Adidas Adios Pro 4 vs Alphafly 3: Marathon Review

The Adidas Adios Pro 4 enters the marathon supershoe arena directly challenging the Nike Alphafly 3, which still holds the world record at 26.2 miles. Priced at $250 and weighing just 200g, this updated successor to the Pro 3 promises better cushioning, a redesigned upper, and improved durability beyond the 200-mile threshold where some competitors falter.

Optimized distances: half and full marathon · Cushioning technology: LIGHTSTRIKE PRO · Stack average score: 142 SA · Target users: fast runners · Key feature: enhanced running efficiency

The comparison table below summarizes the key specifications for both shoes side by side.

Which is better Alphafly 3 or Adios Pro 4?

Choosing between the Nike Alphafly 3 and Adidas Adios Pro 4 comes down to your race distance and personal feel preferences. The Alphafly 3 currently holds both the men’s and women’s marathon world records, plus the men’s half marathon record — that’s a tough act to follow.

Performance metrics

The Alphafly 3 weighs 220g in men’s US9, while the Adios Pro 4 comes in at a lighter 200g (The Running Channel). The Pro 4 has a 6mm drop versus the Alphafly’s 8mm, and its stack sits at 39mm heel / 33mm forefoot compared to the Alphafly’s 40mm / 32mm configuration.

In terms of propulsion technology, the Alphafly 3 uses two Zoom Air pods under the ball of each foot for energy return, while the Adios Pro 4 deploys carbon-infused Energyrods shaped to mimic the bones in your foot (The Running Channel). According to RTINGS.com, the Adios Pro 4 offers slightly better energy return and more cushioning, making it especially well-suited for marathon racing.

User experiences

On fit, the Alphafly 3 features a booty-like upper which hugs the foot for better lockdown and heel lock, while the Adios Pro 4 heel lockdown feels less secure and the heel can slip on some runners (The Running Channel). The Adios Pro 4 runs a half size small, according to Running Shoes Guru.

In terms of stability, the Adios Pro 4 has a wider midfoot and rearfoot which makes it more stable than the Alphafly, though the Alphafly 3 is more stable laterally (Running Shoes Guru). The Adios Pro 4 also has better traction because its Continental outsole rubber is softer and more tacky.

What distance is Adios Pro 4 for?

The Adios Pro 4 is engineered for half and full marathon distances, though it doesn’t stop there. Adidas designed this shoe to handle a range of racing scenarios from 5K up to the marathon.

Half marathon suitability

The Adios Pro 4 is recommended for runners who race shorter distances (5K and 10K) as well as races up to a marathon (The Running Channel). Its lightweight 200g build and responsive ride make it viable for faster half marathon efforts without the excessive stack that some competitors pile on.

Full marathon performance

The new formulation of Lightstrike Pro foam features lower density than its predecessor, delivering better cushioning over the 26.2-mile distance (Running Shoes Guru). The redesigned upper improves comfort compared to the Pro 3, which matters when you’re spending hours in the shoe.

Durability testing shows the Adios Pro 4 with over 200 miles still maintains good responsiveness with minimal damage, compared to the Alphafly 3 which started losing responsiveness around the 200-mile mark (The Running Channel). The Continental outsole is notably durable.

The implication: runners who want one shoe for training and racing, or who need a shoe that survives multiple race cycles, may find better longevity in the Pro 4 than in some competitors.

Is Adios Pro 4 better than 3?

Adidas made meaningful updates from the Pro 3 to the Pro 4, though the changes aren’t revolutionary. The core rocker geometry stays strikingly similar — only minor adjustments were made (RunRepeat).

Key upgrades

The redesigned upper is the most noticeable improvement, providing better comfort compared to the Pro 3. The lower-density Lightstrike Pro foam delivers a softer landing without sacrificing the energy return that marathon racers need. These changes address the two biggest complaints from Pro 3 users: upper breathability and long-distance cushioning fade.

