adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 Review

In partnership with adidas

About adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4

Runners know the feeling of hitting the wall before the finish line. Shoes that feel flat, unstable, or too heavy can turn a long run into a slow grind. The search for something lighter and faster is constant, especially for anyone chasing personal bests or trying to stay competitive in distance races.

Adidas has been chasing that same goal for years. Since the first Adizero Adios helped Haile Gebrselassie break the 2:04 marathon barrier back in 2008, the line has been tied to big wins and record-breaking performances. Working with athletes at the highest level, the brand has kept refining its racing shoes to meet the demands of speed, efficiency, and all-day comfort.

The Adizero family stands out because it mixes lightweight builds with tech aimed at race-day performance. Energy return from Lightstrike Pro foam, carbon-infused rods that mimic foot bones, and grip tested on wet marathon courses are all part of the story. Adidas also keeps its models within World Athletics limits so runners can take them straight from the box to official competition.

Now we get to the Adizero Adios Pro 4. Adidas calls it the fastest version yet, built for everything from 5K to the marathon. The question is whether this new update actually delivers on the promises, or if the changes make it less friendly for some runners. Let’s get into the details and see what’s really going on with this shoe.

Highlights

• Adidas has built the Adizero line alongside world-class athletes, with records at marathons and championships to back it up.
  
• The Adios Pro series has been the go-to shoe for multiple world records, from Haile Gebrselassie’s marathon barrier in 2008 to recent wins by Peres Jepchirchir and Tigist Assefa.
  
• The Adios Pro 4 introduces a new formulation of Lightstrike Pro foam that feels softer and springier underfoot.
• Carbon-infused Energyrods 2.0 run through the midsole to create a snappy transition from landing to toe-off.
• A LIGHTLOCK upper keeps the foot secure with a snug, race-day fit that stretches in one direction for comfort.
• The outsole combines LIGHTTRAXION with a patch of Continental rubber for grip even on wet roads.
• The shoe weighs around 200 grams, making it one of the lightest marathon racing shoes on the market.
• The design leans toward midfoot and forefoot strikers who want speed over long distances.

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adidas adizero Adios Pro 4 Review

Every new version of the Adios Pro sparks debate among runners, and the fourth one is no different. Adidas has made some bold changes that shift how the shoe feels and who it suits best. To break it down clearly, we’ll start with the standout features, move into the real benefits runners can expect on the road, and wrap it up with the price point so you know where it sits in the racing shoe market.

Unique Features

Lightstrike Pro foam

Adidas kept the same name but changed the recipe. The Adios Pro 4’s midsole uses a new formulation of Lightstrike Pro that feels noticeably softer and more airy compared to the denser compound in the Adios Pro 3. It’s built as a double-layer system, running heel to toe, and pressed into the stack height limits allowed by World Athletics.

Energyrods 2.0

Instead of a solid carbon plate, the shoe houses five separate carbon-infused rods that sit under the midsole. They’re aligned with the metatarsal bones, so each rod reacts independently, giving the midsole its stiffness where needed without acting like one flat slab. The rods are visible through the cutout in the midfoot, a signature of the Adios Pro series.

Lightlock upper

The upper uses a woven material called Lightlock that stretches only in one direction. It’s thin, almost translucent, and hugs the foot closely for a race-fit profile. The tongue is semi-stitched to keep it from sliding, and Adidas added extra padding here compared to the Adios Pro 3, which was criticized for pressure across the instep.

Lighttraxion outsole with Continental rubber

Adidas swapped the full-length Continental outsole for a lighter approach. Most of the outsole is covered in Lighttraxion, a translucent polyurethane-based rubber compound, while a small patch of Continental sits under the forefoot. This saves weight while keeping grip in the highest-pressure zone of the shoe. The outsole thickness is pared down to about 1 mm, thinner than what’s on the Adios Pro 3.

Race-tuned geometry

The midsole has been cut and sculpted to start its rocker transition slightly earlier than before. This change alters how the shoe tips you forward during toe-off. The heel cavity is also deeper, exposing part of the rods, which reduces rear stiffness but makes the heel lighter.

Low weight build

At around 200 grams in a men’s size 9, the Adios Pro 4 shaves about 15 grams off the Adios Pro 3. The lighter outsole, thinner insole, and softer foam all contribute to the drop.

Record-driven design

The Adios Pro 4 in the Adizero family carries the same DNA that has already been worn for world records at London and Berlin, plus Olympic gold in Tokyo. Adidas positions it as the next evolution in a series tied directly to professional racing results.

Benefits

Racing shoes often look impressive on paper, but what matters is how those design choices actually translate once the miles start adding up. The Adios Pro 4 has its own set of payoffs that runners will notice on the road.

• Reduced fatigue over distance
  The softer Lightstrike Pro foam cushions impact better than before, which helps legs hold up deeper into long runs and marathons.
• Smooth cadence support
  The Energyrods 2.0 create a rolling feel that naturally matches a quicker turnover, keeping the stride consistent at faster paces.
• Secure lockdown
  The Lightlock upper and padded tongue keep the foot stable without hot spots, cutting out distractions when intensity ramps up.
• Reliable grip in mixed conditions
  The Lighttraxion outsole paired with a Continental patch keeps traction solid on both dry and wet courses.
• Less weight to carry
  Dropping to about 200 grams makes the shoe feel lighter underfoot, which pays off late in races when energy is low.
• Efficient forward motion
  The tweaked rocker geometry eases transitions, so the shoe feels quick to move through landing into toe-off.
• Elite-level confidence
  Coming from a line tied to world records, the Pro 4 gives runners the sense they’re lacing up the same tool trusted by professionals.

