Occasionally, a shoe comes along that forces you to re-evaluate what you have come to expect from high-end running shoes. The adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 is just such an innovation. If you are looking for a shoe designed to deliver speed across nearly any distance, your search could end here.
Specs
Category: RacingWeight: 6.1 oz./175 g (women’s), 7.0 oz./200 g (men’s)Drop: 6 mm (39 mm heel, 33 mm forefoot)Price: $300
The upper
Looking more closely, the Pro 4 represents a significant evolution over its predecessor, improving in almost every way. Starting with the upper, adidas has updated the material to a breathable, unidirectional stretch-woven textile that provides an exceptional foot-conforming fit. The lacing system has also been redesigned to eliminate hot spots and pressure points, while the minimalist Lightlock reinforcements add structure to the upper and ensure a secure lockdown. The brand has also employed a gusseted design that prevents shifting and adds minimal padding for additional comfort during longer runs. This unobtrusive padding approach is carried over to the collar to help prevent chafing and pressure.
Overall, the fit is relatively true to size, with the upper providing exceptional heel fit, lockdown and comfort. At the toe box, subtle toe reinforcements improve long-term durability without adding unnecessary weight. It is worth noting that the Adizero Adios Pro 4 has a somewhat narrower forefoot than the Pro 3. While this may pose challenges for runners with wider feet, those with standard or narrow will find the fit great.
The midsole
Moving on to the midsole, adidas has upgraded its Lightstrike Pro super-foam, making it lighter, softer and bouncier than ever. The differences in the midsole are noticeable the second you lace up, and runners will benefit from the improved cushioning and energy return. Rather than using a traditional carbon plate, adidas uses its unique carbon fibre EnergyRods 2.0, which mimics the foot’s anatomy and provides targeted rigidity and propulsion in high-strike areas. The geometry and placement of these carbon rods have also been tweaked to better align with the Pro 4’s updated rocker point, enhancing efficiency and forward momentum.
Speaking of rocker points, the Pro 4 has a noticeably different profile, as adidas has employed a 60 per cent rocker fulcrum-point measured from the back of the shoe. This geometry adjustment (moving the rocker point back) encourages runners to transition onto their toes more quickly, boosting efficiency and speed. The positive impact of this new rocker geometry cannot be overstated–it works. Finally, for those who like numbers, the Pro 4 features a 39 mm stack height in the heel and 33 mm in the forefoot, resulting in a 6 mm drop. For those wondering why adidas kept the rear stack height below 40 mm, it’s to ensure that the Pro 4 would pass World Athletics’ official standards.
The outsole
If we now move to the outsole, we’ll see that adidas has employed a similar level of design savvy that is evident in the rest of the shoe. Most of the outsole is constructed from Lighttraxion rubber, a super-soft compound that balances durability, weight and traction in both wet and dry conditions. At the forefoot, adidas has spec’d a grippy and super-durable swatch of orange-coloured Continental™ rubber. It’s a sound design choice and complements the Lighttraxion rubber on the rest of the sole.
Finally, from a weight perspective, the Pro 4 comes in at about 200g for men’s size 9 and about 181 g for women’s size 8. These figures represent a substantial improvement over the previous model (215 g), solidifying the Pro 4 as one of the lightest shoes in the carbon-plated category.
So, all these updates sound great, but how does the Pro 4 actually perform? Well, the Pro 4 hits a much-coveted magical sweet spot when it comes to super-shoes. The new Lightstrike Pro foam midsole delivers a remarkably plush feel while still maintaining a propulsive and bouncy ride. Turnover is also effortless, thanks to the updated rocker fulcrum point that seems to propel you forward. The shoe really seems to reward you during faster-paced runs when you’re spending time on your midfoot. For those who heel strike, you may prefer a shoe with a little more stability in the rear than the Pro 4. However, for midfoot and forefoot strikers looking to push the pace, the shoe is made for you; it’s a remarkably versatile super-shoe right at home for 5K runs, up to the marathon.
In summary, the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 hits the sweet spot between cutting-edge innovation and practical performance. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or competing at the highest level, this shoe is engineered to help you achieve your fastest run yet. Get a pair; you won’t be disappointed.
