Shoe Review: Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3

Leave your limits behind in the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3, the latest iteration of Adidas’ speedy carbon-infused racing shoe.

Built with a Lightstrike Pro foam midsole and carbon-infused ENERGYRODS, the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 is designed to get you from the start line to the finish as fast as possible.

Fleet Feet reviewers tested the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 during track workouts and tempo runs to get a feel for how it fits and performs. Here’s what you can expect.

The Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 isn’t afraid to pick up the pace. With two layers of responsive Lightstrike Pro foam cushioning and snappy carbon rods, it’s the perfect race day weapon.

“As I picked up the pace, this shoe really locked in. It was able to smoothly round corners on the track with efficiency and a poppy energy return,” Nate says.

Adidas’ Lightstrike Pro foam is their lightest and most responsive midsole foam yet. It’s the same foam used in the previous version of the Adizero Adios Pro, offering the same bouncy ride.

The major difference in the midsole lies in the carbon-infused ENERGYRODS 2.0 technology. The rods in the Pro 3 all lie within one structure, while the rods in the previous version were separated. The connected rods provide more consistent energy return, helping you pop back up off the ground after landings.

The Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 also features enhanced cushioning in the forefoot. While the previous version of the Adios Pro had a forefoot stack height of 31.5 millimeters, the latest version’s forefoot is 33 millimeters thanks to an injection of foam. The heel of the Pro 3 has a teeny bit of added foam as well – half a millimeter. The overall result is a slightly lower heel-to-toe drop, which reviewers thought felt much more natural on the run.

“The shape of the shoe rocks me forward subtly and energetically. The foam feels bouncy and propulsive in a smooth and controlled way. It’s a really fun running experience,” Kate says.

The Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 sports a brand new upper that not only looks different but feels different, too. The textile upper creates bold shapes that give this shoe an unforgettable appearance. If you’re looking to stand out on the starting line, the Adios Pro 3 won’t disappoint.

“This blocky, angular shoe looks like it comes from another planet. It’s impossibly light and the streamlined and airy upper hints at its singular purpose – speed,” Nate says.

A thin, suede-like tongue keeps your feet securely in place while a touch of extra fabric in the heel collar helps avoid blistering or chafing.

Reviewers enjoyed the overall fit of the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3, but some were taken aback by the extra fabric in the heel collar.

“I generally don’t have any problems with the heels of my running shoes, so I don’t want designers messing around with them until they have a real improvement to share,” Alex says.

The shoe offers a roomy forefoot, perfect for those with wider feet. If you’ve had to squeeze your way into carbon-plated racing shoes in the past, you’ll breathe a sigh of relief when you try on the Adios Pro 3.

“The upper was roomy enough to accommodate my wide feet while also feeling locked down in and around the heel and the forefoot,” Nate says.

Some of our narrow-footed reviewers didn’t experience the same dreamy fit, but didn’t notice any discomfort on the run.

“The Adios Pro still has a really roomy toe box for me. The fabric of the upper puckers a bit over my toes, but once I start running, I don’t notice it at all,” Kate says.

It’s no secret that the latest version of the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro is designed for running as fast as possible. Responsive cushioning and maximum energy return create the ingredients for a new PR in this sleek, lightweight shoe.

Whether you’re a beginner runner seeking to dip your toes in the world of high performance, carbon-infused racing shoes or a seasoned marathoner hoping to clock your best time, the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 will be enjoyed by many.

“This shoe is a winner in my book for all kinds of speedwork, and races in particular. It’s comfortable, light, and definitely made to go fast. If you weren’t crazy about the original Adidas Adizero Adios Pro, give the third edition a try. It’s a big improvement,” Kate says. Because the shoe is built for maximum performance at a minimum weight, it’s not as durable as your typical daily trainer. This is standard for all performance racing shoes, which is why it’s best to save them for those runs and races that really count.