Adidas Adizero Pro 3 (RunRating Score)

Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 Review: A Test of Speed and Endurance

In the fast-paced world of running shoes, where some brands might just tweak the color of the shoelace tips and herald a new model, Adidas stands out by playing a longer, steadier game. The Adizero Adios Pro 3 has been on the market for 18 months—an eternity in this industry—and there's a good reason why. Unlike those brands that change models so frequently the only constant is the shoe's name, Adidas has crafted something special with the Pro 3, and it shows. It's a testament to their commitment to quality over gimmicks, proving that if it ain't broke, don't fix it—or as we like to joke, why fix what's not broken unless you’re just changing the shoelaces!

When we test race shoes at RunRating.com, we adhere to a rigorous method to ensure consistency and fairness. Each shoe, including the Pro 3, is put through its paces with about 50 miles of running at all speeds to truly understand its performance. Additionally, we run a local parkrun in each test shoe at an average heart rate of 162 bpm using the same HR monitor and watch brand, with all other metrics turned off. This approach is akin to a blind test typically conducted in labs, removing any "new shoe day" bias that might otherwise shave a mythical 15 minutes off your 5K time.

In back-to-back testing, the Pro 3 consistently comes out on top. While it's not the cushiest shoe right out of the box and requires a bit of breaking in—typically feeling more comfortable after about 20 miles of mixed-pace running—once accustomed, it rewards runners tenfold. It might not be the softest shoe on the market, but its subtle balance of firmness and give makes it a powerhouse on race day.

RunRating Score Breakdown for Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3

1. Comfort (8/10): The Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 starts off with a firm forefoot and unique foam cutouts that might feel a bit unforgiving. But don't worry, it gets better. Once you break them in and get used to the feel, they turn into one of the comfiest shoes you could take on a long run. The integration of dual-density Lightstrike Pro foam provides that soft, responsive cushioning that your feet will eventually love. This level of comfort, especially after the familiarization period, makes those longer runs much more enjoyable.

2. Speed (9/10): Designed to boost your speed, the Adios Pro 3 features sleek ENERGYRODS that enhance propulsion effectively. The shoe’s responsive midsole and optimized toe spring are major contributors to its ability to speed up your run, making it a stellar choice for races. It's a shoe that feels quite normal when running, but once you glance at your watch, the surprising speed you're hitting becomes evident—no wonder it’s a favorite for breaking records.

3. Stability (9.5/10): Stability is a key strength of the Adios Pro 3, supported by a wider base and thoughtful design tweaks that bolster control and support throughout your runs. It excels in maintaining stability in turns and wet conditions, thanks to the dynamic ENERGYRODS that flex with your foot's natural movements—unlike the rigid feel of a traditional carbon plate. The only minor drawback is its slick-looking sole that resembles a racing tire; however, the Continental rubber composition ensures exceptional grip, making it reliable in various conditions.

4. Confidence (9/10): The Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 builds high confidence with its dependable performance across various distances. The innovative features like Lightstrike foam and ENERGYRODS might sound like technical jargon, but once you set that aside and just run, the results speak for themselves. It's the kind of shoe that lets you forget about the gear and focus on your performance—perfect for race day or just keeping up with faster groups without falling behind.

5. Style (8/10): The style of the Adizero Adios Pro 3 strikes a unique balance. It’s sleek and modern with enough color variety to suit different tastes, but it’s the distinctive design that really sets it apart. Some might find it a bit out there, but for others, that’s exactly its charm. It’s not just a conversation starter—it's a head-turner that's as stylish as it is functional, ideal for those who love to stand out while discussing their latest runs.

6. Durability (7/10): While the Adizero Adios Pro 3 excels in many areas, durability, especially of the upper mesh, could be better. This might be a concern for runners looking for a shoe that can endure more rigorous or frequent use. However, the outsole compensates somewhat with its impressive durability, providing excellent longevity for a racing shoe, but you might find yourself needing to replace the laces – almost like getting a new model!.

7. Marketing Accuracy (10/10): Adidas markets the Adios Pro 3 as a premier marathon shoe, and it truly lives up to this claim in real-world conditions. Not only does it excel in marathons, but it has also proven to be highly effective in half marathons and surprisingly, even set a personal best in a 10k test run. The shoe's advertised features of speed and stability are not just marketing fluff but are genuinely realized in its performance.

8. Cost (7/10): The Adios Pro 3 comes with a premium price tag, which reflects its high-end racing shoe status. While the cost is steep, it is in line with the pricing of similar advanced racing shoes. When purchasing the Adios Pro 3, consider that you're also investing in the research and development that Adidas puts into their innovations—not just the shoe, but the technology that might redefine even something as simple as the shoelace in future models.

9. Value (8/10): The Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 is brimming with high-tech features and innovations, making it a powerhouse for marathon and serious long-distance runners. It offers significant value for this target market, squarely meeting the needs of competitive athletes. However, it's important to note that this shoe might not provide the same value for casual 5k parkrunners, who may not require the high-performance capabilities it offers, or the type of person who replaces their own shoelaces. For its intended audience, it fits perfectly within expectations, providing reliable performance at a fair price point for the technology it delivers.

Conclusion

We give the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 a RunRating Score of 8.39.

To arrive at this score, we evaluated the shoe across various categories, calculating the average based on individual assessments. Here's a detailed breakdown:

• Comfort: 8

• Speed: 9

• Stability: 9.5

• Confidence: 9

• Style: 8

• Durability: 7

• Marketing Accuracy: 10

• Cost: 7

• Value: 8

The total score for each category was summed and then divided by the number of categories, resulting in an overall average score of 8.39

The Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 excels as a high-performance marathon and long-distance running shoe. Packed with features like Lightstrike Pro foam and ENERGYRODS, it offers exceptional speed, stability, and increased comfort after the initial break-in period. This shoe's premium price reflects its advanced capabilities and the significant research and development Adidas has invested. While the Adizero Adios Pro 3 provides immense value for competitive runners aiming for peak performance, it may surpass the requirements and expectations of casual runners, especially those who primarily participate in shorter races like 5k parkruns.

For serious athletes looking to enhance their competitive edge and potentially set new personal bests, the Adizero Adios Pro 3 embodies the fusion of cutting-edge technology and Adidas's proven track record in quality footwear. It stands out not only for its innovative features but also for its ability to meet the rigorous demands of high-stakes racing, making it a top choice for those committed to achieving excellence in their running endeavors.