adidas Adios Pro Evo 2 Performance Review

The adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1 took the running world by storm in late 2023 [Editor’s Note: due to its performance, its price, and, I contend, due to its unconscionably long name, which we’ll frequently be shortening henceforth]. The team at adidas capitalized on the excitement by continuing to produce the expensive shoe even though it was originally conceived as a small run for adidas road-running pros and some lucky journalists [Editor’s Note: …to use Gen Z slang, I believe that’s a flex]. It got so popular that we’re now getting some updates in the adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 2.

Did I expect the $500 Pro Evo 1 to get a second iteration? Nope. But apparently, a lot of fast runners also have well-paying jobs and can afford the most expensive performance running shoe on the planet.

I wrote the original review more to let people know why pros were setting records in it and how adidas made such a light but capable race-day shoe. I also assured readers that they could wait until the innovations trickled down to a more reasonably priced adidas race model. And that did happen with the adidas Adios Pro 4, which, at $250, delivered a large portion of the Pro Evo 1’s value for half the price.

So why review the adidas Adios Pro Evo 2? So I have an excuse to run in it, of course! And yeah, to help our non-price-sensitive readers who might actually buy the shoe…But mostly so that I can run in it. [Editor’s Note: At least he’s honest.]

What is the adidas Adios Pro Evo 2?

According to adidas press resources, the adidas Adios Pro Evo 2 is “the highly anticipated evolution of the race-dominating Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1. The race-day shoe includes a 10% increase in the forefoot stack height, delivering 5% more energy return, all at the same weight

as its predecessor. The design aesthetic is an evolution of the Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1 – featuring a minimalistic silver finish, highlighted by bold red three stripes, designed to be visible at any speed.”

Yes, the Pro Evo 2 is shiny and will be visible at every speed; so while I know that part sounds like a marketer laying it on thick, it’s accurate. The big changes cited are the increase in forefoot stack and the increased energy return. Marathoners (and other road racers) want as much energy return as possible to carry them through the long miles at fast paces. That’s a promising change to a shoe that otherwise stays largely the same.

Cushion and Support

So let’s dig into that extra forefoot stack height of the adidas Adios Pro Evo 2. I don’t really notice much difference underfoot from the Pro Evo 1.

The non-compression-molded Lightstrike Pro in the Pro Evo 2 feels bouncy and, though I do feel the difference between the previous 4mm drop and the new 3mm drop while walking, it’s not something that is noticeable while running. The soft bouncy foam makes it so you get the same plush landing followed by a push forward and upward regardless of where you land.

And this bit from my Pro Evo 1 review still holds true:

“But for my money, the real magic of this midsole is the change adidas made to the rocker shape. The start location of the rocker on the Adios Pro Evo 1 is about 10% further back (placed at 60% the length of the shoe) than the rockers adidas has used previously. This is the true secret sauce. 

Previous adidas race shoes felt smooth but in the Adios Pro Evo 1, I felt like I was “falling” onto my toes. This enabled a quick turnover and push-off even when traversing a hilly race course. The new rocker location needs to make it into more adidas racing shoes as soon as possible. It prevented the shoe from getting in the way of my speed/strength and made it feel like the Adios Pro Evo 1 was working with me in a way I rarely feel while testing shoes.”

Also returning alongside the great midsole compound and rocker is the heel instability. This shoe is made for FAST runners whose heels kiss the pavement ever so softly. And that means this part of my original review is also still valid:

“The way the midsole flares wide at the toe box means the front half of the shoe is plenty stable. But heel striking at slow speeds reveals the heel’s sloppiness. My old, basketball-wrecked ankles had a hard time staying straight up and down and threatened to collapse inward or outward depending on the ground contact. How did I solve this? By getting more on my toes and speeding up.

Think of the Adios Pro Evo 1 like a track spike for the roads. It’s meant to keep you on your toes and go fast. It’ll struggle if that’s not what you’re trying to do.”

So yeah, go fast and stay nimble, and you’ll love the way the Pro Evo 2 midsole responds.

[Editor’s Note: Unrelatedly, I feel like Drew is including these quoted passages simply to taunt me with my inability to retroactively edit them. What a monster.]

Traction

The weird, poured-rubber outsole of the Pro Evo 1 returns but this time with some lines that allow a peek at the midsole (and, I imagine, also save miniscule amounts of weight). The original outsole was better than expected. It had trouble in wet situations (like lots of rain or soaked marathon water stops) but still managed to handle them without feeling like the shoe was an ice skate.

Unfortunately, the new outsole can’t handle those wet situations as well. It’s a slipfest. I recommend avoiding the adidas Adios Pro Evo 2 in wet weather. I also wouldn’t wear it if you’re in a later corral in a marathon as the water stops will be too wet and crazy for it to maintain good traction.

The change in outsole pattern is a negative for adverse conditions, but you’ll still have great grip in dry conditions. If you buy the Pro Evo 2, have a backup option for any days with nasty weather.

Upper

The adidas Adios Pro Evo 2’s lightweight upper is a see-through screen mesh with synthetic suede and vinyl overlays. The vinyl makes up the logo and a piece that wraps around the heel for stability and lockdown. The synthetic suede helps reinforce the lace holes and adds comfort to the heel in various ways, including covering the ankle collar padding.

The upper is comfortable despite the minimalism. There were no hot spots or pinching. The tongue is the most annoying thing about the upper. It’s not gusseted and is tissue-paper thin. It’s difficult to control every time you put on the shoe. Once you get used to it, it’s not atrocious; but be prepared to spend time adjusting the tongue to avoid its folding each time you wear this shoe. This was the same in the Pro Evo 1, and I wish adidas would have fixed it as part of the update.

Is the adidas Adios Pro Evo 2 wide foot friendly?

No. The adidas Adios Pro Evo 2 fits perfectly lengthwise as long as you get your typical adidas size which in our experience is a half size down from other brands. However, it leaves little to no room for wide feet. The screen mesh upper is stretchy but not enough so to accommodate those who need more space.

Is the adidas Adios Pro Evo 2 worth $500?

Only for a very small group of cash-rich, sub-elite runners who are chasing big goals like Olympic Trials qualifying standards. Very few people will get $500 in value out of the Pro Evo 2. The majority of us are better off buying the adidas Adios Pro 4 or another racing shoe from our list of best marathon-road racing shoes.

How to use the adidas Adios Pro Evo 2

The adidas Adios Pro Evo 2 is best used in good weather for road racing from the 5K to the marathon and for other fast sessions like track intervals or long tempo runs.

adidas Adios Pro Evo 2 Summary

I didn’t think we’d get an adidas Adios Pro Evo 2, but it’s here and a great performer as long as the weather is good. It’s on par with the original and still a fun and interesting expression of the pinnacle of running technology. Nobody needs it, but those with the extra cash will get a fun and fast experience.

How does the Author Run?

Drew Whitcomb (age 43, 6’6″ 200lbs): Runs daily with a once a week rest day. Runs a lot of miles due to testing needs and a growing affinity for long-distance races. Regularly competes in marathons, half-marathons, 10k, and 5k races.

Disclosure

While adidas did provide a pair of the Adios Pro Evo 2 to facilitate this review, the company had no involvement in this review, didn’t receive an advance look at it, and has not attempted to influence it.