adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 vs HOKA Cielo X1 2.0

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.