The adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 is a premium marathon super shoe designed for competitive runners looking for lightweight responsiveness on race day. It features adidas' updated Lightstrike Pro midsole, delivering a softer, more energetic ride than its predecessor, the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3, while retaining the signature carbon rods for added stiffness. The redesigned upper shaves off significant weight, creating a more efficient experience and a noticeably snugger fit compared to the previous version. These updates make it an excellent choice for runners aiming for peak racing performance, particularly those who prefer a very bouncy experience.
Our Verdict
The adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 is an amazing marathon racing shoe thanks to its excellent energy return and cushioning. It makes it feel ideally suited for long-distance races and helps keep legs fresh deeper into the run. Its embedded carbon ENERGYRODS help hold the foam together and add stiffness to the midsole. Although its lateral stability isn't the best, this is common for performance-oriented super shoes, so experienced marathoners with proper form won't find this a significant issue.
Updated Lightstrike Pro offers amazing bounce and cushioning.
Carbon ENERGYRODS add stiffness.
Very lightweight super shoe.
The adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 is a great option for shorter races, providing a dynamic and responsive ride with its premium midsole, carbon rods, and lightweight construction. The midsole is somewhat firm but not overly so. This makes it slightly less explosive than specialized shorter-distance racing shoes, but it remains a very competitive choice for these distances.
Carbon ENERGYRODS add stiffness.
Very lightweight super shoe.
Updated Lightstrike Pro offers amazing bounce.
Foam is quite soft.
Changelog
- Updated Aug 27, 2026: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.14, which adds new lace-specific results. We've included a close-up photo of the laces, as well as details including lace type, width, thickness, and stretch. To read more about the changes, see the changelog.
- Updated Aug 26, 2026: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.13, which identifies the different foams used in the shoe's midsole. We've included a microscopic image of the foam cells to give you an idea of what the microstructure looks like. To read more about the changes, see the changelog.
- Updated Jun 17, 2026: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.12, which fixes how we measure firmness, a component of the Stability and 5K/10K Racing usages. There may be inconsistencies between the text and the scores for these usages, but the scores should still be considered valid. We've also brought back the Energy Return score and added two new usages: Daily Training and Long Run. To read more about the changes, see the changelog.
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Updated Apr 15, 2026:
We've replaced the Energy Return usage box with Responsiveness, which incorporates four additional tests, and updated the text accordingly.
- Updated Apr 15, 2026: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.11, adding two new rocker measurements to the Design section, and three new responsiveness tests to the Performance section. The Energy Return usage score has been replaced with Responsiveness. Check out the details in our changelog.
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Updated Feb 27, 2026:
We updated the review to include text for the new Fit usage box, which was recently added to our test bench.
- Updated Feb 20, 2026: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.10, adding a new set of fit tests to the Design section and an overall fit performance usage. Check out the details in our changelog.
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Updated Nov 24, 2025:
We have updated the Popular Running Shoe Comparisons box to include the adidas Adizero Prime X3 STRUNG in the lineup overview.
- Updated Oct 28, 2025: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.9, which adds a Forefoot Long Run Cushioning test to our performance section. Read more in our changelog.
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Updated Oct 27, 2025:
We updated the Compared Summary, Pros & Cons, Lateral Stability, Cushioning, Marathon Racing, 5K/10K Racing, Forefoot Cushioning, Heel Firmness, and Forefoot Firmness boxes to align with the latest test bench, refreshed the Popular Running Shoe Comparisons section, and revised the side-by-side comparisons to keep the review accurate.
- Updated Oct 24, 2025: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.8.2, which updates our methodology for the impact force range used in our compression tests to improve their accuracy. This also affects all usage and performance usage boxes using those compression tests as score components.
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Updated Jul 30, 2025:
We revised the phrasing in the Lateral Stability and Marathon Racing box, as well as in the side-by-side comparison with the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3, to better align with the latest test bench scores regarding lateral stability.
- Updated Jul 30, 2025: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.8.1, which mainly updates the score components for the Marathon Racing and Lateral Stability usage boxes to improve accuracy.
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Updated Jun 25, 2025:
We added a mention of the adidas Adizero Pro Evo 2 in the Compared To Other Running Shoes and Weight boxes.
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Updated May 29, 2025:
We added a mention of the adidas Adizero Prime X 2.0 STRUNG in the Compared To Other Running Shoes box.
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Updated Apr 24, 2025:
We added a comparison to the PUMA Deviate NITRO Elite 3 in the Forefoot Firmness box.
