Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3: The “Formula 1 Tires” That Powered the First Sub-2-Hour Marathon

By Daniel Richardson, Editor-in-Chief of Archysport

LONDON — When Sabastian Sawe crossed the finish line of the 2026 London Marathon in 1:59:40.2, he didn’t just rewrite the record books. He also handed Adidas a technological triumph in the years-long “space race” of elite marathon footwear—a battle waged in wind tunnels, carbon-fiber labs, and the high-altitude training camps of Kenya.

The shoes on Sawe’s feet, the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3, are now the most scrutinized piece of athletic equipment in the world. Weighing just 97 grams (3.4 ounces) per shoe, they represent the culmination of a decade of research aimed at one goal: breaking the two-hour marathon barrier in a World Athletics-sanctioned race. Here’s how they function, why they matter, and what this means for the future of running.

The Shoe That Changed the Game

The Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3 isn’t just light—it’s a feat of engineering that Adidas engineers describe as performing “like Formula 1 tires.” The comparison isn’t hyperbole. Like the ultra-light, ultra-responsive tires used in motorsport, these shoes are designed to maximize energy return while minimizing weight and drag.

Key features of the Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3:

• Carbon-Fiber Plate: The shoe’s “EnergyRods” carbon-fiber plate is the lightest Adidas has ever produced, designed to propel the runner forward with each stride. Unlike bulkier plates in earlier models, this one is optimized for efficiency, not just power.
• Lightstrike Pro Foam: The midsole foam is a proprietary blend that balances cushioning and responsiveness. It’s soft enough to absorb impact but firm enough to return energy efficiently, reducing fatigue over 26.2 miles.
• Upper Construction: The upper is made from a single layer of engineered mesh, reducing weight while maintaining breathability and support. There are no overlays or unnecessary stitching—just a seamless, sock-like fit.
• Outsole: The rubber outsole is strategically placed only where needed for traction, shaving off additional grams. The rest of the shoe’s base is exposed foam, further reducing weight.

“This shoe is the result of thousands of hours of testing,” said an Adidas spokesperson in a post-race press release. “Every gram was scrutinized, every millimeter of the plate was optimized. The goal was to create a shoe that doesn’t just help runners move faster—it helps them feel faster.”

How Sawe’s Shoes Compare to the Competition

The sub-2-hour marathon has been a holy grail for shoe manufacturers, particularly Adidas and Nike. The two brands have been locked in a technological arms race, each pushing the limits of what’s possible in footwear design.

Nike struck first in 2019, when Eliud Kipchoge ran 1:59:40.2 in Vienna as part of the INEOS 1:59 Challenge. Though, that attempt was not recognized by World Athletics due to the fact that it used pacers who rotated in and out of the race, and Kipchoge wore the Nike AlphaFly shoes, which were later deemed non-compliant with competition rules at the time.

Adidas, meanwhile, has been refining its Adizero line for years, culminating in the Adios Pro Evo 3. The shoe’s 97-gram weight is a full 20% lighter than the Nike AlphaFly Next% 3, which weighs around 190 grams per shoe. That weight difference, combined with the shoe’s energy-return properties, is what Adidas believes gave Sawe the edge in London.

“It’s not just about the weight,” said Dr. Matthew Nurse, Vice President of the Adidas Future team, in a 2025 interview with Runner’s World. “It’s about how the shoe interacts with the runner’s biomechanics. We’ve spent years studying how elite marathoners move, and the Adios Pro Evo 3 is designed to work with their stride, not against it.”

The Science Behind the Sub-2-Hour Marathon

Breaking two hours in the marathon isn’t just about the shoes—it’s about the perfect storm of athlete, conditions, and technology. Sawe’s performance in London was the result of years of preparation, but the Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3 played a critical role in three key areas:

1. Energy Efficiency: The shoe’s carbon-fiber plate and Lightstrike Pro foam work together to reduce the energy cost of each stride. Studies have shown that shoes with carbon-fiber plates can improve running economy by up to 4%, which translates to significant time savings over 26.2 miles.
2. Fatigue Reduction: The lightweight construction and responsive foam help delay the onset of fatigue, allowing runners to maintain their pace deeper into the race. Sawe’s splits in London were remarkably consistent, a testament to the shoe’s ability to keep him fresh.
3. Aerodynamics: The shoe’s streamlined design reduces drag, which is critical at elite speeds. Adidas tested the Adios Pro Evo 3 in wind tunnels to ensure it didn’t create unnecessary turbulence around the runner’s feet.

