Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4
Pros
- Softer, bouncier Lightstrike Pro foam
- Maintains the same price
- No more heel slippage
- Versatile from 5K to marathon distances
- Durable outsole with outstanding grip
- Fantastic for midfoot and forefoot strikers
- Improved for faster runners
- Comfortable, gusseted tongue
- Lighter than Adios Pro 3
Cons
- Unstable for every heel striker
- Narrow, tapered toebox
- Upper lacks breathability
- Midsole loses bounce quicker than AP3
Key Features
- Breathable Outer Material: Made from high-quality polyester that enhances ventilation, keeping your feet cool during intense runs.
- Responsive Cushioning: The shoe features state-of-the-art cushioning technology that provides excellent energy return, making each stride feel effortless.
- Lace-Up Closure: A traditional lace-up system offers a secure fit, allowing you to customize the tightness for optimal support.
- Durable Rubber Sole: The rubber sole is designed for superior traction and durability, ensuring longevity even under heavy use.
- Made in the USA or Imported: This product reflects Adidas' commitment to quality craftsmanship and performance.
Specifications
- Origin: Made in the USA or Imported
- Sole material: Rubber
- Outer material: Polyester
- Closure type: Lace-Up
The Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 is a running shoe designed for individuals focused on achieving optimal performance in 5K and 10K races. Its notable energy return and lightweight construction make it particularly suitable for runners looking to enhance their speed and efficiency.
Our tests highlight that the Adizero Adios Pro 4 delivers significant energy return, with recorded scores of 80.4% in the heel and 80.3% in the forefoot, far exceeding the average scores of 58.3% and 60.5%. This impressive performance translates into a powerful sensation with every stride, supported by the shoe’s dynamic midsole.
Examining the shoe's construction reveals Energy Rods 2.0, which simulate the natural structure of foot bones. With only 51.3% increased stiffness compared to an average running shoe, the Adizero Adios Pro 4 stands out for its comfort and flexibility, contrasting with the rigidity commonly found in carbon-plated models.
Weighing just 7.1 oz (200g), this shoe offers a lightweight design that facilitates an effortless running experience, allowing users to easily accelerate. In comparison, the average running shoe weighs 9.3 oz (265g), emphasizing the Adios Pro 4's focus on weight savings.
However, it is important to note that the heel of the Adizero Adios Pro 4 has a narrow fit, which may lead to discomfort or instability for rear strikers. This model is best suited for those who strike with their forefoot or midfoot.
ASICS Megablast
Pros
- Outstanding energy return
- Exceptional impact protection
- Durable, grippy outsole rubber
- Astonishingly low weight
- Performs at any pace and distance
- Breathable, lightweight upper
- High-quality materials from heel to toe
- Suitable for all footstrikes
- Top performance without a carbon plate
Cons
- Extremely expensive for a training shoe
- Limited outsole coverage
- Poor toebox durability
Key Features
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Engineered Mesh Upper: A lightweight and breathable mesh material reduces the need for additional overlays, promoting airflow to keep your feet cool.
FF TURBO² Cushioning: This pinnacle foam is designed to deliver the bounciest and most energetic midsole experience, providing advanced cushioning and rebound.
Curved Sole Design: Helps conserve more energy in each step, allowing for a more efficient running style.
ASICSGRIP Outsole Rubber: A proprietary rubber outsole that ensures advanced grip across various terrains.
Sustainable Construction: At least 50% of the shoe's main upper material is made from recycled content, contributing to reduced waste and carbon emissions.
Specifications
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Origin: Imported
Sole Material: Rubber
Outer Material: Faux Leather
Closure Type: Pull-On
Rating: 4.6 out of 5 based on 31 reviews
The ASICS Megablast is an excellent choice for runners seeking a combination of speed and comfort. Its innovative foam technology provides significant energy return, while its lightweight design offers relief during intense speed sessions.
Lab tests confirm the Megablast as a top-performing shock-absorbing tempo running shoe. The cushioning effectively dampens impact, as evidenced by its impressive 160/144 SA score in the heel and forefoot, which indicates a reduction in load on the legs by 24.0% and 35.8% better than average, respectively.
When assessing the midsole’s energy return, the heel registered 73.0% and the forefoot 73.8%, demonstrating notable propulsive takeoffs. This performance ensures that comfort and responsiveness remain consistent even over longer distances, enhancing the overall running experience.
The lightweight construction of 7.8 oz (218g) further contributes to a more enjoyable ride, making it easier to maintain speed. However, the Megablast's advanced features come at a premium price of $225, which may deter some runners from purchasing.
Adidas Adizero EVO SL
Pros
- 100% Lightstrike Pro superfoam
- Exceptional value-to-performance ratio
- Low weight
- Ultra-breathable upper
- Unmatched versatility
- Agile and fun ride
- Handles short and long runs with ease
- Striking Evo 1-inspired aesthetics
Cons
- Poor-quality laces
- Short, non-gusseted tongue
- Toebox durability
Key Features
- LIGHTSTRIKE PRO foam in the midsole offers exceptional cushioning and energy return.
- Regular fit with lace closure for a secure and comfortable fit.
- Forefoot patch made from Continental Rubber (Conti Winter) for superior traction.
- Rear foot patch features CL rubber for added durability.
- Average weight of 252.3 g per shoe (for size 9.5).
- Midsole drop of 0.25 inches (6.5 mm); heel height: 1.3 inches (32 mm), forefoot height: 1.5 inches (38.5 mm).
- Available in sizes ranging from 25.0-28.5 cm.