- Updated Apr 09, 2025: Review published.
- Updated Apr 03, 2025: Early access published.
We've bought and tested more than 250 running shoes. Every pair purchased with our own money, never supplied or sponsored by brands. Our data-driven tests are designed to go beyond marketing claims, and since every shoe goes through the exact same methodology, you can directly compare results to find the right pair for your needs.
Test Results
Energy Return
The forefoot energy return is also excellent, providing energetic feedback and responsiveness upon toe-off. This ensures the shoe remains lively, making it suitable for longer efforts and sustained high-speed racing.
The heel energy return in this shoe is excellent. It efficiently rebounds energy during landings, allowing for smoother transitions, which is particularly valuable for runners who strike more toward the heel. During testing, the shoe bounced so much upon compression that it caused slight forward movement under the testing piston. Despite this, repeated tests confirmed that this motion didn't influence the overall results.
Stability
The adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 offers decent lateral stability. The very narrow outsole arch, due to a large cutout in this zone, and soft foam in the heel doesn't help, but this is less evident for runners able to maintain great form. On the plus side, the shoe has quite a wide base and a secure lockdown to help compensate for the high and wobbly stack of foam.
Carbon ENERGYRODS add stiffness.
Wide base at the heel and forefoot.
Large cutout in the outsole makes it quite unstable.
Foam is quite soft.
High stack height.
The adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4's heel is soft, especially at lower forces. This contributes considerably to comfort during extended runs, although runners preferring a firmer, more stable platform might find it excessively soft.
The forefoot feels moderately firm, offering a well-balanced sensation between comfort and responsiveness. This updated version of Lightstrike Pro is softer than the previous iteration, meaning it refines its suitability for longer distances where maximum comfort is key and ground feedback becomes secondary. Some other super shoes, like the Nike Vaporfly 3, feature a firmer forefoot, which delivers a snappier toe-off and encourages a higher turnover rate.
Cushioning
The adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 delivers great cushioning. Particularly remarkable at the heel but still great at the forefoot, this protection makes it suitable for longer runs, effectively minimizing fatigue and maximizing comfort throughout extended distances. This new, more compressive version of Lightstrike Pro midsole stands out among competitors by providing ample protection without sacrificing its energetic feel.
Premium midsole makes for a super cushioned ride.
The adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4's heel cushioning is outstanding. The Lightstrike Pro midsole provides great shock absorption across varying impact intensities, meaning runners can comfortably handle longer distances without excessive fatigue or discomfort.
The forefoot cushioning is impressive, delivering reliable comfort and excellent protection. The midsole effectively compresses under each strike, which helps maintain freshness and comfort, especially during faster-paced or longer runs. That said, runners who load the forefoot hard won't find it as plush: it feels very compliant at first, but past a certain force threshold, it becomes less protective.
Responsiveness
The adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 has impressive responsiveness, efficiently converting each stride into forward momentum. The updated Lightstrike Pro midsole delivers excellent energy return under both the forefoot and heel, offering consistent bounce. The rockered geometry of the midsole also helps keep your feet turning over.
Updated Lightstrike Pro offers amazing bounce.
Great rockered geometry.
True To Size
The adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 is a racing shoe, so the fit is snug, especially in the arch. While this helps lock down the foot, runners with wide arches will find this constricting. Otherwise, the length is true to size, so runners should buy their usual size.
Length is true to size.
Arch is very narrow.
The adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 is notably lighter than its predecessor, the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3, offering improved efficiency for racing. However, it remains noticeably heavier than the extremely lightweight adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 2.
The internal shape of this shoe is similar to the previous model in terms of length and platform width, but the redesigned upper creates a significantly more tapered fit. In our testing, we confirmed the widespread feedback among users and other reviewers that this narrow fit can lead to discomfort, including pressure points or numbness around the forefoot area, especially near the big toe. We suggest considering this when picking your size.
Popular Running Shoe Comparisons
The adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 competes directly with other top-tier carbon-plated racers optimized for longer distances, like the Nike Alphafly 3 and the New Balance SuperComp Elite v4. Compared to most super shoes, it delivers a noticeably softer and more cushioned ride, making it a compelling option for runners prioritizing comfort while still providing impressive responsiveness. For example, the Alphafly 3 offers a stiffer, more mechanical feel, especially in the forefoot. Both are highly efficient, but the Adios Pro 4 feels smoother and more natural through transitions.
