| Adizero Adios Pro 3 | Price | Release | Style | Retailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| - wonder blue / core black / lucid lemon - regular fit - textile lining - lightstrike Pro cushioning - continental™ rubber outsole - upper uses 50% recycled materials | $250 | Yes | IG3132 | adidas |
The Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 is specifically designed for long-distance running. With its exceptional cushioning and ability to conserve energy, it is an ideal choice for marathons and other endurance events.
The latest iteration of this shoe features an increased amount of foam in the front of the shoe, a broader base for added stability, and a more dynamic toe-spring. These enhancements result in a shoe that is even more comfortable, reliable, and efficient compared to its predecessor.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Increased forefoot cushioning | Increase in weight |
| More aggressive toe-spring | Big bump in price |
| Fit is now true to size | Scratchy uppe |
| More stability |
"The Adizero Adios family of shoes received the most wins during 2021 World Major Marathon events."
Adidas boldly asserts on the Adios Pro 3 product page that they have achieved what seemed impossible for many years: surpassing Nike's leading racers and even outshining them in the realm of World Major Marathon victories.
The term "family of shoes" is employed in the assertion due to the alterations made to the Adios Pro 2, which resulted in runners perceiving it as unstable and favoring the initial version for racing purposes. As a slight over pronator, I personally experienced the instability while running in the Adios Pro 2.
Adidas' designers deserve applause for their successful innovation in the Adios Pro. With a distinct configuration of carbon rods nestled within a dense, ultra foam midsole, this shoe showcases their remarkable creativity and ingenuity.
I have grown quite fond of the Adios Pro family in the past couple of years. These racers strike a perfect balance between cushioning and responsiveness, allowing for smooth transitions that feel incredibly natural and not at all abrupt.
Durability was my only qualm. The outsole rubber felt so delicate and pliable that I found myself reserving them solely for those rare, extraordinary moments. I managed to rack up an impressive 300 km on the initial Adios Pro, but unfortunately, the lateral heel suffered a gaping hole as a result.
I observed a change in the outsole rubber's texture after traveling 200 km. It transitioned from a sandpaper-like finish to a smoother, slipperier surface. This shoe is not suitable for extensive training purposes.
The Adios Pro 3 has undergone a myriad of enhancements, encompassing modifications to its upper, midsole, and outsole. Although it has gained a slight weight increase of 2 g (0.07 oz), the difference is hardly perceptible. While the heel stack height remains at 39.5 mm, the drop has reduced from 8.5 to 6.5 mm, resulting in an additional 2 mm of stack height in the forefoot.
The price of the Adios Pro has experienced a significant increase of $25 compared to the Adios Pro 2. In just two years, the Adios Pro family has witnessed a remarkable surge of $50 in its price, given that the Adios Pro 2 was already $25 more expensive than the Adios Pro 1.
Initial Thoughts on Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3
Anticipation builds within me whenever a new iteration promises modifications to the upper, midsole, and outsole. Thus, the arrival of the Adios Pro 3 filled me with eagerness. What truly ignited my enthusiasm was the augmented padding in the forefoot, as I typically lean towards a gentler running.
Upon slipping my feet into the shoes and taking a few steps, I immediately noticed a newfound assertiveness in the curvature of the toe: it was as though I was teetering on the edge of a precipice, with the shoe urging me to lean forward. This particular sensation was absent in the previous iterations.
During my initial sprint training, I immediately noticed a remarkable difference in the feel of the forefoot, which was noticeably softer due to the enhanced padding. The absence of the heel plate also contributed to a softer feel in the heel area. Moreover, I found the Adios Pro 3 to be more stable than its predecessors during the slow warmup phase.
During my exercise routine, I engaged in 600 m intervals, which were subsequently followed by quicker 200 m intervals. The Adios Pro 3 exhibited a heightened sense of speed compared to the Adios Pro 1 and 2. Its toe-spring, with its assertive nature, facilitated a seamless increase in my running rhythm, and I was genuinely astounded by its extensive range of velocities.
Whether at leisurely paces or during intense sprints, the shoe provided an exceptional experience. Furthermore, there was no requirement for a break-in period, as it offered immediate comfort straight from the packaging.
Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 Sole Units
When it comes to updating a racing shoe, the key factor is the sense of speed it delivers. The Adios Pro 3 surpasses its predecessor in this aspect. The redesigned midsole geometry facilitates quicker turnover, allowing for a more effortless running experience.
Unlike its rounded-toe predecessors, the Adios Pro 3 boasts an upward-angled toe-spring of approximately 45 degrees. This unique feature provides a forward-tilting sensation reminiscent of the Vaporfly Next 2.
