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Both the Adidas Ultraboost and the NMD use Adidas' proprietary Boost foam technology, and both are among the brand's best-selling shoes in Canada. But they are designed with very different intentions, and choosing the wrong one for your lifestyle is an easy mistake to make. Here is our honest comparison.

The Core Technology — What They Share

Both shoes use Boost in their midsoles — the same fundamental technology, though in different configurations. Boost foam is made from expanded TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) pellets fused together. The result is a foam that compresses under load and springs back to its original shape more completely than standard EVA foam. This means more energy return with each step, which translates to less fatigue over a full day of wear or a long run.

The Ultraboost uses a full-length, high-volume Boost midsole specifically tuned for running biomechanics. The NMD uses a slightly lower-volume Boost midsole with decorative EVA plug inserts on the sides — visually distinctive but not technically functional. Both feel excellent underfoot, but the Ultraboost's Boost is more substantial.

Comfort: Ultraboost Wins by a Clear Margin

The Ultraboost was engineered around comfort as its primary design objective. The Primeknit upper wraps your foot without pressure points. The Continental rubber outsole provides grip. The heel counter locks in your foot during movement. Everything about the shoe is optimized for extended wear and running performance. For long days on your feet — whether that's a Canadian retail shift, a full day of sightseeing, or a long run — the Ultraboost is the superior choice.

The NMD is comfortable, but its Primeknit upper is less structured and the Boost volume is lower. For short periods of wear in a casual context, it's perfectly comfortable. For extended athletic use or all-day wear, the Ultraboost's advantage becomes significant.

Style: NMD Has the Street Credibility

The NMD was designed purely as a lifestyle shoe, and it looks the part. Its silhouette is lower-profile and more assertively streetwear-coded. The visible Boost midsole, the EVA plugs, and the wide range of bold Primeknit colourways give it a visual language that's firmly rooted in street culture. In Canada's major cities — particularly Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal — the NMD reads as a deliberate sneaker choice.

The Ultraboost, by contrast, is a running shoe that happens to look good. Its aesthetic is more functional and performance-oriented. It pairs well with athletic wear and smart-casual outfits, but it doesn't carry the same street-culture weight as the NMD. Neither approach is better — it depends entirely on how you want to be perceived when you're wearing them.

Price in Canada — The Bottom Line

On sale at AdidasShoeSale.ca, NMD models start at $89 CAD while Ultraboost models start at $149 CAD. That's a $60 premium for the Ultraboost — justified by its superior comfort technology, but significant for budget-conscious Canadian shoppers. If comfort is worth that premium to you, buy the Ultraboost. If it isn't, or if style and price are your primary drivers, the NMD represents exceptional value.

Our Verdict

• Buy the Ultraboost if: you run regularly, walk more than 5km per day, want maximum all-day comfort, or are willing to pay a moderate premium for superior technology
• Buy the NMD if: you want a style-forward casual sneaker with Boost comfort at a lower price point, and your lifestyle doesn't require sustained athletic use
• Can't decide? Both are in our sale section — consider buying one of each. At these prices, owning both a dedicated performance runner and a street-casual shoe is entirely achievable