Within adidas' premium Adizero lineup, the Adios Pro 4 is the brand's flagship long-distance racer, slotting just below the ultralight adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 2. While the Evo 2 is more aggressive and lighter on foot, it sacrifices some bounce for weight savings. This model is also a significant evolution over the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3, with a lighter build, improved responsiveness, and more cushioning underfoot. However, the new upper has a snugger fit that may require adjustment. For runners seeking a plated super trainer, the adidas Adizero Boston 12 is a good choice, offering more stability and durability. For steady long runs, check out the adidas Adizero Prime X3 STRUNG. Meanwhile, those not interested in carbon plates might consider the adidas Adizero Evo SL, an uptempo trainer that can also handle some racing.
For more options, check out our recommendations for the best running shoes to find the perfect pair.
The adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 and Nike Alphafly 3 are both elite-level racing shoes built for long-distance performance, but they deliver distinctly different experiences. The adidas shoe offers slightly better energy return and more cushioning, making it especially well-suited for marathon racing. The Nike shoe, while also a strong long-distance option, has a firmer forefoot, thanks to its Zoom Air pods, which give it the edge for shorter events like 5Ks or 10Ks. It's also more stable laterally, offering a bit more confidence.
The adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 and adidas Adizero Evo SL both target fast running and feature a full Lightstrike Pro midsole, but they belong to two different subcategories. The Evo SL is an uptempo trainer that delivers surprisingly good cushioning and bounce for its category, making it a standout value for runners who want true versatility in a shoe they can also use for daily training and workouts. It can even work as a race-day shoe if you're not ready to commit to a full-on carbon super shoe, especially for runners prioritizing comfort and ease of use over squeezing out every last bit of performance. The Adios Pro 4, however, is better when the goal is peak racing efficiency: it feels more purpose-built, with a lighter feel, higher energy return, and full-length carbon rods that deliver a more pronounced propulsive sensation and better economy when you're running hard.
The adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 and adidas Adizero Boston 13 are both performance-leaning models that use carbon rods, but they're built for different roles within a rotation. The Adios Pro 4 is a true super shoe made for racing, especially the marathon, with a highly cushioned, bouncy midsole that feels protective over long distances while remaining very light on foot. The Boston 13 is more of a super trainer, designed to handle interval sessions and high-mileage workouts with greater durability than a pure race-day shoe. It feels firmer and very snappy, with a more distinct response that tends to reward powerful runners, particularly forefoot strikers who can really load and activate the platform.
The adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 and Nike Vaporfly 4 are both elite super shoes, but they feel optimized for different races. The adidas leans more toward long-distance racing, pairing a highly bouncy, plush midsole with carbon rods to keep the ride cushioned and efficient as fatigue builds over longer efforts. The Nike shoe shifts the focus toward shorter, faster racing, feeling lighter and lower to the ground, with a snappier, more responsive sensation that suits 5K and 10K racing particularly well. It can still work up to the half-marathon if you're efficient and don't rely on extra cushioning.
The PUMA Deviate NITRO Elite 4 and adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 are both marathon racing shoes, but they take different approaches. The PUMA is lighter and has a more approachable platform, with a more continuous midsole design that avoids the large cutout underfoot found in the adidas. That gives it a more straightforward feel while still delivering a very efficient ride. It has more ground feel in the forefoot due to the lower forefoot stack. The adidas, on the other hand, has a more aggressive racing geometry, a lower drop, and carbon rods instead of a carbon plate. Its forefoot feels bouncier, especially for runners who load the front of the shoe well, but its cutout and more pronounced rocker make it feel less conventional underfoot than the PUMA.
The adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 and New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5 are two racing shoes that are in the same literal weight class (both tipping the scales at around 200g), but the Adios Pro 4 outclasses the Elite v5 in almost all performance metrics, from cushioning to energy return to stability. That said, the New Balance shoe has a slightly more accommodating fit and is also available in a wide version, making it accessible to a wider range of runners.
The ASICS METASPEED SKY TOKYO and the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 are both top-tier marathon racers, but they differ in design philosophy and feel underfoot. The SKY TOKYO is dramatically lighter and uses a flatter full-length carbon plate placed close to the foot for a direct, propulsive toe-off, while the Adios Pro 4 relies on its carbon-infused EnergyRods and more pronounced rocker geometry to deliver a rolling, snappy transition. Both are highly efficient, but the SKY offers slightly better energy return and a more consistent cushioning performance over the course of a marathon, maintaining its effectiveness even late into the race. The Adios Pro 4, with its higher drop and slightly firmer midsole feel, provides a bit more structure and guidance but feels less agile in comparison.
Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 vs adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4
The adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 and the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 are both high-end super shoes that strike an impressive balance between cushioning and energy return, and they weigh about the same. The adidas offers a slightly more cushioned underfoot feel that's great for protecting legs over long distances. The Saucony, while still well-cushioned, offers a firmer, more stable ride. Both are optimized for marathon efforts, but if you had to race a 5K in one of them, the firmer platform of the Saucony would better support quick turnover and a snappy toe-off.
The adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 and the HOKA Cielo X1 2.0 are both elite racing shoes with medial cutouts designed to reduce weight, but they differ in key aspects. The adidas shoe is lighter and more energetic, with pronounced rebound from its Lightstrike Pro midsole, making it feel more responsive at toe-off. It has a clear rocker effect, but it kicks in later compared to the HOKA, which uses an aggressive early-stage rocker and heel bevel that promotes smooth transitions, especially for midfoot and forefoot strikers. The HOKA feels noticeably softer and more protective underfoot, and it's got a carbon plate instead of the carbon rods adidas uses.
The adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 2 and adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 are both elite-level marathon racing shoes from the Three Stripes, but they take different approaches to achieving top performance. The Adios Pro 4 is the brand's flagship super shoe for the masses, with a ride that's both protective and energetic. It's built to go fast by combining generous cushioning, strong energy return, and a geometry that accommodates various strike patterns, especially at marathon paces. The Evo 2, on the other hand, strips everything down in the name of efficiency. It's far lighter and it has a lower drop. The result is a shoe that feels snappier and very agile, and better suited to efficient forefoot strikers chasing marginal gains, even if it doesn't offer the same midsole energy return or long-term durability.
The adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 and the PUMA Deviate NITRO Elite 3 are both lightweight carbon-plated super shoes, but they offer different strengths. The adidas delivers unmatched energy return and cushioning, making it a top-tier option for longer distances like the marathon. The Deviate NITRO Elite 3, on the other hand, feels even softer, which might feel a bit too plush for shorter events, but it's got a more accommodating fit, making it suitable for more foot shapes.
The adidas Adizero Prime X3 Strung and the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 may share a family name and a big chunk of Lightstrike Pro foam, but they're built for very different purposes. The Prime X3 is a super trainer: heavier, much higher stacked, and far more cushioned, with a dual propulsion system that delivers huge rebound but feels too bulky to race efficiently. The Adios Pro 4 is the true super shoe in the lineup: lighter, more streamlined, and more energetic. The Prime X3 offers more protection and long-run comfort, making it ideal for marathon training blocks, while the Adios Pro 4 provides better efficiency, quicker turnover, and a more race-ready feel for half marathons and full marathons.
The adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 and HOKA Clifton 10 serve completely different purposes in a rotation. The HOKA is a cushioned daily trainer built for easy-day running, offering a stable, predictable platform and a comfortable ride that works well for relaxed mileage and recovery efforts. The adidas is a true racing shoe, designed to maximize efficiency when you're pushing hard. Its lighter build, more energetic foam, and full-length carbon rods create a propulsive sensation that improves running economy and helps you sustain faster paces with less wasted energy.
The adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 and adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 are both long-distance super shoes, but the Pro 4 brings some key updates. It's lighter, more responsive, and more cushioned thanks to a fully redesigned midsole. The upper was also reworked, resulting in a noticeably tighter fit in the forefoot. While neither shoe is the most stable, the Pro 3 was slightly more stable overall. The third version also has a firmer forefoot, which gives it an edge for shorter distances or runners who prefer a snappier toe-off.
The adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 and ASICS MEGABLAST can both handle fast running, but they're designed for very different levels of efficiency. The ASICS is a do-it-all trainer that blends bounce and cushioning with a surprisingly light feel for its category, making it versatile enough for daily miles, long runs, and even racing if you want a single shoe rotation. That said, he adidas is still the more purpose-built racing tool, with a lighter build and a carbon plate that feels more responsive and more efficient when you're pushing hard. It also delivers a more energetic, bouncier ride that helps improve running economy, letting you maintain pace with less effort.
The adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 and New Balance SuperComp Elite v6 are two super shoes that have very different selling points. The adidas is the better cushioned shoe, and has a steeper rocker that quickly pitches you forward onto your toes. The New Balance shoe is not nearly as soft, but it has a snappy forefoot that comes alive at faster paces. The standard version of the SC Elite v6 already has a more accommodating fit than the Adios Pro 4, but the New Balance is also available in a Wide version, making it the obvious choice for wide-footed runners. The adidas remains the better choice for runners who want a more cushioned, rocker-driven ride.
