Adidas Adizero Adios 9 vs Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4

Adidas Adizero Adios 9

+ Praised

An exceptionally light, direct and lively ride that rewards fast turnover, though it feels harsh at easy paces.

Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4

+ Praised

Soft, bouncy and quick at race pace, with a pronounced forefoot rocker and strong energy return; it feels less punchy than the Pro 3 and awkward at easy paces.

Adidas Adizero Adios 9

− Criticised

The low-stack Lightstrike Pro midsole offers very little protection, especially in the forefoot and over longer distances.

Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4

+ Praised

The plush Lightstrike Pro midsole protects the legs over long races and is softer than the Pro 3, though the foam is expected to lose some bounce after about 100 miles.

Adidas Adizero Adios 9

± Divisive

A comfortable, secure Lightlock upper, but the fit is narrow and tapered and ventilation is poor.

Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4

± Divisive

The light, soft upper and padded tongue are a big improvement, but the fit is narrow and tapered, runs about half a size small, and causes toe pressure or nail damage for several testers.

Adidas Adizero Adios 9

+ Praised

The outsole rubber and Lightstrike Pro foam hold up very well, with minimal wear after 100 miles.

Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4

± Divisive

Outsole rubber coverage is excellent and lab wear is low, but the thin toe box mesh scores poorly and the softer foam is expected to fade faster than the Pro 3.

Adidas Adizero Adios 9

+ Praised

Continental and Lighttraxion rubber deliver excellent wet and dry road grip.

Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4

+ Praised

Lighttraxion and the Continental forefoot patch give excellent wet and dry road grip, though wet metal and gravel remain slippery.

Adidas Adizero Adios 9

± Divisive

The low, firm platform feels stable for efficient midfoot strikers, but the narrow heel and tapered fit make it unstable for others.

Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4

− Criticised

The wide forefoot is stable, but the narrow heel and soft foam make the midfoot and rearfoot unsettled, especially for heel strikers and late in a race.

Adidas Adizero Adios 9

+ Praised

At $140 it is a strong value for a lightweight speed shoe with premium foam and durable rubber.

Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4

+ Praised

At $250 it undercuts most flagship racers and matches the Pro 3's price, making it one of the better-value super shoes despite the fit and durability caveats.