The Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2 steps into the elite circle of performance footwear, earning its place in the spotlight of the super shoe category. This shoe is no Sunday stroll in the park footwear — it’s an engineering marvel that promises an unrivaled racing experience. This is a shoe that looks ‘slow’ in the eye and says, ‘not today’.
Born out of a ceaseless pursuit for speed and efficiency, the Adizero Adios Pro is Adidas’s response to the escalating race among sportswear giants to deliver the ultimate speed machine for marathoners, professional athletes, and anyone taking their running seriously.
Riding on the high praise accumulated by its predecessor, this second edition not only preserves the high-performance DNA of the Adizero Adios series but takes it a step further. Its design is tailored to fuel tempo runs and speedwork, pushing you towards personal bests and record-shattering speeds. It’s not your go-to shoe for a leisurely jog or recovery runs, rather it’s designed to be a race-day rocket that’s designed to fly on the tarmac. But as usual, it’s our job to check it out and see if it lives up to the hype.
Keep reading as we delve deeper into its features, performance, and overall value.
Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2 Full Review
First Impressions & Feel of the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2
Stepping into the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2, you immediately sense you’ve encountered something special. The innovative extended heel design gives the shoe a look that demands attention.
The upper, while lightweight and breathable, subtly hints at comfort without over-promising — but let’s not get carried away. These shoes won’t transform you into a superhero.
Features
- Proprietary EnergyRods technology for superb energy return.
- Advanced Lightstrike Pro foam cushioning.
- Carbon-infused nylon plate for additional spring and bounce
Pros
- Exceptional grip.
- Provides high levels of energy return.
- Excellent for high-speed and tempo runs.
Cons
- Not suited for athletes with flat feet due to the arch design.
- Durability may be compromised over time with intensive usage.
Who Is This Shoe For?
- Runners seeking a competitive edge.
- Athletes who prioritize lightness and responsiveness.
- Runners who frequently run on roads and tracks.
Who Is This Shoe NOT For?
- Runners with a wider foot shape
- If you’re looking for a daily driver: This shoe is more racehorse than workhorse.
- If you need lots of cushioning: This shoe is more about velocity than a pillow-like experience.
- If you’re watching your wallet: Yes, the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2 is pricier than your average running shoe. But it’s still a steal compared to other high-performance shoes like the Nike Vaporfly. If you’re budget-conscious, you might want to consider other options.
Upper Design of the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2
The upper of the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2 scores high on breathability, lightness, and fit, all thanks to its Celermesh 2.0 material. It’s a definite improvement on its predecessor, offering more airiness and comfort.
The design of the tongue is also improved, now wide, flat, and firmly attached, eliminating that annoying tongue slide from the earlier version. Additionally, the unstructured heel, with its gently gripping collar pods, provides a secure fit without any slippage.
The shoe also boasts a spacious toe box and midfoot, making it comfortable even on longer runs of over 4 hours. The one small hiccup, however, is that it runs a half size too large in length.
Midsole Design of the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2
Even though it’s a racing shoe, the Adios Pro 2 is surprisingly comfortable. Its soft midsole plays a significant part, along with the upper, which is less restrictive than other racing shoes.
A bit of padding in the ankle collar and heel adds a dash of plushness — well, as much as you could expect from a racing shoe. The heel counter is more flexible than expected. The tongue is thin at 1mm — it’s a racing shoe after all — but it’s made from a stretchy, neoprene-like fabric, protecting your foot from lace bite.
Adidas has a unique approach compared to other racing shoes, using carbon fiber rods instead of a full carbon plate. While it’s not quite as responsive as a full-plated shoe, it still works well and the rods provide a more flexible ride.
The shoe has a fair bit of cushioning, with a 39.5mm heel stack and 29.5mm in the forefoot. The midsole is peppy and responsive, yet soft and comfortable. It’s well-balanced and doesn’t lean towards overly soft or unstable, like some of its counterparts. Interestingly, it also performs well at cold temperatures, stiffening only slightly in really cold temperatures, unlike many other running shoes.
The Adios Pro 2 is built on a narrow platform, and although it might feel unstable at slower paces, it shines once you pick up the pace. One thing to note is the shoe can feel a bit disjointed due to its segmented sole, which might take some getting used to. Also, its higher drop of 10mm makes it a steep shoe. In terms of the ride, the Adios Pro 2 provides smooth cushioning at faster paces due to its relatively soft Lightstrike Pro foam and carbon plates.
In summary, while it requires some getting used to, the Adidas Adios Pro 2 proves to be an ideal shoe for medium to long distances, offering both comfort and performance. Just make sure you nail the fit for secure lockdown.
Outsole Design of the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2
The outsole of the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2 displays an effective balance between function and wear. It sports two types of Continental rubber – a sturdy version at the toe area for durability and a thinner variant on most of the forefoot and rearfoot for outstanding traction. However, due to its thin nature, this version tends to wear down quickly.
One cool thing about the shoe is the cutout in the bottom. Through it, you can see the carbon rods inside that make the shoe stiff and fast. The bottom of the shoe is also very thin, which helps keep the shoe light and speedy.
With a mere 1mm thickness, the outsole echoes the slim profile of the shoe’s tongue. It’s made from soft, grippy Continental rubber, providing solid traction during high-velocity strides. Yet, this sleek, smooth surface may not offer the same grip under wet conditions, so it’s something to consider when racing in rainy weather.
