Adidas Adios Pro 4 vs. Pro 3: The Ultimate Running Shoe Showdown for 2025

Running shoes are more than just footwear—they’re a runner’s best companion on the road to personal bests (PBs), marathons, and beyond. Adidas has long been a titan in the running world, and with the release of the Adios Pro 4, the brand is pushing boundaries yet again. Touted as a contender for the best running shoe of 2025, the Pro 4 aims to build on the legacy of its predecessor, the Adios Pro 3. But does it truly outshine the Pro 3, or does it stumble where it matters most? In this in-depth comparison, we’ll explore every aspect of these two top-tier carbon-plated running shoes—from weight and midsole feel to fit and durability—helping you decide which one deserves a spot in your 2025 racing lineup.

🌟 Design Evolution: What’s New with the Adios Pro 4?

The Adidas Adios Pro series has been a favorite among competitive runners, blending cutting-edge technology with lightweight construction. The Pro 4 takes cues from its ultra-light sibling, the Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1, while refining the formula established by the Pro 3. Let’s break down the key design differences.

🏋️ Lightweight Revolution

One of the standout upgrades in the Pro 4 is its weight—or lack thereof. At just 182g (6.4 oz) for a size 8.5 (EU 40.5), it’s noticeably lighter than the Pro 3, which tips the scales at 200g (7.1 oz). This 18g (0.7 oz) difference might seem small, but in a marathon—42.2km (26.2 miles)—every gram counts. The Pro 4 achieves this featherlight status by borrowing design principles from the Evo 1, a shoe engineered for elite performance. This places it among the lightest carbon-plated shoes of 2025, a testament to Adidas’ relentless pursuit of speed.

🛠️ Midsole Materials: Lightstrike Pro Evolution

Both shoes feature Adidas’ signature Lightstrike Pro foam, but the Pro 4 takes it to the next level—some might call it “Lightstrike Pro Max.” While the Pro 3 uses a resilient, tough-yet-bouncy foam, the Pro 4 introduces a softer, more dynamic version. Rumors suggest a shift toward PEBA (polyether block amide), a material known for its energy return and cushioning, though Adidas sticks to the Lightstrike Pro branding. This tweak creates a distinct feel: the Pro 4’s rearfoot is plush (scoring a softness of 2-3 out of 10), while its forefoot blends softness with a firmer kick (around 4.5 out of 10). The Pro 3, by contrast, offers a consistent toughness across the foot (around 6 out of 10), making it a reliable workhorse for long distances.

🏃‍♂️ Carbon Plate and Rocker Geometry

Both models incorporate carbon EnergyRods, Adidas’ take on the carbon plate trend, but their execution differs. The Pro 4’s forefoot rocker is more pronounced, with a sharper upward curve that encourages aggressive toe-offs. Its midsole also features strategic cutouts, channeling force directly forward for a smoother rollout. The Pro 3’s rocker, while effective, leans slightly outward, which some runners find less intuitive at slower paces. The Pro 4’s design owes much to the Evo 1, amplifying that shoe’s acceleration-focused geometry.

🏅 Performance: How Do They Feel on the Run?

For runners, performance is everything. Whether you’re chasing a sub-3:30 marathon or training for a 10km (6.2-mile) PB, the Adios Pro 4 and Pro 3 deliver distinct experiences. Let’s dive into the details.

👟 Midsole Feel: Soft vs. Tough

• Pro 3: Imagine a midsole that’s tough but forgiving—like a trusty friend who pushes you without breaking you. Its consistent resilience shines over long distances, maintaining energy return even after 30km (18.6 miles). Runners describe it as “tough with a hint of softness,” ideal for those who value stability and durability.
• Pro 4: The Pro 4 splits its personality. The rearfoot is pillow-soft, absorbing landings with ease, while the forefoot transitions into a snappy, propulsive zone. Up to 25km (15.5 miles), it feels lively and responsive. Beyond that, the foam compresses slightly, revealing the EnergyRods’ firmness—a trade-off for its lighter weight.

