The adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 is the latest carbon-plated racing shoe from adidas, and it’s fast. Really fast. While the Adios Pro 3 was known for its balance of comfort and versatility, the Adios Pro 4 takes a much more aggressive approach. Inspired by the ultra-minimal Evo 1, this shoe features a lighter upper, more responsive foam, and an updated rocker geometry that’s built for serious speed.
I’ve had a soft spot for the adidas Adizero Adios Pro line it was one of the first carbon-plated shoes I actually liked, which is saying a lot. Plus, a lot of people don’t realize that adidas athletes have won more major marathons than any other brand. Anyway, this year brings a huge transformation, and I was excited to see what that was all about. I tend to favor a soft shoe and the latest Adizero Pro is softer than ever. Adidas has a ton of workout shoes or workout clothes depending on your style and needs.
Before trying the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4, I had a few questions:
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Is the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 fast? YES. It was always a fast shoe, but adidas has put a lot of energy into making it even faster.
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Does the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 fit true to size? No. It fits a little bit short, so I recommend going up a half size.
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Did the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 get a big update? Yes. If you’ve tried other versions, you’ll notice the latest one is much softer. This isn’t a bad thing—it’ll just feel different on your feet.
Now let’s get into an honest adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 shoe review.
Quick Facts
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Weight: 7.1 oz (men’s size 9) / 6.4 oz (women’s size 8)
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Stack Height: 39 mm heel / 33 mm forefoot
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Drop: 6 mm
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Price: $249.95
adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 Upper and Fit
First, how fun is this red? I feel fast when I wear them! The upper of the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 is sleek, breathable, and stripped down. The Micro Fit mesh is translucent, ultra-lightweight, and sits close to the foot. It runs short and fits low in volume, so most runners will want to go up a half size, especially for marathon distances. If you didn’t know, the longer you’re on your feet, the more they swell so it’s important to accommodate that. The toe guard can feel snug on the big toe but I haven’t had any issues with it. It’s a shoe I recommend trying on, or just getting at least a half size bigger.
The best running shoes feel like you aren’t wearing them and it somewhat feels that way with the Adizero Adios Pro 4. It does have a few unique upper properties though! For instance, there’s no traditional heel counter, which makes this model friendly for runners with heel sensitivity or Haglund’s deformities and those who don’t enjoy stiffer heel counters. Instead, adidas uses a “Slinglaunch” wrap to lock the rearfoot in. I was a bit nervous for this but I haven’t slid out of the shoe. The tongue is gusseted and the lacing system does a solid job without creating pressure. Some may have concerns about the lack of heel counter, but I haven’t had any issues like slipping or feeling unstable. Honestly, once you get used to the fit it feels pretty good.
In running shoes, I tend to wear between a women’s size 10–11 wide. I found the size 11 to fit the best in the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4. I haven’t had any issues with the heel, and to me, it’s a good-fitting shoe.
adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 Ride
The magic of the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 is in the midsole. adidas updated the Lightstrike Pro foam to make it softer and more responsive than ever before. Paired with the carbon-infused EnergyRods 2.0 and a forefoot rocker, the shoe rolls forward with ease once you pick up the pace. Carbon-plated shoes are designed to run fast, and the Adios Pro 4 helps you do just that.
Like any carbon plated shoe, it’s not a shoe for jogging…this one shines when you’re running fast. The geometry is designed for rhythm and turnover. At race pace, it feels smooth and efficient. At slower paces, the midfoot cutout feels a little unstable and awkward. But for tempo runs, workouts, and racing, it’s one of adidas’s best efforts yet.
Where does the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 fit into my rotation? Like any carbon-plated shoe, it’s for races and workouts only. Why waste a carbon-plated shoe for anything else? During my first workout in the shoe, I was amazed at how good it felt. The new softness is appreciated, and I was holding paces I haven’t been able to hit in a while. It felt like I was running effortlessly.I like the extra softness that adidas has added into this shoe, I think overall I like it better than previous versions.
Since then, I’ve used the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 for a variety of workouts and races, and I’ve been happy with each one. I have no complaints.
Outsole
adidas is one of the most durable brands, and the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 is no different. Traction is a highlight here. The outsole combines Continental rubber up front with a new GCPU compound that grips well on pavement—even in wet conditions. The lugs are small but effective, and the durability is impressive.
No carbon-plated shoe is designed for trails, so I would advise against taking this one off-road. As far as durability, I expect the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 to last about 100 miles, similar to any other carbon-plated shoe.
adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 Conclusion
The Adizero Adios Pro 4 is built to race. It trades in the versatility of the previous model for speed and performance. With a lighter feel, improved foam, and exceptional grip, this is a super shoe that rewards efficiency and consistency. It’s not for everyone but for the right runner, it could be a new favorite.
Who should buy the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4:
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Runners looking for a lightweight, aggressive super shoe for racing
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Runners who prefer a fast, rolling forefoot and don’t need midfoot stability
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Those who loved the Evo 1 concept but want a more accessible version
Who should not buy the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4:
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Runners looking for stability or a forgiving midfoot
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Those with wider feet or toe sensitivity (unless sizing up)
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Anyone needing a race shoe that feels comfortable at slower paces
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: Mizuno Neo Zen, Topo Magnifly 5, Antepes Muscle Runners, New Balance 1080v13 Shoe Review , Newton Gravity 12, ASICS Superblast 2
Speed Work: 361 Degrees Furious Future 2.0 Nike Tempo Next%, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Nike ZoomX Streakfly, Nike Alphafly 3
Long Runs: Topo Specter 2, 361 Degrees Eleos Shoe Review
Trail Running/Hiking: 361 Futura, Hoka Tecton X2 Shoe Review Speedland SL: PDX,
Races: 361 Degrees Furious Future 2.0, ASICS Metaspeed Edge Paris, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Reebok Run fast Pro ,Nike Vaporfly 3
Curious about how I do gear reviews? You can read about that here.
You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.
Looking to learn more about running shoes? In my ebook, I talk about why you need a good running shoe, a shoe’s anatomy, neutral vs. stable, and even myths of running shoes.
Questions for you:
What is your favorite racing shoe?
Have you tried adidas?