Adidas has had us on tenterhooks for more than a week, dropping hints about a new marvel they were cooking up over in Germany. They've finally lifted the veil, revealing that their Adizero Pro Evo 1 will be the shoe of choice for elite athletes at the upcoming Berlin Marathon. For a recreational runner like me, this shoe offers an enticing glimpse into the future of running tech.
At 138 grams and stack heights of 39mm at the heel and 33mm at the forefoot, this shoe is an engineering marvel. To put it in context, their previous Adios Pro 3 weighed in at a hefty 223 grams with the same stack height. That's a staggering 40% reduction in weight! The well-regarded Nike Vaporfly 3, by comparison, tips the scales at 186 grams. This raises the question: how did Adidas manage to achieve this "impossible" feat?
The answer, it seems, lies in relentless innovation. This shoe is the result of two years of exhaustive testing and iteration. New materials and manufacturing techniques have been employed to cut as much weight as possible while enhancing energy return and running economy. And yes, all these advancements come at a price tag of $500.
Now, let's talk specifics:
Upper
The shoe's upper features a sleek black and white design that encapsulates Adidas' commitment to 'Impossible Lightness for the Fastest'. The use of new construction techniques ensures minimal weight while providing a solid hold on your feet. Interestingly, the shoe eschews the traditional sock liner, opting instead for a finished surface that does the job just as well.
Midsole
The midsole incorporates a new non-compression molded Lightstrike Pro foam, which is touted to have higher energy return. This foam alone has led to a 50g weight reduction compared to the Adios Pro 3. What remains to be seen is the long-term durability of this material and how many miles it'll effectively serve.
Outsole
The new outsole employs innovative materials resulting in a 70g reduction in weight compared to traditional outsoles. Though not featuring the typical Continental rubber, preliminary tests suggest that grip in wet conditions should be commendable.
What Does This Mean for Runners?
Elite athletes have been raving about the shoe's comfort and performance, and I am intrigued to see how this will translate for the broader community of recreational runners like myself. It's a leap forward in technology, shedding weight while purportedly boosting performance.
While the $500 price tag might give one pause, innovations like these often find their way to more budget-friendly options as technology evolves.
Stats
- Weight: 138g / 4.87 oz
- Stack Height: 39mm heel / 33mm forefoot (6mm drop)
- $500 with limited release on September 14, 2023, and a wider release slated for November 2023
So, there we have it. A running shoe that could change the game not just for the elites but also for recreational runners keen on investing in top-notch technology. A cushy yet lightweight experience is something we all yearn for, and Adidas seems to be delivering that with the Adizero Pro Evo 1. I for one can't wait to see how this technology evolves and becomes more accessible to runners of all levels.
