Introduction
Adidas has always been at the forefront of innovative Adidas running shoes, but the new Adidas Ultraboost 5X STEPN Edition isn’t just another sneaker, it’s a pioneering blend of physical and digital worlds. Born from the exciting STEPN x Adidas collab, these limited-edition sneakers bridge high-performance running with Web3 exclusivity.
Who is this sneaker made for? Casual runners, NFT sneakers enthusiasts, sneaker collectors, or anyone intrigued by Web3 sneakers and blockchain innovation.
Verdict: “The Adidas Ultraboost 5X STEPN Edition is a perfect fusion of running performance and blockchain innovation, delivering exceptional comfort in an exclusive package.”
The STEPN x Adidas Collaboration: From NFTs to Real Sneakers
The Adidas Ultraboost 5X STEPN Edition evolved from Adidas and STEPN’s groundbreaking partnership, beginning with digital collectibles (STEPN NFT sneakers) and culminating in rare STEPN physical sneakers. All drops were hosted on mooar.com, the official launchpad for STEPN’s NFT collections, including raffle entries, NFT sneaker tickets, and redemption for physical sneaker pairs.
- Genesis NFTs: April 2024, first-ever Adidas blockchain sneakers on Solana. View Genesis Collection on Mooar
- Second NFT Drop: September 2024, exclusive designs including Ultraboost 5X. View Second NFT Drop Collection on Mooar
- Physical Sneaker Drop: December 2024, limited to just 1,200 pairs. Expired Ticket Collection
Participants entered raffles via the STEPN GO app, traded NFT sneaker tickets, and eventually redeemed physical sneakers, a true blend of digital asset ownership and real-world exclusivity.
First Impressions: Packaging, Design & Unboxing
The unboxing of the Adidas Ultraboost 5X STEPN Edition screams exclusivity:
- Premium packaging featuring dual branding (Adidas and STEPN logos).
- Four vibrant, limited-edition colorways (Aqua Blue, Grey, Pink, Red).
- Inside the Box: The Elite STEPN Welcome Letter — an official congratulatory note marking your entry into this exclusive digital-meets-physical club.
The minimalist, cage-free Primeknit upper immediately catches the eye, promising a modern look and a lightweight feel.
Performance Review
Cushioning & Energy Return
The Ultraboost 5X utilizes Adidas’s advanced Light Boost midsole, offering soft cushioning with excellent responsiveness. The sneaker feels bouncy, energetic, and ready to tackle daily runs.
Weight & Agility
Weighing approximately 275 grams (17 grams lighter than the standard Ultraboost 5), the Ultraboost 5X feels significantly lighter, contributing to a more dynamic and agile run.
Breathability & Flexibility
The cage-free Primeknit upper enhances flexibility and breathability. Your feet feel cool and unrestricted, perfect for warmer runs or extended wear.
Stability & Support
Even without a TPU cage, internal knit support bands and the external heel counter maintain adequate stability for moderate-distance running. Ideal for versatile training but slightly less structured than its Ultraboost 5 counterpart.
Comfort & Fit
(Image suggestion: Sneaker being worn, showing fit and comfort)
The sock-like Primeknit material provides an exceptional adaptive fit, suitable for various foot shapes, including wider feet. Without the midfoot cage, it feels less restrictive, making this sneaker perfect for all-day comfort.
Ultraboost 5 vs Ultraboost 5X
| Feature | Ultraboost | Ultraboost 5X |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 292g | 275g |
| Midfoot Support | TPU cage | Cage-free (internal support) |
| Upper | Structured Primeknit | Flexible, open-knit |
| Aesthetic | Traditional | Modern, minimalistic |
| Use Case | Long, supportive runs | Versatile, dynamic runs |
Build Quality: Midsole, Outsole, Durability
Adidas hasn’t compromised on durability or grip with the Ultraboost 5X.
