Boston in April brings two certainties: elite marathoners and unpredictable weather. If the runners enduring powerful winds and a frigid downpour during last year’s Boston Marathon can attest to anything, it’s that the gear you wear on race day needs to handle it all. But with spectators lining the course from its start in Hopkinton to its finish, 26.2 miles later, in downtown Boston at Copley Square, it also has to look good. What most people don’t know — unless you’re an avid fan — is that running brands release limited edition Boston Marathon-specific models that the pros wear on race day and that consumers can purchase right around now. Everything from shoes to singlets to regionally-inspired nutrition items crop into view.
Here’s the Boston Marathon gear we’re most excited about as race day (April 15th) approaches.
Adidas Adizero Boston 7
Adidas recruited famed Japanese shoemaker Omori, formerly of Asics, to design these tidy, minimalist milers. Omori is known for designing gear for pro baseball players and Olympian marathoners. The clean uppers have minimal logo-ing — there’s a sole Boston Athletic Association unicorn across the heel cup and a modest ‘Boston Marathon’ along the side. Underneath is standard Boost foam midsole and Continental Tire soles — both things for which the Ultraboost is beloved. Something to note: Adidas recommends ordering a half size up due to the shoes deliberately tight fit, unless you prefer your toes to have more breathing room. Some people don’t like to wear socks on race day, so they might want the fit to be a bit tighter, but for the rest of us, we’ll take the size up.