“It’s like running on air,” Sawe said after the race. “I’ve never felt a shoe this light and responsive. It almost feels like the ground is pushing back against me with every step.”

The Adidas vs. Nike Rivalry: A Battle for the Future of Running

The sub-2-hour marathon has been a battleground for Adidas and Nike, with each brand investing millions in research and development to create the ultimate racing shoe. The rivalry has pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in footwear, but it has also sparked debates about fairness and the role of technology in sports.

Nike’s dominance in the marathon space was unchallenged for years, thanks to the success of the Vaporfly and AlphaFly shoes. But Adidas has been steadily closing the gap, and Sawe’s historic run in London marks a turning point. The Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3 is now the gold standard in elite marathon footwear, and Adidas is already teasing the next generation of the shoe.

“This is just the beginning,” said Adidas CEO Bjørn Gulden in a post-race statement. “We’ve proven that it’s possible to break two hours in a sanctioned race, and we’re not stopping here. The future of running is brighter than ever.”

For runners and fans, the rivalry between Adidas and Nike is a win. It’s driving innovation, pushing athletes to modern heights, and redefining what’s possible in the marathon. But it’s also raising questions about the role of technology in sports. Should shoes be allowed to deliver runners such a significant advantage? Where do we draw the line between innovation and unfair competition?

World Athletics has already taken steps to regulate shoe technology, limiting the thickness of the midsole and the number of carbon-fiber plates allowed in competition shoes. But as brands continue to push the limits, the governing body will likely face more pressure to clarify its rules.

What’s Next for Adidas and the Sub-2-Hour Marathon?

Adidas has made it clear that the Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3 is just the first step. The brand has already announced plans to release a consumer version of the shoe later this year, though it will likely reach with a hefty price tag—around $500, according to early reports. For elite runners, the shoe will remain a closely guarded secret until it’s officially released.

As for Sawe, he’s now the undisputed king of the marathon. His time of 1:59:40.2 is the fastest ever recorded in a sanctioned race, and it’s unlikely to be broken anytime soon. But if history is any indication, the next generation of shoes—and runners—will be even faster.

“This is a moment we’ll remember forever,” Sawe said. “But I know there are other runners out there who will push even harder. The marathon is evolving, and I’m excited to notice what comes next.”

Key Takeaways

• Historic Achievement: Sabastian Sawe became the first human to run a sub-2-hour marathon in a World Athletics-sanctioned race, finishing the 2026 London Marathon in 1:59:40.2.
• Shoe of the Future: The Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3 weighs just 97 grams per shoe and features a carbon-fiber plate, Lightstrike Pro foam, and a streamlined design optimized for energy efficiency.
• Adidas vs. Nike: Adidas has overtaken Nike in the race to create the ultimate marathon shoe, ending Nike’s years-long dominance in the space.
• Technology’s Role: The sub-2-hour marathon was made possible by a combination of athlete talent, perfect conditions, and cutting-edge footwear technology.
• What’s Next: Adidas plans to release a consumer version of the Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3 later this year, though it will likely cost around $500.

FAQ

1. How much do the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3 shoes weigh?

The shoes weigh just 97 grams (3.4 ounces) per shoe, making them one of the lightest elite marathon shoes ever created.

2. How much will the consumer version of the Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3 cost?

Early reports suggest the consumer version will retail for around $500, though Adidas has not yet confirmed the price.

3. Why wasn’t Eliud Kipchoge’s sub-2-hour marathon in 2019 recognized by World Athletics?

Kipchoge’s 2019 attempt in Vienna used rotating pacers and shoes (the Nike AlphaFly) that were later deemed non-compliant with World Athletics rules at the time. His performance was not recognized as an official world record.

4. What makes the Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3 different from other marathon shoes?

The Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3 features a carbon-fiber plate, Lightstrike Pro foam, and a streamlined design optimized for energy efficiency and weight reduction. It’s significantly lighter than most other elite marathon shoes.

5. Will the Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3 be available to the public?

Yes, Adidas plans to release a consumer version of the shoe later this year, though it will likely be limited in availability.

6. What’s next for Sabastian Sawe?

Sawe has not yet announced his next race, but he’s expected to focus on defending his title and further cementing his legacy as the fastest marathoner in history.

For now, the running world is still processing the magnitude of Sawe’s achievement—and the role that the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3 played in making history. One thing is clear: the sub-2-hour marathon is no longer a dream. It’s a reality, and the race to go even faster is just beginning.

What do you think? Should shoe technology be more tightly regulated in elite running? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow Archysport for the latest updates on the future of marathon running.