The Continental™ rubber outsole delivers excellent traction on both dry and wet surfaces, with a flexible layout that adapts naturally to your stride.
Beneath the foot, the full-length Light Boost midsole ensures long-term cushioning performance. Even with the insole removed, you can see the structural foam that powers each step. This midsole layer absorbs shock, rebounds energy, and maintains its shape and responsiveness over time, ideal for both running and daily wear.
Pros & Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| Lightweight and breathable | Less structured midfoot support than Ultraboost 5 |
| Exclusive NFT-linked limited edition | Limited availability (only 1,200 pairs) |
| Comfortable for daily wear and running | Premium price point |
| Modern, minimalistic design | — |
Web3 Meets Sneakers – What This Collab Means for the Industry
The STEPN x Adidas collab signifies more than just a sneaker drop—it represents a turning point where NFTs, Web3, and physical products merge seamlessly. With token-gated access and blockchain-backed authenticity, Adidas sets a new benchmark for how brands can engage sneaker enthusiasts and crypto communities alike.
Final Verdict – Should You Buy It?
The Adidas Ultraboost 5X STEPN Edition is a must-have for anyone passionate about innovative sneakers, Web3, and exclusive collectibles. If you prefer structured, supportive shoes for long-distance runs, the regular Ultraboost 5 may be a better fit. However, for dynamic runners and sneaker collectors seeking lightweight comfort with blockchain exclusivity, the Ultraboost 5X is unbeatable.
Best use cases: daily training, casual wear, Web3 events, and sneaker collecting.
Did you manage to grab this limited Adidas x STEPN collab sneaker? Share your experience below!
What is STEPN GO?
STEPN GO is an innovative Web3 lifestyle application that seamlessly integrates fitness, social interaction, artificial intelligence (AI), and blockchain technology. Building upon the success of its predecessor, STEPN, this app focuses on two fundamental aspects of daily life: staying connected with friends and family, and maintaining an active lifestyle.
Key Features:
- FSL ID: Utilizes your email as the login for your wallet address, serving as the sole registration gateway for STEPN GO.
- The Haus: Allows users to become Hosts of their own Haus, inviting friends and family as Guests. Hosts can lend Sneakers and share Energy with their Guests, fostering a communal fitness experience.
- Customizable Avatar: Offers the ability to personalize a 3D Avatar, equipping them with Outfits obtained through in-app crafting. Users can showcase their Avatars and interact with others on the Interactive Map.
- Energy System: To begin using STEPN GO, users need to burn Sneakers to receive Energy and increase their Energy Cap, promoting a stable and sustainable in-app economy.
- Fitness Level: Implements a dynamic fitness system that challenges players to maintain regular activity through a structured 14-day cycle, rewarding consistent participation with enhanced earnings.
Game Mechanics:
- NFT Sneakers: Come in various Types—Walker, Jogger, Runner, and Trainer—each with optimal speed ranges for earning. They also have different Qualities: Common, Uncommon, Rare, Epic, and Legendary, with higher qualities offering more attributes and benefits.
- Earning Mechanics: Sneakers possess four attributes—Efficiency, Luck, Charm, and Karma—that influence various aspects of gameplay, such as token earnings, Mystery Box drops, Outfit Fragment earnings, and PvP earnings.
Social Features:
- Interactive Map: Enables users to make themselves visible, browse through others’ 3D Avatars, drop Chat Boxes to interact, and place Running Invitations to invite others for exercise sessions.
By participating in activities such as walking, jogging, or running outdoors with NFT Sneakers, users can earn tokens and NFTs. These digital assets can be utilized within the app or traded on secondary markets, providing both intrinsic and extrinsic value.
Stay tuned for our detailed “How to Start with STEPN GO” guide, where we’ll provide step-by-step instructions to help you embark on your journey with this groundbreaking app.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
💬 Have thoughts on the Ultraboost 5X or participated in the STEPN raffle? Drop a comment below, let’s chat Web3 sneakers!
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