The Complete History of the Shoe Named "Boston"

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Danny Mitchell is a freelance writer from New York and contributor to Sneaker Report with an unwavering passion for the Knicks, sneakers, golf, and vintage 90′s gear. Find him on Twitter @dmitch_23

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Image via Nike
Image via Nike

Nike Boston Racing Shoe

Released: 1973

When talking about legendary running icons, the Nike Boston is certainly in the conversation. Originally going by the Japanese name Obori, It was called Boston only in 1973, when marathon runner John Anderson won the race that took place in the Massachusetts city while wearing a pair. Needless to say, from that moment on, the Boston was a heavy contender. While the first release of the shoe was in blue nylon, the yellow version seen above was released just a few years later.

Image via Nike.com
Image via Nike.com

Image via SneakerNews
Image via SneakerNews

adidas Boston Super

Released: 1984

Originally released for the Boston Marathon back in 1984, the Boston Super was comprised of suede and mesh. Although it's not the most ideal running shoe by todays standards, the Boston Super paved the way for future models from adidas including the ZX and Equipment lines.

Image via eatmoreshoes
Image via eatmoreshoes

adidas Boston Super FTR

Released: 2007

The FTR version offered some warranted material upgrades for the Boston Super, but in the long run, the classic prevailed. The FTR was only around for a short while and may have been under appreciated especially due to its combination of materials including nubuck, leather, and suede.

Image via eatmoreshoes
Image via eatmoreshoes

Image via Road Runner
Image via Road Runner

adidas adizero Boston

Released: 2010

The adidas Boston line debuted as a lightweight, long distance runner specifically tailored to tackle marathons. The adizero Boston featured adiPRENE+, a high performance cushioning and ventilation system built to give runners the support needed no matter what mile. The love many runners have for the adizero Boston is what drives the Three Stripes to continue to upgrade it year after year.

Image via NewBalance
Image via NewBalance

Concepts x New Balance 1500 "Freedom Trail"

Released: 2009

Back in 2009, neighboring New England companies, New Balance and Concepts came together to bring you the 1500 "Freedom Trail". Inspired by the Freedom Trail which runs through the streets of Boston, draws from the true history of the city which it is most known for.

Image via HypeBeast
Image via HypeBeast

Image via Road Runner
Image via Road Runner

Adidas Boston 3

Released: 2011

Weighing in at 9.3 oz with Adiprene in the forefoot and heel, Torsion in the mid, and a Formotion outsole to bring it all together, this sure-footed shoe is another favorite for everyday runners and racers alike. Thanks to the lightweight construction and smooth ride, this Torsion-equipped racer was a must have for our list.

Image via NewBalance
Image via NewBalance

New Balance 574 Made in USA Boston Marathon Edition

Released: 2011

Back in 2011, New Balance rolled out a special edition 574 to commemorate the Boston Marathon. Featuring two colorways, one grey with blue mesh, and an all green model, the Boston Marathon 574 were extremely limited with only 36 pairs of each color produced. New Balance finished the look by paying homage to Beantown and the historic marathon by embroidering "Bos 2011" on the heel of each shoe.

Image via NewBalance
Image via NewBalance

Image via NewBalance
Image via NewBalance

Image via NewBalance
Image via NewBalance

Image via NewBalance
Image via NewBalance

New Balance 890 - Boston Marathon

Released: 2012

Released to commemorate the 116th running of the world's most popular race, New Balance advertised it as the brands lightest trainer to date. The blue mesh upper with red and yellow accents and Boston touches throughout was surely an eye catcher for any one who laced them up. The ultra lightweight performance paired with the 890's RevLite midsole and highly cushioned and responsive outsole made this a must for any marathon runner.

Image via SneakerNews
Image via SneakerNews

Image via Road Runner
Image via Road Runner

adidas adizero Boston 4 

Released: 2013

adidas continued their popular Boston series in 2013 by giving the shoe a major redesign, transforming the once high paced runner into a everyday trainer. The incorporation of Adiwear makes the Boston 4 extremely durable and the use of continental rubber for the outsoles greatly improves traction on wet surfaces.

Image via Saucony
Image via Saucony

Saucony Kinvara 4 “Boston” Edition

Released: 2013

The Celtic Green/Yellow colorway, along with a clover that pays homage to Boston’s deep-rooted Irish culture, and the word “Boston” printed on the heel counter. The look was the clear standout here, but the PowerGrid hell insert for improved cushioning and the FlexFlim overlays for added breathability made the Kinvara 4 a performance marvel.