Weight
Men’s: 8.6 oz. (245 g) for US M10.5 / Women’s: 7 oz. (198 g) for a US W6.5
Stack Height
Heel height: 39.5mm
Forefoot height: 29.5mm
Heel-to-Toe Drop
10mm
Support
The Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2 shoe isn’t just fast, it also gives your foot a snug, secure fit. The outer part of the shoe (the upper) and laces work together to hold your foot steady, even when you’re running at top speed. The rods in the middle part of the shoe (the midsole) help your foot move smoothly and efficiently.
However, because this is a racing shoe, it’s not as cushioned or as supportive as slower, comfort-focused shoes. This means it might not be the best choice for people who need extra padding or get injured easily. But, for runners who value speed and a lightweight feel, the Adios Pro 2 offers a great mix of fast, light design and the support needed for fast runs and races.
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Alternatives to the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2
Here are some alternatives to the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2 in the event you’re not convinced it’s going to work for you.
Nike Vaporfly
The Nike Vaporfly has established a formidable reputation in the running community as a performance enhancer on the race track. Its unique blend of ultra-lightweight ZoomX foam and carbon fiber plate technology offers an energy return that has set numerous personal and world records.
The ZoomX foam is one of the softest, lightest, and most responsive cushioning technologies out there, and in the Vaporfly, it creates a racing shoe that truly feels fast. Its carbon fiber plate offers a spring-like effect for responsive propulsion, making each stride more efficient. The shoe’s sleek, narrow design supports high-speed running and offers an impressive aerodynamic advantage, while the Vaporweave material upper is both lightweight and breathable, ensuring a comfortable fit for most runners.
Pros:
- Exceptional energy return due to ZoomX foam and carbon fiber plate
- Lightweight and breathable upper with Vaporweave technology
- Aerodynamic design supports high-speed running
Cons:
- Not ideal for runners needing extra support or stability
- May not offer ample durability for everyday training
- The high price point can be a barrier for some runners
In conclusion, the Nike Vaporfly is an impressive shoe that offers significant advantages for race day. However, it may not be the best choice for every runner due to its narrow, high-speed design and high cost.
Asics Metaspeed Sky
The ASICS Metaspeed Sky is another standout racing shoe that’s quickly gained recognition among elite athletes and recreational runners alike. Engineered to help runners maintain their pace for longer, it’s especially loved for its ability to reduce the energy loss at the ankle joint.
The Metaspeed Sky features an advanced FlyteFoam Blast Turbo midsole, which is both responsive and lightweight, giving you an energetic ride and optimal bounce with each step. A full-length carbon plate embedded in the midsole gives the shoe that desired springiness, propelling you forward with every stride. The upper uses a minimalist, breathable engineered mesh, ensuring a lightweight feel and superior air circulation to keep your feet dry.
Pros:
- Exceptional energy return from FlyteFoam Blast Turbo midsole and carbon plate
- Breathable and lightweight engineered mesh upper
- Specifically designed to reduce energy loss
Cons:
- Might not be comfortable for runners with wide feet due to its snug fit
- Less stable than some other performance shoes, particularly at slower paces
- The high price point may not fit all budgets
The ASICS Metaspeed Sky is a top-tier racing shoe that caters to high-speed runners looking to maintain their pace and reduce energy loss. However, its specific design may not suit all runners, and the price point is a factor to consider.
New Balance FuelCell TC
The New Balance FuelCell TC entered the racing scene offering an optimal blend of comfort and speed, making it a worthy contender for those with wider feet. Its top feature is undeniably the FuelCell midsole, housing a full-length carbon fiber plate that provides a propulsive, bouncy ride that doesn’t compromise on cushioning. This shoe will have you gliding effortlessly through your races, whether they’re 5K sprints or marathon-length endeavors.
The engineered knit upper of this shoe shines in the comfort department. It’s breathable, flexible, and has the uncanny ability to adapt to a wide range of foot shapes, particularly those needing a bit more wiggle room.
Pros:
- Responsive and energetic ride due to FuelCell midsole
- Full-length carbon fiber plate offers speed and propulsion
- Wider fit compared to other racing shoes
- Comfortable and breathable knit upper
Cons:
- Heavier than some other racing shoes
- May lack the extreme energy return of more specialized racing shoes
It’s important to note that while the FuelCell TC is heavier than some racing shoes, it more than compensates with its blend of comfort, responsiveness, and broader fit. It might not be the first choice for those seeking to break world records, but for runners with wider feet, it offers a fine balance between performance and fit.
FAQs about the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2
Is the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2 only for professional runners?
No, this shoe is designed to suit anyone looking to improve their race or speedwork performance. While professional athletes may find it particularly beneficial, it can also give recreational runners a noticeable edge.
How durable is the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2?
The outsole is made from thin, yet strong Continental rubber. However, due to its lightweight design, it may wear down faster than the outsoles on traditional running shoes. This shoe is best reserved for race days or key speed sessions.
Does the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2 require any breaking-in?
Some runners may need a little time to get used to the shoe’s unique features, like the carbon rods in the midsole and the segmented sole design. It’s recommended to do a few training runs in them before taking them out on race day.
Is the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2 an expensive shoe?
Yes and no. While it is pricier than your average running shoe, it is actually cheaper than other high-performance shoes in its class, like the Nike Vaporfly. Consider it a worthy investment if you’re into racing or speedwork.
Final thoughts on the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2
In conclusion, the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2 is a high-performance shoe that pushes boundaries. It’s not your go-to everyday trainer; this shoe is designed to empower you on race day or during intense speed sessions.
While its design may take some getting used to, it offers unique features, at a competitive price — and a comfortable fit that many will appreciate. Remember, this shoe isn’t for slow paces or casual strolls. It’s for those days when you want to lace up, speed up, and race against your personal best.
