Adidas Adios Pro 3 vs Adios Pro 2: Battle of Best Adios

The Adios Pro series is Adidas’s top-notch performer in the running shoe world.

Due to its popularity among professional athletes and regular runners, Adidas brought Adios Pro 3 to pursue perfection.

As a proud owner of Adios Pro 3 and its predecessor, Pro 2, I will compare the design, comfort, performance changes, etc, between the two.

Without further ado, let’s jump in.

Overview of Adidas Adios Pro 2 and Adios Pro 3

The Adidas Adios Pro series earned a notable reputation for delivering speed, comfort, and durability.

The Adios Pro 2 was released in 2021 and has lost 0.4 oz weight to its predecessor.

The EnergyRods technology in the midsole, Celermesh upper, Continental Rubber on the outsole, etc., offers elite performance.

The Adios Pro 2 became a top choice among runners who want speed and a competitive edge.

The Adidas Adios Pro 3 also delivers speed and the latest innovation.

Adidas released Adios Pro 3 in 2022 with an upgraded midsole and improved outsole for excellent traction.

It’s a perfect choice for those willing to take their running performance to the next level.

Attribute Comparison Table: Adidas Adios Pro 3 vs. Adios Pro 2

Adidas Adios Pro 2 and 3 come from the same Adizero Adios Pro series. However, various features like the upper design, sole constructions, weight, sizing, price, etc, differ from each other.

Follow the below comparison table for quick difference highlights between the Adidas Adios Pro 2 and 3.

Now, dive into the detailed comparisons.

Key Differences Between Adidas Adios Pro 3 and Adios Pro 2

The Adidas Adios Pro 3 brings notable upgrades compared to the Pro 2.

The redesigned and improved upper construction, midsole technology, and outsole design got some changes. But Adios Pro 2 has also not fallen behind.

Here are the main differences between Adidas Adios Pro 3 and Adios Pro 2:

1. Upper Construction: Design & Materials

Both Adios Pro 3 and 2 have Celermesh upper. But they have some design changes to stand out from each other.

The Adios Pro 3 has a spacious forefoot, providing excellent fit.

However, the heel, midfoot, and toe box feature a narrow profile.

I found the upper inside and cushioning pad were somewhat rough textures that bit my socks. I would not advise wearing expensive socks with it.

The interior cushioned pads serve the dual function of ensuring comfort and securing the heel, as it lacks a traditional heel counter.

Though the tongue is perforated, it’s not gusseted. Despite the tongue’s thinness, I didn’t feel the lacing pressure, and it didn’t even slide.

I was able to do a runner’s knot. However, the laces seemed short. I’d prefer slightly longer laces.

On the other hand, the Adios Pro 2 features high breathability and a lightweight design with its Celermesh 2.0 upper.

The tongue is flat and wide without any perforation, like the Pro 3. It is sewn on both sides to the eyestay to prevent tongue slide.

The spacious toe box, midfoot, and lightly padded heel tab with inner collar pods provided a snug fit, and I didn’t feel any heel slippage.

I liked the Adios Pro 3 upper over the Pro 2 due to the broader forefoot, durability, and sleek aesthetics.

2. Sole Technology

The soles play a crucial role in running shoes. A propulsive and comfortable sole can make or break the deal when picking a running shoe.

Insole

The OrthoLite sockliner in the Adios Pro 3 insole is glued on. So, it’s kind of non-removable unless you try to rip the insole out.

I wouldn’t recommend changing a custom one inside it. One of my friend’s coaches told him to put another insole, and he ended up with grazed toes doing so.

Conversely, Adios Pro 2 has a die-cut cushioned insole with blown EVA foam.

It doesn’t offer cushioning softness due to the thin construction. Similar to the Adios Pro 3, it is also attached to the lasting lightly. However, it was easy to remove.

Midsole

The midsole geometry’s efficiency is remarkable on the Adios Pro 3, and I enjoyed the long ride.

You may ask, does Adios Pro 3 have carbon plates?

The Adios Pro 3 sets itself apart by featuring a midsole with embedded carbon rods rather than utilizing a carbon fiber plate.

Adios Pro 3 has EnergyRod 2.0 (carbon rods) throughout the shoe length. The vertically and independently moving rods provided a unique experience.

Along with the two Lightstrike Pro foam, it delivers a firm ride and exceptional energy return. My legs constantly feel refreshed after running.

On the contrary, Adios Pro 2 uses stiff carbon rods within the midsole instead of rigid carbon plates like other racers.

Though the Lightstrike Pro in the midsole isn’t the softest, lightest, or most energy-returning foam, it performs very well in various aspects.

The carbon plate in the heel and carbon energy rods in the midfoot/forefoot offer stability and stiffness. That is where you will find the difference between Adizero Takumi Sen 8 and Adios Pro 2.

Outsole

Adidas used Continental rubber in the outsole for Adios Pro 2 and 3.

Adidas Pro 2 features tough Continental rubber on the toe area. However, a modified, thinner Continental material protects the majority of the forefoot and rearfoot.

In my test, the outsole delivered fantastic traction.

I liked the cutout it has, as it lets you visually and tactilely experience its carbon EnergyRods. It also reduces some weight.