- Constructed from over 20% recycled materials.
Specifications
- Closure type: Lace-Up
- Upper Material: Synthetic Fiber
- Sole Material: Rubber sole
- Width: 2E
- Country of Origin: China
- Model Year: 2025
The Adidas Adizero EVO SL is an exceptional tempo trainer designed for runners seeking a lightweight and responsive experience. Its Lightstrike Pro midsole provides significant energy return, making it suitable for various running training sessions. Lab results indicate that the EVO SL combines speed with comfort, thanks to its non-plated design.
The high-performance trainer sustains speed without introducing stiffness, achieving impressive energy return scores of 74.3% in the heel and 70.3% in the forefoot. Each stride benefits from a gentle cushion, supported by shock absorption scores of 147 SA in the heel and 126 SA in the forefoot. This combination ensures effective performance during intense runs.
With a weight of only 7.9 oz (223g), the EVO SL is significantly lighter than average at 12.9% below the typical weight for similar shoes. The shoe's flexibility is notable, as confirmed by a 30-degree test showing a 34.7% higher flexibility score than average. This feature allows for natural foot movement while running.
It is important to note, however, that the tongue of the EVO SL is not gusseted. While this may not pose a major concern, it could be a minor annoyance for some runners during their training sessions.
Saucony Endorphin Speed 5
Pros
- Supershoe-like energy return
- Fantastic upper with top-notch ventilation
- Softer PWRRUN PB foam
- Endorphin Speed DNA still present
- Great lockdown
- Versatile for multiple paces
- Smooth SPEEDROLL rocker
- Roomier and taller toebox
- Can be used for racing too
- OG special colorway looks fantastic!
Cons
- Small price hike
- Less agile than predecessors
- Durability downgrade
Key Features
- PWRRUN PB foam that bounces back with each step, providing cushioning without sacrificing responsiveness.
- A winged nylon plate that offers torsional rigidity while maintaining flexibility in the forefoot, ensuring a snappy ride.
- SPEEDROLL technology designed for effortless speed and forward motion, perfect for daily use.
- Increased rubber coverage in the heel for added durability, extending further up the sides of the shoe.
- A full-length longitudinal groove for enhanced flexibility, promoting a smooth transition throughout your gait cycle.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole material: Rubber
- Outer material: Mesh
- Inner material: Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA)
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 is a versatile tempo running shoe designed for runners seeking comfort and agility at various paces and distances. Its lightweight and flexible design enhances overall performance, making it suitable for both casual jogs and more intense speed sessions.
Lab tests confirm the shoe's responsive and shock-absorbing midsole, which features SPEEDROLL geometry. This technology improves stride efficiency without introducing stiffness, allowing for smooth transitions with a notable degree of flexibility—15.1% more than average in our bend test.
During our energy test, the Endorphin Speed 5 demonstrated impressive results, achieving scores of 73.2% in the heel and 78.2% in the forefoot, facilitating effective toe-offs. Weighing in at just 8.5 oz (241g), this shoe excels in offering comfort across varying speeds.
For endurance runs, the midsole significantly reduces impact forces on muscles and joints, achieving excellent shock absorption ratings of 132/108 SA. This feature contributes to a more comfortable running experience over longer distances.
While the ES5 provides excellent ventilation, it may compromise durability. Runners seeking a sturdier upper construction might consider alternative options rather than this model.
Adidas Supernova Rise 2
Pros
- Lighter than version 1
- Comfortable yet breathable upper
- Cold-proof PEBA midsole
- Stable ride with Support Rods
- Reflective accents for night visibility
- Maintains competitive price tag
- Responsive Dreamstrike+ foam
- Flexible, natural running experience
- Great for walking
Cons
- Outsole lacks Continental
- Not cushioned for forefoot strikers
- Still lacks a gusseted tongue
Key Features
- Supportive Design: The shoes incorporate a well-cushioned midsole that provides excellent support during runs.
- Durable Construction: Made with high-quality materials, they promise longevity even under rigorous use.
- Lace-Up Closure: The traditional lace-up design ensures a secure fit throughout your run.
- Versatile Use: Suitable for running, walking, and casual outings, making them a great addition to any wardrobe.
- Breathable Material: The polyester outer material allows for airflow, helping to keep your feet cool and dry.
- Reliable Traction: Equipped with a rubber sole that offers good grip on various surfaces, enhancing stability and safety.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole material: Rubber
- Outer material: Polyester
- Closure type: Lace-Up
The Adidas Supernova Rise 2 is a highly spacious and supportive running shoe, making it particularly well-suited for individuals with wide feet. During our testing, both on the road and in the lab, this shoe demonstrated a forgiving ride that allows for extended mileage, especially among heel-strike runners.
This model provides ample space for broader or swollen feet, with our gel mold measuring the ball of the foot area at 98.7 mm, surpassing the average of 95.5 mm. Throughout our testing, there was no discomfort or unwanted pressure experienced on the feet.
Stability is enhanced by small side wraps in the heel and the Support Rods, which assist in aligning foot placement without sacrificing comfort. Our durometer measurements revealed a solid balance, with a reading of 21.0 HA, consistent with the average performance metrics.
The light and flexible construction contributes to an effortless sensation during runs. With a weight of only 9.1 oz (257g), it is below the average of 9.4 oz (267g). Additionally, the shoe exhibited 37.4% greater flexibility than average during our flex test.
However, we noted potential concerns regarding the outsole's durability, suggesting that those prioritizing longevity in their footwear may want to explore other options.