Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Review

Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Review

Editors Note: Interested in the Adizero Adios Pro 2? Visit our review here.

While Adidas released their recent (there are previous ones from many years ago) carbon fiber shoe, the Adidas Adizero Pro (REVIEW), the release of their "Super Shoe" has been hotly anticipated. The small initial release came through a lottery system, which I failed to be selected for. Determined to get my hands on a pair as a gift to myself for finishing the first year of a full time PhD program, I managed to get one through StockX. After almost a month of waiting, they arrived. As a lover of the Adizero Pro, I was hoping this shoe would redeem the disappointment of the Adios 5 (REVIEW). For those wondering, the Adios Pro does not redeem the series as it is such a different shoe now. What you see is a uniquely plated training shoe companion to the Adizero Pro unless you are an elite athlete. The Adios Pro is a high stack height, super stable (almost feels like it belongs in a stability shoe category), but still adequately cushioned (unlike the Brooks Hyperion Elite) lightweight trainer/marathon racing shoe with a very unique plate(s) design.

Xtep 160X Knit Multi-Tester Review

Xtep 160X Knit Multi-Tester Review

Chinese companies have begun to release their own special foam/carbon fiber plated marathon racers. Prototypes of the neon yellow Li-Ning Feidian or "Boom" shoe was something I saw early on, but had difficulty finding a safe place to buy from. Then came another brand, Xtep, that I was previously unfamiliar with. At the end of 2019, they released a marathon racing shoe called the 160X. A mesh version was originally present, but I was unable to find my size (44). Finally, I found a pair of the new knit version, which seems to be following the trajectory of the Nike Vaporfly series. A month later with back and forth calls with customs, the Xtep 160X Knit finally arrived for me to run in. After some fast miles in these, here are my thoughts.

Atreyu Review: Voyager

Atreyu Voyager Review

After a long wait the Atreyu brand brings their shoes to the market! With an interesting low cost minimalist approach to creating shoes Atreyu is attempting to shake up the running industry. This is the first ever subscription running shoe service (to my knowledge) where recurring purchases are $55, solo purchase $95. At only 6 ounces the shoe is very fun and feels light under feet when running. It goes back to the basics in a time when every other company is going more complex.

Reebok Floatride Energy Symmetros Multiple Tester Review

Reebok Floatride Energy Symmetros Multiple Tester Review

     The Reebok Floatride Energy Symmetros continues a daily training line with the same foam in the beloved Reebok Floatride Energy 2.0. The Symmetros features a largely beveled heel with a mesh upper and in incredibly fluid ride throughout. We don't have specific stack measurements, but the Symmetros appears to have a higher stack than the FFE 2.0 for a little more protection and high durability while still keeping the weight down. (Update: we recently reached out to Reebok who provided us with their measured stack height, which is listed below).

Mizuno Wave Rider 24 Waveknit Multiple Tester Review

Mizuno Wave Rider 24 Waveknit Multiple Tester Review

The Mizuno Wave Rider 24 WaveKnit is a continuation of the deeply successful daily trainer line with some pretty large improvements to the midsole, fit, and upper of the shoe. The new Mizuno Wave Rider 24 is the first trainer to feature their new foam compound Enerzy. The Enerzy foam is utilized as a heel wedge that extends into the front of the midfoot. For being a big change it improves the Wave Rider in every way and gives it a very fun ride while not sacrificing the workhorse aspect of it at all.

Mizuno Wave Rider 24 Mesh Multiple Tester Review

Mizuno Wave Rider 24 Mesh Multiple Tester Review

The Mizuno Wave Rider has been around for a long time, and this year the shoe receives a masterful update that could be considered an overhaul. This version of the Wave Rider sports new foam technology, modifications to the wave plate, and a new outsole design that will keep the "Wave Rider faithful" happy while also making the shoe more accessible for those who previously averse to the wave plate feel. Welcome to the new era of the Wave Rider, a continued contender for best workhorse trainer.

Hoka Rincon 2 Multiple Tester Review

Hoka Rincon 2 Multiple Tester Review

As the Clifton has continued to gain weight, Hoka fans continually called for a lightweight maximalist Hoka (that wasn't a racing flat like the Carbon Rocket). Thus emerged the Hoka Rincon (REVIEW) last year: a lightweight but max cushioned shoe that could handle both long and fast miles. The shoe the Clifton tried but failed to be, version 2 returns as primarily an upper update. However, on foot it feels like a few other things have subtly changed. Others meanwhile have stayed the same.

Newton Fate 6 Multiple Tester Review

Newton Fate 6 Multiple Tester Review

     Unique for their Action/Reaction Technology utilizing lugs in the forefoot for energy return and and smooth transitions Newton brings the updated Newton Fate 6 to the table. This specific model is the Newton model they advise as the shoe to buy for those new to running in Newton footwear.

Saucony Triumph 18 Multiple Tester Review

Saucony Triumph 18 Multiple Tester Review

While some companies have anxiously put their new foams into their racing shoes, few have applied the things learned in recent years to all parts of their running. Saucony is one of the few that has done this. With a brand new Endorphin Series (Endorphin Shift Review, Endorphin Speed Review, Endorphin Pro Review) for speedy days and a redesigned set of trainers (Ride 13 Review, Guide 13 Review, Hurricane 22 Review), Saucony has made a strong effort with new foams and designs to create a set of strong offers. The new Triumph 18 continues the trend with a super smooth redesigned upper and the bouncy PWRUN+ foam that makes the run far lighter than its listed weight. Another strong contender for trainer of the year, the Saucony Triumph 18 is an awesome update well worth checking out.