Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 - Women's Review

The rear stack of the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 stands at a respectable 35 mm and offers runners a comfortable 7 mm differential. Combined with a 26.5-degree rocker angle, the elements of this super shoe come together to suit speedy runners looking for a reliable racing companion.

Side View Cut in Half

Cushioning

The Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 features a dual-layered Lightstrike Pro midsole, designed to provide a balance between softness and energetic levity. The thick 35 mm heel stack and 28 mm forefoot stack provide comfortable cushion for distance efforts, offering more true softness than many of the snappier racing kicks I've tested recently. This specific configuration offers a plush underfoot feel that absorbs the impact of each footfall without being mushy at faster paces. In fact, the Adizero Adios is at its best when ridden at peppier clips.

Upper Comfort

The upper of the Adios Pro 4 is constructed from LightLock upper, a lightweight material that offers a snug fit. Some runners may find the forefoot volume to be a bit low, but I enjoyed the sense of security it provided — I tend to like my racing shoes to be a bit narrow in the forefoot. The upper structure ensures a secure lockdown, minimizing foot movement within the shoe and reducing the risk of blisters or discomfort. The paper-thinness of the upper adds great breathability, which is ideal for summer racing. The LightLock material is incredibly soft to the touch, adding a kind touch to seriously sweaty efforts.

Stability

Runners who prioritize support and stability in their race-day footwear may want to explore other options, as the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 falls a bit short in these areas. This isn't the least stable shoe of all time, but it certainly offers pretty flimsy stability. The Adizero Adios Pro is a shoe meant for reckless speed, not stable, controlled efforts. Stability is often a metric that racing shoes — and the runners seeking them out — push to the back burner. If you want a high-octane racing shoe, its low stability ranking shouldn't dissuade you. If a stability shoe is more your speed, we have other options more tailored to your running needs.

Responsiveness

The Adizero Adios Pro 4 is engineered for speed and racing efforts. This snappy, lightweight kick features a rocker angle of 26.5 degrees with the apex aggressively located 61.9% forward from the heel. This geometry promotes a forward-rolling motion, facilitating quick transitions and efficient toe-offs. I tend to land a bit farther back on my feet during my strides, and the responsive pop that the Adizero Adios is well-suited to match my strides.

Speed Performance for Varying Distances and Effort Levels

Product	Easy (Recovery)	Moderate (Marathon)	Threshold (10K)	Fast (5K)
Best	3	4.5	5	5
Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4	3.5	5	4.5	4
Average	2.6	4.4	4.8	4.6
Worst	1.5	4	4.5	4

The integration of Energy Rods 2.0 enhances this effect, providing a propulsive feel that is particularly beneficial during races and tempo runs. I'd take this shoe out for just about any racing or tempo effort, though runners with more forefoot-focused mechanics might want something with a later-stage rocker.

Weight

Weighing 5.80 ounces per women's size 6.5, the Adizero Adios Pro 4 is among the lightest racing shoes available. It isn't the lightest racing shoe I've tested, but runners who want underfoot comfort, a soft upper weave, and responsiveness in their racing shoe won't mind the extra ounce.

Traction

The Adizero Adios Pro 4 has okay traction. There isn't anything exceptional about it, which is generally what I expect from racing shoes. Most racing shoes skimp on traction in order to provide the lightest ride possible, making them infamous for being slippery around tight corners or on wet roads. On the Adizero Adios Pro specifically, Continental rubber is strategically placed at the toe-off zone, offering a touch of traction and a bit of added underfoot protection where it matters most. The remainder of the outsole features LightTraxion — Adidas' lighter, more minimal grip pattern — which adds subtle texture but doesn't dramatically enhance grip. On a sand-covered corner, I tried to push the limits and found that I didn't quite skid out, but it was clear that this shoe isn't built for aggressive traction. It gets the job done on dry roads but lacks the bite you'd want in more variable conditions.

Should You Buy the Adidas Adizero Pro 4?

If you are seeking a super shoe that is ready to go on race day, the Adidas Adizero Pro 4 is a solid option to consider. My criticisms with it are few and far between with this racing shoe. Some runners might find it to be a bit too soft, and others may not like the early-stage rocker geometry of the ride. As is the case with most racing shoes, its hefty price tag is also a consideration. The Adizero Adios' price is on par with similar super shoes, making it an investment worth ensuring you love before purchasing. Ultimately, this shoe is a solid tempo and racing shoe that offers responsiveness, underfoot comfort, and a smooth feel.

What Other Road Running Shoes Should You Consider?

The most obvious stand-in to replace the pricey Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 is the firmer, more versatile, and more affordable Adidas Adizero Evo SL. The Adidas Adizero Evo SL isn't quite as soft and super shoe-y, but it provides a versatility and responsiveness that make its price a bit easier to digest. If an all-out racing shoe is what your heart desires, the Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris is one of the snappiest on the market. It is a bit firmer than the Adizero Adios, but it has proven itself to be a durable and reliable race-day contender. If comfort is key, the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 is another option to consider. With metric scorings that nearly match those of the Adios Pro 4, the SuperComp Elite is a slightly more stable option to pick up the pace in.