Summary of Adidas Adios Pro 4 Review: Is this Adidas' best carbon racer yet?

Product Review Summary: Adidas Adios Pro 4

Key Features:

Stack Height: 39mm heel, 33mm forefoot, 6mm drop (slightly lower than the Adios Pro 3).
Weight: 202g (7.1 oz) for men's UK size 8.5, 14g lighter than the Adios Pro 3.
Midsole: New Light Strike Pro foam that is softer and more responsive than the Pro 3.
Rocker Geometry: Redesigned to enhance efficiency, positioned 60% of the shoe's length.
Carbon Energy Rods 2.0: Similar to those in the Adios Pro 3, aimed at providing energy return.
Upper Design: New light lock uppers with stitched tongues and improved lacing structure for better fit and comfort.
Outsole: Data mapped light traction with minimal rubber to save weight, using Continental grip for enhanced traction.

Pros:

Improved fit and comfort over the Adios Pro 3, particularly in the upper.
Softer midsole offers better energy return and a more forgiving ride.
Excellent performance for fast-paced runs and marathon distances.
Durable for a carbon racing shoe, with reliable grip.

Cons:

Toe box may run small, causing discomfort during longer runs (potential for black toenails).
Less stability in the heel due to the softer midsole, which may affect some runners.
Not a significant upgrade for those who were satisfied with the Adios Pro 3.

User Experience:

The shoe feels natural and comfortable right out of the box, addressing previous complaints about fit. Many users experienced issues with toe box length during marathon tests, leading to discomfort. The shoe performs exceptionally well at higher speeds, encouraging faster paces without excessive effort.

Comparisons:

Compared favorably to Nike's Vaporfly Next% 3 and the AEX Metaspeed Sky Paris in terms of weight and performance. Offers a more affordable option compared to the Nike Alphafly Next%.

Overall Recommendation:

The Adidas Adios Pro 4 is highly recommended for runners looking for a carbon racing shoe, particularly for marathon distances. It provides a good balance of comfort, performance, and energy return. However, potential buyers should be mindful of the toe box sizing to avoid discomfort during longer runs. For those who enjoyed the Adios Pro 3, the Pro 4 offers improvements but may not be essential unless fit and comfort were issues with the previous model.

Unique Points Mentioned:

The shoe is designed for a broader range of runners, not just elite athletes.
Improved upper design significantly enhances comfort.
The midsole is softer and provides more bounce compared to the previous model.
The shoe is best suited for fast-paced running and may not be as effective at slower paces.
The Adios Pro 4 is a good option for runners who found the Adios Pro 3 lacking in comfort or fit.

Notable Quotes

— 06:19 — « This is everything that you want from a carbon racer: it's light, lively, and fast. »

— 06:28 — « It urges you to pick up the pace, it dares you to push harder, and it lets you do it without feeling like you're going to pay the full effort price for it. »

— 07:30 — « Overall, I think the adios Pro 4 is a more reliable and forgiving platform for those moments where you're running a bit tired and a bit ragged. »

— 08:55 — « If you can't get on with those toe issues or you can't fix the toe issues, it's probably only a winning shoe for sort of all-out guns blazing racing up to the Half Marathon distance. »