What's happened
The Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3 has been worn by marathon record holders at this weekend’s London event, prompting US pre-sales and swift resale. The shoes are 30% lighter than the previous model and weigh 99g, with a claimed breakthrough in comfort and energy return. Critics have questioned fairness, while Adidas positions the shoe as a milestone for speed.
What's behind the headline?
Brief
- The London Marathon has highlighted a new generation of performance footwear, with Adidas claiming a major engineering step in the Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3.
- The shoes are marketed as a continuation of the supershoe era, following Nike’s early 2020s innovations and later industry responses.
What this means
- Expect continued investment in footwear R&D from major brands as performance gains near biological limits. Adidas is leveraging race results to drive demand and brand prestige.
Potential impact on runners
- For amateurs and recreational runners, the price and accessibility will determine its influence on participation and training. For elites, the shoe may reinforce competitive differentials and sponsorship dynamics.
Outlook
- Adidas will likely expand availability for fall marathon season, potentially reshaping consumer expectations around equipment-driven performance gains.
How we got here
Adidas has been collaborating with elite athletes to develop a lighter, more efficient “supershoe.” This weekend’s London Marathon saw world-record and fast-time performances by Sabastian Sawe and Tigist Assefa, both wearing the Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3. US pre-sales began soon after, with limited initial availability and rapid resales.
Our analysis
The Guardian (Jessica Murray) and Business Insider UK (multiple pieces) are reporting on the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3, its release timing, pricing, and the London Marathon performances by Sabastian Sawe, Yomif Kejelcha, and Tigist Assefa. Both outlets note the broader industry context around supershoes and patent activity.
Go deeper
- How much of the performance boost is attributable to the shoe versus athlete condition?
- Will the new price point deter casual runners or shift the market toward pros?
- What is Nike’s response to Adidas’ latest supershoe?
More on these topics
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Adidas AG - Design company
Adidas AG is a German multinational corporation, founded and headquartered in Herzogenaurach, Germany, that designs and manufactures shoes, clothing and accessories.
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Yomif Kejelcha - Ethiopian athletics competitor
Yomif Kejelcha Atomsa is an Ethiopian distance runner. He won a silver medal in the men’s 10,000 metres at the 2019 World Athletics Championships in Doha, Qatar. He is the current world indoor record holder in the mile.