Nike React Vs Adidas Boost Which Running Shoe Cushion Feels Better

When it comes to long-distance running or daily training, the feel of a shoe’s midsole can make or break your experience. Two of the most influential cushioning technologies in modern running footwear are Nike React and Adidas Boost. Both have earned loyal followings, but which one actually feels better underfoot? The answer depends on more than just materials—it involves biomechanics, use case, personal preference, and how each foam responds over time.

Nike React and Adidas Boost represent different philosophies in performance foam engineering. While both promise softness, responsiveness, and durability, their execution leads to distinct sensations during runs. To help you decide which suits your stride, this article breaks down their composition, ride quality, longevity, and real-world feedback from athletes and everyday runners.

The Science Behind the Foam

Cushioning in running shoes isn’t just about squishiness—it’s about energy return, impact absorption, and structural integrity across hundreds of miles. Nike React and Adidas Boost take divergent approaches to achieving these goals.

Nike React is a proprietary foam developed by Nike using a polyurethane (PU)-based compound. It was introduced in 2017 as a response to growing demand for lightweight, durable cushioning that didn’t sacrifice responsiveness. The foam is injection-molded into midsoles and designed to resist compression set—meaning it maintains its shape and bounce longer than traditional EVA foams.

Adidas Boost, first launched in 2013 in collaboration with BASF, uses thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) beads expanded through steam to form thousands of fused capsules. This creates a honeycomb-like structure known as “boost beads.” The result is a springy, resilient midsole that delivers high energy return and consistent softness, even in cold temperatures.

“Boost changed the game by proving that softness and efficiency could coexist. React answered with durability and a more stable platform.” — Dr. Lena Tran, Sports Biomechanist at Boulder Motion Lab

Ride Quality: How They Feel During a Run

The true test of any running shoe lies in how it feels mile after mile. Runners often describe cushioning in subjective terms—plush, bouncy, firm, springy—but understanding what those words mean in practice helps clarify the differences.

Nike React: Balanced and Reliable

Nike React foam leans toward a firmer, more controlled ride compared to Boost. It doesn’t sink deeply underfoot, offering a responsive platform that encourages forward momentum. This makes React ideal for tempo runs, faster training days, or runners who prefer a ground-connected feel without sacrificing protection.

Many testers note that React feels slightly denser at first but adapts quickly to footstrike patterns. It excels in stability-focused models like the Nike React Infinity Run, where the goal is injury prevention through guided support and consistent cushioning.

Tip: If you're transitioning from maximalist shoes, give React 2–3 runs to adjust—its firmness is intentional for propulsion, not deep compression.

Adidas Boost: Soft and Spring-Loaded

Boost delivers an immediately plush sensation. The first step feels indulgent—a soft landing followed by a noticeable rebound. This “bounce” effect has made Boost a favorite among recovery runners and those logging high weekly mileage who prioritize joint comfort.

In models like the Adidas SolarGlide or Ultraboost, the generous slab of Boost foam provides excellent shock absorption, particularly on hard surfaces like concrete. However, some runners find the excessive softness leads to a lack of precision during faster efforts or sharp turns.

One trade-off: while Boost feels luxurious early on, its resilience can diminish over time, especially in warmer climates or with frequent use. The beads may begin to pack down after 250–300 miles, reducing the initial spring.

Durability and Long-Term Performance

A shoe might feel incredible on day one, but what matters most is how it performs after 100 miles—or 500.

Feature	Nike React	Adidas Boost
Material Type	PU-based foam	Expanded TPU beads
Initial Softness	Moderate (balanced)	High (plush)
Energy Return	85–90%	90–95%
Durability (miles)	400–500+	300–400
Temperature Sensitivity	Low (consistent in heat/cold)	Moderate (softer in cold, stiffer in heat)
Weight (avg. men's size 9)	9.2 oz	10.5 oz

As shown above, Nike React holds up better over extended use. Its resistance to compression means the ride remains consistent throughout the shoe’s lifespan. In contrast, Boost tends to lose some of its pop after 300 miles, though early versions degraded faster than current formulations like Lightstrike Pro hybrids.

Another consideration: weight. Boost midsoles are generally heavier due to the volume of foam needed to maintain structure. React allows for slimmer profiles without sacrificing protection, contributing to lighter overall shoe weights.

Real Runner Experience: A Mini Case Study

Consider Mark R., a recreational marathoner from Portland, Oregon, who tested both technologies over a six-month training cycle for the Seattle Marathon.

