The Adios Pro Evo 1 is a limited edition long-distance racer which was designed for elite athletes to use to break records. It features a brand new midsole foam, outsole and upper which have an optimal lifespan of only 1 marathon. There are only 1025 pairs in the world and it costs $500.
The Adios Pro 3 is the more widely available, cheaper, more durable, long-distance Adidas racer. It’s the latest version of the Adios Pro series and it costs $250.
This comparison will tell you which racer is better for you.
adidas adizero Adios Pro Evo 1
Verdict
The Adidas Adios Pro Evo 1 is a game-changing, lightweight, marathon racer which is friendly enough to handle any pace and any distance. While it doesn’t offer as much speed assistance as other firmer, more rockered racers, its featherweight build makes it feel faster than any other shoe on the market. Adidas says that it can only perform optimally for 1 marathon, but for most runners, it will be more than that as it largely depends on your body’s build and your running form.
The Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 is a long-distance specialist. Its highly cushioned midsole and its efficient, energy saving ride make it perfect for marathons and beyond.
Version 3 has more foam in the forefoot, a wider net base and a more aggressive toe-spring which makes it softer, more stable and more propulsive than the previous version.
Recommended for
Long distance racing
Racing, speedwork
Cushioning type
Balanced/plush
Balanced
Cushioning amount
Highly cushioned
Highly cushioned
Stability
not particularly stable
some stability
Sizing
true to size
true to size
Retail price
US$499.95
US$250.00
The Evo 1 has a brand new PEBA-based midsole foam called Lightstrike Pro Evo. It’s carved out of a block of foam, so it’s incredibly expensive and there’s high wastage. It has a very soft ride with a lot of compression. It feels very airy and feels as light as a feather. It doesn’t have as much bounce as other compression moulded midsoles.
The Pro 3 has a denser, firmer midsole foam called Lightstrike Pro. It’s compression moulded so it is cheaper to make and it can be mass-produced. Lightstrike Pro has more energy return and bounce than the Evo version but it is much heavier.
The Evo 1 has a very fast ride because it is so light but because its midsole is so soft, it’s very unstable and not supportive. This makes it only suitable for runners with very good form who have neutral pronation. It’s best suited to short, fast runs if you’re a non-elite without outstanding form.
The Pro 3 has more long-distance comfort because it’s firmer and more stable. It can handle short runs and long-distance runs so it has better versatility. It feels a lot more supportive.
When it comes to durability, the Pro 3 is easily the winner. It retains its cushioning for over 300 kilometres while the Evo 1 has optimal cushioning for only 1 marathon. The midsole of the Pro 3 is tougher and more durable while it has a stronger upper.
The Pro 3 has much better grip than the Evo 1. The Evo 1 is extremely slippery in wet conditions while the Pro 3 is grippier with its Continental rubber outsole.
The Evo 1 has paper-thin, lightweight upper with great breathability. There isn’t much padding in the collar so heel lockdown is not very good. The fit is true to size but it’s not suitable for runners with wide feet.
The Pro 3 has a thicker, more durable upper with average breathability. It has more padding and is more comfortable than the Evo 1. Heel lockdown is noticeably better in the Pro 3. The fit is also true to size and not suitable for wide-footed runners due to its narrow fit.
If you’re an elite athlete who competes for podium spots and prize money, the Evo 1 is better for you. Its featherweight build makes it one of the fastest super shoes money can buy. If you’re a shoe geek and you want to experience a new running sensation, or the future of running shoes, you should get the Evo 1.
If you’re looking for a fast, durable racer which you can also train in, the Pro 3 is better value for money. It feels more comfortable and it has better grip. It’s much heavier than the Evo 1 but it is half the price and much easier to buy.
