Adidas Running Shoes Praised by Runners World Testers
Runners World has highlighted seven Adidas running shoes based on extensive testing, naming the Adizero Evo SL as the best overall.
Runners World has selected seven Adidas running shoes for training and racing, based on hundreds of miles of testing by its gear team and over 300 local wear-testers. The publication's September 2026 editor's note states several models are currently on sale, including the Supernova Prima 2 with up to 40% off on Amazon.
The brand's credibility is underscored by its athletes' performances, including two sponsored runners breaking two hours at the London Marathon. Marathon winner Sebastian Sawe, second-place finisher Yomif Kejelcha, and women's division winner Tigst Assefa all wore the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3.
Top Picks by Category
The publication's gear team categorized its top Adidas selections based on fit, comfort, and ride.
| Category | Shoe Model |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | Adidas Adizero Evo SL |
| Best Super Trainer | Adidas Hyperboost Edge |
| Best for Stability | Adidas Ultraboost 5X |
| Best for Speedwork | Adidas Supernova Rise 3 |
| Best Lightweight Stability | Adidas Supernova Prima 2 |
| Best for Racing | Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 5 |
| Best Hybrid | Adidas Adizero Evo SL ATR |
Detailed Shoe Reviews
The Adizero Evo SL was named Shoe of the Year in the publication's 2025 Shoe Awards. Runner-in-Chief Jeff Dengate reportedly claimed he would eat the shoe if a better one came along. Testers praised its versatility, responsive super foam, and affordable price for use as a lightweight everyday trainer or speedwork shoe.
Tester Eileen Cody said she was "pleasantly surprised by this shoe," liking its pep on tempo repeats and supportive cushioning for daily training. A minor noted drawback was a tongue that could bunch up or twist during a run.
The Hyperboost Edge features a 45 mm stack height but remains surprisingly lightweight. Adidas told the publication it aimed to disrupt the market with a bold concept. The shoe uses Hyperboost Pro foam, a pelleted PEBA material tuned for everyday use to provide a bouncy, high-rebound ride.
Tester Gregory Jaindl favored the midsole feeling, which led to a smooth, cushioned, yet responsive ride suitable for easy runs and picking up the pace.
The Ultraboost 5X is an uncaged version of the Ultraboost 5, making it lighter. It uses a Lightboost midsole and includes Adidas's torsion system for support. Testers used it for daily workouts and recovery runs, appreciating the knit upper's comfort.
Tester Julian Caiazzo, trying his first Adidas shoe, was impressed with the overall quality and responsive feel of the Light Boost midsole.
Technical Updates and Racing Models
The Supernova Rise 3 now has a wider midfoot. Adidas added 1 mm of foam in the heel and 3 mm in the forefoot, changing the offset from 10 mm to 8 mm for better shock absorption. Its PEBA-based Dreamstrike+ midsole aims for a responsive ride for faster efforts.
The Supernova Prima 2, a stability trainer, features a new woven upper for more airflow. Its straight support rods, visible on the shoe's bottom, are designed to help guide the foot for runners who overpronate.
For racing, the Adizero Adios Pro 5 incorporates learnings from the elite Adios Pro Evo 3. It has a new carbon rim that replaces previous energy rods for propulsion and acts as a stabilizer. The Lightstrike Pro foam has been refined to be slightly firmer and snappier.
Jeff Dengate noted the Pro 5's significant weight reduction, stating his size 12 weighs 7.3 ounces, an ounce lighter than the previous version. He said this puts it on par with competitors like the Puma Fast-R 3, Asics Metaspeed Sky/Edge, and Nike Vaporfly 4.
Dengate also famously modified his own Adizero Evo SL by replacing its outsole with a Vibram one from a Merrell shoe after running 450 miles in it.
