Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 5 vs New Balance SuperComp Elite 6

Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 5

+ Praised

Fast, smooth and easy to roll through at half-marathon and marathon pace, with a softer feel than the Pro 4 that several reviewers find more natural and forgiving.

New Balance SuperComp Elite 6

+ Praised

A light, rockered race ride that feels natural and fast without demanding elite form; some testers find it firm and less bouncy than rivals.

Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 5

+ Praised

Plush, protective foam front and back that holds up deep into long races, even with less stack than the previous version.

New Balance SuperComp Elite 6

± Divisive

The heel is well protected and the foam returns energy strongly, but the forefoot stack is lower than stated and feels firm for midfoot and forefoot strikers.

Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 5

− Criticised

The main weak point: a very snug, low-volume fit with a narrow arch and shallow toe box, plus modest breathability and, for one tester, a slick sockliner.

New Balance SuperComp Elite 6

+ Praised

A thin, breathable FANTOMFIT upper with a secure heel and comfortable tongue; the fit is narrow and runs about half a size short.

Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 5

− Criticised

The most serious complaint, with several testers seeing chunks of exposed lateral forefoot foam wear away within 50 miles, though others report only minor abrasion.

New Balance SuperComp Elite 6

+ Praised

The TPEE foam holds its bounce well and the heel lining is durable, though the outsole rubber is thin.

Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 5

+ Praised

LIGHTTRAXION and Continental rubber grip well on wet and dry roads, a clear improvement on the Pro 4, though smooth wet metal still needs care.

New Balance SuperComp Elite 6

+ Praised

Wet-road traction is strong for a super shoe, and testers report confident grip in rain.

Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 5

± Divisive

The filled-in arch and carbon rim make it far more planted than the Pro 4 and stable enough for most marathoners, but heel strikers and runners who need a steady platform still find the narrow, soft heel wobbly.

New Balance SuperComp Elite 6

− Criticised

The narrow heel and soft foam make it unstable for anyone with pronation or late-race fatigue; it suits neutral, efficient mechanics.

Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 5

± Divisive

Some call $275 fair for a lighter, faster super shoe, while others say the price rise is hard to justify given the durability problems and the Pro 4 on discount.

New Balance SuperComp Elite 6

± Divisive

Reviewers see a fast, durable racer, but the price increase makes it hard to choose over cheaper rivals.