Adidas has officially unveiled its new racing model, the Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3. Its debut was spectacular, as the brand's latest innovation powered two world records at the London Marathon. Kenyan Sebastian Sawe covered the 42.195 km distance in 1:59:30, becoming the first runner to break the two-hour barrier. Meanwhile, Tigst Assefa set a new women’s world record with a time of 2:15:41.
The defining feature of the Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3 is its incredibly low weight, with the pair weighing approximately 97 grams. Adidas describes this model as the lightest running shoe in the history of the brand. Furthermore, the company asserts that running economy has improved by 1.6% compared to previous generations of the Pro Evo line, while the construction remains fully compliant with World Athletics regulations.
The sole has undergone significant structural changes. While previous iterations utilized the Energy Rods concept, the new model introduces ENERGYRIM technology—a carbon element integrated directly into the midsole as a U-shaped rim around the perimeter, rather than the rod system used previously. At the same time, the center of the forefoot remains free of carbon, relying solely on foam. This design reduces pronation and facilitates an explosive "snap" off the toes during the stride, thereby increasing the efficiency of the push-off phase.
Cushioning is handled by the new Lightstrike Pro Evo foam, which developers claim is the most responsive material in the company's history. According to the brand, this foam is approximately 50% lighter than the materials used in previous versions of the product line. Additionally, the manufacturer states that energy return in the forefoot has seen an 11% increase.
Significant attention has also been paid to the upper of the new model. Its construction is inspired by the technology used in kite sail manufacturing, ensuring minimum weight while maintaining necessary foot lockdown during a run. The forefoot of the sole utilizes Continental rubber to ensure reliable grip on the asphalt.
However, the Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3 is an extremely specialized model. The shoes are now practically "disposable." No, they do not fall apart after a forty-kilometer run. The reality is that the footwear only retains its peak performance characteristics for approximately the duration of one full marathon. For this reason, the model is not viewed as a versatile option for both training and racing, but rather as a tool for a specific event and a maximum result.
The price for the Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3 is set at $500. Adidas has already launched a limited initial run, with a wider release of the model anticipated for this autumn.
