Article by Nils Scharff
Berlin / Herzogenaurach, 25.09.2024
adidas Adizero EVO SL (150€/$150) & adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 (250€/$250)
Updates:
adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 Multi Tester Review with 5 Comparisons
Just in time for the start of the fall marathon season, adidas is using the Berlin Marathon, one of the biggest stages in running, to introduce two new models. The new adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 has been eagerly awaited by the running community, as the previous models were not only the most successful marathon shoes of recent years (measured by World Marathon Majors victories), but the Adios Pro 3 in particular was a crowd favorite.
At the same time, a new clothing collection will see the light of day, inspired by the "sound of victory" when crossing the finish line. This includes an Adizero Singlet and the Adizero Control Short Tights, which are equipped with the innovative RHEON™ technology and actively support and control muscle movements. My highlight: the tights finally have pockets!
Please read on for more details about the Adios Pro 4 and EVO SL training companion shoe.
A disclaimer in advance: I have not yet run either model myself. This article is a preview written on the basis of two digital interviews. I had the pleasure of speaking to Charlotte Heidmann (Global Category Director Running Footwear: ADIZERO) and Jan Metzinger (Senior Global Product Manager: Apparel) about the Adios Pro 4 and Simon Lockett (Global Category Director Running Footwear) about the Evo SL.
adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4
"60% Rocker" known from the Pro Evo 1 for more efficiency, long rocker staring earlier
New Lightstrike Pro formula: lighter, softer, more energy recovery
Energyrods 2.0
Lightlock upper material to address previous problem areas
Lighttraxion outsole
Weight: 200g / 172g
Stack height 33mm / 39mm (6mm drop)
RRP: 250€ / $250
Limited release: 28.09.2024 (extended availability from January 2025)
As always with adidas, you can be sure that the Adizero Adios Pro 4 was developed with the athletes in mind. Insights from previous Pro models were used to further optimize the new racing shoe and gear it towards maximum speed and performance.
The similarities to the much-hyped and barely available "wonder shoe" Adizero Pro Evo 1 are not only visual. One of the most important updates is that the rocker point of the Adios Pro - similar to the Pro Evo 1 - has been adjusted to 60% of the shoe length. According to adidas, laboratory tests have shown that this geometry promotes forward movement and improves running efficiency.
This is complemented by a full-length Lightstrike Pro midsole, which is said to be lighter and softer with the help of a new Lightstrike Pro recipe, as well as having an increased level of energy recovery. Within this midsole, the familiar EnergyrRds 2.0 made of carbon fiber provide stability and propulsion (these have presumably been adapted to the new geometry).
A new upper material called "Lightlock" addresses criticism from the running community about the previous Adios Pro 3 model in particular the sewn-in tabs, which were part of the lacing in the forefoot area, caused problems in that model. Thanks to the new upper material made from an ultra-light, one-sided stretchable, woven mesh material, these problem areas are expected to now be history. At the same time, internal support straps, which protrude from the white upper material with a yellow accent, are designed to provide a secure hold in the shoe.
The new Adizero Adios Pro 4 also has a completely new outsole. This is called Lighttraxion and was designed based on the impact patterns of some adidas elite athletes. The new sole has rubber only where it is urgently needed and contributes to the weight savings of the new Adios Pro. The Continental logo has also made it onto the shoe: a tiny application of Conti rubber can be found under the big toe.
Thanks to all these changes, adidas has managed to reduce the weight of the new Adizero Adios Pro 4 by over 10% to 200g (men's EUR 42 ⅔) or 172g (women's EUR 38 ⅔). The Adios Pro 4 will be available from 28.9.2024 in limited quantities at a price of 250€. adidas announces extended availability for January 2025.
adidas Adizero Evo SL
- Adizero Pro Evo 1 DNA for training
- Full Lightstrike Pro midsole (sme formula as Adios Pro 3)
- NO Energyrods - only Lightstrike Pro
- Simple, lightweight upper with classic heel construction
- Outsole with lots of rubber: Continental in the forefoot, Lighttraxion under the heel
- Best use: Long runs with speedwork
- Weight: 224g / 188g - the lightest adidas trainer
- Stack height 32mm / 38.5mm (6.5mm drop)
- RRP: 150€
- Limited Release: 15.10.2024 (extended availability from March 2025)
While we could have expected the Adios Pro 4 to a certain extent but just didn't know exactly when the shoe would be released, adidas has managed to pull off a real surprise with the Adizero Evo SL and keep it under wraps until now. This new model aims to bring the DNA of the record-breaking Adizero Evo Pro 1 to everyday training. At 224g (men's EUR 42 ⅔) and 188g (women's EUR 38 ⅔), it is the lightest training shoe in the adidas cosmos with a generous stack height of 32mm / 38.5mm and reasonable price of 150€ /$150.
Also unique (so far): no stiffening elements such as the EnergyrRods or the Torsion system from the Adios are used. You run on Lightstrike Pro and (almost) nothing else.
The only exception is a small nylon reinforcement in the shape of a dog bone, which is located between the midfoot and heel and provides some stability there. With a stack height of 32 / 38.5mm and a resulting drop of 6.5mm, the Adizero Evo SL is generously cushioned. When asked about the optimal run for the new model, my interview partner Simon told me without hesitation the long run - "maybe with a little speed built in". The upper material of the Adizero Evo SL is a minimal mesh material that reminds me strongly of the Adios 8. The large, black adidas stripes speaks to the design language of the Evo Pro 1, as does the new lacing system. At the back of the shoe, there is a decisive difference to the majority of the rest of the Adizero lineup: the so-called heel loop is nowhere to be found here, nor is the "flap" associated with this loop, which can be found on the heels of the Adios Pro 3, Takumi 10, etc.
Instead the Evo SL has a classic heel design with continuous, moderate padding all around. This is a very positive feature for me, as I've always had irritation on my heel due to the aforementioned heel loop. In the interview with Simon, it also comes through from time to time that the topic of "casual wear" has also influenced one or two design decisions. The heel design seems to be one of them. As for the expected fit, the Adizero Evo SL shares the last with the Adizero SL2 and the Adizero Boston 12. Compared to the rest of the Adizero lineup, the last is slightly wider and more relaxed and I really liked it in both shoes. On the underside of the Adizero Evo SL, there is an outsole made entirely of Continental rubber in the forefoot area and the new Lighttraxion material from the Adios Pro 4 in the rear area. A relatively large rubber insert ensures high durability and will also provide some of the necessary reinforcement and stability that the Lightstrike Pro midsole requires. The Adizero Evo SL will be available from October 15th at a price of 150€ in a limited edition. The full product launch will take place in March 2025.
Nils Scharff
I am 34 years years old, born in Kassel, married to a wonderful wife and have been running around Heilbronn and its surrounding vineyards for 7 years now. I have been doing all kinds of sports all my life, often 5-7 times a week. In addition to running, I have been climbing and bouldering for a few years now. I've only considered myself a runner for three years. It all started with a company run that I didn't want to start completely unprepared for. From that point on, I just didn't stop. In 2017, I "only" ran just under 1000 kilometers, in 2018 I doubled that, and in 2019 I tripled it. The most important thing for me during all these kilometers, whether on the trail or on the road, is to switch off and exercise in nature. You will rarely find me on the treadmill or with headphones on. I've now run eight marathons, and I recently set my PB of 2:46:47h in Berlin. In competitions, I generally run all distances from 5km (17:29min), 10km (35:43min) and half marathons (1:17:29h) to marathons.
Europe only: use RTR code RTR5ALL for 5% off all products, even sale products
1 comment:
Limited release is the 29th of Oct., not the 15th.
Post a Comment