Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4: First Impressions

Adizero Adios Pro 4: Quick Facts

Nathan’s first thoughts

Adidas have taken their time to update the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 and it really shows. The shoe feels really refined and attention to detail is super impressive. For me, what sets the Adios Pro 4 apart from the Pro 3 is that it doesn’t just feel like a speed workout training shoe—it’s now a shoe I’d confidently race in (which is the ultimate compliment for a shoe in such a competitive category).

The lighter, softer midsole and more aggressive rocker geometry significantly enhances the overall ride of the shoe, while the revamped upper is more comfortable and requires way less mucking around to get a good fit and lockdown. I would suggest trying a half size bigger than what you typically wear, as I think it fits a little short. I was a US 11 in Adios Pro 3, but definitely an 11.5 in the Adios Pro 4.

We’re genuinely excited about this shoe—it’s not just a strong update; it’s one of the best super shoe updates we’ve seen. If like me, you found the Pro 3 a little too heavy for race day but loved how easy it made marathon pacing feel, the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 is worth a serious look. It’s a shoe designed to help you race faster, towards a new PB. 

There are four key changes to Adios Pro 4

1) Not all Lightstrike Pro is made equal

The biggest improvement in the Adios Pro 4 is an updated formulation of the Lightstrike Pro midsole. It’s softer, lighter, and bouncier than before, which really transforms the ride. The Pro 3 was fantastic for its durability and steady feel, but the Adios Pro 4 delivers a much more energetic, race-ready experience that feels suited to all race distances from 5km up to the marathon.

The 20 gram weight reduction from the Pro 3 is also significant. The Adios Pro 4 is now 200g for a US 9, it’s noticeable in hand and on foot and really brings this into a competitive weight range with other big players in this category (Asics Metaspeed Paris, Nike Vaporfly 3)

2) More aggressive rocker geometry

Adidas also updated and refined the geometry, in particular the forefoot rocker, drawing inspiration from the record-setting Adidas Adios Pro Evo 1 (also known as the $700 shoe). The rocker now sits at 60% of the shoe’s length, compared to 67% in the Pro 3. This essentially means the rocker starts to move you forward earlier and makes the transition through the forefoot feel smoother, faster and more aggressive, helping you maintain momentum efficiency over long distances.

The change in rocker profile is complemented by the use of Adidas’ Carbon Energy Rods 2.0 which adds bending stiffness that super shoes are known for. These have been designed differently to a full length carbon plate we often see in race shoes and act by following the metatarsal bones in the foot.

3) A well needed upper update

I’ll admit, the engineered mesh upper on the Pro 3 wasn’t my favourite. While functional, it didn’t provide the most secure fit, the materials were kind of abrasive and it took some time to get a comfortable fit. Adidas clearly listened to runners feedback, because the MicroFit upper in the Adios Pro 4 is a massive improvement. It’s lighter, has more stretch, and feels more premium, with a better lockdown and fewer pressure points.

The updated lacing system and Lightlock band also eliminates the hotspot issues that occasionally cropped up in the Pro 3, making the Adios Pro 4 feel as though it'll fit more runners' feet. 

4) Lighter outsole, faster feel 

One of the things I loved about the Pro 3 was how durable the Continental outsole was—it felt reliable for long training blocks and it was clearly one of the most durable super shoes on the market. 

The Adios Pro 4 has been refined with a new LightTraxion outsole, which should provide excellent grip and wear resistance in all conditions with a strip of Continental outsole on the high wear toe off point. This new outsole is lighter and is contributing to the overall weight loss of the Adios Pro 4. I’m sure it’ll be durable enough, but I don't expect or want it to be as durable as the Pro 3, because this new outsole contributes to the Adios Pro 4 feeling more speedy and race ready. 

About the author

Nathan Pope - Runner and Shoe Nerd

I'm really passionate about running footwear and how shoes can be used as a tool to get the best of your running, whether that be general fitness or performance.

My favourite event is the marathon. I feel as though the marathon is the ultimate test both physically and mentally! It requires careful planning both within the race and during the training block and it can be super satisfying when it comes together on race day.