Adidas Ultraboost 1.0 | 3.44 cm | 1.35 in |
| Hoka Clifton 10 | 4.44 cm | 1.75 in |
| Hoka Mach 6 | 3.60 cm | 1.42 in |
| Nike ZoomX Invincible 3 | 3.52 cm | 1.39 in |
| Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 | 3.18 cm | 1.25 in |
| Saucony Endorphin Shift 3 | 3.96 cm | 1.56 in |
Measurements are heel stack (insole+midsole+outsole) as tested by independent lab. All data from RunRepeat reviews for consistency.
Styling & Sizing Tips
The Ultraboost 1.0’s sporty-casual look goes with lots of outfits. For a clean streetwear vibe, it pairs well with slim or tapered joggers/jeans (so the chunky sole shows), or with cropped trousers and visible socks. Athleisure pieces like hoodies, track pants or leggings also work – its knit upper and sleek lines give a modern, athletic touch. Women often wear them with leggings or shorts for a sporty look; men frequently combine them with skinny joggers or cuffed chinos. Just avoid extremely baggy trousers that hide the shoe’s profile.
In terms of fit, the UltraBoost tends to run true to size. The knitted upper is snug initially (the shoe measures slightly narrower than average), but the Primeknit stretches out after a few wears. Most owners find no need to size up or down – simply buy your normal length. If you have very wide feet or prefer extra room, you could remove the factory insole or replace it with a thinner liner, as the Ultraboost 1.0’s sockliner is only ~3.7 mm thick. But in general, stick to your usual size and let the stretchy upper adapt to your foot over time.
Pros, Cons & Ideal Use Cases
- Pros: Exceptionally soft, high-rebound cushioning (≈66.9% energy return), making for a cloud-like ride. Very breathable and comfortable knit upper. Wide heel and firm outsole (Continental rubber) give a stable landing zone and long-lasting grip.
- Cons: Heavy (≈320 g), so it’s not a springy racing shoe. Very high heel drop (~14 mm) can throw off midfoot/forefoot runners. The primeknit upper, while cosy, is delicate – the toe box scored poorly on abrasion tests. Also pricey for a trainer.
- Ideal for: Heel-strikers and casual runners, recovery days, walking or city wear – essentially any low-to-moderate intensity use where cushioning and comfort are priorities. It excels at soaking up miles with a soft, pillowy feel. Not ideal for fast tempo sessions, trail running or overpronators needing serious support.
FAQ
Q: Can I use custom insoles or orthotics in the Ultraboost 1.0?
A: Yes. The Ultraboost 1.0 comes with a removable ~3.7 mm sockliner and is even marketed as “orthotic friendly”. You can easily swap in a thinner or custom insole to gain a bit of extra room or support. Many runners remove the stock liner for casual wear or replace it with an aftermarket footbed without issue.
Q: How durable is the Boost cushioning over time?
A: Boost is Adidas’s TPU-based foam, which is very resilient. Lab tests show E-TPU foams can recover about 90% of their shape even after heavy stress, much better than standard EVA. In practical terms, the UltraBoost’s cushioning should last for hundreds of miles with minimal permanent flattening. In our lab, the Continental outsole also showed excellent wear (only ~0.6 mm lost on the test, versus 1.0 mm avg). So, the midsole foam holds up well – just avoid exposing it to extreme heat or compressing it under very heavy loads for long periods.
Q: Is the Ultraboost 1.0 very heavy?
A: It’s certainly heavier than many modern trainers. We measured ~320 g for a men’s UK9 (11.3 oz), compared to an average ~265 g. In everyday terms, that extra heft isn’t noticeable for walking or easy runs – you’ll feel the plush cushion underfoot. However, it does take more energy to swing around than a lightweight racer. So if fast, speedy runs are your goal, you might feel a weight penalty. For general use though, the weight simply adds to the substantial, stable feel of the shoe.
Conclusion
In summary, the Adidas Ultraboost 1.0 gives you roughly 3.4 cm (≈1.35 in) of added height under the heel. Its thick Boost midsole makes it a walking/running “tank” – incredibly cushioned and springy (and extremely breathable), but also on the heavy side. For those seeking maximum comfort and a height boost, it delivers; for someone chasing speed or minimal weight, the trade-offs are clear. Interested in other models? Check out our measurements for the latest Ultraboost versions and competitor trainers on HowMuchHeight.com to see how they compare in lift and feel.
