adidas Adizero Adios Pro 5 review

We tested the Adios Pro 5 in the lab and on the roads, and found that it’s:

• Ideal for runners who want a super shoe that feels softer and more forgiving than most carbon-plated options.
• The best Adios Pro yet for runners who previously found the series too heavy.
• A versatile choice for runners who want one super shoe for racing anything from the mile to the marathon.
• A more affordable way to experience the ENERGYRIM technology that adidas introduced with the Evo 3.

We think this shoe is a poor choice for heel strikers, as its geometry clearly favours runners who land on the forefoot or midfoot. If you’re a heel-first runner, we suggest checking out the Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 instead.

We also think runners may have real durability concerns with the new outsole design of the Adios Pro 5. If you want to play it safe, the ASICS Metaspeed Sky Tokyo or PUMA Deviate Nitro Elite 4 are better options.

The Adios Pro 5 is clearly a super shoe, but to truly qualify as a marathon-ready option, we expect shock absorption to comfortably exceed the average. And it certainly does, delivering 149 SA in the heel and 126 SA in the forefoot.

Therefore, no matter what distance you're racing, the AP5 has your back... or rather, your legs!

The adidas Adizero Adios Pro 5 delivers excellent energy return in the forefoot at 80.4%. The heel comes in slightly lower at 75.1%, but this is still the high-performance efficiency we expected from Lightstrike Pro, which already delivered impressive results in previous generations of the Adios Pro.

As most of you already know, World Athletics sets the heel stack height limit at 40 mm, and adidas claims 39 mm for the Adios Pro 5. Just like with the Adios Pro 4, we found a lower figure, but in our view, that's actually positive news. This shoe already delivers marathon-ready shock absorption, so there's little need to push closer to the legal limit and make it even less stable.

Our exact measurement came in at 35.6 mm, making the AP5 a great option for runners who want a super shoe with plenty of cushioning but skipping a maxed-out, 40-mm design. And yes, the same mirror from the Evo 3 is here, and it looks just as cool.

From the start, we felt that the Adios Pro 5 works much better for midfoot and forefoot strikers, and runners with either strike pattern shouldn't worry about a lack of foam.

With 30.0 mm of forefoot stack height, the AP5 delivers plenty of muscle-saving cushioning to keep your legs ready for the final 10K of your next marathon.

Another change from adidas comes with the drop. We measured 5.6 mm, which is slightly higher than the stated 4 mm but still creates a moderate-drop geometry that better suits runners who land on the front half of the shoe.

And that's hardly surprising, as adidas also opted for a low drop in the Evo 3, while the two predecessors of this shoe featured similar geometries that weren't the best match for heel strikers.

The shoe now feels clearly softer than before. The Adios Pro 3 was known for its firmer foam, and while the Adios Pro 4 already changed that approach, this fifth edition takes softness even further.

The main foam is similar in softness to what we found throughout the Adios Pro 4, measuring 30.3 AC with our Asker C durometer. However, adidas now adds a second layer on top that's much softer at just 18.2 AC, helping the shoe save weight while delivering an even more plush underfoot experience.

That softness is further enhanced because, as you may already know, this shoe lacks a full-length carbon plate or ENERGYRODS. Instead, adidas introduces the ENERGYRIM... but we'll get into that in a minute.

In our freezer test, the AP5 performed a bit worse than expected. After 20 minutes, the foam became 22% firmer, which isn't the most impressive result for a premium compound. However, the top layer starts out so soft that even after hardening, it still feels pleasantly plush.

While it works well across other distances, the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 5 is clearly built with the marathon in mind. Like most recent super shoes, it features a rocker that climbs high and feels very similar to the previous two generations thanks to its early start. And this really matters, as the Adios Pro 5 isn't simply a cheaper Adios Pro Evo 3. In fact, its geometry is clearly different from that shoe.

On the other hand, adidas didn't go overboard with the heel curvature. Instead, it uses the same extended heel flare found in the Evo 3, creating a familiar rear-end design.

What the Adios Pro 5 has in common with the Evo 3 is the ENERGYRIM, although adidas has clearly modified its shape.

