It’s fair to say Adidas and running are having a bit of a moment. The sub-2-hour marathon barrier was broken for the first time by an Adidas athlete running in an Adidas shoe that weighs less than a bar of soap.
Record-breaking super shoes aside, Adidas has been rolling out shoes for us mere mortals that are still fun to go fast in or just enjoy the ride, while still squeezing in some of its most groundbreaking and innovative technologies.
While I’ve not stepped foot inside of the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3, here are three Adidas running shoes I have laced up that I think deserve their flowers.
1. Adidas Adizero Evo SL
The Evo SL is arguably as important a running shoe as the Evo 3, because it’s everywhere and for good reason. This is the running shoe I wear the most because it can do a bit of everything. It also looks great, which means you can keep it on when you’ve ticked off a speed session in them.
Adidas’ Lightstrike Pro midsole brings the bounce and liveliness to help them come alive at faster paces without needing a carbon plate. They feel great for comfortable daily runs, and this is a shoe you could stick on for a race, or you’ve got a speedy Parkrun on the agenda.
The Evo SL has now spawned new versions, including one with a woven upper. I think the OG Evo SL is the standout one and is always a joy to get out running in it.
2. Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4
The Pro Evo might be the talk of the town right now, but we shouldn’t ignore the other carbon racer Adidas has in the ranks; that’s not too shabby. That’s the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4. While carbon racers can be pricey, this is one of the more affordable top-tier options you can now pick up for a far more budget-friendly price. In return, you’re still getting a nice, lightweight shoe with a very breathable upper and Lightstrike Pro foam that’s both soft and springy. Match that up with Adidas’ carbon energy rods and your faster paces, and being in the Pro gets fast and lively quickly. Whether you’ve got more focused speedwork to tackle or need something to cruise at target marathon pace in training, the Pro 4 remains a beaut of a shoe.
3. Adidas Adizero Evo SL ATR
The Evo SL ATR takes the already great Evo SL and sticks a bit more outsole on it. That doesn’t turn it into an all-out trail shoe. It does make it better equipped to handle wetter and muddier routes. Matching up the Continental rubber with 1.5mm lugs gives you that extra reassurance underfoot that you’re not going to be slipping and sliding around. The upper is also a breeze to wipe down when you’ve had to tackle more challenging conditions. It includes all the same shoe ingredients that make it a standout Adidas shoe. The Lightstrike Pro still brings the enjoyable bounce with a ride that’s versatile enough to let you mix up the paces. I’d say it takes a few runs to get that same great Evo SL feeling, but you will get it plus that tougher, grippier outsole.
