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adidas Running Shoes (2026): Which of the 11 to Choose
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adidas makes a shoe for almost everything, but the names are confusing: Adizero, Supernova, Ultraboost, Lightstrike Pro, Dreamstrike+... It is easy to pick wrong, like a super shoe for slow miles or a basic trainer for a marathon. Here we sort the 11 running models on adidas.es by use: racing, tempo, daily training, beginners and gravel. Prices from adidas.es (Spain) on October 12, 2026.
How we compared
- Use: racing, intervals and tempo, daily runs, beginner or gravel.
- Foam: Lightstrike Pro for speed, Dreamstrike+ and Boost for comfort.
- Weight and drop: lighter for speed, more drop for easier transitions.
- Plate or rods: only worth it at fast paces.
- Actual price on adidas.es, including sales.
Quick comparison
| Shoe | Price | Weight / drop | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adizero Adios Pro 5 | €260 | 177 g / 4 mm | Racing (marathon) |
| Adizero EVO SL | €150 | 224 g / 6.5 mm | Tempo and fast daily runs |
| Adizero Boston 13 | €112 | 255 g / 6 mm | Tempo and long runs |
| Adizero Adios 9 | €109.20 | 176 g / 7 mm | Intervals, 5K and 10K |
| Adizero SL2 | €130 | 238 g / 9 mm | Fast daily runs |
| Supernova Rise 3 | €105 | 264 g / 8 mm | Easy and long runs |
| Supernova Glide | €91 | Not published | Daily runs and beginners |
| Ultraboost 5x | €126 | ~272 g / 10 mm | Easy runs and everyday wear |
| Response 2 | €52.50 | ~301 g / 8 mm | Beginners |
| Duramo SL 2 | €47.60 | Not published | Beginners and gym |
| Adizero EVO SL All Terrain | €160 | ~263 g / n/a | Gravel, rain and dirt paths |
adidas foams, explained
Lightstrike Pro is adidas' race foam: light and very bouncy. It is in the Adios Pro 5, EVO SL and Adios 9, and blended with other foams in the Boston 13 and SL2. In the Adios Pro 5 it comes in two layers: PEBA on top and A-TPU below.
Lightstrike 2.0 is firmer and more durable. adidas uses it as a frame or support layer alongside Lightstrike Pro to add stability and extend the shoe's life, as in the Boston 13 and SL2.
Dreamstrike+ is the comfort foam in the Supernova Rise line: soft and PEBA-based. The Supernova Glide uses plain Dreamstrike.
Boost is made of expanded TPU beads: very durable and springy, but heavier. The Ultraboost 5x uses Light Boost, its lightest version. Entry-level shoes use Cloudfoam (EVA) or Lightmotion.
Rods, rims and plates: what they do
Energyrods are carbon-infused rods shaped like the foot's bones. They stiffen the shoe for a quicker toe-off. The Boston 13 uses Energyrods 2.0.
The Adios Pro 5 swaps rods for the Energyrim, a carbon-infused rim around the midsole. The EVO SL, Adios 9 and SL2 have no plate.
Rule of thumb: plate or rods for racing and workouts, no plate for easy miles. If you run slower than about 9:40 per mile, they will not pay off.
Which line is for what
Racing: Adios Pro 5 (marathon and half) and Adios 9 (5K, 10K and track).
Tempo and intervals: Boston 13 or EVO SL.
Daily training: SL2 if you like a nimble ride; Supernova Rise 3 or Glide if you prefer comfort.
Beginners or tight budgets: Response 2 or Duramo SL 2.
Gravel and rain: EVO SL All Terrain. For technical trails, adidas has its Terrex line, which is not covered here.
1. Adizero Adios Pro 5
€260
For racing marathons and half marathons at PR pace.
Weight177 g (men's, per adidas)
Stack39 mm heel / 35 mm forefoot
FoamLightstrike Pro (PEBA + A-TPU)
StiffnessCarbon-infused Energyrim, no rods
Pros
- Very light for its stack: about 177 g with a 39 mm heel.
- Two-layer Lightstrike Pro: PEBA on top, A-TPU below, with lots of bounce.
- Debuts the Energyrim, a carbon-infused perimeter rim instead of rods.
Cons
- The priciest shoe here, and race foam wears out faster than training foam.
- 4 mm drop and a tall stack: it asks for strong calves and some technique.
2. Adizero EVO SL
€150
For runners who want race-shoe feel in daily training, without a plate.
Weight224 g (men's)
Stack38.5 mm heel / 32 mm forefoot
Drop6.5 mm
FoamLightstrike Pro, no plate
Pros
- Full Lightstrike Pro midsole, the same foam family as the Adios Pro.
- About 224 g with a 38.5 mm heel: light and well cushioned.
- Works for intervals, tempos and easy runs, even races if you skip the plate.
Cons
- No plate or rods: at race pace it propels less than an Adios Pro.
- Narrow base and little support for runners who overpronate.
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3. Adizero Boston 13
€112 (was €160)
For workouts and long runs in a stiff shoe that also racks up miles.
Weight255 g (men's)
Stack36 mm heel / 30 mm forefoot
Drop6 mm
Foam and rodsLightstrike Pro + Lightstrike 2.0, Energyrods 2.0
Pros
- Energyrods 2.0: carbon-infused rods for a firm, quick toe-off.
- Blends Lightstrike Pro (mostly in the forefoot) with more durable Lightstrike 2.0.
- At €112 on sale, a strong price for a rod-equipped tempo shoe.