Price

The Adizero Adios Pro 4 is priced at $250 USD on the adidas website. At that cost, buyers get a racing shoe built with a dual layer of Lightstrike Pro foam, the Energyrods 2.0 system, a Lightlock upper, and a Lighttraxion outsole with a Continental patch. The package is aimed squarely at runners who want a competition-ready shoe for distances from 5K to the marathon.

adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 Review: What Do Customers Think?

The Adizero Adios Pro 4 has earned an impressive overall rating of 4.7 stars from 156 reviews, showing just how well it’s been received by runners. Most feedback points to Adidas as a brand that keeps refining its performance shoes without losing the qualities that made them favorites in the first place.

Many runners highlight comfort and cushioning as the most significant improvements. The foam feels lighter underfoot while still protective on long efforts. One runner summed it up simply: “It improves on key aspects of its predecessor, especially in terms of comfort, cushioning, and lightness, without sacrificing performance.”

The responsiveness of the shoe is another recurring theme. Runners describe it as quick, natural, and ideal for racing. As one review put it: “The shoe felt very natural and responsive to run in.” Another noted: “Soft but explosive fast ride. I’ll keep using the Pro 4’s for a long time to come.”

Durability and grip also get positive mentions, especially from those logging longer distances. A standout comment was: “Straight out of the box ran 10 miles, felt AMAZING! Felt the momentum from the rods and design, and was surprised that it felt so cushiony without losing forward momentum.”

Overall, people describe Adidas running shoes, and especially the Adios Pro 4, as reliable tools for racing. The brand’s focus on pushing performance while fine-tuning comfort shines through in the feedback. Runners trust the Adizero line to deliver the speed and support they need for half and full marathons.

Is adidas Legit?

Yes, adidas is absolutely legit. They’ve been one of the world’s biggest sportswear companies for decades, trusted by elite athletes and everyday runners alike. Their gear has been tested in major competitions, worn during world record performances, and backed by continuous research and product development. That kind of track record, combined with their global presence and consistent quality, makes them a brand runners can take seriously.

Is the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 Worth It?

Yes. For runners who care about racing fast, the Adizero Adios Pro 4 delivers. Adidas has a proven record with this line, and the fourth version continues that tradition of being built for speed.

The build is all about performance. Lightstrike Pro foam comes in two layers to balance softness with spring. Energyrods 2.0 are set into the midsole to guide the stride. The Lightlock upper keeps the foot secure without extra weight. The outsole combines Lighttraxion rubber with a Continental patch to hold steady on wet roads. At around 200 grams, it stays incredibly light.

On the run the shoe feels sharp. The foam cushions impact but responds quickly. The rods and rocker move the stride forward with efficiency. Grip is steady, and the shoe becomes almost unnoticeable once the rhythm settles in.

At $250, it’s meant for racing, not everyday training. For anyone targeting fast times from 5K to marathon, it delivers the right mix of cushioning, speed, and grip. The Adios Pro 4 is worth it.

adidas Discounts and Promotions

Shopping straight from adidas often comes with chances to save or pick up extras along the way.

1. adiClub Membership. Signing up for adiClub doesn’t cost anything, and it immediately gives new members 15% off their first order. Beyond that, you’ll get free standard shipping, early access to limited releases, and a points system that builds toward rewards every time you shop.
2. Seasonal Sales. Several times a year—summer, back-to-school, and the big holiday stretch—adidas marks down a wide selection of shoes, clothing, and accessories. Discounts can reach up to 40%, and the sales are always featured front and center on the website while they’re live.
3. Heroes Reward. adidas runs a program for healthcare workers, teachers, military personnel, first responders, and seniors. Once verified, eligible shoppers can receive 30% off most full-priced products and 15% off outlet items.
4. Email and App Alerts. Signing up for email updates or using the adidas app is another easy way to stay in the loop. New promotions, product drops, and restocks are often announced there first, giving subscribers an early chance to grab them.

Where Can I Buy the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4?

You can buy the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 directly from the official adidas website, where it’s listed at $250 in men’s and women’s sizing. It’s also carried by major running retailers such as Running Warehouse, Road Runner Sports, and Fleet Feet, as well as big platforms like Amazon and Zappos. Availability depends on colorways and sizing, since popular sizes tend to sell out quickly after launch. For those who prefer trying shoes on first, select adidas flagship stores and specialty running shops in larger cities stock the Adios Pro line.

FAQs

1. What type of runner is this shoe best for?

It’s built for neutral runners who land midfoot or forefoot and like to run fast. Heel strikers may find it less stable because of the slimmer heel design.

2. Is the insole removable?

Yes, the insole can be taken out, though swapping it for an aftermarket insole may change the fit due to the shoe’s narrow forefoot.

3. Can I race a marathon in the Adios Pro 4?

Yes. The foam, rocker, and Energyrods 2.0 system make it suitable for full marathons as well as shorter races. Many elite athletes have worn the Adizero line for world record performances.

4. How do I contact adidas?

Here are ways to contact adidas: 

• Phone: Call 1-800-982-9337
  Available Monday to Sunday, 5 am to 8 pm PT
  
• Chat:
  • Chatbot: available 24/7
  • Live agent chat: Monday to Sunday, 5 am to 8 pm PT
  
• adidas Running App Support:
  For issues with the adidas Running app, you can submit a request online. Responses usually arrive within 72 hours.

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