The competition to produce the best running shoes is fierce, with plenty of leading brands releasing new technologies and styles to cater to all types of runners. From the likes of Asics and Brooks to Saucony and Puma all competing to become the go-to for runners, there’s one brand that has engineered its triumphant return and seen a new surge in popularity over recent years, and that brand is adidas.
Since its inception in 1940, the iconic three-stripe brand has been a staple in many homes. But what drives this popularity and what is the latest big product to come from the brand since the ubiquitous adidas Samba shoe? Join us as we take a deep dive into what makes adidas running gear some of the most sought after on the market.
The golden age of adidas
adidas was started in 1949 by Adolf “Adi” Dassler (where the name Adi-Das comes from), with a vision to make a difference in athletic performance. It reached its golden era in the 1980s, becoming popular in the streetwear scene, as well as amongst athletes. In terms of running though, the 1950s and 60s were particularly notable eras, after the brand started to introduce running shoes specifically designed for long distances. Some of the world’s greatest athletes have sported adidas shoes, including Grete Waitz who won nine marathons in NYC wearing adidas shoes and Haile Gebrselassie who won the Berlin marathon in 2008, setting a world record time of 2:03:59.
So as we can see, it is clear that even though there was a peak in its popularity, there’s much more to the brand than stylistics. For nearly a century the brand has long helped runners to improve their performance and beat personal bests. But this begs the question, what is it about adidas shoes that draw runners in?
What makes adidas shoes so good?
There are plenty of reasons that make adidas a top choice for athletes. From simply providing a trendy style to bringing new technologies to the forefront of the running arena, but to simplify it and highlight why the brand is so sought after, we can narrow it down to the following:
- Heritage brand: With decades of experience, adidas is a trusted name that blends its legacy with cutting-edge innovation and constant development to meet runners' needs
- Exceptional cushioning: Exclusive technology, like its Boost foam, provides unparalleled energy return and comfort, while Lightstrike offers lightweight responsiveness for faster runs
- Comfort and fit: Primeknit uppers deliver a breathable fit that adapts to the shape of the foot, reducing friction and improving comfort during running
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Sustainability: Models made with Primeblue and Primegreen show the brand’s commitment to sustainability, using recycled materials without compromising performance.
A new beginning
Of course, as more brands emerged at the turn of the millennium, and some before, adidas had to work harder to reclaim its position at the top. In 2004, adidas made a bold move marking the start of the Adizero franchise which has played a critical role in transforming the brand’s history, marking a turning point for competitive running and athletics. The primary goal of this line is to deliver lightweight and high-performance running support, a vision that resonates with world-class athletes.
In fact, the Adizero Adios was the shoe that Haile Gebrselassie wore when he set the world record in 2008. This achievement solidified the Adizero’s reputation and over the years adidas has continued to innovate within the franchise, introducing advanced materials and technologies that cater to elite runners.
Each new addition to the Adizero line has pushed the boundaries of performance, helping athletes achieve new personal bests and push past their limits. This relentless pursuit of excellence has played a vital part in the revival of adidas running and the Adizero franchise works to uphold the brand legacy.
What are the best Adidas running shoes?
In light of the Adizero franchise, it would be unjust to say that the latest introduction to the line, the Adizero Adios Pro 4, isn’t one of the brand’s best creations yet.
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| Men’s Adizero Adios Pro 4 |
Released in January 2025, the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 truly excels with its lightweight design, enhanced cushioning, and energy-efficient features like the ENERGYRODS 2.0 carbon uppers. For runners, it offers softer, and more bouncy Lightstrike Pro cushioning for enhanced comfort and running economy during long runs. It also boasts improved stability and grip performance on various surfaces and distances, making it a versatile choice for any race from a 5K to a full marathon. If you’re looking to race to win, these are the shoes for you.
When comparing what the Pro 4 does in comparison to its predecessor the Pro 3, it offers a more refined design by reducing weight and improving the fit. Though for some this may mean that the Pro 4 does feel more snug and less spacious than the 3, as a result, the Pro 4 also has enhanced propulsion and speed. It also features an updated mesh upper for better breathability and support during races. Overall building on the Pro 3, the Pro 4 is optimised for faster, more efficient runs, particularly for competitive athletes or those focused on speed.
Adizero Boston 12
Another excellent choice when it comes to choosing adidas running shoes is the Adizero Boston 12 Running Shoes. Featuring a perfect balance of cushioning and performance, as well as desirable technology like the Lightstrike Pro foam and ENERGYRODS for speed and responsiveness - they’re ideal for runners who are training as they’re suitable for various paces and distances. Combining durability with a streamlined fit, the comfort and stability of these shoes promote efficiency without sacrificing support.
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| Adizero Boston 12 Men’s Running Shoes |
Supernova Rise 2 Running Shoes
Another new addition to the line, the Supernova Rise 2 Running Shoes are a good choice - especially for beginners. Suitable for daily training sessions as well as 5K runs, these shoes feature a Dreamstrike+ midsole, and lightweight Super Foam tuned for more comfort. All the while, adidas’ signature Support Rods help guide you from heel strike to toe-off, and the mesh upper is engineered for breathability with a flexible fit.
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| Supernova Rise 2 Men's Running Shoes |
Is the adidas Pro 4 worth the investment?
With the Pro 4 now available in the UK, you may be wondering if this is really worth the hype. So far, all of the Adizero Adios Pro 4 reviews have matched and even exceeded expectations, contributing to the continued success of the brand. If you’re looking to run fast, then the ingenuity behind these shoes makes them one of the best products on the market right now to meet this requirement. So for those serious about improving their performance, we’d really recommend that you try the Pro 4, which has addressed and improved upon areas of concern with the Pro 3. We’re confident that this line will continue to evolve and adapt to meet the needs of performance athletes.
With that being said, if you’re a casual runner and not into competitive sports, these shoes will provide comfort and support, but the cheaper Adizero Boston 12 mentioned above will be well-matched to what you need without the higher price tag.
Support your performance with adidas at Start Fitness
Whether you’re loyal to the adidas brand or you’re hoping to see whether it is worth the hype, we’ve got plenty of products to cater for your sporting needs. Browse through the entire adidas shoe collection to find something that suits you. Alternatively, you can get help from our team of experts by contacting us or coming in-store for your free gait analysis, where we can help you choose the right adidas shoes for you.