On the other hand, Adios Pro 3’s outsole received additional protection to enhance its durability, which was lacking in the predecessor.

Though the outsole features more rubber in the midfoot area, the majority of the outsole is still thin and rough-textured rubber.

Initially, the grip was excellent. However, the traction significantly diminished after prolonged running periods due to the smooth surfaces.

Regarding soles, I liked the Adios Pro 3 more due to the improvement compared to the Adios Pro 2.

3. Fit and Sizing

I ordered my Adidas Adios Pro 3 in size 9, and it was a perfect fit without any excessive length issues.

So, is Adios Pro 3 true to size?

Yes, the true-to-size of the Adios Pro 3 offered a tighter and locked-down fit that you want for fast-paced running.

The roomy toe box had enough wiggle room for me.

However, one of my friends with his big toe found the stiffer front section uncomfortable.

Another noticeable change I found is an adjustable flap at the heel.

It works like a pull tab, which you can flip up or down depending on how you want it to fit around your Achilles.

In contrast, the size 9 was slightly tall on my feet. Some users also mentioned this, which concludes that Adios Pro 2 runs half size big.

Though the extra length was triggering slight heel slippage, after well locking, it went away.

Unlike Adios Pro 3, you can wear the Adios Pro 2 without a sock. However, the Achilles notch caused a slight rubbing.

Due to the sizing issue, I would give the win to the Adios Pro 3 over Pro 2.

4. Comfort and Stability

When it comes to comfort and stability, both shoes are amazing.

The thicker Lightstrike Pro midsole offers excellent cushioning, energy return, and better shock absorption.

I was able to run longer distances with a comfortable and springy ride.

The upper offers a snug feel without sacrificing breathability.

However, on the Pro 2, I found it warmer on the summer days, which was not an issue on the Adios Pro 3.

In the Adios Pro 3, the outsole and shoe shape are wider than the Pro 2, creating a broad platform. The carbon rods also provide stability.

The Adios Pro 2 wasn’t that stable while running at easy paces, but it wasn’t that bad either.

In terms of overall comfort and support, the Adios Pro 3 takes the cake.

5. Performance and Durability

While it was already a good energy return system in the Adios Pro 2, Adidas took it to the next level in the Adios Pro 3.

The fine-tuning of Lightstrike Pro midsole and EnergyRods technology propels you forward and helps you maintain speed.

Moreover, the Adios Pro 3 features improved impact reduction and cushioning for absorbing shock and minimizing the impact on your joints.

It ensures a smoother ride without injury risk.

Both shoes also focused on lightweight and breathable materials.

You can push your limits without compromising comfort with the Adios Pro 3.

Regarding durability, how long does Adios Pro 3 last? Well, you can easily expect 160-175 miles from this pair of shoes.

But what about the Adios Pro 2 lasting?

It served me well even after 200+ miles. So you can at least expect that.

Overall, regarding performance and durability, Adios Pro 3 takes the win for upgraded features, improved performance, and sleek design.

6. Price and Value

Finally, the prices.

The Adios Pro 3 typically comes with around $250. It’s slightly higher than the Adios Pro 2’s $220 price tag.

Regarding values, as the prices are closer, it depends on the runner’s needs and preferences.

If you are a dedicated runner who wants every bit of performance upgrades, Adios Pro 3 is worth the value.

Conversely, if the Adios Pro 2 satisfies your criteria and you are short of a budget, it can deliver excellent value for your investment.

Overall, in this section, they are a tie.

Pros & Cons of Adidas Adios Pro 3 and Adidas Adios Pro 2

The Adidas Adios Pro 3 and Adios Pro 2 can stand out face-to-face with their unique features. Looking at the strengths and potential drawbacks helps to make an informed decision.

Here are the advantages and disadvantages of Adidas Adios Pro 3 and Adidas Adios Pro 2:

Adidas Adios Pro 3

Adidas Adios Pro 2

Adidas Adios Pro 3 or Adios Pro 2: Choosing the Perfect Adidas Adios Pro

The Adidas Adios Pro 3 and Adios Pro 2 are excellent choices for design, comfort, and performance-enhancing features.

Adios Pro 3 stands out with its exceptional upper, fit, comfort, and overall performance.

Meanwhile, Adios Pro 2 still holds its own as a reliable racing shoe.

Due to the availability issue of Adios Pro 2 and the extra edge Adios Pro 3 provides on the track, I loved the Pro 3 over the Pro 2.

FAQs

Is Adidas Adios Pro 3 good for everyday training runs?

I wouldn’t use the Adidas Adios Pro 3 as a daily trainer as it is primarily a racing shoe. The shoe design and materials are not suitable for high-mileage training runs. Instead, it is best to use it in faster runs.

Should you use the Adios Pro 3 for marathons?

You can use the Adios Pro 3 for the marathon and half marathon distances. The shoe design is versatile enough for a variety of runs.

Are there sizing fit differences between Adidas Adios Pro 3 and Adios Pro 2?

Though Adidas Adios Pro 3 and Pro 2 offer true-to-size, it is best to go a half size down for Adios Pro 2.