REVIEW
THE SUPER-FAST ADIOS PRO 2
In the modern world of running ‘ super shoes ’ with carbon fibre plates that increase the propulsion of the shoe , and thus the speed of the runner , the adidas adizero adios
Pro 2 ranks as one of the best in the world . That ’ s why it is wracking up the World Records . Of course , I ’ m never going to challenge any World Records , but I do enjoy a bit of ‘ low flying ,’ and thus I was rather looking forward to putting my pair to the test . – BY MODERN ATHLETE EDITOR SEAN FALCONER
THE FIT
A few runners around the world have reported finding that all the current shoes in the adizero range feel a little roomier than previous models , and thus they found a half size smaller than normal actually fitted better . This is something you should check out in store when you try them on . I was sent an 8.5 UK , my normal size , and I found the fit just right , so each to their own .
THE COLOURWAY
I ’ ve never been a fan of predominantly white shoes , so I really like this ‘ sonic ink ’ combo of a purply blue and neon green . There ’ s another colourway on the market , mostly white with a touch of orange , but I really like this version .
It came as no surprise when I read that Kenyan Peres Jepchirchir was wearing the adidas adizero adios Pro 2 when she won the recent Olympic Marathon in Tokyo , and that she raved about the shoe after her win , saying it was even better than the adios Pro 1 that she used to set a World Record for the half marathon distance . As a result , I could not wait to strap them on and hit the road .
THE DIMENSIONS
The adios Pro 2 weighs 215 grams , which is about 10 grams lighter than the first version , and it has a slightly increased stack height of 39.5mm in the heel and 29.5mm in the forefoot . So , it is ever so slightly lighter and taller .
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Before I take a shoe out on the roads or trails , I like to do a bit of reading up on the tech and design , so that I know what to look for when I am running . I thus read that the adios Pro 2 is slightly lighter and slightly more stacked ( more midsole height ) than its predecessor , the upper has been made more breathable , and a section of the midsole has been cut out , mostly to reduce weight , but overall the shoe delivers a very similar ride to the adios Pro 1 .
In terms of the important tech , I read that instead of a solid carbon plate embedded in the midsole to produce forward propulsion , this shoe has five stiffened carbon EnergyRods in its midsole . That makes this shoe unique amongst plated shoes , and it clearly works , given the number of World Records run in this shoe .
The Pro 2 also has a higher toe-spring than the Pro 1 , meaning its rocking action is more aggressive . In other words , it feels faster . That said , I saw one reviewer describe it as a “ deceptively fast racing shoe ,” because he said it feels more conservative than some other ‘ super shoes ’ on the market . He explained that this shoe may not have as much raw propulsion as other brands ’ plated shoes , but over the course of a run , the energy-saving properties of the midsole and rods come into play and help you maintain your pace . That sounded good to me , because I ’ m not looking for a sprinting shoe , I ’ m looking for a shoe that will help me go faster and save me energy over the long run .
THE PROPULSION
The adios Pro 2 has a carbon plate in the heel , but the real stars of this propulsion system are the five EnergyRods running from midfoot into the forefoot . These rigidly tuned , carbon-infused rods give the shoe an incredible springiness as you transition on to your forefoot , and a noticeable push as you toe-off . This not only propels your feet forwards , increasing your speed , it also helps you to maintain your speed , but it ’ s important to note that this shoe works best when you ’ re going fast and leaning forwards slightly . If you want to do a long , slow training run , those rods may feel too rigid if you are sitting back on your heels , and hence I recommend this shoe for racing .
72 ISSUE 145 SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2021 | www . modernathlete . co . za