Distance runners Sabastian Sawe, Tigst Assefa, and Yomif Kejelcha made history at the 2026 London Marathon, breaking records and shattering the two-hour barrier. The common thread among these athletes? They all wore Adidas' new Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3 shoes, which have been hailed as a game-changer in the world of marathon running.
The shoes, which weigh a mere 97 grams, are the lightest marathon shoes ever produced by Adidas. They feature a new Energyrim carbon frame and Lightstrike Pro Evo midsole cushioning, which provides a "spring-like" effect that propels the runner forward and reduces the eccentric load on the calves and hamstrings.
The Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3 was launched just a week before the London Marathon, and it's no coincidence that the world record was broken in a matter of a few days. The shoes were designed in collaboration with elite athletes, who provided feedback and input throughout the development process.
The shoes are designed for one-time use and are intended for running by elite athletes. They cost USD 500, which is a significant investment for most runners. However, the results speak for themselves, and Adidas is expected to release a wider rollout of the shoes later this year.
The success of the Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3 poses a threat to Nike's dominance in the marathon running market. Nike's flagship racers weigh significantly more than the Adidas shoes, and the company is already fast-tracking a "minimalist" prototype to try and keep up.