⚡ Speed and Efficiency

The Pro 4 is built for speed demons. Its enhanced rocker and lighter frame make it a weapon for runners hitting paces under 4:50 per kilometer (7:45 per mile). However, at slower speeds—say, 5:00 per kilometer (8:00 per mile)—its benefits diminish, and the Pro 3’s versatility shines. The Pro 3 suits a broader range of runners, from 3:30 marathoners to those just breaking into carbon-plate territory.

🌧️ Outsole: Grip and Durability

• Pro 3: Equipped with Continental rubber, the Pro 3’s outsole is a durability champ. Runners report 1000km (621 miles) of wear with minimal degradation. However, its slick “bald tire” design struggles on wet, smooth surfaces like rain-soaked tracks.
• Pro 4: Adidas upgrades the Pro 4 with a hybrid outsole—Continental rubber in the forefoot for propulsion, paired with a textured CPU rubber elsewhere for grip. This combo excels on urban marathons and wet roads, offering confidence where the Pro 3 slips.

👣 Fit and Comfort: The Grind of Grinding Feet

No shoe is perfect, and both the Pro 4 and Pro 3 have their quirks—namely, fit issues that can lead to discomfort.

📏 Sizing Dilemma

Sizing is a hot topic with these shoes. Here’s the breakdown:

• Foot Length: Stick to your true size based on foot length (e.g., 255mm for EU 40.5). Both shoes run true to size in terms of inner length.
• Foot Width: Wide-footed runners may need to size up (e.g., 260mm), as the Pro 4’s toe box is snugger than the Pro 3’s. Narrow feet might benefit from sizing down half a size for a locked-in feel.
• Try Before You Buy: Visit an Adidas store to test both full and half sizes. The Pro 4’s lacing system is less forgiving, so precision matters.

🩹 Hotspots and Fixes

• Pro 3: Common rub zones include the second lace eyelet (pressing on the midfoot) and the heel collar’s “cat tongue” fabric. Thick socks or DIY mods—like cutting out the offending eyelet—often solve these issues.
• Pro 4: The trouble persists. The second eyelet still digs in, and despite ditching the cat tongue, the higher, harder heel collar grinds against the Achilles. Runners report blisters after 30km (18.6 miles), even with thick socks. Tighter lacing helps, but it’s a delicate balance to avoid foot pain.

The Pro 4’s upper, borrowed from the Evo 1, prioritizes lightness over padding, leaving some runners longing for the Pro 3’s slightly more forgiving fit. Breathability also takes a hit—the Pro 3 vents better, while the Pro 4 feels stuffier in warm conditions.

⚖️ Which Shoe Should You Choose?

Choosing between the Adios Pro 4 and Pro 3 boils down to your running style, goals, and tolerance for fit quirks.

🏆 Best for Speed: Adios Pro 4

• Ideal For: Elite runners or those chasing PBs at 3:30 or faster.
• Why: Its lightweight build, soft rearfoot, and snappy forefoot scream speed. If you can handle the fit issues, it’s a podium contender.
• Caveat: Slower runners (4:50+ per km) might find it overkill—save your money for a Boston 12 instead.

🌍 Best All-Rounder: Adios Pro 3

• Ideal For: Marathoners of all levels, especially those valuing consistency over flash.
• Why: Tough foam, durable outsole, and a proven track record make it a reliable warhorse. Easier to tweak for comfort, too.
• Caveat: Less thrilling at top speeds compared to the Pro 4.

💡 Pro Tip: Consider the Evo 1

If you’re torn, the Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1 offers a middle ground—ultra-light with a bold rocker, though its outsole falters on slick paint. It’s a premium option for those prioritizing acceleration.

🌟 Final Verdict: A Step Forward or a Stumble?

The Adidas Adios Pro 4 is a technological marvel—lighter, softer, and grippier than the Pro 3, with a midsole that redefines energy return. It’s a worthy contender for 2025’s best running shoe, potentially even a “ceiling-level” masterpiece. Yet, its Achilles’ heel—literally—is the upper. Until Adidas resolves the grinding fit, the Pro 3 remains a safer bet for many. If you’ve bonded with the Pro 3, stick with it. If you’re ready to gamble on speed and can tweak the fit, the Pro 4 might just carry you to your next PB.

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