The adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1 is one of the lightest, fastest, and most technologically advanced running shoes ever created. Designed for runners aiming to break records, it features an ultra-lightweight design, revolutionary materials, and maximum responsiveness. Every element, from the carbon rods to the minimalist upper, has been optimized for speed.
Basic Info
Tech Specs
Purpose
The adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1 is an extremely technologically advanced racing shoe. It is designed for long-distance races, such as marathons and half marathons. With its ultra-lightweight construction and exceptional responsiveness, it is the perfect choice for advanced runners striving to achieve maximum speeds. This model reveals its full potential when running at a pace of around 3:30 per kilometer or faster, ensuring optimal running efficiency and a dynamic performance.
Pros
- very high dynamic performance,
- very high cushioning,
- one of the fastest running shoes,
- very light (one of the lightest street running shoes in the world),
- very light and breathable upper.
Cons
- very high price,
- low mileage (approx. 200 km),
- flat outsole pattern may cause a lack of grip on wet surfaces.
adidas Running Shoes – lineup
Pro Evo 1 is the absolute leader of the Adizero line, representing the racing and speed training shoe segment by adidas. This series includes many models designed for high-speed performance. The Pro Evo 1 stands out as the most technologically advanced and lightest model. It meets the needs of the most demanding runners who strive for maximum performance in competitions and intense training.
You can learn more about this brand’s shoes in the adidas running shoes shoe guide.
| RACING 42-21 | RACING 10-5 | SPEED TRAINING | |
|---|---|---|---|
| maximum performance |  Adios Evo 1  Adios Pro 3 |  Prime X 2 | |
| very high performance |  Takumi Sen 10 |  Boston 12 | |
| high performance |  Adios 8 |  Adizero SL |
Similar to adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1
The Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1 is one of the fastest racing shoes on the market. It is comparable to other top models, such as the Nike Alphafly, Nike Vaporfly, Asics Metaspeed Sky+, and Adidas Adios Pro 3. Its unbeatably low weight places it at the top of the ultra-lightweight shoe category, setting it apart from the competition. However, this innovation comes with a record-high price tag.
| MODEL | STACK HEIGHT (mm) | DROP (mm) | WEIGHT MEN'S (grams) | WEIGHT WOMEN'S (grams) | REGULAR PRICE (€) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 | 39/33 | 6.5 | 215 | 215 | 250 |
| adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1 | 39/33 | 6 | 138 | 138 | 500 |
| Asics Metaspeed Sky+ | 39/34 | 5 | 205 | 205 | 250 |
| Brooks Hyperion Elite 3 | 35/27 | 8 | 230 | 230 | 250 |
| Hoka Cielo X1 | 39/32 | 7 | 264 | 264 | 275 |
| Hoka Rocket X 2 | 36/31 | 5 | 236 | 236 | 250 |
| Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro | 39/34.5/33 | 4.5/6 | 225 | 225 | 240 |
| New Balance Fuelcell Supercomp Elite v4 | 40/36 | 4 | 237 | 188 | 280 |
| Nike Alphafly 3 | 40/32 | 8 | 218 | 218 | 310 |
| Nike Vaporfly Next% 3 | 40/32 | 8 | 190 | 150 | 250 |
| On Cloudboom Echo 3 | 37/28 | 9 | 215 | 188 | 310 |
| Salomon S/Lab Phantasm | 37.5/28.5 | 9 | 219 | 219 | 250 |
| Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 | 39/31 | 8 | 204 | 176 | 250 |
Speed, Bounce, and Everything In Between
The shoe’s design prioritizes lightness and performance by eliminating unnecessary elements in favor of simplicity and functionality. The key feature is the carbon fiber Carbon Rods. They act like a trampoline, returning energy and propelling the runner forward. The greater the speed and energy put into each step, the greater the return. In other words, the shoe literally “accelerates” the runner. This is why the user must run fast enough from the start to fully exploit the shoe’s potential. When you put on these shoes, you immediately feel the urge to run faster than usual because the design encourages it. However, you need to be physically prepared for such an intense pace.
