Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 review: The ultimate marathon companion?

Adidas’ Adizero franchise gave birth to many iconic running shoes, the most coveted of which is the Adios Pro line of racing shoes. Now in its fourth iteration, the latest Adizero Adios Pro 4 is a force to be reckoned with, as I learned during my first run in the shoes.

That first run was the Loch Ness Marathon, one of the best foot races I’ve ever had, not least because I ran it in these shoes. I was practically flying (well, considering my tempo, anyway) and finished the race in just over three and a half hours.

Modelled after the unique Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1, the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 is lightweight, streamlined and incredibly fast. It introduces many new technologies and further enhances what makes the franchise one of the most sought-after on the market today.

Just how good is the Adios Pro 4, and how does it compare to its predecessor, the ultra-popular Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3? Should it be considered among the best running shoes right now? And really, just how good is it? Read on to find out.

Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 review

Price and availability

The Adizero Adios Pro 4 will launch globally in January 2025, priced at €250/ $250/ £220 – AU price TBC. Currently, it comes in one colourway only: Cloud White / Core Black / Silver Metallic. (I’m sure it’ll come in all colours of the rainbow once it’s launched properly.) Available sizes TBC. For more info, visit Adidas UK, Adidas US and Adidas AU.

Specifications

• Best for: Racing/Speed runs/Tempo training
• Offset/drop: 6mm
• Stack height: 39mm (heel), 33mm (forefoot)
• Weight: Men’s 7.9oz. (224g), Women’s 6.6oz (188g)
• Tested weight: 221g/ 7.75oz (men's UK 10.5/ US 11)

Design and materials

The Adizero Adios Pro 4 has a completely redesigned forefoot rocker point geometry. The rocker point, positioned 60% along the shoe’s length, is said to help runners transition smoother than before. I’m not sure about the percentage for the Pro 3, but the rocker point was closer to the tip of the shoes.

Having a rocker point closer to the midfoot area maximises the propulsive effect of the carbon plate or, in this case, the ENERGYRODS 2.0 system. This single structure was introduced in the Pro 3 and has a "harmonious stiffness" compared to the original ENERGYRODS, which were separate sticks embedded in the midsole.

Speaking of midsoles, the Adizero Pro 4 uses the same Lightstrike Pro as its predecessor, albeit a refined version. The central groove under the heel is deeper, and the cutaway section under the little toa is also more subtle, which is excellent, as I didn’t like that on the Pro 3 at all.

One big difference is the new Lighttraxion outsole, which has been designed based on extensive studies of athlete strike patterns. The design differs from the Continental rubber outsole used on the Pro 3 and covers all areas that touch the ground for exceptional traction (more on this below).

But wait, there is more! The upper has also been revamped: the Lightlock upper provides a snug fit through a one-way stretch woven mesh construction. It’s still a bit pointy but feels lots more comfortable than the Pro 3’s narrow toebox. The tongue is now shorter and runs only to the top of the lace cage.

The drop has been reduced once again from 6.5mm to 6mm (the Adizero Pro 2 had a 10mm drop), which is due to the maximum stack height being ‘only’ 39mm instead of 39.5mm. The stack height under the forefoot remained the same at 33mm.

Even though I went half size up compared to the Pro 3 – I'm starting to learn that I need to size up with Adidas – the Adios Pro 4 is much lighter than its predecessor at 221g/ 7.75oz. I am not entirely sure where the extra weight savings come from, but it's a welcome improvement, for sure.

Performance and comfort

My first run in the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 was when I ran the Loch Ness Marathon in Inverness. It’s a lovely course with a few ups and downs. The weather was perfect, allowing me to focus on the running experience and, of course, the shoes.

If you’ve ever run a marathon, you know that your legs will not have a great time by the time you drag yourself through the finish line. That 26.2 miles is a long distance for the body to perform at a higher level, which takes its toll on the joints and muscles.

That said, I felt like a million dollars in the Adios Pro 4. The traction was sublime – it felt like I had suction pads on my soles – and the updated midsole geometry worked wonders. My legs felt fresh even towards the end, so much so that my fastest mile was the last (sprint finish, anyone?).

The upper felt good, too, although, as I mentioned above, I wish Adidas had returned to the Pro 2's more rounded toebox. The Adios Pro 4 certainly didn’t help me retain my toenails by the end of the race, but at least I didn't want to rip the shoes off my feet as soon as I crossed the finish line, which is a big win for me.

The new rocker felt beautiful underfoot, and even larger hills didn’t significantly affect my stride. I was brimming with confidence as I ran past others, struggling to even walk up hills that I managed to run up.

Shallow rockers are often an issue with super shoes, as they don't allow the plate to do its magic. Stiffer midsole materials can also be problematic for the same reason. The Adios Pro 4 suffers from neither of these; instead, the new geometry breathes new life into both the Lightstrike Pro foam and the ENERGYRODS 2.0 system.

Who’s the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 for?

The Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 is for those who want to run their fastest half-marathon or full-marathon. The shoes won’t do the work for you, but they will enable you to run as fast as you can. The energy return is impressive, and the upper is not terribly uncomfortable, either. Needless to say, the shoes are for road racing only; pick trail running shoes, like the brilliant Hoka Tecton X 3, for off-road challenges.

Should you buy the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4?

The shoes aren’t available to buy yet, as Adidas only released them in small quantities so the pros can use them at the Berlin Marathon. The Adizero Adios Pro 4 is cheaper than some of its rivals, including the Nike Alphafly 3 and the Saucony Endorphin Elite, and performs just as well as those. If you need fast racing shoes, you should consider the Adidas.

Verdict

It seems Adidas hit the nail on the head with the Adizero Adios Pro 4. All parts of the shoe work together in perfect harmony, and even though it’s not an entirely ‘new’ shoe (the Lightstrike Pro midsole and the ENERGYRODS 2.0 were present in the Pro 3), the way the components are combined makes the shoes entirely different from their predecessor.

The Adizero Adios Pro 4 is an exciting running shoe, and I can’t wait to put even more miles into it. My post-marathon cold has eased, so it’s time to lace up the shoes and get out there. Who knows, I might even smash my marathon PR in my next race…

Also consider

Saucony Endorphin Speed 4: This versatile shoe offers a similar propulsive feel with its nylon plate at a lower price than many carbon-plated racers.

Nike Alphafly NEXT% 3: Known for its elite-level performance, it’s one of the fastest marathon shoes on the market with outstanding cushioning and energy return, but comes with a premium price.

Asics Metaspeed Sky+: With its FlyteFoam Blast Turbo midsole, the Metaspeed Sky+ is built to maximise stride efficiency and energy return, making it a top choice for speed-focused runners.

New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v3: A highly cushioned carbon-plated racer that combines speed with comfort, making it a great choice for those looking to go the distance without sacrificing feel.

Hoka Rocket X 2: Lightweight and built for speed, the Rocket X 2 is ideal for runners who want a race-day shoe that can handle training sessions as well as marathons.