As you can see here, the Adios Pro 5 on the left uses a narrower rim that extends slightly farther toward the big toe while leaving more of the arch area uncovered. In contrast, the Evo 3 on the right features a broader, more continuous ENERGYRIM through the midfoot. Having both cut open side by side makes the differences easy to spot, right?

Using ENERGYRIM instead of a traditional carbon plate has clear consequences. Most of the foot sits directly above the foam without a firm element underneath, creating a softer underfoot experience than in a plated shoe. Furthermore, this perimeter-based structure allows more torsional flexibility while also helping adidas keep weight extremely low.

We have to give credit to adidas for developing ENERGYRIM. From the OG Adios Pro, the brand tried to differentiate itself from Nike instead of simply adopting a classic carbon plate, and both ENERGYRODS and ENERGYRIM prove that there are other ways to build a super shoe. In fact, many would argue that adidas is now the one leading the way, right?

We found that adidas kept its LIGHTLOCK technology for the upper but introduced a new 2.0 version, and that's positive because the materials have changed slightly and now feel more comfortable. Now, let's see how it fits.

Our first measurement came in at 93.4 mm, which is right in line with what we expect from a performance-focused super shoe, where a snug lockdown is usually preferred.

The toebox measures just 69.1 mm, which is 0.4 mm narrower than version 4 and confirms that the AP5 once again favours a secure fit over a spacious design. It's very clear that adidas is trying to boost stability here.

Where we found a meaningful change is in toebox height. Version 5 has less vertical clearance than its predecessor, something that's easy to notice when trying both shoes back to back.

In our lab, we measured the height at 24.9 mm. Once again, this favours a snug, race-focused lockdown that prevents the foot from moving inside the shoe.

Traction is one area where we really wanted to see an improvement, and adidas delivered. The needle jumped from 0.55 in v4 to a much more impressive 0.74 in the Adizero Adios Pro 5.

With such a high score, the AP5 becomes a much more appealing option for racing in wet conditions, where reliable grip can make a big difference.

The outsole design follows the same formula from the Pro 4. The polyurethane-based LIGHTTRAXION runs from heel to toe, while a small Continental patch in the forefoot provides extra grip during toe-off.

However, there's slightly less forefoot coverage, leaving more lateral foam exposed, and that has already proven controversial. Don't miss our Durability section!

The ENERGYRIM may allow slightly more torsional flex, but it's still a very stiff structure from a longitudinal standpoint. The proof came in our 30-degree bend test, where the Adios Pro 5 required a high 20.5N of force.

Arguably, the biggest reason to upgrade to the Adios Pro 5 from a previous version (FOMO aside) is the massive weight reduction. Check this out:

• Adizero Adios Pro 3: 7.7 oz (218g) 
• Adizero Adios Pro 4: 7.1 oz (200g)
• Adizero Adios Pro 5: 6.2 oz (176g)

This is what progress looks like, and adidas is delivering here without a doubt.

The adidas Adizero Adios Pro 5 feels less stable than v3 and v4, there’s no question about it. That’s especially noticeable compared to the AP3, which was significantly firmer and remains one of the most stable super shoes to date.

That said, the broad forefoot platform makes the Adios Pro 5 stable enough even for marathons, as long as you land on the front half of the shoe.

The use of ENERGYRIM instead of ENERGYRODS, combined with the softer, less-dense foam, makes the shoe quite flexible from a torsional standpoint. Indeed, it scored just 11.3 Nm in our test, while most super shoes easily exceed the average here.

Therefore, if you dislike the usual harsh feel of carbon-plated racing shoes, this is a great alternative.

The heel counter is designed to disappear around your foot, offering virtually no support but also staying completely out of the way. We gave it our lowest stiffness score of 1/5.

The Adios Pro has always been generous with forefoot width, and version 5 keeps that tradition alive while toning things down slightly compared to its predecessor, which was the widest yet. We measured 116.2 mm, which is 2.6 mm narrower than v4.

In our view, that’s a smart design choice. The Adios Pro 5 needs a wide forefoot, but going too wide could make it feel clunky and less appealing for shorter distances like 5K or 10K. After all, most runners want a versatile super shoe that can handle more than just the marathon.