At moderate speeds or faster, typically under 5 minutes per kilometer, you'll experience a sense of assistance propelling you from the middle of your foot to the front. This feeling is particularly pronounced during the transition.
The Adios Pro 3 introduces ENERGYRODS 2.0, a refined version of the previous system that integrated a heel plate with ENERGYRODS extending from the midfoot to the forefoot. Unlike before, these rods are now connected and span from the heel to the very end of the forefoot.
The Adios Pro 3's improved design facilitates effortless shifts from heel to toe, resulting in a consistently cushioned experience for both the rearfoot and forefoot. As a result, the Adios Pro 3 offers a remarkably smooth ride, surpassing its predecessors.
When I embark on lengthy runs, I find immense pleasure in wearing the Adios Pro 3. Its cushioning is unparalleled, giving me the sensation of boundless support. Moreover, the midsole geometry enhances my running efficiency to an extraordinary extent. Every time I complete a run in these shoes, my legs feel revitalized and rejuvenated.
The Adios Pro 3 offers a distinctive running experience with its midsole rods that can independently move vertically. Unlike carbon plated shoes, this feature provides a more authentic and natural sensation during your run.
The midsole of the Adios Pro 3 consists of a dual layer construction, with two layers of Lightstrike Pro foam. Sandwiched between these layers are the ENERGYRODS 2.0. Both layers exhibit a comparable density, resulting in a seamless and cohesive ride that gives the impression of a monolithic foam midsole.
The Adios Pro 3 brings a refreshing sense of stability, which has quickly become my favorite aspect of this new model. While it may not match the same level of stability found in the Alphafly Next 2 due to its softer composition, the flared base of the Adios Pro 3 proves to be a game-changer. It enhances comfort during long-distance runs and significantly improves maneuverability, allowing for quicker cornering and smoother U-turns.
The durability of the outsole is enhanced with added protection. The midfoot area features an increased amount of rubber, and a plastic plate is also included on the medial side of the rear foot for extra support.
The majority of the rubber located on the outsole remains the same, maintaining its thin and rough texture. As a result, this shoe is best suited for race use only. The toe area of the outsole is equipped with the usual, thicker Continental rubber. While the grip is excellent during the initial several hundred kilometers, it diminishes significantly once the sole becomes smoother, resulting in a decrease in traction.
Although the wider rearfoot and forefoot have alleviated the previous inconvenience, the presence of the expansive medial midfoot cutout, revealing the ENERGYRODS, remains.
Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 Upper
Avoid pairing your high-end socks with the Adios Pro 3 shoes. The abrasive interior of the upper part of the shoe tugs at the fabric of the sock, causing irreversible damage after a single run. While the shoe provides a comfortable experience during your run, as soon as you remove it, you are greeted with an audible sound akin to the tearing of Velcro against your sock.
The Adios Pro 3 has seen an improvement in its fit. Unlike the Pro 2, where you had to decrease your size by half, the Pro 3 is now true to size. While the heel, midfoot, and toe box remain narrow, the forefoot offers ample space.
While lacking a heel counter, the shoe compensates with cushioning pads nestled within the heel. These pads not only offer comfort, but also secure the heel in place. Additionally, their textured surface securely grips onto your socks. The shoe's heel lockdown is satisfactory, although not exceptional. To further enhance stability, I found it beneficial to employ a runner's knot during each run.
To ensure a proper fit, it's important to ensure that the flat tongue lies flat when slipping on the shoe. Once it's in place, you won't experience any sliding or discomfort from the laces, even though the tongue is remarkably thin.
In general, I discovered that the upper portion of the shoe provided a pleasant experience, offering both comfort and breathability. However, I did encounter an issue with the rough interior which caused damage to two pairs of my socks. The texture inside felt incomplete and unfinished.
Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 Summary
The Adios Pro 3 surpasses the Adios Pro 2 in a significant manner. While it may not have shed any weight, it has undergone enhancements in nearly every other aspect. It now boasts a greater softness, increased cushioning, a heightened sensation of speed, and improved stability.
If I had to choose a super shoe for a marathon tomorrow, the Adios Pro 3 would be my top pick. This exceptional shoe strikes the perfect balance between comfort, speed, and efficiency, making it the ultimate racing companion.
Adidas has effectively catered to both mid-pack runners and elite athletes with their latest creation. By enhancing stability, they have tailored it to accommodate runners at slower speeds, while the heightened toe-spring ensures a more dynamic experience for those in need of speed. As a result, the Adios Pro is anticipated to dominate the starting lines with even greater frequency.
What I dislike about the Adios Pro 3 are two things: its tendency to devour socks and its higher price compared to previous models. Additionally, its durability is not impressive, making it suitable only for races or important training sessions.
You can purchase Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 on adidas online store for $250.