The adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 is a high-performance marathon super shoe. It features the brand's premium Lightstrike Pro foam, paired with carbon ENERGYRODS that run parallel along the length of the shoe, designed to add stiffness in place of a full carbon plate. The mesh upper helps to keep things light and cool during races, while the Continental rubber outsole offers substantial grip. This shoe brings a lot of tech to the table and is good whether you're looking to shave time off your PR or just need a premium super shoe for intense interval sessions.
Our Verdict
The adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 is a good choice for marathon racing, thanks to its lightweight design and impressive energy return. The shoe's substantial cushioning and carbon rods further enhance its suitability for long-distance events. However, it doesn't have the best lateral stability, which may require runners to exert additional effort to maintain balance over extended distances.
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Good underfoot protection.
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Carbon energy rods.
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Very narrow arch due to cutout in the outsole.
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Not the lightest race-day option.
For shorter races, the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 performs well, offering a firm forefoot that contributes to a snappy ride. Its lightweight construction and high-energy return make it a strong contender for shorter races, making it a solid choice for competitive runners.
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Very snappy.
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Forefoot is firm for toe-offs.
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Carbon energy rods.
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Not the lightest race-day option.
In terms of energy return, the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 is impressive, providing excellent responsiveness in both the forefoot and heel. This high-energy return translates to a more efficient stride, benefiting runners aiming for speed and endurance.
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Very snappy.
The cushioning of the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 is good, offering adequate protection underfoot. Both the heel and forefoot cushioning are sufficient to absorb impact, contributing to a comfortable running experience.
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Good underfoot protection.
Lateral stability is average on the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3. This is mainly due to the narrow outsole arch width, a design choice made to minimize weight by cutting a part of the outsole. If you can maintain good form while transitioning, this design won't greatly impact you. Also, the high stack height further affects balance during runs. While the carbon rods provide some structural support, runners will still need to focus on maintaining proper form to compensate for the shoe's instability.
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Carbon energy rods.
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Very narrow arch due to cutout in the outsole.
- 8.0 Marathon Racing
- 8.1 5K/10K Racing
Performance Usages
- 8.4 Energy Return
- 7.9 Cushioning
- 6.0 Lateral Stability
- Updated Apr 02, 2025: Converted to Test Bench 0.8.
- Updated Apr 02, 2025: Review published.
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
We tested the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 in men's US size 9, as indicated on the label. Our shoe's color scheme is Crystal White/Night Metallic/Linen Green. This model is available in several colors, including Cobalt Blue/Zero Metallic/Lucid Lemon, Core Black/Zero Metallic/Spark, and Off White/Aurora Ink/Flash Aqua. Additionally, a Pink Y-3 version is available. Wide versions aren't available for this model. The design section applies only to the exact model we tested, but we expect other size and gender variants to perform similarly.
Compared To Other Running Shoes
The adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 is a super shoe known for its great energy return and snappy ride, making it a strong option for race day. However, it lacks stability compared to most running shoes and even many other super shoes, such as the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4. This means that while it's very snappy, there are better choices for longer races—for example, the Nike Alphafly 3, which offers more stability and is lighter: two important factors to stay efficient late in a marathon.
Within the adidas lineup, the adidas Adizero Boston 12 may seem similar. Still, the Adios Pro 3 is the better choice for all-out racing, whereas the Boston 12 is more versatile, handling both training and some racing. Meanwhile, the adidas Adizero Evo SL offers the same energy return and cushioning as the Adios Pro 3 but with better stability, all while being priced like a daily trainer and weighing just a single gram more. However, it's an unplated uptempo trainer and not a racing super shoe.
For more options, check out our recommendations for the best running shoes.
The Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 and the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 are both high-performance racing shoes, but they cater to slightly different strengths. The adidas offers more cushioning and better energy return, making it feel softer and more efficient. In contrast, the Saucony is notably more stable and features a stiffer forefoot, which helps create a dynamic, snappy ride, especially beneficial for shorter races like 5Ks and 10Ks. Additionally, the Saucony is slightly lighter, giving it a more agile feel. Overall, the Saucony is probably the better race-day option for most.
The Nike Alphafly 3 and the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 are high-performance super shoes offering similar energy return and overall cushioning. Their cushioning distribution differs, making them better suited for different foot strike styles. The Nike has more cushioning in the heel, providing a more forgiving landing for heel strikers, while the adidas has greater forefoot cushioning, favoring runners who land further forward. The Nike outshines the adidas shoe in lateral stability, thanks to its wider base. The adidas features a very narrow arch width, which can make it feel less stable. Also, the adidas is stiffer in the heel, while the Nike offers a softer feel. Runners preferring a firmer heel for more structure may lean toward the adidas, while those seeking a more cushioned landing may find the Nike more comfortable.
The adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 and the Nike Vaporfly 3 are both elite-level racing shoes, but they take different approaches to performance. The Adios Pro 3 offers slightly more energy return, a higher stack height, and more overall cushioning, creating a plush and dynamic ride. However, these factors also contribute to its heavier weight, whereas the Vaporfly 3 is much lighter, keeping things nimble and efficient. Both shoes lean toward the unstable side, but the Vaporfly 3 still has the edge for stability, making it a slightly safer choice for runners who struggle with lateral support at high speeds.
The On Cloudboom Strike and the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 are similar in weight but differ in performance. The adidas is more energetic, delivering a higher level of energy return and a more propulsive feel, making it particularly well-suited for shorter-distance racing. In contrast, the On is more stable and more cushioned, providing better underfoot protection and making it a stronger option for marathon racing, where preserving leg freshness is a priority.
The adidas Adizero Evo SL and the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 offer surprisingly similar performance. The Evo SL delivers comparable cushioning and energy return, making it an exceptional value option for those looking for race-ready features and true versatility. However, for peak racing performance, the Adios Pro 3 holds a slight edge thanks to its marginally lighter weight and full-length carbon fiber rods, enhancing efficiency.
Test Results
The adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 is lightweight and suitable for racing, though notably heavier than some other models like the adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1. This extra weight will be noticeable for highly competitive racers aiming for a top-tier running economy.
Our outsole arch width measurement was taken from a slightly lower point on the shoe's arch when viewed from the outsole due to an exceptional design cut-out on the medial side. We adapted our method slightly to better reflect the shoe's true stability profile.
The shoe delivers impressive responsiveness in the heel, translating into efficient energy transfer on each footstrike. Runners will feel noticeable bounciness, which is especially beneficial over longer distances where energy efficiency is crucial.
This shoe shines in forefoot energy return, offering a great bounce. This makes it particularly effective for faster-paced runners who land more on their forefoot, enhancing performance during competitive races or speed-focused sessions.
The adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 provides good heel cushioning, giving runners a comfortable feel. While not plush, it absorbs impacts effectively, which is good for those seeking cushioning without sacrificing speed.
Forefoot cushioning in this shoe is very good, offering a comfortably firm feel that protects without compromising responsiveness. This cushioning strikes a good midpoint, benefiting runners who prefer a protective ride for faster-paced efforts.
The heel of the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 is on the firmer side. Under low forces, it's still relatively firm. But when more forces are applied—such as when you pick up the pace—the heel becomes a bit softer compared to other running shoes like the Nike Vaporfly 3.
Forefoot firmness in this model is notable, contributing positively to its racing performance, particularly for shorter races. This firmness supports a quick, responsive toe-off, appealing to competitive runners who favor a snappy, responsive feel.
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