Two of Adidas’ most popular Boost sneakers are the Ultraboost and the NMD, but which of the two models is better?
To help you decide, we’ve compared some of the similarities and differences in price, performance, and comfort, before coming to an overall conclusion on which we think you should buy.
That being said, let’s start by comparing the two on their price tags…
Ultraboost vs. NMD – Price
One of the first things you’ll probably consider when trying to decide which of the two sneakers you should buy is the price.
Generally speaking, the Adidas NMD are cheaper than the Ultraboost. For example, these triple white Ultraboost 21s cost a bit more than these triple black NMDs.
The main reason for this is probably that the NMDs were always designed to be lifestyle sneakers, while the Ultraboosts are primarily designed to be high-performance running shoes, hence the added cost.
Ultraboost vs. NMD – Performance
As alluded to above, comparing the two from a performance perspective isn’t necessarily fair because the NMD was never intended to be used primarily for exercise.
A great example of their two different purposes can be seen from the shape of the midsoles. Although both are made from Boost, the Ultraboost’s midsole has been curved into a “rocker” shape for better energy transfer and forward momentum.
It’s worth mentioning though that both sneakers feature an Adidas Primeknit upper, which means they should both be incredibly lightweight, which is great for running.
That said, the Ultraboost comes with the extra cage and heel counter for secure lockdown once you put them on for a workout.
Ultraboost vs. NMD – Comfort
Choosing which of the two sneakers is more comfortable is hard to say, because deciding what is comfortable and what is not is entirely subjective.
As mentioned above and in our comparison of Yeezy and Ultraboost, both feature Adidas’ Boost technology in the midsole, which is widely regarded as one of the most comfortable materials around.
To try to separate them, we had to look at the Primeknit fabric construction of each sneaker. Ultraboost’s Primeknit is much more woven than the fabric seen on NMDs, giving you the benefit of a flexible material with a more secure fit.
That being said, you might find the added flexibility and lack of a cage feel more comfortable with a pair of NMDs, hence why they’re often considered the more comfortable of the two if you have wider feet.
Which should you buy?
It’s hard to say which of Ultraboost and NMD you should buy because they’re not designed for the same purpose.
If you are looking for a high performance pair of trainers for running, then we would say it is better to opt for Ultraboosts. However, the decision becomes a little more difficult when choosing a pair to wear on a daily basis.
In our opinion, we might still stick with the Ultraboosts for day-to-day use, although the slightly higher retail price compared to the NMDs should be kept in mind.
Ultimately, the choice is yours though. If you’re really unsure, we recommend trying on a pair of each in store and seeing which pair suits you best.
Read more: Best Running Shoes – Our Top Picks