The carbon rods are surrounded by two layers of Lightstrike Pro foam, which is a lighter, more responsive version of Lightstrike foam. The Evo 1 model features a special, non-compressible form of this foam. This significantly reduces the shoe’s weight while maintaining excellent cushioning and dynamic performance. However, this construction has one drawback: limited foam life. According to various sources, the foam is effective for about 200 kilometers. After this time, the foam undergoes significant deformation and compression. It loses its original properties and is unable to provide the same level of dynamic performance and efficiency as when it was designed.
The stack of the adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1 is 39 millimeters under the heel and 33 millimeters under the forefoot. These values are at the limit set by World Athletics for racing shoes used in marathons and half marathons. A significant amount of foam has a key impact on a shoe’s properties. On the one hand, it provides excellent cushioning, which protects joints and muscles during long-distance running. On the other hand, it enables its exceptional dynamic performance. This allows for faster, more efficient running, especially at high speeds.
Race-Ready Tread for Maximum Traction
The Evo 1 model has an outsole made of thin, flat, black rubber located under the front part of the foot. This is a key area for very fast running. The midfoot works hardest at high speeds. Only subtle reinforcement with denser foam is used under the heel. These features align with the design of this shoe, which is intended for fast running with a midfoot strike rather than a heel strike.
Some may have doubts about the grip. The lack of grooves and the completely smooth outsole are supposed to be compensated for by the gripping power of the rubber itself, reminiscent of the “slicks” used in Formula 1. On dry, hard surfaces, the shoe provides excellent grip and stability, enabling you to maximize its potential. However, problems may arise in the rain – the flat outsole may not perform well on wet surfaces, especially if there is a lot of standing water on the street.
Barely There: Ultra-Lightweight Design
The weight reduction process of the Adios Pro Evo 1 has yielded spectacular results. In size 9 US, the shoe weighs just 138 grams, setting a new record for the lightest running shoe. In size 12 US (equivalent to 46.6 EU), it weighs just 157 grams. This is an exceptional result compared to the competition.
I have tested about 500 different shoe models over the past years, and the Evo 1 is by far the lightest! Its low weight is the result of using ultra-light materials and eliminating unnecessary elements. The result is a shoe that sets new standards in its category. The reduction in weight translates to less strain on the legs while running and greater efficiency and performance on the trail. In terms of lightness, the Adios Pro Evo 1 redefines technological possibilities.
Sleek Fit, Minimalist Upper
The upper of the adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1 is a single-layer, ultra-thin, and extremely breathable mesh that makes the shoe extremely light and ventilated. Apart from a few reinforced structural strips, the mesh is nearly transparent, further emphasizing the minimalist design of this model. The white color symbolizes the shoe’s lightness and modernity.
However, the upper is not very spacious. At its widest point, it measures only 97.1 millimeters, providing a tight “racing” fit preferred by runners seeking maximum control and efficiency. To increase comfort, especially in the toe area, consider choosing a shoe that is half a centimeter longer than usual. This compromise maintains the shoe’s racing character while providing a bit more space, which can be important when running long distances.
The weight reduction also extended to the interior of the shoe, which was stripped of its traditional inner insole. This design change allowed for further weight reduction. Consequently, the shoe establishes a more direct connection between the foot and the foam layer, promoting better dynamic performance and ground feel.
In keeping with the ultra-lightweight nature of the shoe, the heel counter of the adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1 has been designed in a minimalist way. On the outside is a distinctive semi-circular strap that provides support without being rigid. Despite its slim construction, the heel counter performs well, keeping the heel in place during fast runs. This design also allows the shoe to remain lightweight.
Final Thoughts
The adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1 is a true revolution in the world of running shoes. It is ultra-light, extremely fast, and packed with modern technologies. Thanks to innovative features like carbon rods and Lightstrike Pro foam, these shoes provide exceptional dynamic performance and responsiveness. However, their advanced construction comes with limited durability. Their premium price makes them the choice for ambitious and determined runners who are ready to invest in top-of-the-line equipment to achieve record results.
