Few models have disrupted the footwear industry quite like the adidas Ultraboost. The running shoe, launched in 2015, became an instant sensation, transcending its performance roots to become a lifestyle staple. Combining sleek aesthetics with adidas’ then-groundbreaking Boost technology, the Ultraboost defined an era and reshaped the market for comfort-driven footwear. As the sneaker celebrates its 10th Anniversary, adidas is bringing back the iconic Ultraboost 1.0 OG colorway alongside a renewed focus on the model that once dominated streets, social media feeds, and sneaker rotations worldwide.
Before the Ultraboost, adidas still chased competitors in the running and casual sneaker space. That all changed in 2013 when adidas unveiled Boost technology—an energy-returning foam midsole developed in collaboration with BASF. The first shoe to feature this new cushioning tech was the adidas Energy Boost, though it wouldn’t catch on as the Ultraboost eventually did when it premiered two years later. The model delivered an unmatched combination of comfort and performance, featuring a Primeknit upper, a full-length Boost midsole, and a supportive heel cage.
While the shoe was built for runners, it quickly found an audience far beyond the track. Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, played a significant role in its cultural explosion, famously wearing the Ultraboost 1.0 OG in the streets and the Ultraboost 1.0 Triple White on stage; this instantly elevated the shoe's status in sneaker and streetwear communities.
From 2015 to 2017, the Ultraboost was at its peak, dominating the sneaker landscape and challenging competitors' long-standing dominance in the lifestyle market. The sneaker became a go-to for celebrities, athletes, and everyday wearers, praised for its all-day comfort and modern aesthetic. adidas capitalized on this momentum by releasing multiple Ultraboost iterations, colorways, and collaborations with brands across the industry.
However, as trends shifted, the Ultraboost lost some of its luster. The market became oversaturated with Ultraboost variants and sock-shoe sneakers, with sneakerheads gradually moving to newer silhouettes and styles. Even still, the Ultraboost series continued to evolve and still does, the latest being the Ultraboost 5x.
Fast forward to 2025, and adidas is recognizing the Ultraboost’s impact with a well-deserved anniversary celebration. The return of the Ultraboost 1.0 in its OG black and purple colorway serves as a nostalgic nod to its origins while reaffirming its place in adidas’ legacy. While the Ultraboost may no longer be the cultural juggernaut it once was, its influence on sneaker design and comfort-first innovation is undeniable. Below, we’ve highlighted the best adidas Ultraboost 1.0 colorways available on adidas.com. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app for more updates on the adidas Ultraboost and the latest happenings in the sneaker and streetwear world.
Men's adidas Ultraboost 1.0s Available Now
Women's adidas Ultraboost 1.0s Available Now
Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. Concerts, music, trying new restaurants, and catching the latest movies are some of the things I enjoy when not writing for Sole Retriever. Email: nick@soleretriever.com