Cons
- Heavier than the EVO SL at about 255 g.
- Firm ride; if you want softness on slow runs, a Supernova suits you better.
4. Adizero Adios 9
€109.20 (was €140)
For track sessions and short races, with ground feel and low weight.
Weight176 g (men's)
Stack28 mm heel / 21 mm forefoot
Drop7 mm
FoamLightstrike Pro, no plate
Pros
- 176 g: one of the lightest adidas shoes.
- Full-length Lightstrike Pro, but with a low stack and plenty of stability.
- Great for pace changes and track bends.
Cons
- Little cushioning (28 mm heel) for long runs or the marathon.
- No carbon plate: it is not a super shoe.
5. Adizero SL2
€130
For runners who want a nimble, versatile daily shoe for less than the EVO SL.
Weight238 g (men's, per adidas)
Stack35 mm heel / 26 mm forefoot
Drop9 mm
FoamLightstrike Pro + Lightstrike 2.0
Pros
- Lightstrike Pro core wrapped in Lightstrike 2.0: bounce with more durability.
- Light for a daily trainer: about 238 g.
- Handles easy runs, pace changes and your first workouts.
Cons
- Less stack and less bounce than the EVO SL.
- High drop (9 mm): not for runners who like flatter shoes.
6. Supernova Rise 3
€105 (was €150)
For logging lots of easy miles with a soft, stable ride.
Weight264 g (men's)
Stack36 mm heel / 28 mm forefoot
Drop8 mm
FoamDreamstrike+
Pros
- Dreamstrike+, a soft PEBA-based foam.
- 36 mm heel and a rocker shape: smooth transitions.
- At €105 on sale, one of the best buys here.
Cons
- 264 g: you feel it at fast paces.
- Not very snappy for workouts; that is the Boston 13's job.
7. Supernova Glide
€91 (was €130)
For newer runners who run several times a week and want a comfy, stable shoe.
FoamDreamstrike (full length)
OutsoleClear rubber
UpperMono-mesh
Pros
- Full-length Dreamstrike midsole: soft yet stable cushioning.
- Clear rubber outsole that grips on dry and wet roads.
- At €91 on sale, cheaper than the Rise 3.
Cons
- adidas does not publish weight, drop or stack.
- No premium foam: less bounce than the Rise 3 or EVO SL.
8. Ultraboost 5x
€126 (was €180)
For easy runs and everyday wear, if you want comfort and the Boost feel.
Weight~272 g (US 9)
Stack38 mm heel / 28 mm forefoot
Drop10 mm
FoamLight Boost, Continental outsole
Pros
- Light Boost: the lightest version of Boost foam.
- Continental rubber outsole with excellent grip.
- X-shaped Torsion piece in the midfoot adds stability.
Cons
- Heavy for fast running (about 272 g).
- Less bounce than Lightstrike Pro or Dreamstrike+.
9. Response 2
€52.50 (was €70)
For starting out at 2-3 runs a week on a small budget.
Weight~301 g (men's)
Drop8 mm
FoamCloudfoam (EVA)
InsoleOrthoLite
Pros
- EVA Cloudfoam: soft, simple cushioning.
- OrthoLite insole and breathable mesh upper.
- On sale at €52.50.
Cons
- Heavy at about 301 g.
- Basic foam that loses life sooner than premium foams.
10. Duramo SL 2
€47.60 (was €70)
For occasional runners, gym-goers or anyone after the cheapest adidas runner.
FoamLightmotion
UpperEngineered mesh
UseBeginner, 2-3 days a week
Pros
- The cheapest shoe here at €47.60.
- Lightmotion midsole, light and stable.
- Also works for the gym and everyday wear.
Cons
- adidas does not publish weight, drop or stack.
- Little cushioning for long runs.
11. Adizero EVO SL All Terrain
€160
For runners who mix pavement, dirt roads and rainy days in one shoe.
Weight~263 g (men's)
Stack40 mm heel / 33.5 mm forefoot
FoamLightstrike Pro
OutsoleContinental, 1.5 mm lugs
Pros
- The EVO SL ride with Lightstrike Pro and a 40 mm heel.
- Continental outsole with more coverage and forefoot lugs.
- Good for winter: wet roads, light mud and paths.
Cons
- Lugs are only 1.5 mm: not a technical trail shoe.
- Heavier than the EVO SL (about 263 g) and pricier.
Verdict
If you only buy one, the Supernova Rise 3 at €105 on sale is the smart pick for most runners: comfortable, stable and built for miles. For fast training, the Boston 13 at €112 is a bargain; the EVO SL is lighter and more fun, but costs €150. For marathon racing, get the Adios Pro 5. Beginners will be fine with the Response 2 or Duramo SL 2. And for gravel or rain, choose the EVO SL All Terrain.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best adidas running shoe?
It depends on use. For most people, the Supernova Rise 3 for easy runs and the EVO SL or Boston 13 for speed. For racing, the Adios Pro 5.
How many miles do adidas running shoes last?
As a guide, 300 to 500 miles. Race shoes with Lightstrike Pro tend to last less; those with Lightstrike 2.0, Boost or Continental rubber last longer.
What is the difference between the adidas EVO SL and Adios Pro 5?
Both use Lightstrike Pro, but the Adios Pro 5 adds the carbon-infused Energyrim and is lighter and taller. The EVO SL has no plate and handles daily training better.
Do adidas running shoes run small or large?
Training shoes usually fit true to size. Race shoes like the Adios Pro fit snugger: if you are between sizes, try a half size up.
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