
8.8
/10
MOST COMFORTABLE FOR CITY MARATHONS

8.8
/10
MOST COMFORTABLE FOR CITY MARATHONS
Last Updated:
Jun 30, 2025
Conquer City Miles in Cloud-Like Comfort – Adidas Ultraboost 22 Review
Make Concrete Feel Like Clouds: The Ultraboost Advantage for High-Mileage Travel Days
Planning a trip filled with relentless sightseeing on hard city surfaces? The Adidas Ultraboost is legendary for its cushioning and energy return. After a 28,000-step day conquering New York City – from Central Park, across the Brooklyn Bridge, and through the chaos of Times Square – I can tell you if the hype translates to happy travel feet.
☁️
Comfort
9
Combines plush cushioning with a secure Primeknit fit. Feels great for walking, though the snugness can bother some on extra-long days.
⚡️
Cushioning
9.5
Legendary BOOST midsole provides exceptional impact absorption and a soft feel underfoot. Significantly reduces fatigue on hard surfaces.
🏃
Energy Return
8
Responsive BOOST foam provides a noticeable 'bounce' or springiness. Helps propel you forward, making walking feel less taxing.
🛡️
Durability
8.5
BOOST midsole and Continental outsole are very long-lasting. Primeknit upper holds up well but may stretch slightly over extended heavy use.
Perfect For
🚶♂️
Long Walks
🗺️
Sightseeing
👟
Urban Exploration
🏃
Comfort on Concrete
☁️
Travel Running
Quality & Comfort
The Ultraboost's reputation is built on comfort, primarily delivered by the exceptional BOOST midsole. It provides a uniquely plush yet responsive feel underfoot, effectively absorbing impact from concrete and cobblestones. During my own 28,000-step marathon through NYC, the cushioning was genuinely impressive – my feet felt significantly less fatigued compared to previous trips using other sneakers. That famous BOOST "bounce" isn't just marketing; you can feel it helping you along, especially towards the end of a long day navigating from Central Park, over the Brooklyn Bridge, and back through the sensory overload of Times Square. It made a huge difference. However, the Primeknit upper, while soft and adaptive, creates a very snug, sock-like fit. While this feels secure initially, I found that after 5-6 hours of continuous wear, the snugness became constrictive, leading to pressure points. Many users echo this, recommending sizing up half a size and noting they might not be ideal for \*all-day\* wear if you prefer a looser fit or experience significant foot swelling. My feet definitely appreciated a break after a full day in these, more so than with some wider shoes.


Durability
Birkenstocks are known for their durability, provided they are cared for correctly – which primarily means keeping them dry. The high-quality oiled leather straps of the Lugano are robust and develop a nice patina over time. The cork footbed is resilient but vulnerable to water damage, which can cause it to degrade, crack, or lose its shape. To maximize longevity, it's crucial to avoid getting them thoroughly wet. Users also highly recommend applying a cork sealant (like Kelly's Cork Renew) periodically to the exposed cork edges to prevent drying and cracking. With proper care, a pair of Luganos can last for many years of seasonal travel.
Packability
As open sandals, Luganos are inherently packable, taking up minimal space compared to closed-toe shoes. They are lightweight and can be easily slipped into the side pocket of a backpack or laid flat in a suitcase. Their packability advantage also lies in their potential versatility after the break-in. If they become your comfortable all-day warm-weather shoe that also works for casual dinners, they can eliminate the need to pack separate 'nice' sandals or flats, contributing to lighter packing overall.


Functionality
Functionally, the Lugano's primary role is providing exceptional support and breathability for walking in warm, dry climates after being broken in. The contoured footbed promotes proper foot alignment and distributes weight effectively, reducing fatigue on hard surfaces. The open design maximizes airflow, keeping feet cool. The woven leather straps give the Lugano a more refined aesthetic than typical sport sandals, allowing it to function appropriately in a wider range of casual settings, from exploring archaeological sites to dining at tavernas, as confirmed in my Greece tests. Their key functional limitation is their complete intolerance for wet conditions – rain or significant water exposure can permanently damage the cork and leather.
Value
Birkenstocks represent an investment, and the Lugano is priced accordingly. The value hinges on two factors: successfully navigating the break-in period and needing the specific combination of high arch support and versatile warm-weather style. If you prioritize orthopedic-level support and appreciate a sandal that looks more polished than sporty alternatives, the long-term comfort and durability (with proper care) offer good value. However, if you're unwilling to endure the break-in, need water-friendly footwear, or don't require significant arch support, the value diminishes. Consider the break-in period as part of the 'cost' – it requires time and potential discomfort before unlocking the shoe's benefits.
Took me 6-8 weeks to really break in my first pair... I wore them around the house daily for as many hours as I could stand.
- Reddit User r/Birkenstocks
Did You Know?
The original Birkenstock footbed was developed based on orthopedic principles, designed to support the foot's natural shape and encourage proper posture and weight distribution.
Quick Verdict
✕


