Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 running shoes

Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 running shoes
One of the most anticipated running shoes for 2024 is the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 running shoe, which has been the subject of speculation, but Adidas revealed it to the world on 25 September. The timing is no coincidence, the announcement was timed to coincide with the Berlin Marathon. It will not be available until January 2025, but some lucky runners have already got their hands on it.
The Adidas Adizero Pro 4 Running Shoe is Adidas’ premier road running shoe for the marathon distance. There is a better performing running shoe from Adidas, the Adizero Adios Pro EVO 1, but it is much more expensive and very few are made, making it difficult to buy.
It’s been over two and a half years since the last version was released, which is a surprisingly long time, but it’s been worth the wait as the Pro 4 has changed a lot and is expected to be one of the most popular marathon running shoes like its predecessors.

Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 upper

The upper of the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 Running Shoe is made of a lightweight, breathable stretch woven mesh material. In addition to good breathability, it also wicks moisture away quickly, which is important because moisture (sweat) can be a serious extra weight on a long run and is more irritating to the skin. The upper fits true to size and is medium to medium-wide. The mesh material is stretchy and easily fit to the shape of the runner’s foot. The good news is that it won’t be uncomfortable for those with wider feet thanks to the stretch material. The 3 stripes on the upper, the Adidas branding, also have a function. The 3 stripes on both side of the shoes ensure that the flexible upper only stretches in one direction, forward, and not sideways when running, keeping the foot secure. This is LIGHTLOCK technology. The shoe has a new lacing system that fits the foot better and is easier to tie. The tongue of the shoe is thin, but not as thin as the previous version, so it better protects the foot from the tightness of the laces. The heel collar is soft, has no stiffness and has a padded strip on the inside for comfort. The upper is definitely performance oriented, but has been made much more comfortable than the upper of its predecessor.

Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 midsole

The Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 Running Shoe Midsole is made of LightStrike Pro foam, the same named foam used in Adidas racing shoes and the LightStrike Pro foam used in the previous version. The height of the midsole is adapted to race rules with 39mm at the heel and 33mm at the forefoot with a 6mm drop. The Pro 4 features a noticeably different, redesigned LightStrike Pro foam that is softer and more flexible than previous LightStrike Pro foams. I regret that the new foam hasn’t been given a new name or label, it would have deserved it. The basic problem with softer foams is that they absorb more energy, so their dynamics are compromised, but when softness is combined with flexibility, the result is different. The new foam is not only softer, it compresses and rebounds faster, so it has better dynamics and is more versatile. Its versatility is evident in the fact that the shoe doesn’t feel too tight at slower speeds, and it performs well not only in marathons, but also in shorter, faster runs. As with previous versions, ENERGYRODS 2.0 makes the midsole more dynamic. ENERGYRODS 2.0 is a layer of joined carbon rods that follow the shape of the toes. Compared to carbon plates, this solution is lighter and less rigid, but can give the shoe additional dynamics. The midsole geometry has also been revised. The Rocker shape (Forefoot flex is) higher and starts earlier, at 60% of the sole. This results in a much faster, forward kick. Faster and less muscle fatigue is the result of this early rocker, rolling geometry. As before, the weight reduction has large cutouts in the midsole that also improve the stability of the shoe. Despite the softer midsole foam, the stability of the shoe is not compromised. Compared to its competitors, the stability of the Adizero Adios Pro 4 is neither better nor worse, which can be important for longer runs.

Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 outsole

The Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 Running Shoe Outsole covers a large area of the midsole compared to other marathon running shoes, giving the shoe good traction. The outsole is thin but deeply ribbed, which further improves traction. Adidas uses 2 different rubber compounds on the outsole of the Adizero Adios Pro 4, which is a big change from previous versions. The majority of the outsole is made of a proprietary LIGHTTRAXION rubber, which is lightweight and has a good grip pattern. The other, smaller outsole tire, developed by Continental, was placed by Adidas in the area most used for kicking. By analyzing the movements of several runners, this Continental tire is placed where the force is greatest, where perfect grip is most needed.

Summary

Overall, the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 Running Shoe is a great running shoe for every running from shorter 5Ks to marathons. It’s versatile, which means it performs well over a variety of distances and is comfortable at different speeds. The new version hasn’t gotten any more expensive, making it one of the best value running shoes in the race. It has changed a lot from the previous version, correcting the most criticized parts. It has a completely new upper that is not only light but also comfortable. The midsole is softer but more dynamic and a new lightweight outsole has been added. The weight has been reduced by more than 20 grams to 200 grams. If you’re preparing for your race and want to get your best times, the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 running shoes could be one of your best choices.