Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1

Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1

The Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1 has taken the running world by storm, especially after aiding in the smashing of the Women's World Marathon record in Berlin shortly after its release. But what makes this shoe so special? Let's dive into the details of this $500 super shoe and explore what it offers.

Key Specifications and Technology

• Price: The most talked-about feature is undoubtedly its price—$500, making it one of the most expensive running shoes on the market.

• Stack Height and Drop: The shoe features a 39 mm stack height in the heel and a 6 mm drop, resulting in a 33 mm forefoot stack height. This design provides a substantial cushion while maintaining a race-ready feel.

• Midsole Material: The midsole is constructed from a unique, non-compression molded version of Adidas' Lightstrike Pro foam. This new iteration of Lightstrike Pro is lighter, airier, and more responsive, but with a trade-off—it lacks durability. Adidas suggests that the shoe is ideal for one familiarization run and a single marathon race, after which the foam’s performance begins to degrade.

• Weight: The Evo 1 is incredibly lightweight, weighing in at just 138 grams (4.7 ounces) for a men’s size 9. This featherweight design is achieved through the innovative Lightstrike Pro foam and the removal of the sock liner, as well as the use of a translucent upper material that reduces weight without sacrificing strength.

• Upper Design: The translucent upper not only contributes to the shoe’s minimal weight but also offers a snug and comfortable fit. Despite being thin, the upper is reinforced around the lace loops and provides a secure fit with a tiny bit of padding around the ankle area. However, getting your foot into the shoe can be a bit challenging due to its tight fit.

• Outsole Construction: The outsole uses what Adidas calls "liquid rubber," a thin layer of rubber on the forefoot and along the sides of the heel. This design contributes to the shoe’s lightness while still providing adequate traction. Despite the minimal rubber coverage, the grip on various surfaces is reliable.

• Stabilizing Element: Within the shoe, there’s a stabilizing element that isn’t clearly identified but is speculated to be a carbon or carbon composite material. This stabilizer is reminiscent of the energy rods found in the Adios Pro lineup but with a unique, wavy design that enhances the shoe's stability.

Running Experience

The Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1 delivers a different running experience compared to other super shoes. While it features the familiar Lightstrike Pro foam, the sensation underfoot is not as exaggerated as one might expect. The foam provides a spongy feel but doesn’t offer the extreme propulsion associated with some other carbon-plated racers. Instead, the shoe's rocker starts earlier, at around 60% of the shoe’s length, offering a gradual roll that feels natural rather than forced.

At marathon pace, the Evo 1 feels light and effortless, allowing runners to focus on their form without the shoe dictating their stride. The shoe shines most at threshold paces, where its lightness and responsiveness give runners a sense of power and control. Even at faster, 5K speeds, the shoe's lightness and quick turnover are evident, making it a versatile option for various race efforts.

Conclusion

The Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1 is a marvel of modern running shoe technology, designed with the needs of elite athletes in mind. However, its $500 price tag and limited durability make it more of a collector's item or a concept shoe rather than a practical option for most runners. It's a glimpse into the future of racing shoes, offering a unique combination of lightness, responsiveness, and cutting-edge design. For those who can afford it, the Evo 1 provides an unparalleled running experience, albeit one with a limited lifespan.