The answer?
A complete upper overhaul to fix the Pro 3’s infamous sock-shredding texture, a midsole that keeps its legendary Lightstrike Pro foam (sorry, EVO rumor fans—it’s still the classic formula!), and a geometry tweak for smoother transitions. Oh, and they managed to shave off weight without sacrificing durability. I’ve already put these through their paces, and spoiler: This isn’t just a Pro 3 with a facelift. It’s faster, friendlier, and finally solves that upper issue. But is it worth your marathon-day trust? Let’s break it down.
Cushioning & Ride
Amount of cushioning: Highly cushioned
Purpose: Racing, speedwork
Price of Adizero Adios Pro 4
Price: $250 USD
Release date: January 2025
What’s new in the Adizero Adios Pro 4?
The Adios Pro 4 swaps the Pro 3’s firmer Lightstrike Pro foam for a softer, squishier version, prioritizing marathon comfort over the Pro 3’s snappy responsiveness. The rocker is moved backward for a gentler roll (unlike the Pro 3’s aggressive forward push), and the outsole now uses soft, durable Lighttraxion rubber instead of the Pro 3’s firmer Continental setup. The upper is thinner, more breathable, and adds a padded tongue for comfort—a big upgrade over the Pro 3’s stiff feel. However, the Pro 4 runs small (size up!) and sacrifices stability due to its plush midsole, making the Pro 3 better for speed, durability, or runners needing support.
Upper
The biggest change? The new two-layer mesh upper. The outer layer is a thin, engineered mesh with laser-cut holes for airflow, while the inner sleeve hugs your foot like a sock. It’s lighter than the Pro 3 and WAY more breathable—perfect for hot race days. The lacing system’s been simplified too. Fewer eyelets, but they’re placed strategically to lock your midfoot in place without pressure points thanks to Adidas’ Lightlock tech—a stretchy, adaptive setup that tightens evenly as you pull the laces. The heel collar is padded just enough to avoid slippage, and the tongue is super thin to save weight.
But heads up: The toe box runs snug. If you’ve got wide feet, this might feel tight. For everyone else? It’s a precise, race-ready fit.
Midsole
The midsole still uses Adidas’ Lightstrike Pro foam—the same bouncy, lightweight material from the Pro 3. It’s soft enough to cushion mile 20 of a marathon but responsive enough to feel propulsive.
What’s new? The Energy Rods. These aren’t full carbon plates—they’re carbon-infused nylon rods, arranged in a fork-like design. They act like springs, flexing with your stride to give you a snappy toe-off. Adidas also added a more aggressive rocker geometry, so the shoe rolls you forward effortlessly.
The result? A ride that’s smoother than the Pro 3. It’s still firm and race-focused, but the tweaks make it feel less harsh over long distances.
Outsole
Adidas swapped out the old Continental-heavy setup for something new: Lighttraxion rubber. It is made of polyurethane, which is way softer and more flexible than traditional rubber. But wait, there’s a twist! Adidas kept a small section of Continental rubber in the forefoot to give you extra bite during toe-offs when you’re pushing hard. The combo works: Lighttraxion keeps things flexible and cushioned, while Continental adds that trusty grip we all know (especially on wet pavement). In terms of durability, the outsole itself is holding up well so far and has a good traction on dry as well as wet surfaces.
Adizero Adios Pro 3 vs Pro 4
| Feature | Adios Pro 3 | Adios Pro 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Midsole Foam | Firmer Lightstrike Pro (responsive, energetic). Compresses less, retains cushioning longer. | Softer Lightstrike Pro (squishy, plush). Compresses more during strikes, cushioning degrades faster. |
| Outsole | Continental rubber dominates (firmer grip, less durable). | New Lighttraxion rubber (soft, flexible polyurethane). Small Continental forefoot patch. More durable overall. |
| Upper | Stiff, scratchy, and less breathable. Fits true to size (narrow). | Softer, thinner, more flexible/breathable. Runs small (go up ½ size; still narrow). |
| Tongue | Flat, unpadded design (risk of lace pressure). | Added padding (prevents lace bite, more comfortable). |
| Rocker Position | Forward-placed (aggressive "forward tipping" feel). | Moved backward (gentler, smoother transitions). |
Pros
✅ Bouncy, responsive foam
✅ Versatile
Cons
❌ Stiff ride at slower paces
Verdict
Overall, the Adios Pro 4 isn’t a revolution—it’s an evolution.
Adidas took an already-great racer and refined it into something lighter, smoother, and more efficient. It’s a top-tier pick for competitive runners who want a shoe that’s aggressive but not punishing.
That said, it’s still a niche shoe. If you’re all about that race-day vibe, it’s worth the splurge. But if you want comfort-first or need a do-it-all trainer? Look elsewhere.
So, what do you think? Is the Adios Pro 4 going to be part of your running shoe rotation? Let me know below—and happy running!
