Adidas Boston 12 vs New Balance Rebel v4: Two Versatile Trainers With Different Personalities

Introduction

The Adidas Boston 12 and the New Balance Rebel v4 are both excellent, versatile daily trainers with a slight lean toward the speedy end of the spectrum. They approach the brief in different ways, though: Adidas packs in far more technology, while New Balance keeps things simple and comfortable. They also land at similar prices, with the Rebel at $140 (£140) and the Boston at $160 (£160). Here is how they stack up.

Specs and Construction

On paper the two shoes differ noticeably. The Boston 12 is the heavier of the pair at 259g (9.1oz) in a UK 9, while the Rebel v4 weighs 219g (7.7oz) in a UK 9.5, despite being a slightly larger size. The Boston has a 7mm drop and the tallest stack of the two, with 38mm at the heel and 31mm at the forefoot. The Rebel runs a 6mm drop with a 30mm heel and 24mm forefoot.

The Boston 12 uses a dual-density midsole: a top layer of Light Strike Pro foam over Light Strike EVA 2.0, a much improved version of the original Light Strike. Glass-fibre Energy Rods 2.0 run through the midsole for extra pop without the full stiffness of carbon, and a Continental rubber outsole delivers excellent grip with strong coverage across the key impact areas. The Rebel counters with a FuelCell midsole, in this case a blend of PEBA and EVA foams that feels soft and bouncy, plus solid outsole coverage with a little more exposed foam through the midfoot.

Fit and Sizing

The Boston 12 fits true to size with good length, and it is slightly wider than some past Adidas Adizero shoes, though it still leans racy. The stripped-back upper is not the most comfortable: it takes some effort to get on, thin tongue padding can cause lace bite when cinched tight, and heel lock lacing helped avoid rubbing on longer runs.

The Rebel v4 has a very wide forefoot and an easier, more comfortable upper with light padding on the tongue and heel. Go with your normal running shoe size for both shoes. The Rebel has historically run short, but the v4’s added width means half a size up leaves extra room in the forefoot, which can feel loose for narrower feet.

Adidas Boston 12: Tech-Forward and Race-Lite

The Boston 12 was a standout shoe of its launch year and a clear upgrade over the Boston 10 and 11: lighter, more aggressive, and genuinely good for fast running. The ride is firm but smooth, and it remains comfortable enough for relaxed easy runs and even easy long runs. When you push the pace, the shoe moves you onto the Light Strike Pro under the forefoot and the Energy Rods, creating a propulsive, punchy toe-off that genuinely encourages quicker running.

Its main drawback is that racy upper. It demands a bit of attention to avoid bite or rubbing, and it makes the Boston slightly less comfortable as an everyday option than its stats suggest.

New Balance Rebel v4: Light, Soft, and Roomy Up Front

The Rebel v4 keeps the line’s lightweight, simple character while adding real comfort. There is no plates-and-rods tech here, just a better version of FuelCell foam and a wider base than past Rebels. That extra width brings more support and stability, making it noticeably better for easy runs and long efforts, and it worked well even over very big mileage days.

It is still fast, though. The low weight keeps foot turnover quick, and it handled track reps and progression runs without fuss. It just lacks the firm forefoot punch and aggression of the Boston.

How They Feel on the Run

Interestingly, the on-foot impressions flip the spec sheet. The Rebel feels like the taller, softer, more cushioned shoe despite its lower stack, while the Boston feels remarkably light and poppy, almost like a pure speed shoe when worn side by side. In isolation, the Boston is more versatile than it first seems and handles easy runs comfortably, but it still skews toward faster work.

For sustained hard reps and longer sections around race pace, the Boston’s rods and firmer forefoot help you keep turning your legs over and hold pace more easily. The Rebel shines at the easy end: relaxed runs, long steady days, and general daily mileage where its softer, wider platform is simply more pleasant.

Which One Should You Buy?

If you want one shoe to do everything, including very fast runs and some racing, the Boston 12 is the more versatile pick thanks to its higher performance ceiling. If your daily trainer will sit in a rotation alongside a carbon-plated racer, the Rebel v4 probably has the edge: it is more relaxed, easier to slip on, and does a genuinely good job at nearly everything, just without the all-out speed.

There is enough overlap here that buying both is probably unnecessary, though both offer good value, and the Boston in particular has been seen in sales well under its RRP, which is exceptional value for such a capable shoe.

Conclusion

Both the Boston 12 and Rebel v4 are versatile trainers with a speedy edge. Choose the Boston if speed is your priority; choose the Rebel if all-day comfort matters more. Either way, you are getting one of the stronger options in the daily trainer category.