adidas adizero Pro Review
adidas' Carbon Speedster
Likes
- Smooth ride
- Responsive, springy cushioning
- Comfortable fit
Dislikes
- Heavy underfoot
What's New
Ready to make its mark on the growing list of carbon-plated shoes, the adidas adizero Pro takes a different approach than the competition. Using lightweight Lightstrike cushioning in the forefoot and Boost foam in the heel, the adizero Pro offers a soft landing with a responsive toe-off. This combines with the shoe's carbon fibre plate to provide a fast feel underfoot without sacrificing comfort. Additionally, adidas developed a single-layer mesh upper that is lightweight and breathable while offering a secure lockdown. The result is a shoe that is ready to tackle any race that will come your way.
The Bottom Line
Our testers gave high praise to the adidas adizero Pro. They loved the fit, the ride, and the responsive feel underfoot. The team came to the consensus that this shoe is perfect for those looking for a carbon racer that's a little lower to the ground, and they found the level of cushioning ideal for races ranging from the 5K to half marathon. When it came to marathon racing, our testers felt that the shoe was somewhat lacking on protection, in addition to being a little heavy. That said, those who enjoy the feel of a traditional racing flat but want the benefit of a carbon plate may enjoy the adizero Pro for marathon distances as well. Overall, our team agreed that the adidas adizero Pro succeeded as a fast, carbon-plated shoe at a reasonable price.
Shoe Performance
Shoe Softnessi
FirmSoftRide/Energy Returni
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protectioni
LowHighFlexibilityi
RigidElasticUpper Supporti
StructuredAdaptable
Our In-Depth Look
Shoe Softnessi
For optimal energy return and weight savings, adidas utilises their minimal Lightstrike foam from the forefoot to midfoot and Boost in the heel. Our testers generally found the cushioning to feel responsive with a slight softness, and they agreed that it had a comfortable racing flat feel.
Nathan: "This isn't your highly cushioned carbon race flat but it's also not trying to be. It's very responsive and a good option for session day or even 5/10km races, possibly up to a half marathon."
Stuart: "adidas racing flats such as the Adios have traditionally been on the firmer side, but I feel like this shoe has a slightly softer feel."
Ride/Energy Returni
The adidas adizero Pro is designed to go fast. To achieve this, adidas used their Lightstrike cushioning in conjunction with a carbon plate, giving runners a bouncy ride and top-notch energy return. While the ride was smooth and springy, the energy return didn't quite match some of the other carbon-plated shoes on the market.
Nathan: "With the Boost-Lightstrike midsole, it was responsive and poppy during sessions. It wasn't as bouncy as Fuelcell or PWRRUN PB but it still had a nice pop off the toe."
Stuart: "You get a good bit of pop from the combination of the two foams and the plate makes for a smooth toe off."
Underfoot Protectioni
Compared to other carbon-plated racers, the adizero Pro has a low profile. Because of that, our testers felt that the shoe wasn't as protective as its competitors for marathon distances, but they agreed it would be great in races ranging from the 5K to half marathon.
Nathan: "Whilst not the most cushioned carbon plated running shoe on the market, the boost in the heel provides a nice amount of cushioning upon landing. It has more of a traditional Adios feel with a bit more pop."
Stuart: "The shoe may not have the protection of some of the high stack super shoes but it definitely offers more than your traditional racing shoe."
Flexibilityi
Although the adizero Pro is lower to the ground than most other carbon-plated shoes, the plate used by adidas gives the adizero Pro a similar stiffness to other plated models. Despite the rigidity, the adizero Pro offered our team a smooth underfoot experience.
Nathan: "As expected with carbon shoes, it definitely has less flex than traditional racing flats, but it was still able to be smooth underfoot."
Stuart: "The plate does make the shoe stiffer right through the midsole but still allows for some flexibility at toe-off."
Upper Supporti
Runners craving a classic racing flat upper won't have to look too far. Our testers enjoyed how minimal and sleek it felt on foot while still keeping them locked in and supported.
Nathan: "The upper is thin and has the minimal race flat feel you want and expect while still getting a good lock down in the midfoot."
Stuart: "The upper is very lightweight and breathable and I found the burrito tongue helped provide a nice hold on the foot."
Men's adidas adizero adios Running Shoes
Individual Thoughts
For lovers of a traditional race flat feel that gives you a more responsive ride, the adizero Pro checks a lot of boxes. It has great handling at speed for faster cornering than all of the higher stack options. The thin upper melted away when on foot during sessions.
Could it lose a bit of weight? Yes. Could it be a touch softer underfoot? Yes. But it is a nice option for fast sessions days, shorter races and up to half marathon races/efforts.
Shoe Softness
FirmSoftRide/Energy Return
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protection
LowHighFlexibility
RigidElasticUpper Support
StructuredAdaptable
I have been a big fan of the adidas Adios line for many years but in this new era of “super shoes”, traditional racing flats have taken a back seat. With the addition of a fully plated, low stack racing shoe in the adizero Pro, I feel like adidas has made a shoe that has a feel reminiscent of the early Adios. It has great pop, paired with the newer technology of these super shoes offering that smoother transition and slightly softer feel.
Despite having a really lightweight upper, this shoe still comes in a bit heavy for a racing shoe, however I felt like with this weight came an added durability you may not get from other racing models.
If you are looking for a race day shoe for anything from a 5k to half marathon that offers a super responsive ride and good ground feel without the price tag of some other options, this shoe is definitely worth a try.