Convention dictates that if a shoe is comfortable, it must be good. But when you’re ready to get serious about running, you’ll need a lot more than just ‘comfort’. Adidas’ UltraBoost 19 is the latest in a long line of premium running shoes designed to give you not just comfort but support (in all the right places) and a significant amount of energy return. Some might call it an unfair advantage but the fact is, UltraBoost technology feels so much better than standard rubber that it’s like the difference between wearing flip flops and sneakers for a run.
UltraBoost technology is interesting (and easily visible if you look at the sole from the sides). First released in 2015, there are three components to it. First are the Boost capsules – these are hundreds of energy capsules, fused together into a seamless midsole. Right now, given the popularity of UltraBoost, the Boost capsules are as much a style statement as they are functional.
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Next is the Torsion bar – think of it like a spring that compresses when you put your foot down and expands when you lift, giving you increased forward momentum. You can see the Torsion bar through a tiny window underneath the shoe. The Boost capsules and Torsion bar make up the energy return system.
The third component of UltraBoost is the breathable Primeknit 360 upper – a sock-like woven upper that stretches and contours to fit different foot shapes. There’s a reason why woven uppers are getting so popular and it’s because it’s the closest you can get to fully custom running shoes while buying something off the shelf.
But that’s not all. UltraBoost 19 also gets a hard-wearing rubber outsole provided by German tyre maker Continental (you’ll see the Continental logo on the sole), a flexible cage that holds your foot while running and a new 3D heel frame towards the back of the shoe. The design can be a little polarizing, especially with the odd-looking 3D heel frame but if things like support, traction and energy return matter to you, there’s nothing else quite like UltraBoost.
Fitness With Tech: Apps And Gadgets To Track Diet And Workout Results
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Track Health With Tech
By Karan Bajaj
Our hectic lifestyles sometimes leave little time for a proper diet and exercise regime. Thankfully, tech can help you plan your diet, nutrition, exercise and track results for a healthier you. Karan Bajaj talks about some of his favorites.
(Image: Getty)
Fittr
This free app offers various tools including a BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) calculator, body fat percentage calculator, diet tool and even tells you your recommended heart rate for exercise basis your age. The app has its own social network where you can follow other users, join groups and interact with them. Plus, you can also choose a coach as per your fitness requirement (you will have to take one of the paid packages for the coaching service).
(Image: play.google.com)
HealthifyMe
HealthifyMe lets you track your weight, activity as well as your food and water intake. You can set reminders, create a diary, maintain health logs and get a weekly report based on your inputs. In the basic plan (Rs 199/month), the app offers an AI coach called Ria that helps you stay motivated and interacts with you for any queries. If you prefer human coaches, you can opt for paid personalized coaching where you can choose from nutritionists, fitness instructors or yoga coaches.
(Image: www.healthifyme.com)
Fitso
Fitso gives you recommendations on the basis of your BMI (which it calculates according to the height and weight your input). If you want to lose weight, it will give you the option to track your daily calories intake with a diet journal as well as ask you to burn calories with physical activity. You need to set a target weight and choose whether you want to do only a diet or diet & exercise. We like the clean app interface. You can also opt for a coach service which starts at just Rs 149/week.
(Image: play.google.com)
Fitpass
If you’re more of a gym person and do not want to miss workouts while traveling, Fitpass gives you access to 1500+ gyms. The app currently works in selected cities and you pay Rs 999/month for the service. You can view the fitness centers around you based on your locations along with details on their address, timing and the types of workout they provide. They also have plans for dieting and coaching plus an in-app store for purchasing supplements.
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