Adios Pro 3: The Ultimate Long-Distance Running Shoe?

Adios Pro 3: A Detailed Review of Its Features and Specifications

The Adios Pro 3 from Adidas has seen several enhancements aimed at boosting its performance. Here’s a detailed look at its features, changes, and overall design.

Enhanced Foam and Stack Height

The Adios Pro 3 now includes an extra half millimeter of stack height in the heel, raising it to 39.5 mm. Additionally, the drop has been adjusted from 7.5 mm to 6.5 mm, resulting in a 33 mm forefoot stack height. These changes are significant, providing a more cushioned experience underfoot. However, this extra foam adds weight, with the shoe now at 8.1 ounces, up from last year’s 7.5 ounces. The price has also increased from $220 to $250, aligning with other high-end racing shoes.

Upper Material and Design

The upper is crafted with Celermesh 2.0, a durable, breathable, and flexible material. The underlays that offer structure are now less visually prominent, giving the shoe a sleeker look. Changes to the padding in the heel include a glittery application that secures the foot in place. However, the heel area feels slightly loose in its fit. The tongue is lighter and thinner, similar to the Prime X’s tongue, requiring some adjustment to sit properly.

Outsole and Traction

The outsole retains the thin, striated Continental rubber from the Adios Pro 2, providing excellent grip and traction. There’s a new clear layer towards the heel, showcasing some Adizero text. This design element continues to deliver reliable performance on various surfaces.

Energy Rods 2.0

The Energy Rods 2.0 system has been refined to better align with the natural motion of marathon runners. This adjustment creates a smoother transition from heel to toe, enhancing overall running efficiency.

Performance and Ride

The most significant improvement in the Adios Pro 3 is its landing pad, now promoting a more midfoot strike. This enhances the running experience, making the rocker geometry feel smoother and aiding a natural roll through the gait cycle. The Lightstrike Pro foam remains a highlight, providing a unique bounce that’s both absorbent and responsive.

Fit and Comfort

Despite the added weight, the shoe maintains a comfortable fit, though the heel area might feel slightly loose. The shoe’s performance at marathon and threshold paces is impressive, though it can feel a bit sensitive, requiring precise running mechanics to fully leverage its benefits. At faster paces, the additional stack height and weight become more noticeable.

Long-Term Durability

The Adios Pro 3 shows promise for long-term comfort, especially compared to its predecessor, the Adios Pro 2. Adjustments in the landing pad and Energy Rods system aim to reduce pressure points that caused discomfort over long distances in the previous model. This makes it a strong contender for marathon races, including the upcoming Chicago Marathon.

Conclusion

The Adios Pro 3 represents a notable improvement over the Adios Pro 2, offering enhanced cushioning, a smoother ride, and improved durability for long distances. Its combination of Lightstrike Pro foam and Energy Rods 2.0 provides a responsive yet stable running experience. While it requires attention to running mechanics for optimal performance, it stands out as a top choice for marathon runners in 2022.