Adidas UltraBoost 1 vs. UltraBoost 5x: Comparison and Review
When Adidas first launched the UltraBoost, it sent shockwaves through the sneaker world.
From a sneaker perspective, it created a battle for comfort and new types of foams that is still being fought today. On the upper side, while it wasn’t the first sneaker to feature a sock-like upper, the UltraBoost meant that knit upper sneakers would dominate the fashion world for half a decade.
From a brand perspective, the UltraBooost saved Adidas. The year before the release of the Ultraboost, Adidas saw their revenue from footwear drop approximately 15%, to the lowest level in 5 years. It was less than half of Nike’s revenue. In the 3 years following, the brand’s revenue nearly doubled.
However, over time, Adidas didn’t seem to know what to do with the sneaker. Yeezy, and later the Samba and Gazelle, took the lead on their focus for lifestyle. The Adizero line saw the focus of their performance models. For nearly a decade, the UltraBoost languished.
That was, until the release of the UltraBoost 5 and 5x. Designed to go back to the original roots of the first UltraBoost, it’s the first shoe to wear this name that has managed to keep selling after the first colorway. At the same time, Adidas is now regularly stocking what they are now calling the UltraBoost DNA 1 – the original UltraBoost pattern.
Let’s dive in and discuss the differences between these two sneakers, and – if you’re looking to pick one up – which is better for you.
| UltraBoost 1 (DNA) | UltraBoost 5x | |
| Release Year | 2015 | 2024 |
| Upper | Primeknit (Caged) | Primeknit (Uncaged) |
| Midsole Height | 34 / 20 mm | 39 / 28 mm |
| Foam | Boost (Original) | LightBoost |
| Weight (Size 13) | 397 g | 339 g |
| Retail | $180 | $180 |
| Best For | Collectors, Nostalgia | Everyday Wear |
Design
Let’s start with the most obvious difference between the Adidas UltraBoost 1 and the Adidas UltraBoost 5x: the design.
While both of them (thankfully) feature the softer primeknit pattern that Adidas didn’t use on the UltraBoost 19, 20, and Light, the uppers come in a very different look. With a dramatic shape, thick padding all around, and a plastic cage, the UltraBoost 1 has an older style to it. I’m not sure I’d call it retro, yet, but it feels like it’s from another time.
The UltraBoost 5x strips away nearly all design. Even the primeknit itself has much less patterning on it. While Adidas did originally launch an UltraBoost 5 next to the 5x, which featured some of the accent pieces from the original, they stopped production after the original colorway.
The reason for this difference in the upper is the change of focus on the foam. The 5x clearly wants to make the boost stack the center of attention. That’s not hard, the midsole takes up about half the sneaker’s hieght. In many colorways, such as the original launch version, it’s painted in bright pinks and oranges.
Ultimately, the UltraBoost 1 looks old school: lower stack height, more plastic, more padding. On the other hand, the UltraBoost 5x removes anything unnecessary, allowing the boost to be the focus.
Comfort
Without comfort, the UltraBoost never would have been the powerhouse it became, but not all Boost is built the same.
The original UltraBoost 1 actually has a lot going for it in this competition. From a pure squish perspective, I find the Boost used in the 1 far more comfortable than the LightBoost used in the 5x. Further, the looser weave of the primeknit on the toebox allows for more wiggle.
Of course, Adidas isn’t stupid. Not only is the UltraBoost 5x nearly 20% lighter than the UltraBoost 1 due to the material choices, they were able to add more than twice the thickness of the midsole (on average). This extra boost more than makes up for the softness of the original Boost. The tighter weave on the upper also does a better job of keeping the sneaker in place as you walk or run.
The UltraBoost 1 deserves credit for still being one of the most comfortable sneakers you can buy more than 10 years after its release. If I was just going to be sitting around all day, it’d probably be the one I’d pick. However, the UltraBoost 5x does almost everything the UltraBoost 1 does, and it does it better.
If comfort is your top priority, it’s hard to argue for the UltraBoost 1.
Cost
At MSRP, both the UltraBoost 1 and UltraBoost 5x come in at the exact same price of $180.
The big difference comes from what kind of discount you can expect. The UltraBoost 5x is treated like any other sneaker on Adidas’ website. That means there is a 20-30% off sale every holiday weekend, and if pairs sit they go on increasing discounts. At time of writing, I was able to find every colorway but one for $80.
However, at least for the good colorways, Adidas often treats the UltraBoost 1 as part of their limited releases. They are often excluded from promo codes, and not given to as many retailers. Expect to pay more for the UltraBoost 1 for good colorways.
History
One man’s sneaker icon is another man’s cash grab by a company. However, seeing as retro sneakers took over once the UltraBoost fell off and have been holding on ever since, it’s clear that people see value in history.
In this one, it isn’t even close. The Adidas UltraBoost 1 was the sneaker that changed the game for a decade. It doesn’t fit current trends, but it’s return feels inevitable.
While it’s possible that a sneaker’s successor can break the iconic original – there are plenty of people who prefer Jordan 3s, 4s, or 11s to Jordan 1s – I just don’t see that happening with the 5x. If past is prologue, there will be an UltraBoost 6x that surpasses the 5x, at which point these will fade into irrelevance. Though, I could be wrong. The much hated UltraBoost 19 now has many pairs going for well over $300 on StockX.
Which is Right for You?
Unlike a lot of these comparisons, comparing the UltraBoost 1 and UltraBoost 5x is a straightforward call.
If you put nostalgia first and are looking to add something to your collection to sit next to your Jordan 1s and New Balance 990v3s, the obvious choice is the UltraBoost 1. Sure, it costs a little bit more, but you’re paying for the look and style of the original. Maybe it’s because you’re reliving your youth, maybe because you want to own the Mt. Rushmore of sneakers. Either way, you’re getting exactly what you want in a sneaker that still is extremely comfortable.
If you’re the type of person who is longing for what the UltraBoost represented, rather than what it was, the UltraBoost 5x is the pair for you. It takes everything the original did well, and made it better. Sock-like upper with better containment and boost comfort with less weight. Even better, you’re going to get all of that for less money and the ability to find them at every store you walk into.