6 Best Adidas Running Shoes in 2026
Very few brands carry the same global recognition as adidas.
Founded in Germany in 1949 by Adolf Dassler, adidas has been at the forefront of sports innovation for decades, producing footwear trusted by elite athletes and everyday runners alike.
In the running world, adidas has carved out a strong reputation for performance-driven design, particularly through its Adizero range.
The brand has consistently pushed the boundaries of speed with lightweight materials, responsive foams and carbon-infused propulsion systems.
At the same time, it’s developed more accessible daily trainers through its Supernova line, ensuring runners of all abilities can benefit from its technology.
Today, adidas running shoes are known for combining race-day performance with everyday usability, making them a popular choice for runners who want both speed and reliability.
Chapters
- Key Features of Adidas Running Shoes
- Best Adidas Running Shoes in 2026
- 1. Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4
- 2. Adidas Adizero Boston 13
- 3. Adidas Adizero Evo SL
- 4. Adidas Supernova Rise 2
- 5. Adidas Supernova Rise 3
- 6. Adidas Supernova Prima 2
- Key Takeaways
- Editor’s Pick
- Need help choosing the right Adidas running shoes?
Key Features of Adidas Running Shoes
Foam
adidas uses a range of foam technologies, with Lightstrike and Lightstrike Pro forming the backbone of its performance models.
Lightstrike Pro is the brand’s premium foam, designed to deliver a soft yet highly responsive ride.
It’s commonly used in racing shoes and faster trainers, where energy return is critical.
Lightstrike, on the other hand, offers a slightly firmer and more stable feel, often used in daily trainers or hybrid models.
Together, these foams create a balance between cushioning and responsiveness, allowing runners to move efficiently across different paces.
Energyrods
Energyrods are one of adidas’ most distinctive innovations.
Instead of using a single carbon plate, adidas incorporates rod-like structures that mirror the bones of the foot.
In practice, these rods help guide the foot through a more natural stride while still providing a propulsive push-off.
The result is a smoother transition and improved running efficiency, particularly at faster speeds.
Best Adidas Running Shoes in 2026
1. Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4
Pros
- Exceptional energy return
- Designed for race-day performance
- Efficient at marathon pace
Cons
- Expensive
- Not suited to easy runs
Ideal For: Racing and long-distance performance
Weight: 210g (7.4oz)
Stack Height / Drop: 39mm heel / 33mm forefoot (6mm drop)
Price: £169.99
The Adios Pro 4 sits at the top of the adidas running lineup, built specifically for runners chasing personal bests.
On the road, it feels fast from the first stride.
The Lightstrike Pro foam provides a soft yet springy platform, while the Energyrods deliver a smooth forward motion that becomes more noticeable as the pace increases.
During longer runs at steady or marathon pace, the shoe feels efficient rather than aggressive, which helps conserve energy over distance.
What stands out most is how the shoe performs when fatigue sets in.
Even late into a long run, the cushioning continues to protect the legs, while the propulsion system keeps the stride feeling fluid.
This is not a shoe for casual jogging.
It’s designed for race day and faster sessions, where its performance benefits can be fully realised.
2. Adidas Adizero Boston 13
Pros
- Strong balance of cushioning and responsiveness
- Suitable for faster training
- Durable for regular use
Cons
- Firmer ride than some daily trainers
- Takes time to feel comfortable
Ideal For: Tempo runs and structured training
Weight: 267g (9.4oz)
Stack Height / Drop: 38mm heel / 30mm forefoot (8mm drop)
Price: £79.49
The Boston 13 is designed as a “super trainer”, sitting between everyday shoes and race-day models.
During testing, it feels noticeably firmer than highly cushioned daily trainers, but that firmness translates into a more responsive ride.
The combination of Lightstrike and Lightstrike Pro foam, along with Energyrods, creates a shoe that performs best when the pace increases.
For tempo runs and long progression runs, the Boston 13 offers a controlled, efficient feel that encourages consistency.
It’s less forgiving at slower paces, but runners who enjoy a slightly firmer platform will appreciate the stability it provides.
Over time, the shoe becomes more comfortable as it breaks in, making it a reliable option for structured training plans.
