Adidas Ultraboost 23 Running Shoes vs Leki Micro Vario Carbon Trekking Poles (2026)

✍️ By the 247Verdict Editorial Team📅 Updated 05 October 2026

Which is better? We compared both on score, owner ratings, pros and cons.

Adidas Ultraboost 23 Running Shoes

9.0/10 Excellent

4.5★ (12,400 owners)

Boost midsole, Primeknit+ upper, Linear Energy Push, 11mm drop. Energy-return road runner.

Full Review

Leki Micro Vario Carbon Trekking Poles

9.1/10 Excellent

4.7★ (4,200 owners)

Carbon shaft, Speed Lock 2, foldable 3-section, 195g/pole, cork grip. The collapsible hiking pole standard.

Full Review

At a Glance

	Adidas Ultraboost 23 Running Shoes	Leki Micro Vario Carbon Trekking Poles
247Verdict Score	9.0/10	9.1/10
Owner Rating	4.5★ (12,400)	4.7★ (4,200)
Verdict	Excellent	Excellent

Quick Verdict

This is a genuine draw — both score within 0.15 points of each other. Adidas Ultraboost 23 Running Shoes: Boost midsole, Primeknit+ upper, Linear Energy Push, 11mm drop. Energy-return road runner. Leki Micro Vario Carbon Trekking Poles: Carbon shaft, Speed Lock 2, foldable 3-section, 195g/pole, cork grip. The collapsible hiking pole standard. Choose based on your specific needs. Check the current price on Amazon →

Pros & Cons Side by Side

Adidas Ultraboost 23 Running Shoes

Boost midsole is the original energy-return foam that influenced every subsequent running shoe foam
Primeknit+ upper is breathable and adapts to foot shape without pressure points
Linear Energy Push plate guides the foot through efficient toe-off geometry
12,400 Amazon reviews at 4.5★ from runners who've tested Ultraboost over multiple generations
Adidas's running shoe engineering applied to the lifestyle-to-performance crossover shoe

Less maximal cushioning than Hoka Clifton — not ideal for high-mileage easy running
SPEEDROLL alternatives like Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 are faster for tempo work
Premium pricing at £150+ for a shoe that sells as much on style as performance

Leki Micro Vario Carbon Trekking Poles

195g per pole — the lightest reviewed trekking pole at this quality level
Speed Lock 2 adjusts and locks length in 2 seconds with one hand — functional while moving
Carbon shaft absorbs vibration from rocky terrain — less arm fatigue on long descents
Foldable 3-section collapses to 38cm — fits in carry-on luggage for international hiking trips
Leki's 50-year German pole engineering heritage — the brand behind ski and trekking pole development

Premium pricing over aluminium alternatives — carbon costs significantly more for the weight saving
Speed Lock 2 lever adds a small protrusion vs smooth shaft alternatives
Carbon is more brittle than aluminium if poles are sat on or dropped heavily

FAQ

Which is better, Adidas Ultraboost 23 or Leki Micro Vario Carbon?

Is the Adidas Ultraboost 23 worth the extra cost?

The Leki Micro Vario Carbon Trekking Poles matches or exceeds it at a potentially lower price point.

Who is the Adidas Ultraboost 23 best suited to?

Boost midsole, Primeknit+ upper, Linear Energy Push, 11mm drop. Energy-return road runner.

Who is the Leki Micro Vario Carbon best suited to?

Carbon shaft, Speed Lock 2, foldable 3-section, 195g/pole, cork grip. The collapsible hiking pole standard.

What are the main downsides of each?

Adidas Ultraboost 23 Running Shoes: Less maximal cushioning than Hoka Clifton — not ideal for high-mileage easy running; SPEEDROLL alternatives like Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 are faster for tempo work. Leki Micro Vario Carbon Trekking Poles: Premium pricing over aluminium alternatives — carbon costs significantly more for the weight saving; Speed Lock 2 lever adds a small protrusion vs smooth shaft alternatives.

Do owner ratings agree with our verdict?

Largely, yes — Adidas Ultraboost 23 Running Shoes sits at 4.5★ from 12,400 verified Amazon owners, and Leki Micro Vario Carbon Trekking Poles at 4.7★ from 4,200.

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