Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 145, Sept/Oct 2021 | Page 73

REVIEW
GET IT HERE
The adidas adizero adios Pro 2 retails at R4499 and is available in select adidas stores across South Africa as well as online at www . adidas . co . za
THE OUTSOLE
Tough Continental rubber has been used to prevent the outsole from wearing too quickly , and the grip of the forefoot is particularly noticeable . I hate when my running shoes feel slippery , but these were grippy even in wetter conditions . The rest of the outsole is a bit thinner than in the forefoot , and I can see why the designers did that – a shoe this fast will have you up on your forefoot much quicker , with heel-striking at a minimum ( if happening at all ), so why carry extra outsole rubber when it isn ’ t needed ? Just another sign that this really is a racing shoe .
THE UPPER
I love this upper . Firstly , it ’ s made from highly breathable , stretchy Celermesh 2.0 , which is slightly thinner and more breathable than the Pro 1 ’ s original Celermesh . I found the fit secure and comfortable , while the forefoot and toe-box were roomy and comfortable , but without being too loose . The tongue is super-thin , smooth and comfy , and adidas has addressed one of the few complaints in the Pro 1 , a slipping tongue , by sewing one side to the upper , near the top lacing holes .
Structure in the upper is provided by lightweight overlays – including the famous three stripes – and around the toes . These are all lightweight and flexible , but with just enough support to ensure a snug fit and an upper that retains its form . The heel is similarly lightly structured : Instead of a traditional heel counter ( cup ), there is a lightly-padded Achilles post , an overlay that gives the collar structure , and two pads on the inner collar that are made from a rougher material that grips your ankle and prevents the heel slipping .
THE MIDSOLE
Adidas has constructed the midsole out of Lightstrike Pro blown rubber , and there are two layers , to accommodate the EnergyRods between them . I did find the Lightstrike Pro a tiny bit harder than the Energy Boost midsole of my favourite adi shoes , but then the whole point of this shoe is springiness and energy-return , not ‘ squishy ’ cushioning . The shoe is meant to make you faster , while still providing adequate cushioning , and it does just that .
As mentioned earlier , a chunk of the midsole has been cut out in the midfoot arch area , on the medial ( inner ) side of the shoe . This is not just for weight-saving , but also allows a section of the EnergyRods to be visible , which really helps you to understand what is going on under your foot . Of course , that may mean the Pro 2 will feel a bit less stable than the Pro 1 , but with the focus being on forefoot running and toe-off , you ’ ll be on your heels less anyway , with less need for stability in the heel-to-toe transition .
THE RIDE
I spent 20-odd years sprinting up and down the wing on the soccer field , so my legs are used to being asked to go fast . I therefore enjoy running in lightweight racing shoes , and as you can imagine , carbon plates have really hit the proverbial spot with me ! I really enjoyed running in the adios Pro 2 , as they made me feel genuinely fast , and I definitely covered the ground a bit faster in them – I know this because my neighbour saw me running and said I looked “ more springy than usual .” Then again , he was plodding along behind a lawn mower at the time , so perhaps anybody would look fast … Anyway , I did try a few slower runs as well , and while the shoes could handle that , I just felt I should be going faster – and when I did get up to speed , I found I could maintain it more comfortably and for longer .
OVERALL IMPRESSIONS
The consensus out there is that even though the Pro 2 is only a minor update of the Pro 1 , adidas has nevertheless managed to make a great shoe still better . It ’ s lighter , cooler and faster , but still cushioned , comfortable and smooth , so if the first version was a winner in your books , then go get yourself the new Pro 2 . Because if you ’ re looking for a racer to help you run a PB ( or a World Record ), this shoe will do the job brilliantly .
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