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The long-awaited adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 Running Shoes will be available at the beginning of 2025. However, the 50th anniversary of the iconic Berlin Marathon was the perfect moment for adidas to unveil the 4th edition of their signature super shoe to the running community. adidas invited us out to Berlin to celebrate the launch, and learn all about what went into producing the fastest version of the Adizero Adios Pro to date. They also gave us the opportunity to run in the Berlin Marathon - and put the Adizero Adios Pro 4 through the ultimate test.
This Journal article details all the updates in adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4, along with some of the insights from adidas’ team. We also cover exactly how they feel to run in, and how they compare to the 3.
New Lightstrike Pro Midsole
The first major change is the midsole. While some technical descriptions might lack some detail about the foam, the Adizero Adios Pro 4 feature a completely new version of Lightstrike Pro. The new compound is much softer, more energy returning, and lighter. The burning question is what’s the energy return? Well, adidas obviously knows the numbers, but they won’t communicate this. The Global Category Director of Running Footwear at adidas told us that this is the case.
Even though the midsole is softer, it offers better linear deformation, which improves both stability and energy return. The silhouette of the Adios Pro 4 midsole looks similar to the Adios Pro 3, but there are a number of differences. The following image shows one of the earlier prototypes. adidas tested various designs in both the lab and field to work out what’s best.
No one knew who Pat was, but we know that this prototype was tested for 240 kilometres on the Kenyan roads. The white upper is coated with actual dirt from the famous grounds.
Adjusted Rocker Point Geometry
The next significant change is the new forefoot rocker point geometry. The forefoot rocker is the point at which the sole curves upward. The rocker point in the Adios Pro 3 is at 67% of the midsole. In contrast, the rocker point in the Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1 is 60%. adidas tested various rocker points in prototypes with their elite female athletes, and lab-testing showed them that they should also place the rocker point in Adios Pro 4 at 60% of the midsole.
The benefit of the new position is that it should trigger more forward momentum, improve running economy more effectively, and make transitions from landing to take-off feel smoother.
Naturally, this means the ENERGYRODS have changed slightly, as they need to curve in a different place. As a recap, the unique benefit of the ENERGYRODS is that they can move independently of one another - and unlike a plate, the midsole can flex in between the rods. This means that some runners might find the midsole feels more natural and smoother to run in. Of course, the carbon-infused ENERGYRODS help improve propulsion and forward momentum.
New Lighttraxion Outsole
The outsole is also completely different. Instead of a full Continental rubber outsole, the Adios Pro 4 features a material called Lighttraxion. adidas studied the strike patterns of some of their top athletes, and then designed the outsole around that. The following image is a 3D pressure map of the forces going through the outsole.
This means traction is placed in the areas where it’s needed most. Importantly, there’s still a section of Continental rubber at the toe-off section. We should point out that adidas could make these lighter if they removed some of the rubber, but that would definitely compromise the durability. The Adios Pro 3 have been one of the most durable super shoes we’ve ever run in, and the Adios Pro 4 should continue to offer that benefit.
On that note, the size 11 UK we tested come in at 240 grams - which is 18 grams lighter than the Adios Pro 3. The weight of the Adios Pro 4 will vary based on the size - but the 4 feels considerably lighter than the 3.
New Upper Design
The changes don’t stop there - there’s a brand new upper too. It now features a one-way stretch woven mesh upper. This is much softer than the mesh in the Adios Pro 3. A new structure - called Lightlock - improves the support and security in the midfoot and ankle area. This is the yellow structure that's visible in the image below.
An updated eyelet design offers a smoother feel inside the upper. The Adios Pro 3 upper has little nodules on the inside that could sometimes rub. The material on the inside of the heel counter has also been changed from a slightly rough and grippy material, to a softer and plusher fabric.
Finally, we can’t not talk about the new stripe design - it’s easily one of the coolest looking shoes out there. The designers also had a little bit of fun on the heel tab. It’s a very personal thing being involved in the design of shoes, and they wanted to add their own touch. The message, ‘This too shall pass’ is hidden under the tab. And this is a nod to the fact that whatever you’re feeling, whether it’s a sense of euphoria or pain, will pass, and that’s the natural journey we go through in running.
Technical Summary
We hope we’ve managed to convey just how much time and effort adidas has put into creating the new Adizero Adios Pro 4 Running Shoes. These shoes represent the pinnacle of innovation. The extensive field and lab testing that’s carried out ensures these are the best that adidas can offer at this moment in time.
If you’re interested in how they feel to run in, the next section of this article covers how they performed in the marathon.
adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 Running Shoes Marathon Test Run
If you’ve worn the Adios Pro 3, the first thing you’ll notice when you step into the Adios Pro 4 is how much softer the midsole is - and it’s likely most runners will find it much more comfortable. The upper also fits much better. The difference in softness is very noticeable and it essentially fits like a sock. I have to spend quite a lot of time getting the tongue in the Adios Pro 3 in the right place, and would normally get a bit of friction from the eyelets. But the now integrated tongue and adjusted midfoot/ankle area offers much more comfort and lockdown. I still need to go up half a size in comparison to my normal running shoe size, and we would recommend you do the same, as they do come up slightly smaller than other brands.
I set off at 3:40 to 3:45 minute per kilometre pace in the marathon, and from the off, the midsole felt amazing. The cushioning feels very soft and forgiving, but exceptionally propulsive. Pretty much exactly what you want from a super shoe. In comparison to the Adios Pro 3, it mainly feels a lot plusher and smoother underfoot.
As a prominent heel striker, the new rocker point felt more efficient and propulsive. There were a couple of moments where it almost threw me forward too much, and I stubbed my toe on the end of the shoe a couple of times. But, that’s why you would normally not test a shoe in a marathon, as it can take a little bit of time to adjust to it.
Even though the midsole feels very plush, it’s really stable, ultra responsive, and the grip was great around some of the turns. I was not running at maximum effort, but I ran round in 2:37, and averaged 3:42 minute per kilometre pace.
Yes, it’s obviously easier to pace something evenly when you’re not on your limit, but I was still running hard, and there’s no doubt the cushioning made the pace feel easier and much more sustainable. You can see from the splits below that I was able to hold a very consistent speed.
The best summary of the upper is that I don’t have a single blister or bruised toe nail after the marathon, despite stubbing my toe a couple of times. It’s pretty incredible to run a marathon in a brand new model, and not get any issues. The only part I would change is the length of the tongue, as it’s quite short in the middle section, and I think some runners may prefer it if it went a bit higher.
Summary
The Adios Pro 3 are still amazing super shoes, but the Adios Pro 4 are definitely going to suit more runners. The softer nature of the foam means that a greater range of runners will find them more comfortable for marathon races - particularly those who are out there for closer to 4 hours. They should also feel more efficient for runners who are trying to run as fast as possible and beat their personal bests. Additionally, the Adios Pro 4 upper is excellent, and feels great for long distance races.
While you will still see some elite adidas athletes racing in the Adios Pro Evo 1, some will now race in the Adios Pro 4 - they are that fast. It’s worth highlighting that the Adios Pro 4 are considerably more durable than the Adios Pro Evo 1.
Overall, adidas has produced an amazing new super shoe. It's definitely not the norm to make so many changes to a shoe that is already performing so well. But, you can feel the benefit of every upgrade, and there’s no doubt these are one of the best marathon distance racing shoes ever made. They should also work extremely well for 5K, 10K, and half-marathon distance events.
We'll finish this article with a picture of the fastest female marathon runner in history - Tigist Assefa.
