International shoe brand adidas have recently announced the impending release of a redesigned, updated version of their PureBOOST range, a lifestyle and running fusion sneaker range that was released to mixed reviews in 2014.
The PureBOOST is back in 2017 and offers a number of new design elements that promises to address the issues presented by the original release.
First released in 2015, the adidas PureBOOST line of sneakers is credited with reinvigorating the brand over the last two years with the unique technology in the BOOST cushioning technology converting die hard sneakerheads around the world, and even bringing Kanye West on board.
While the original PureBOOST sneakers may have received critical acclaim from the lifestyle sneaker consumer demographic, running and fitness enthusiasts were less than impressed.
While the unique technology in the BOOST soles received praise for its ability to enhance running cadence and cushion impact, the other design elements caused issues that interfered with running.
The lack of an internal stiffener in the heel, the loose knit mesh, lack of fabric inner lining, and insufficient grip infuriated dedicated runners, who, responding to the powerful fitness-based media campaign that advertised the initial PureBOOST release, purchased them on the assumption that they’d function as efficient running sneakers.
The original 2014 PureBOOST release may have impressed sneakerheads, but it certainly disappointed runners.
The new 2017 Adidas PureBOOST DPR’s, however, have been designed from the ground up to please both demographics, incorporating a range of new construction materials, colors, forms, and fabrics to create the ultimate runner and lifestyle sneaker fusion.
In this article, we’ll dismantle the hype around the and see how they measure up against the 2014 release to help you decide whether they’re worth the cop.
What are the Adidas PureBOOST DPR’s?
The PureBOOST DPR’s are the latest addition to the adidas PureBOOST range, and are expected to drop sometime later this summer.
Keeping in line with the design ethos of the PureBOOST range, the PureBOOST DPR’s present a sleek profile and the ubiquitous three stripe motif emblazoned across the side.
The PureBOOST DPR’s incorporate the latest generation of adidas PureBOOST technology, which is responsible for the massive surge in popularity of adidas sneakers over the last three years.
Constructed from around 3000 tiny foam pellets, each PureBOOST sole is able to increase running efficiency in wearers by as much as 20% due to unique material choices and composition.
The creator of the PureBOOST sole, adidas Global Creative Director of Performance James Carnes, explains the way the PureBOOST sole works as a process that magnifies the energy supplied by the feet through a process of targeted deformation, cushioning each foot strike with “energy capsules” manufactured by BASF, one of the largest chemical producers in the world.
The powerful running boost offered by the sole in the PureBOOST DPR’s is offset by an upper made from Primeknit, which was introduced to the sneaker market along with the PureBOOST sole in 2014.
While other running shoes and sneakers create uppers from a variety of fused pieces, the Primeknit method uses a single digitally-knitted textile to create one solid upper piece.
This process results in an upper the fits seamlessly around the foot while delivering support, flexibility, and comfort.
The original research and development team that created the adidas Primeknit solution came across the idea in 2010 while attending the international Techtextil fair in Germany in order to assess potential new concept materials.
After spotting a unique glove design that incorporated thermoplastic fuse yarns to create a seamless from-fitting design, the team applied a similar concept to creating the upper of a sneaker, and Primeknit was born.
The Adidas PureBOOST DPR Difference
PureBOOST DPR’s offer an updated, renewed, and enhanced improvement upon the original 2015 release.
The new PureBOOST DPR’s have completely done away with the fused polymer and foam pieces of the original PureBOOST design in favor of a wrap-around single piece Primeknit upper, which offers massively improved heel, mid foot, collar, and toe box support.
The foam-fused triple stripe is also gone, replaced with a contrast digital knit fused into the textile of the Primeknit upper itself, massively improving breathability and flexibility.
The heel of the PureBOOST DPR’s has been completely reworked, using a dynamic heel fit design that supports and grips the foot.
In a unique move, adidas have broken the heel grip into two pieces that move and flex with the movement of the wearer, massively improving over the original release.
The rubber outsoles of the PureBOOST DPR’s provide far more grip than the 2015 release, and perform well in icy, slippery, and wet conditions.
The PureBOOST DPR’s now offer an upper that is constructed entirely from digitally-knitted textile, and completely removes the tongue.
Importantly, the new urban camo pattern of the PureBOOST DPR’s stands up well to the grime and dirt that runners tend to pick up in the city, and incorporates an innovative lacing pattern similar to that of the Yeezy BOOST 350’s and 750’s.
Adidas PureBOOST DPR’s Summary
Overall, the new PureBOOST DPR’s take everything that was great about the original 2015 and add it to a completely new sneaker that performs incredibly well for a lifestyle and running fusion sneaker.
The new color options, enlarged rubber stretch web, and disruptive design make the PureBOOST DPR’s a must have for any sneakerhead or running enthusiast in 2017.
