Article by Ryan Eiler and Sam Winebaum
adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 ($250)
Introduction
Sam: The Adios Pro 4 updates adi’s top of the line marathon super shoe, the winner of many marathons and other top races in recent years. The key elements of the update are:
A lighter, more fabric like slightly stretchy upper with Lightlock a new underlay support system
A longer rocker starting at 60% of the shoe length as in the Pro EVO 1
A new slightly softer and bouncier/energetic Lightstrike Pro midsole foam
A new outsole technology “Lightraxion”with yes still a bit of Continental at the high wear toe area.
A 16g drop in weight with no change to the 39mm heel / 33mm forefoot stack height
In my view it competes well with any other super shoe except.. the similar design and geometry specs but dramatically lighter Adizero Pro EVO 1.
Our review comes from very different perspectives. Long time RTR contributor Ryan Eiler ran a PR 2:14 at the the 2024 Boston Marathon in the Adios Pro 3 and yours truly is happy to run 10K to half marathons between 7 and 8 minute miles although, in my defense, I broke my knee cap in late 2023 and am considerably “older” than Ryan!
Pros:
Weight: one of the lightest super shoes with a 16g drop in weight from the Pro 3 at the same stack height Sam
Ride: smoother rolling: longer less aggressive rocker and front toe off: Sam
Midsole: slightly softer and bouncier foam: Sam
Upperl: light on foot, less rigid, more comfortable and more secure: Sam / Ryan
Energy return from composite rods and Lightstrike Pro is world class: Ryan
Cons:
Overly rigid rear to midfoot impeding transition (somewhat) to long rocker: Sam
Stability and responsiveness degraded with softer Lightstrike Pro allowing more lateral/medial roll: Ryan
Its unique, slightly less approachable ride (as compared to some competitors) takes some getting used to: Ryan