RTINGS comparison insights

Independent testing from RTINGS.com confirms the Pro 4’s midsole geometry supports smooth transitions through the gait cycle. The carbon-infused Energyrods continue to spread across the midsole, mimicking the metatarsals of the foot for a natural propulsive feel.

What this means: if you already own the Pro 3 and it’s working for your race distance, the upgrade isn’t urgent. But if you’re choosing between the two as a new buyer, the Pro 4’s improved upper and updated foam justify the newer model.

Are Adios Pro 4 worth it?

At $250 / £220, the Adios Pro 4 undercuts the Alphafly 3 ($295 / £285) by a meaningful margin. Whether that price difference translates to value depends on what you’re after.

Value for average runners

The Adios Pro 4 scores an impressive 142 SA on RunRepeat’s cushioning scale. For recreational marathon runners who aren’t chasing world records, this shoe delivers race-day performance without the premium pricing of Nike’s flagship.

The catch: both the Adios Pro 4 and Alphafly 3 are not suitable for jogging and are not the most stable shoes at slower paces (The Running Channel). These are pure race-day tools, not daily trainers.

Review scores

RunRepeat aggregator data and independent tester reviews consistently praise the Pro 4 for marathon distances. The shoe feels leaner and faster when you put them on, with a more traditional racing feel compared to the plush Alphafly 3 (The Running Channel).

For budget-conscious marathoners who train consistently and want carbon-plated performance, the Adios Pro 4 delivers solid value. The durability advantage over the Alphafly 3 (at 200+ miles) sweetens the deal for runners planning multiple race cycles with one shoe.

Who is the Adios Pro 4 designed for?

Adidas positions the Adios Pro 4 as a shoe made for fast runners who want to experience faster. That’s marketing language, but it reflects reality — this isn’t a beginner-friendly daily trainer.

Target runner profiles

The ideal Adios Pro 4 user is a recreational to sub-elite runner targeting half marathons or full marathons. You need a race shoe that can handle 13.1 or 26.2 miles while returning energy efficiently. The lightweight 200g build and 6mm drop suit runners with good running form who can handle a lower heel-to-toe differential.

The Adios Pro 4 feels a little more cushioned and soft overall compared to the Alphafly 3, which appeals to runners who prioritize comfort over a firm, aggressive ride (The Running Channel).

Men vs women variants

Both men’s and women’s versions exist, with the women’s model using appropriately adjusted stack heights and midsoles. Women runners should note the half-size-small fit applies across both variants — consider sizing up if you’re between sizes.

The pattern: fast runners — whether recreational marathoners or serious club runners — get the most from this shoe. Casual joggers or beginners should look elsewhere; the Pro 4 rewards those with the cadence and fitness to leverage its carbon rods and responsive foam.

This side-by-side comparison highlights how the two flagship racers stack up across key dimensions.

The implication: your choice between these two depends on whether you prioritize the Pro 4’s cushioning and durability for marathon distance, or the Alphafly 3’s firmer, more responsive feel for elite performance over shorter races.

Adidas (official product messaging)

The Adios Pro 4 is made for fast runners who want to experience faster — built with LIGHTSTRIKE PRO cushioning and carbon Energyrods for marathon racing efficiency.

RunRepeat reviewer

Serious cushioning for marathons combined with a responsive ride makes the Pro 4 a strong choice for runners targeting the 26.2-mile distance without the firmer race-day feel of some competitors.

Run Testers (Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 Review)

The redesigned upper addresses comfort concerns from the Pro 3, and the updated foam formulation maintains energy return over the full marathon distance.

For marathon runners weighing the Adios Pro 4 against the Alphafly 3, the decision involves more than specs. The Pro 4 offers better value at $250, superior durability past 200 miles, and a cushioned ride that suits the marathon distance well. Runners who prioritize comfort and longevity will find the Adidas delivers the better return on investment, while those chasing world-record-level performance should still look to the Nike.