Comparison Overview
Both are top contenders in the daily trainer category. Try both to find your preference.
How the Adidas Ultraboost 5 and Brooks Caldera 8 differ
The Adidas Ultraboost 5 and the Brooks Caldera 8 sit in the same daily trainer bucket, so the question isn't what you'd use them for — it's which one matches your stride, your weekly mileage, and your budget.
Where they actually differ: the Adidas Ultraboost 5 comes in roughly 0.4 oz lighter (10.4 oz vs 10.8 oz), which becomes noticeable on faster turnover and longer efforts; the drop differs (10mm on the Adidas Ultraboost 5, 6mm on the Brooks Caldera 8) — higher-drop shoes tend to feel friendlier to heel strikers and tight calves, while lower drops favor a midfoot landing; and the Brooks Caldera 8 is $30 cheaper at MSRP ($180 vs $150).
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Adidas Ultraboost 5 | Brooks Caldera 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Adidas | Brooks |
| Model | Ultraboost 5 | Caldera 8 |
| Category | daily trainer | daily trainer |
| Weight | 10.4 oz | 10.8 oz |
| Drop | 10mm | 6mm |
| Price | $180 | $150 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which is lighter, the Adidas Ultraboost 5 or the Brooks Caldera 8?
- The Adidas Ultraboost 5 is the lighter shoe at 10.4 oz versus 10.8 oz.
- Which costs less?
- The Brooks Caldera 8 is the more affordable option at $150 compared to $180.
- Do they have the same heel-to-toe drop?
- No. The Adidas Ultraboost 5 has a 10mm drop and the Brooks Caldera 8 has a 6mm drop, which can change how each shoe loads your calves and Achilles.
- Can I rotate both shoes in the same training block?
- Yes — many runners pair complementary shoes like these to spread load across different muscles and tendons. Use our rotation planner to build a mileage split that fits your schedule.
Read the full reviews
- Adidas Ultraboost 5 — full specs, AI insights, and verdict.
- Brooks Caldera 8 — full specs, AI insights, and verdict.
- Browse the full running shoe database
- See more shoe comparisons
Not sure which is right for you?
Use our AI-powered shoe finder for personalized recommendations, or build a smart shoe rotation with the rotation planner.