He began with the Ultraboost 22, drawn by its reputation for comfort. For his long, slow distance runs, the soft landings were a relief on tired legs. However, during speed work, he found the shoe lacked crispness—his transitions felt sluggish, and the upper sometimes slipped during lateral movements.

Switching to the Nike React Pegasus Turbo 3, he noticed a firmer, more direct connection to the ground. While less forgiving initially, the shoe responded better to quick cadence and interval pacing. After 400 miles, the React midsole showed minimal wear, whereas his Ultraboost pair had visibly compressed in the heel.

“I still love the way Boost feels on easy days,” Mark said, “but for consistency and versatility, React keeps earning my trust.”

Expert Recommendations Based on Foot Type and Gait

Not all runners benefit equally from either technology. Your biomechanics play a major role in determining which cushioning style suits you best.

• Overpronators or injury-prone runners: Nike React’s structured support and stable platform make it a safer choice, especially in guidance-oriented models.
• Neutral runners seeking comfort: Adidas Boost offers superior plushness for low-intensity, high-mileage routines.
• Speed-focused athletes: React’s responsiveness gives an edge in tempo runs and races; Boost may feel too soft for competitive efforts.
• Runners in variable climates: React performs consistently in extreme heat or cold, while Boost can stiffen in freezing temps or degrade faster in prolonged heat.

“For runners logging more than 40 miles per week, I often recommend React-based shoes because they maintain performance longer. But for weekend warriors wanting maximum comfort, Boost remains a top pick.” — Coach Rachel Nguyen, Elite Running Consultant

Step-by-Step Guide: Choosing Between React and Boost

Follow this decision-making process to determine which cushioning aligns with your needs:

1. Assess your primary running goal: Are you training for a race, recovering from injury, or maintaining general fitness?
2. Evaluate your weekly mileage: High-mileage runners benefit from React’s durability; moderate users may prefer Boost’s luxury feel.
3. Test the ride type: Visit a specialty running store or request sample pairs. Walk and jog briefly to compare initial impression—does one feel too soft or too firm?
4. Check the shoe’s full design: Cushioning doesn’t act alone. Consider the upper fit, heel counter, and outsole traction.
5. Read long-term reviews: Look beyond first impressions. Search for user reports at 200+ miles to gauge degradation.
6. Rotate if possible: Use Boost for recovery runs and React for harder sessions to extend both shoes’ lifespans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nike React better than Adidas Boost?

It depends on your priorities. Nike React offers better durability, a more responsive ride, and lighter weight—ideal for performance and high-mileage training. Adidas Boost provides superior initial softness and comfort, making it excellent for recovery runs and casual wear. Neither is universally “better”; they serve different purposes.

Do Boost shoes lose cushioning over time?

Yes. While modern Boost formulations have improved, most runners report a noticeable loss of springiness between 300 and 400 miles. Exposure to UV light, heat, and moisture accelerates degradation. Storing Boost shoes in cool, shaded areas helps prolong their life.

Can I use React or Boost shoes for walking or gym workouts?

Absolutely. Both foams translate well to non-running activities. React’s stability benefits lateral movements in the gym, while Boost’s cushioning is excellent for prolonged standing or walking on hard surfaces. However, dedicated cross-trainers or walking shoes may offer better support depending on your routine.

Final Verdict: Which Feels Better?

\"Feels better\" is inherently personal. If you value a soft, cloud-like landing and don’t mind trading some responsiveness for comfort, **Adidas Boost** will likely win your favor. It’s the go-to for runners prioritizing joint protection and daily wearability.

But if you want a balanced, durable, and dynamically efficient ride that holds up over months of training, **Nike React** delivers a more versatile and future-proof experience. It’s engineered not just to feel good, but to perform consistently across varied paces and distances.

In blind tests conducted by several running publications, runners new to both technologies often lean toward Boost for its immediate gratification. However, experienced runners—who judge shoes over weeks, not minutes—tend to appreciate React’s reliability and long-term value.

Conclusion: Make the Choice That Suits Your Stride

Ultimately, the best cushioning is the one that supports your running goals, complements your gait, and stands up to your routine. Nike React and Adidas Boost are both technological milestones in athletic footwear, but they answer different questions. React asks, “How can we build a smarter, longer-lasting foam?” Boost asks, “How can every step feel like a reward?”

Try both. Run in them. Wear them for coffee after your jog. Let your feet decide. And remember: no amount of marketing can replace the truth of your own experience.

🚀 Ready to test the difference? Pick a route, lace up a pair of React and Boost shoes, and run the same loop back-to-back. Notice the transition, the bounce, the fatigue. Then share your findings with fellow runners—your insight could help someone find their perfect match.