3. Adidas Adizero Evo SL
Pros
- Lightweight and highly versatile
- Smooth, responsive ride
- Suitable for a wide range of runs
Cons
- Less support for overpronators
- Not as cushioned as max-stack shoes
Ideal For: Daily training and faster efforts
Weight: 224g (7.9oz)
Stack Height / Drop: 36mm heel / 28mm forefoot (8mm drop)
Price: £109.99
The Adizero Evo SL is one of the most versatile shoes in the adidas range.
It feels lighter and more flexible than the Boston, making it easier to use across different types of runs.
Whether heading out for an easy 5K or picking up the pace for a tempo session, the Evo SL adapts well.
The midsole provides enough cushioning for comfort, but retains a lively feel that keeps the run engaging.
This makes it particularly appealing for runners who prefer a natural-feeling shoe that still delivers some responsiveness.
It may not have the aggressive propulsion of plated models, but its versatility makes it one of the most practical options for everyday training.
4. Adidas Supernova Rise 2
Pros
- Comfortable for daily use
- Stable and easy to run in
- Good for beginners
Cons
- Lacks responsiveness
- Not suited to faster paces
Ideal For: Easy runs and daily mileage
Weight: 278g (9.8oz)
Stack Height / Drop: 36mm heel / 26mm forefoot (10mm drop)
Price: £99.99
The Supernova Rise 2 is built with comfort and simplicity in mind.
On the run, it feels stable and predictable, which makes it particularly suitable for newer runners or those returning to training.
The cushioning absorbs impact well, helping reduce strain during longer sessions.
However, it does not offer the same level of responsiveness as performance-focused models.
This means it’s best suited to easy runs rather than faster efforts.
For runners who want a reliable shoe that simply gets the job done without complication, the Supernova Rise 2 is a solid choice.
5. Adidas Supernova Rise 3
Pros
- Improved comfort over previous version
- Smooth and consistent ride
- Suitable for regular training
Cons
- Limited speed capability
- Slightly heavier feel
Ideal For: Daily training and steady runs
Weight: 285g (10.0oz)
Stack Height / Drop: 37mm heel / 27mm forefoot (10mm drop)
Price: £119.99
The Supernova Rise 3 builds on the foundation of the Rise 2, refining the overall comfort and ride quality.
In practice, it feels slightly smoother through the stride, with improved cushioning that makes longer runs more enjoyable.
The shoe remains focused on comfort rather than performance, which means it works best for steady-paced runs.
It’s not designed for speed, but it offers consistency, which many runners value when building weekly mileage.
6. Adidas Supernova Prima 2
Pros
- Comfortable cushioning
- Stable ride
- Suitable for everyday running
Cons
- Less exciting than performance models
- Not ideal for speed work
Ideal For: Everyday training
Weight: 290g (10.2oz)
Stack Height / Drop: 38mm heel / 28mm forefoot (10mm drop)
Price: £139.99
The Supernova Prima 2 is designed as a dependable everyday running shoe.
It delivers a comfortable and stable ride, making it suitable for a wide range of runners.
The cushioning feels consistent without being overly soft, which helps maintain control throughout the run.
While it lacks the performance edge of the Adizero range, it excels in providing a straightforward, reliable running experience.
For runners who prioritise comfort and durability over speed, the Prima 2 is a sensible choice.
Key Takeaways
adidas offers a focused but effective range of running shoes, with clear options for different types of runners.
- Best for racing: Adizero Adios Pro 4
- Best for faster training: Adizero Boston 13
- Most versatile: Adizero Evo SL
- Best for beginners: Supernova Rise 2
- Best for steady mileage: Supernova Rise 3
- Best everyday comfort: Supernova Prima 2
Editor’s Pick
Winner: Adidas Adizero EVO SL
If you are looking for one shoe that covers the widest range of running needs, the Adidas Adizero Evo SL stands out as the best overall option.
Its combination of lightweight design, versatility and responsive feel makes it suitable for everything from daily runs to faster efforts, offering excellent value for runners who want one shoe that can do it all.
Need help choosing the right Adidas running shoes?
Choosing the right running shoes can make a significant difference to your performance and comfort.
If you’re unsure which adidas model is best suited to your running style, feel free to get in touch.
We’re always happy to help you find the perfect pair so you can run with confidence and get the most out of every mile.