Recommended Free Tools
The Adizero Adios Pro 5 is a substantial redesign, but it is not an automatic upgrade for every Pro 4 runner. adidas introduces a new carbon structure and says the shoe is lighter, while RTINGS describes a softer, more protective forefoot and a less wobbly feel. The Pro 4, however, recorded higher energy-return measurements in RTINGS’ comparison and may suit runners who prefer its firmer, snappier ride. Your fit, ride preference and local price matter more than the model number alone.
What changed from the Adios Pro 4 to the Pro 5?
The biggest change is the structure around the midsole. The Pro 4 uses EnergyRods 2.0; the Pro 5 replaces them with ENERGYRIM, a carbon-infused structure around the midsole. adidas says this arrangement leaves more Lightstrike Pro foam directly beneath the runner while retaining stiffness for stability and propulsion. That is the manufacturer’s explanation of the design, not proof that every runner will perform better in it. adidas’ Pro 5 announcement and T3’s launch coverage describe the change.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Weight: lighter, with a small discrepancy between reports
adidas gives an average weight of 177 g for a sample UK 8.5 and says that is about 23 g, or 12%, lighter than the Pro 4. T3 reports 175 g for UK 8.5 and a reduction of about 25 g, or 12.5%. These are attributed published figures, not a guarantee for every shoe size; the sources differ slightly, so adidas’ official comparison is the clearest single figure to use.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Energy return: a manufacturer claim versus comparison measurements
adidas claims the Pro 5 improves energy return by 9% over the Pro 4. RTINGS’ displayed comparison measurements do not show a higher result for the Pro 5: its heel readings are 82.3% for the Pro 5 and 85.6% for the Pro 4, while forefoot readings are 84.4% and 87.0%, respectively. Those figures are RTINGS’ shoe-test measures, not population-wide findings or predictions of race times. They also do not establish how a particular runner will experience either shoe. See RTINGS’ Pro 5 vs. Pro 4 comparison for its measurements.
#1 Best Overall
- ADIZERO ADIOS PRO 4 SYELLO/AURPLU/POWPLU
Ride and platform feel
RTINGS characterizes the Pro 5 as lighter and more nimble, with softer forefoot cushioning that remains more protective over long efforts. It describes the Pro 4 as firmer and snappier. Those are tester judgments, and cushioning preference is personal: softer is not inherently better if you like a firmer toe-off.
RTINGS also finds neither model highly stable, but says the Pro 5 may be easier for most runners to trust because it removes the medial cutout associated with a notably wobbly feel in the Pro 4. That is a description of platform feel, not a medical or injury-prevention claim. RTINGS’ Pro 5 review provides its assessment.
Rank #2
- The adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 Running Shoes are elite performance runners engineered to push your limits. Crafted from lightweight mesh and rubber upper for breathable support and a close fit. It has a carbon-infused energy rods strategically place
- Synthetic rubber lining and rubber insole.
- Lace-up closure.
- Regular fit.
- Signature three-stripe design on the side.
Pro 5 geometry and launch pricing
adidas lists the Pro 5 at 39 mm in the heel and 35 mm in the forefoot, for a 4 mm drop. Its September 22, 2026 announcement gave a price of $275/€275 and said global availability began that day. Regional timing and prices can differ: the adidas UK listing checked on October 4, 2026 showed £220 and availability on October 22, 2026. Treat that UK page as a dated listing, not a universal or current price promise. Check the adidas UK product listing for its local terms.
Is the Pro 5 better than the Pro 4?
There is no single winner for every runner. The Pro 5’s design changes target a lighter build, more foam directly underfoot and a less wobbly platform feel. RTINGS’ measured energy-return results favor the Pro 4, whose firmer, snappier forefoot may be preferable if that is the ride you want. Neither the manufacturer’s 9% claim nor lab-style shoe measurements establish that one shoe will produce faster race times for you.
Rank #3
- ADIZERO ADIOS PRO 4 SYELLO/AURPLU/POWPLU
| Factor | Adios Pro 5 | Adios Pro 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Midsole carbon structure | ENERGYRIM; adidas says it allows more Lightstrike Pro foam directly beneath the runner. | EnergyRods 2.0. |
| Published weight comparison | 177 g average for a sample UK 8.5; adidas says about 23 g (12%) lighter than Pro 4. | Used as the reference model in adidas’ published comparison; no separate weight figure is needed to state the Pro 5 difference. |
| Ride assessment | RTINGS describes it as lighter, more nimble and softer under the forefoot, with more protection over long efforts. | RTINGS describes it as firmer and snappier. |
| RTINGS energy-return measurements | 82.3% heel; 84.4% forefoot. | 85.6% heel; 87.0% forefoot. |
| Platform assessment | RTINGS says removal of the medial cutout makes it easier for most runners to trust, though it is not highly stable. | RTINGS notes a wobblier feel linked to the medial cutout; it is not highly stable. |
| Pro 5 listed geometry | 39 mm heel, 35 mm forefoot, 4 mm drop (adidas). | Not stated in the cited material. |
The weight and energy-return entries are not directly interchangeable evidence: the former is adidas’ sample-size comparison, while the latter are RTINGS’ displayed test results. For both shoes, your own fit and response matter; the sources cited here do not establish a universal sizing rule.
Should you upgrade from the Adios Pro 4?
The Pro 5 may make sense if
- You want the new, lighter construction and have tried it on to confirm a comfortable fit.
- You prefer softer forefoot cushioning and value the Pro 5’s less wobbly feel over the Pro 4’s medial-cutout platform.
- Your Pro 4’s ride does not suit you, and the Pro 5 feels better during a run rather than merely sounding better on paper.
Keep or choose the Pro 4 if
- You already like its firmer, snappier forefoot and it performs well for you.
- You value its higher RTINGS energy-return readings as one comparison point, while recognizing they do not predict your race result.
- You can buy it at a substantial discount relative to the Pro 5 in your region.
Before spending, compare the feel you actually prefer, the weight difference, the platform underfoot, your fit in the specific shoe, and the price available where you live. If your Pro 4 fits and performs well, the available evidence does not make replacement necessary.
Rank #4
- The adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 Running Shoes are elite performance runners engineered to push your limits. Crafted from lightweight mesh and rubber upper for breathable support and a close fit. It has a carbon-infused energy rods strategically place
- Synthetic rubber lining and rubber insole.
- Lace-up closure.
- Regular fit.
- Signature three-stripe design on the side.
Will the Pro 5 make you faster?
That has not been established by a representative independent race-time comparison in the cited material. adidas’ 9% energy-return figure is a manufacturer claim; it is not an estimate of seconds saved or a promise of faster marathon times. Shoe-test measurements can describe a measured property, but they cannot by themselves determine an individual race outcome.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Shoes with LightstrikePro cushioning for ultra-light comfort with energy return.
- Regular fit
- Lace closure
- Engineered mesh upper
- ADIZERO EVA sockliner
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
