Adidas launches the latest version of its Adizero line of running shoes with the announcement of the Adios Pro 3, due out June 23 in the US. It's a shoe designed in collaboration with the world's fastest road runners to build a durable, long-distance sneaker that aims to make this third-gen shoe the best iteration yet. So Muscle & Fitness took a deep dive into the Adidas Pro 3 to find out what makes it better than the previous versions and to see if there are any serious alternatives on the market right now.
What is the Adidas Pro Range?
The original Adizero Adios Pro made headlines in 2020 when Peres Jepchirchir wore the sneakers to break a world half marathon record. The range was designed to help runners who want to take their performance to the next level and chase records. The Pros were Adidas' first carbon fiber running shoe and were redesigned with the launch of the Pro 2. These second generation shoes introduced athletes to a more compact fiber plate in the heel and the flagship carbon-infused "Energyrods" positioned in the midsole. Because weight is a concern for runners, the Pro 2 came in at 7.5 ounces while the original Pro weighed in at 8.3 ounces. The Pro shoe family has the most wins in the world's biggest marathon events in 2021.
Courtesy of Adidas
So what's new about the Adidas Pro 3?
While the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3s weighs 7.6 ounces, the dual-density Lightstrike Pro midsole offers excellent energy return and offsets the marginally heavier load. The updated 2.0 carbon fiber energyrods are no longer separate and function as one unit, preventing the rods from working against each other.
Thought has also been thought to make the Adidas Pro 3 more comfortable, and the heel collar provides a secure fit to keep the shoes in place while you're doing your thing. The Lightstrike Pro foam aims to provide a springier experience and impressively the Adidas Pro 3 is also more eco-friendly. Partly made from recycled materials, Adidas says it's their mission to phase out the use of virgin polyester to eliminate plastic waste.
"It's an honor to lace up and train in the latest Adizero shoe," says Amanal Petros, an Adidas athlete and record-breaking marathon runner from Germany. “We're privileged to know firsthand how effective the Adizero can be when it comes to time and performance, so it was exciting
Try the Adizero Adios Pro 3. I really felt the speed and traction of this model. I hope to continue increasing my level of performance as I continue to train and race with the Adizero Adios Pro 3.”
How does the Pro 3 compete with other running shoes?
There are many carbon fiber sneakers on the market today, with brands like Asics getting great results with their 'Metaspeed Sky' range (see our interview with Beth Potter). Nike's Air Zoom Alphafly are also at the forefront when it comes to performance, but given the success athletes are having with the pros and their attractive price tag of $220, these bad guys might feel the need for speed lead .
The Adidas Adizero Pro 3 will be available from June 23 and feature a striking core black/volt colorway.
