I ran in Sabastian Sawe’s world-record-breaking running shoe. It’s fast, but only if you can maintain your locked-in form for 26 miles.Upon first glance, the lightness and comfort of the Pro Evo 3 carbon race shoe are striking. It’s a shoe that seems to mold to your foot, creating an immediate sense of belonging. The midsole is noticeably softer than its predecessor, the Pro Evo 2, and it exudes a playful, springy energy that is both fun and invigorating. The curved rocker, identical to the one found in the Pro Evo 2, propels you onto your forefoot, encouraging a swift foot turnover and a lively toe-off. The overall experience is smooth, light, and propulsive.
The increased softness of the shoe is palpable, which may not appeal to those who prefer a stiffer, snappier ride, such as the one offered by the Asics Metaspeed Edge or Sky Tokyo. However, the Pro Evo 3 strikes an impressive balance between cushioning and protection, particularly under the forefoot. It delivers the punchy response you’d expect from a top-tier carbon race shoe, making it a joy to wear.
The shoe truly shines when used at faster paces with a locked-in form, landing mid-to-forefoot with purpose. Yet, it’s surprisingly accommodating at slower paces as well. The energy rim provides some control over the high-compression midsole foam, making it versatile for different running styles. After a 40-minute treadmill run, my initial impression is that the Pro Evo 3, despite its lightweight design, should offer surprising protection, even during the grueling final miles of a marathon.
The Pro Evo 3 features a minimalistic, stripped-back engineered mesh upper, with an incredibly thin tongue and a scarcely padded heel collar and minimal heel counter. The upper draws inspiration from kite-surfing materials, making it more pliable than the Pro Evo 2’s upper. This results in a roomy, airy, and flexible feel, allowing your toes to flex freely. The shoe virtually disappears on your foot, creating a barely-there sensation. However, I have reservations about its ability to provide adequate support during tight turns.
When Adidas first introduced the Pro Evo race shoes, I was taken aback by the hefty price tag. It’s a significant investment for any shoe. While previous versions of the Pro Evo didn’t impress me, the Pro Evo 3 feels genuinely groundbreaking. However, I remain skeptical that the majority of runners truly need a $500 shoe.
As a 66-time marathon finisher, I can attest that personal records can be shattered in much more affordable shoes. They don’t even need to be carbon-plate shoes. The size of the investment should give most of us pause. The Adidas Pro Evo 3 is designed with a specific runner in mind: fast forefoot strikers who can maintain their form. This certainly doesn’t apply to everyone.
If you fit this profile and have the pace and disposable income, the Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3 could be worth considering. It feels like the real deal. However, getting your hands on a pair might prove challenging. Only a few pairs are available in a very limited first run, with more expected to arrive in the fall.