Performance Scores
Energy Return
9
Support
8
Cushioning
9.5
Comfort
9
Cushioning
9
Energy Return
9.5
Durability
8.5
Grip
8
The VOYAGER ULTRALIGHT transitions seamlessly from trail to terminal
The VOYAGER ULTRALIGHT transitions seamlessly from trail to terminal
Performance Analysis
Pros and Cons
Pros
✓
Exceptional BOOST cushioning and energy return make long walking days feel less brutal.
✓
Noticeably reduces foot and leg fatigue after thousands of steps on hard city surfaces.
✓
Durable construction means they can handle the abuse of travel.
✓
100% waterproof knit (no coating)
Cons
x
Premium price point – they're an investment.
x
Very bulky and difficult to pack efficiently; these are not for ultra-light packers.
x
The Primeknit upper can be quite snug; sizing up 0.5 size is frequently recommended by users.
x
The knit can stretch over time with heavy use and may feel warm in very hot climates.
Final Verdict
8.8
Supportive (Eventually!)
Elegant sandal, unmatched molded support (if you survive the break-in).
The Birkenstock Lugano offers a unique proposition for warm-weather travelers: the brand's renowned orthopedic cork footbed support packaged in a stylishly woven leather sandal. Once molded to your feet after a significant (and potentially uncomfortable) 2-3 week break-in period – seriously, stock up on Band-Aids – they provide exceptional comfort and alignment for long days of walking on hard surfaces, as my Greek island hopping proved.
Their refined look transitions well from casual sightseeing to relaxed evenings, offering more versatility than typical sport sandals. However, that mandatory break-in requires commitment before travel, and they are completely unsuitable for wet conditions. For those prioritizing arch support and classic style in dry, warm climates, the Lugano is an excellent, durable choice – just be prepared for the initial investment in time, patience, and a few blisters. If you can tough it out, your feet might just thank you for summers to come.
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Compare Alternatives
Birkenstock Lugano
$
Anatomical cork-latex footbed
Oiled Leather upper
EVA sole
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High Mileage Award
Birkenstock Lugano
Make Concrete Feel Like Clouds: The Ultraboost Advantage for High-Mileage Travel Days
8.8
SCORE
Elegant sandal, unmatched molded support (if you survive the break-in).
Last Updated:
Jun 30, 2025
Planning a trip filled with relentless sightseeing on hard city surfaces? The Adidas Ultraboost is legendary for its cushioning and energy return. After a 28,000-step day conquering New York City – from Central Park, across the Brooklyn Bridge, and through the chaos of Times Square – I can tell you if the hype translates to happy travel feet.
✓
Strengths
Exceptional BOOST cushioning and energy return make long walking days feel less brutal.
Noticeably reduces foot and leg fatigue after thousands of steps on hard city surfaces.
Durable construction means they can handle the abuse of travel.
Versatile casual athletic style that works for exploring and even light runs.
X
Consider
Premium price point – they're an investment.
Very bulky and difficult to pack efficiently; these are not for ultra-light packers.
The Primeknit upper can be quite snug; sizing up 0.5 size is frequently recommended by users.
The knit can stretch over time with heavy use and may feel warm in very hot climates.
View Current Price
Compare
⚡️
Cushioning
9
🏃
Energy Return
9.5
🛡️
Durability
8.5
🧲
Grip
8
🌧️
Weather
9.2
Performance
🚶♂️
Long Walks
🗺️
Sightseeing
👟
Urban Exploration
🏃
Comfort on Concrete
☁️
Travel Running
Perfect For
Quality & Comfort
The Ultraboost's reputation is built on comfort, primarily delivered by the exceptional BOOST midsole. It provides a uniquely plush yet responsive feel underfoot, effectively absorbing impact from concrete and cobblestones. During my own 28,000-step marathon through NYC, the cushioning was genuinely impressive – my feet felt significantly less fatigued compared to previous trips using other sneakers. That famous BOOST "bounce" isn't just marketing; you can feel it helping you along, especially towards the end of a long day navigating from Central Park, over the Brooklyn Bridge, and back through the sensory overload of Times Square. It made a huge difference. However, the Primeknit upper, while soft and adaptive, creates a very snug, sock-like fit. While this feels secure initially, I found that after 5-6 hours of continuous wear, the snugness became constrictive, leading to pressure points. Many users echo this, recommending sizing up half a size and noting they might not be ideal for \*all-day\* wear if you prefer a looser fit or experience significant foot swelling. My feet definitely appreciated a break after a full day in these, more so than with some wider shoes.
Durability
Birkenstocks are known for their durability, provided they are cared for correctly – which primarily means keeping them dry. The high-quality oiled leather straps of the Lugano are robust and develop a nice patina over time. The cork footbed is resilient but vulnerable to water damage, which can cause it to degrade, crack, or lose its shape. To maximize longevity, it's crucial to avoid getting them thoroughly wet. Users also highly recommend applying a cork sealant (like Kelly's Cork Renew) periodically to the exposed cork edges to prevent drying and cracking. With proper care, a pair of Luganos can last for many years of seasonal travel.
Packability
As open sandals, Luganos are inherently packable, taking up minimal space compared to closed-toe shoes. They are lightweight and can be easily slipped into the side pocket of a backpack or laid flat in a suitcase. Their packability advantage also lies in their potential versatility after the break-in. If they become your comfortable all-day warm-weather shoe that also works for casual dinners, they can eliminate the need to pack separate 'nice' sandals or flats, contributing to lighter packing overall.
Functionality
Functionally, the Lugano's primary role is providing exceptional support and breathability for walking in warm, dry climates after being broken in. The contoured footbed promotes proper foot alignment and distributes weight effectively, reducing fatigue on hard surfaces. The open design maximizes airflow, keeping feet cool. The woven leather straps give the Lugano a more refined aesthetic than typical sport sandals, allowing it to function appropriately in a wider range of casual settings, from exploring archaeological sites to dining at tavernas, as confirmed in my Greece tests. Their key functional limitation is their complete intolerance for wet conditions – rain or significant water exposure can permanently damage the cork and leather.




