adidas Adizero Adios Pro 5 vs Nike Vaporfly 4

Two top-rated carbon marathon racers. The Adios Pro 5 is softer, more forgiving and stable late in a race; the Vaporfly is lighter, lower and punchier at toe-off.

By the RunShoeRotation team. Written October 2026; specs, scores and prices updated October 2026. How we compare shoes.

Which should you buy?

Choose the Adizero Adios Pro 5 if you want a stable, cushioned marathon racer with a natural feel, for £20 less.

Choose the Vaporfly 4 if you want the lightest, most aggressive feel for 10K to marathon.

The Adizero Adios Pro 5 is 10 g heavier than the Vaporfly 4. It has 4 mm more foam under the heel. Its drop is 4 mm against 6 mm. It costs £20 less at full price.

Side by side

SpecAdizero Adios Pro 5adidasVaporfly 4Nike
Review score94/100 (1 review)95/100 (2 reviews)
TypeRace dayRace day
Weight (men's UK 8.5)176 g166 g
Heel stack39 mm35 mm
Drop4 mm6 mm
CushioningSoftBalanced
BounceSpringySpringy
PlateCarbon plateCarbon plate
SupportNeutralNeutral
FitRuns smallTrue to size
Widthsstandardstandard
Waterproof versionNoNo
UK RRP£220£240

Weights are for a men's US 9 / UK 8.5. Prices are UK RRPs; shops often sell for less.

What the critics say

Adizero Adios Pro 5

  • Very light with smooth, consistent bounce at race pace
  • Stable and protective late in a marathon
  • Breathable, comfortable upper and lace-lock laces
  • Less punchy toe-off than stiffer plated racers
  • Narrow, tapered forefoot and some heel rubbing

Scores from RunRepeat.

Vaporfly 4

  • Soft, springy, speed-friendly cushioning
  • Locked-in upper that helps you push
  • Snappy plate at toe-off
  • Unstable at the heel
  • Heel hold could be better

Scores from RunRepeat, Road Trail Run.

Paraphrased from published reviews.

What's new in each

adidas Adizero Adios Pro 5: EnergyRods replaced by a carbon-infused EnergyRim, a revised Lightstrike Pro blend with extra forefoot foam, a lighter Lightlock 2.0 upper with sawtooth laces, and roughly 12% less weight.

Nike Vaporfly 4: About 10% lighter than the Vaporfly 3, with a lower 6 mm drop, a reworked carbon plate, a snugger upper and more outsole rubber up front. Same ZoomX foam.

Prices for the Adizero Adios Pro 5 Prices for the Vaporfly 4

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