It was only revealed a few days ago, yet the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3 is already making headlines.
Worn by Sebastian Sawe as he powered to a sub-two-hour marathon and a new world record at the 2026 London Marathon, it’s Adidas’ lightest racing shoe to date, weighing in at just over 97 grams.
Designed to give runners an extra edge on race day, Adidas says the Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3 is the result of three years of intensive research – and Sawe’s performance suggests that R&D has paid off.
Why the Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3 Is so Fast
The Evo 3 is 30% lighter than the previous version and delivers a reported 1.6% improvement in running economy. It also features a 39mm stack height, maximising cushioning and energy return with every stride.
What’s Changed from the Pro Evo 2?
The biggest update comes in the midsole. The carbon system has been completely redesigned – replacing the previous EnergyRods with a new structure that integrates carbon more fully into the shoe, rethinking how stiffness and propulsion are delivered in a supershoe.
Stephan Scholten, adidas’ VP of product, said: ‘Our goal was two digits on the scale, with better performance than we’ve ever had.’
The shoe also features next-generation Lightstrike Pro Evo foam – the brand’s lightest and most responsive compound to date – said to be nearly 50% lighter than previous iterations.
Lightweight Design with Race-Day Grip
The upper draws inspiration from kitesurfing sails, offering a stripped-back, almost weightless feel while still providing support. Strategically placed Continental rubber in the forefoot delivers traction at speed without adding unnecessary weight.
Ben is Runner's World's Multiplatform Director and has worked at the title for over 11 years. He has always had a deep interest in running shoes and tech and has amassed a wealth of knowledge on running products during this time and through countless hours of testing. Ben also enjoys exploring the science behind running and how it informs advances in training and racing. He is also the co-host of the weekly podcast. Ben is a firm believer that running is just as much about adventure and fun as about chasing PBs, and he likes nothing more than a day spent explore new trails.