The HOKA Rocket X 3 and adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 are both cushioned carbon-plated super shoes built for long-distance racing, but they approach performance with different philosophies. The HOKA shoe prioritizes consistency and a structured ride, offering a firm yet forgiving midsole with a smooth rocker and solid containment through the midfoot, making it well-suited for runners who value predictability and guided transitions. The adidas shoe, on the other hand, is a lighter, more efficient option overall thanks to its energetic Lightstrike Pro foam and aggressive toe-off feel. Its unique geometry, including a large midfoot cutout and carbon rods, delivers impressive propulsion but adds some unpredictability underfoot compared to the more continuous platform of the HOKA shoe.
The adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 and New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 are both high-performance super shoes, but they cater to slightly different needs. The adidas shoe is the better pure racing option: it's lighter, more energetic, and more efficient overall, making it ideal for runners chasing peak performance. The New Balance shoe, while still race-ready, offers more stability and a wider, more accommodating fit, making it a strong choice for runners who want solid race-day performance without compromising on comfort or support.
The adidas Adizero Prime X 2.0 STRUNG and the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 are often confused because they're both premium, carbon-plated options from the German brand, sharing the same Lightstrike Pro foam at their core. But despite these similarities, they serve very different purposes. The Adios Pro 4 is a true race-day shoe, fine-tuned for marathon performance with a lightweight build, aggressive geometry. In contrast, the Prime X 2 is a super trainer: heavier and designed more for long, steady runs within your marathon build rather than for race-day performance itself.
The ASICS METASPEED RAY and adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 are both top-tier marathon racing shoes, but they differ significantly in feel and performance. The RAY is much lighter and delivers a more efficient ride thanks to its highly energetic foam and partial forefoot plate, which creates a consistent bounce from start to finish. The adidas shoe uses full-length carbon-infused EnergyRods to add stiffness. While the adidas still offers strong cushioning, the ASICS is noticeably softer and retains its protection capabilities more consistently over long distances
. However, the adidas offers greater lateral stability, making it a compelling marathon option.
The adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 and Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 3 are both highly cushioned, forgiving carbon-plated marathon shoes, but they take different routes to performance. The adidas offers a more efficient racing performance for most runners thanks to its lower weight and more energetic Lightstrike Pro midsole, delivering a responsive and fast feel. The Mizuno, however, uses a unique, aggressive geometry with a prominent stack height in the midfoot area that creates a strong rolling sensation, especially effective for midfoot strikers, making it a great option if that rocker complements your stride.
The adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 and the adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1 are both marathon-focused super shoes, but they're built for very different types of runners. The Adios Pro 4 offers a more energetic and durable ride, making it suitable for a wide range of runners aiming for fast times over long distances. It's also more forgiving and better suited for repeated use. The Evo 1, by contrast, is a one-use-only, ultralight shoe stripped down to the essentials for elite athletes chasing marginal gains. It sacrifices practicality for pure efficiency, saving weight where it counts. If you're looking for the most advanced, race-day-only tool and can handle the trade-offs, the Evo 1 delivers—but for nearly everyone else, the Adios Pro 4 is the smarter, more practical choice.
The adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 and Diadora Gara Carbon 2 are both carbon-plated racers that deliver different experiences in the same race-day category. The adidas is lighter and features a more responsive midsole, offering an explosive toe-off that makes it a go-to for runners chasing aggressive splits and pure speed. However, that performance focus comes at the expense of stability, with the adidas feeling a bit more precarious underfoot, especially during longer efforts or when form starts to break down. The Diadora, in contrast, is soft and cushioned, but not overly so like the adidas. It finds a middle ground that many runners will appreciate.
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
We tested the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 in men's US size 9, as indicated on the label. The shoe pictured here is in the Silver Metallic/Lucid Red/Grey colorway. This model is available in several colors, including Lucid Blue/Dash Grey/Onix, Lucid Red/Core Black/Lucid Red, Lucid Lemon/Core Black/Halo Silver, and Warm Vanilla/Cloud White/Onix. Special Y-3 editions are also available in unique colorways like Alumina/Cinder/Cinder. Wide versions aren't available for this model. The design section applies only to the exact model we tested, but we expect other sizes and gender variants to perform similarly.