Image via Saucony
Image via Saucony

Image via Saucony
Image via Saucony

Saucony Virrata Boston

Released: 2013

Released alongside the Kinvara 4, the Virrata features similar design elements, but differentiates in weight. Coming in at just 6.7 ounces, the Virrata is one of Saucony's lightest and most flexible runners. The breathable mesh upper, and zero drop construction make it an ideal shoe to tackle your daily run in.

Image via SneakerNews
Image via SneakerNews

adidas Consortium Boston Super "BAA"

Released: 2013

Originally produced to coincide with the Boston Marathon, the adidas Consortium take on the classic was unfortunately pushed back due to the tragic events thats transpired last year. However, this version is a true representation of the city and the race as it pays homage to the Boston Athletic Association, who originated and founded the race.

Image via NewBalance
Image via NewBalance

New Balance Limited Edition Boston 890v3

Released: 2013

Inspired by Paul Revere’s infamous “Midnight Ride” in April 1775, this month, Boston-based New Balance released a limited edition version of the popular 890v3 neutral running sneaker in a star-studded silhouette. The lightweight 890v3 was already a proven performance runner, but the sharp, flashy look solidifies itself on our list.

Image via NewBalance
Image via NewBalance

New Balance Boston Marathon 990v3

Released: 2013

The Boston Marathon New Balance 990v3 released as a pack with the 890v3 through New Jersey retailer, Packer Shoes. Packer recognized Boston was in a great time of need following the bombing and donated all proceeds from the pack to the Boys and Girls Club in Massachusetts.

Image via NewBalance
Image via NewBalance

Image via NewBalance
Image via NewBalance

New Balance M990 - Boston Marathon

Released: 2014

Drawing from Boston's heavy Irish roots and connection to St. Patricks Day, New Balance brought the green with this limited edition M990. Several Boston touches are included beyond the green color scheme including a speckled midsole inspired by the Celtic rock, a Shamrock on the heel, and the map of the marathon on the insole, this M990 is the large spirit of the city, rolled into a sneaker.

Image via NewBalance
Image via NewBalance

Image via NewBalance
Image via NewBalance

Image via Saucony
Image via Saucony

Saucony Boston Kinvara 5

Released: 2014

Following on the heels of last year's Boston Marathon Kinvara, Saucony upped the ante this year by making the Kinvara 5 even more of a performance beast. By adding a new fitting system, the Kinvara 5 is more supportive and provides a locked down feel. The Kinvara 5 will also be more durable and cushioned due to EVA+ rubber added to the midsole and outsole. Like last years, theres no mistaking these for any other city, as the Boston name is scattered throughout the green runner.

Image via Saucony
Image via Saucony

Image via NewBalance
Image via NewBalance

New Balance 890v4 Boston Marathon

Released: 2014

New Balance wanted to create a shoe that was as unique as the race itself, and exceeded expectations. This limited edition 890v4 features non-sew panel construction which allows it to wrap around the foot adding additional arch support which is a major problem area for most runners. The sole on the 890v4 is also comprised of blown rubber for increased cushioning and decreased stress. New Balance added all the Boston touches you could ask for, including picture of Massachusetts, a heart on the back, and the slogan for this year's marathon, #LoveBoston.

Image via NewBalance
Image via NewBalance

Image via NewBalance
Image via NewBalance

Nike "Stronger Every Run" collection
Image via SneakerNews

Nike "Stronger Every Run" Collection Boston 2014

Released: 2014

The most recent installment from Nike features the all new Nike Free 5.0 and the LunaRacer 3 in some Beantown inspired colors. The pack pays homage to the strength and courage the people of Boston and the U.S showed in the wake of the tragic events from last year and takes the #BostonStrong motto and updates it to celebrate the world's most famous race.

Image via SneakerNews
Image via SneakerNews

Image via SneakerNews
Image via SneakerNews

Image via Nike.com
Image via Nike.com

Image via SneakerNews
Image via SneakerNews

Image via SneakerNews
Image via SneakerNews

Image via Nike.com
Image via Nike.com

Danny Mitchell is a freelance writer from New York and contributor to Sneaker Report with an unwavering passion for the Knicks, sneakers, golf, and vintage 90′s gear. Find him on Twitter @dmitch_23 

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