Value
Birkenstocks represent an investment, and the Lugano is priced accordingly. The value hinges on two factors: successfully navigating the break-in period and needing the specific combination of high arch support and versatile warm-weather style. If you prioritize orthopedic-level support and appreciate a sandal that looks more polished than sporty alternatives, the long-term comfort and durability (with proper care) offer good value. However, if you're unwilling to endure the break-in, need water-friendly footwear, or don't require significant arch support, the value diminishes. Consider the break-in period as part of the 'cost' – it requires time and potential discomfort before unlocking the shoe's benefits.
Took me 6-8 weeks to really break in my first pair... I wore them around the house daily for as many hours as I could stand.
- Reddit User r/Birkenstocks
You Might Also Like
Supportive (Eventually!)
Elegant sandal, unmatched molded support (if you survive the break-in).
8.8
The Birkenstock Lugano offers a unique proposition for warm-weather travelers: the brand's renowned orthopedic cork footbed support packaged in a stylishly woven leather sandal. Once molded to your feet after a significant (and potentially uncomfortable) 2-3 week break-in period – seriously, stock up on Band-Aids – they provide exceptional comfort and alignment for long days of walking on hard surfaces, as my Greek island hopping proved.
Their refined look transitions well from casual sightseeing to relaxed evenings, offering more versatility than typical sport sandals. However, that mandatory break-in requires commitment before travel, and they are completely unsuitable for wet conditions. For those prioritizing arch support and classic style in dry, warm climates, the Lugano is an excellent, durable choice – just be prepared for the initial investment in time, patience, and a few blisters. If you can tough it out, your feet might just thank you for summers to come.
SHOP NOW
We may earn a commission when you purchase through our links, at no additional cost to you.
About The Author

Shaun
Travel Gear Editor
Shaun's recommendations stem from direct experience traveling 24 countries and living across 4 continents (currently based in Canada after years in the UK and Australia). Witnessing the gap between marketing claims and actual performance, he created this platform dedicated to unbiased, experience-driven gear reviews you can trust, free from paid promotions.
"From UK cobblestones to Aussie beaches and Canadian winters – living across continents teaches you what travel gear really needs to endure. That's the standard here."
📍
🇨🇦
Currently Based
🏠
🇬🇧
Hometown Country
🕒
7+
Years Travelling
🌎
25+
Countries Visited
Shaun's recommendations stem from direct experience traveling 24 countries and living across 4 continents (currently based in Canada after years in the UK and Australia). Witnessing the gap between marketing claims and actual performance, he created this platform dedicated to unbiased, experience-driven gear reviews you can trust, free from paid promotions.
"From UK cobblestones to Aussie beaches and Canadian winters – living across continents teaches you what travel gear really needs to endure. That's the standard here."
📍
🇨🇦
Currently Based
🏠
🇬🇧
Hometown Country
🕒
7+
Years Travelling
🌎
25+
Countries Visited
About The Author

Shaun
Travel Gear Editor
About The Author

Shaun
Travel Gear Editor
Shaun's recommendations stem from direct experience traveling 24 countries and living across 4 continents (currently based in Canada after years in the UK and Australia). Witnessing the gap between marketing claims and actual performance, he created this platform dedicated to unbiased, experience-driven gear reviews you can trust, free from paid promotions.
"From UK cobblestones to Aussie beaches and Canadian winters – living across continents teaches you what travel gear really needs to endure. That's the standard here."
📍
🇨🇦
Currently Based
🏠
🇬🇧
Hometown Country
🕒
7+
Years Travelling
🌎
25+
Countries Visited