adidas Ultraboost 22 Review: A Running Shoe Built Around Women's Feet

Introduction

The adidas Ultraboost 22 arrived with a premise worth noting: rather than taking a men’s shoe and making it smaller and pinker, adidas assembled an all-female design team and built the shoe around women’s feet and biomechanics. That matters, because women’s hips sit differently and the way they strike the ground differs too. Women’s feet are not simply smaller versions of men’s feet.

After a first short run in the shoe, the verdict was encouraging. If you loved the Ultraboost 21 and you are a woman, the 22 is very likely the shoe for you. The changes made this year all seem to be for the better.

Who the Ultraboost 22 Is For

This is a shoe aimed squarely at female runners who want a comfortable, bouncy neutral daily trainer with a touch of thoughtful support built in. adidas specifically targeted women’s foot shapes: the heel area is narrower to match how many women’s heels are shaped, and the arch area got extra attention to cradle the foot through the stride.

If you run in support shoes and like a bit of support around the arch, the 22 offers that gentle cradling feeling. It is not a dedicated support shoe, sitting closer to neutral, but it provides a bit of support when you need it, and testers who favor support shoes reported being happy in it.

Main Strengths

The most consistent praise centres on fit. Compared with the Ultraboost 21, which some found uncomfortably tight over high arches and others found left excess fabric around the lacing area due to the one-piece upper, the 22 nails the balance. For runners with slightly narrow feet, the fit was described as absolutely spot on, with laces at a great length and no surplus material.

The upper keeps the same material recipe as before: 50 percent recycled polyester and 50 percent ocean plastic, still made as a single comfortable piece. It flexes around the toes and moves with them as you wiggle, while staying supportive.

Another improvement is underfoot stability. The Ultraboost 21 could feel a little unsteady and clunky around corners, possibly because of a bulky heel. The 22 feels nimbler: smooth, agile and confident when weaving through traffic on city streets. The shoe is also slightly lighter than the 21, coming in at 289 grams in a size five and a half.

Things to Consider Before Buying

Sizing is close but not perfect: a UK size six fits pretty true to size, though slightly on the smaller side. Most testers were happy to wear their usual size, but if you sit between sizes it is worth trying before committing.

There is a subtle touch of support built into the outsole, with a small accent section designed to help reduce overpronation, since women are reportedly more prone to it. Runners who want a fully neutral ride or a dedicated stability shoe should factor that in.

Colour choice is limited at launch to five options: a pinky purple, a white, a grey, and two black combinations. The palette is expected to expand later in the year, so waiting is an option if none of the launch colours appeal.

Buying Advice

The question is simple: should you upgrade? If you are a woman and a fan of the Ultraboost 21, yes. None of the changes are a step backwards; the result is a better fit, a lighter shoe and more nimble handling. If your 21s are worn out from overuse, the 22 is an easy replacement decision.

Price at launch is £165, which is in line with the Ultraboost line’s usual positioning. The shoe launched first for adidas subscribers on Monday 6 December, with the general release following on the Thursday of that week. If you are new to the Ultraboost family and want a comfy, bouncy everyday shoe tailored to a women’s foot, this is a strong starting point.

Conclusion

The adidas Ultraboost 22 delivers on its promise. A narrower heel, better arch support, a snugger one-piece upper with no wasted fabric, and a nimbler ride all add up to a better shoe for female runners. The only real question is why a shoe designed specifically around women’s biomechanics took this long to arrive. For women who liked the 21, the answer to whether to buy is an easy one.