The heel is very narrow at just 77.1 mm, and combined with the low-ish drop and minimal support in this area, it makes the Adios Pro 5 a tough choice for rearfoot strikers.

We found that adidas improved midfoot hold by reshaping the platform itself. Unlike previous versions, where the midsole flared mostly toward the bottom, the Adios Pro 5 is also wider near the top.

This creates a wider base around the foot and delivers a noticeably more secure, locked-in midfoot fit that compensates for the softer foam.

The Adios Pro 5 has sparked some durability debate, trending on social media for reasons adidas probably didn't want. We'll get into that after our usual three tests.

The first test focuses on the toebox, where LIGHTLOCK 2.0 performed well and earned a solid 3/5. Most super shoes score just 1/5 or 2/5 here, so we're off to a good start.

We also liked the heel padding durability. There's not much protection here, but it still managed to earn another solid 3/5.

For outsole durability, we tested the heel area, as we do with every shoe. The result was right in line with expectations, showing 1.1 mm of wear.

However, don’t expect the outsole to last forever. Like most super shoes, adidas saves weight by keeping it extremely thin, measuring just 1.0 mm in our lab.

The Adios Pro 5 had a rough first few weeks after launch, with some runners reporting serious durability issues after just one or two runs. However, others haven't experienced those problems at all, including us. So, what's actually going on?

First, adidas addressed the issue on Reddit by saying that a small number of runners experienced "cosmetic abrasion" on the exposed foam and that it doesn't affect performance. However, some of the damage we've seen goes far beyond cosmetic and is simply unacceptable after just 10 or 20 km.

That said, it's clearly not happening to everyone. There also seem to be different types of damage, with some runners experiencing outsole issues and others reporting the ENERGYRIM rubbing against the lateral foam. Our pair only shows minor abrasion similar to other super shoes, so we have zero complaints so far.

At the time of writing, the AP5 has only been available for a few weeks in a single colorway. However, two details stand out. First, the lateral forefoot has less outsole coverage and more exposed foam, making it vulnerable to damage, especially for runners who supinate. Second, parts of the ENERGYRIM feel razor-sharp, so a quality-control miss could cause it to cut into the foam or brush against the opposite leg.

This isn't good news, but trying to improve sometimes brings unexpected issues. Now it's up to adidas to take care of affected runners and put its warranty to work. Dismissing severe cases as "cosmetic damage" or saying something like "this is a super shoe, and therefore it's not made to last" would be truly embarrassing.

The insole follows the shoe’s weight-saving philosophy, keeping everything except the midsole as minimal as possible. It features a featherweight construction and measures just 2.0 mm thick.

The insole is easily removable, but we think taking it out is a bad idea. It fits the interior of the Adios Pro 5 perfectly, features a weight-saving, airflow-boosting perforated design, and doesn't hinder energy return at all.

Like most super shoes, the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 5 skips reflective elements entirely.

We had to wait until the fifth version of the Adios Pro to finally get the laces we've all been waiting for. Better late than never.

The lacing system now feels worthy of a super shoe, and we definitely celebrate the upgrade. Lockdown remains secure and race-ready, just like before, so we have no complaints here.

We also appreciated finding more tongue padding than in most competitors. At 3.7 mm thick, it provides a welcome comfort boost for the marathon distance while still allowing the shoe to remain incredibly lightweight.

Another feature inherited from the Adios Pro 4 is the semi-gusseted tongue, which is stitched to both sides to keep it securely in place.

The heel design showcases the iconic mirror-like finish inherited from the Evo 3, along with a thin overlay that conceals the upper stitching. However, there's no heel tab at all, unlike the Pro 4, which featured a pull tab with a hidden message.

There's no question that the Adios Pro 5 improves on previous versions, but it also brings a 10% price increase that leaves a bittersweet taste, especially since earlier Adios Pro models were among the best-value super shoes. As usual, discounts will appear and more colorways will pop over time, so if you're on a tight budget, waiting a bit could be a smart move.