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
| Spec | Adizero Adios Pro 5adidas | Vaporfly 4Nike |
|---|---|---|
| Review score | 94/100 (1 review) | 95/100 (2 reviews) |
| Type | Race day | Race day |
| Weight (men's UK 8.5) | 176 g | 166 g |
| Heel stack | 39 mm | 35 mm |
| Drop | 4 mm | 6 mm |
| Cushioning | Soft | Balanced |
| Bounce | Springy | Springy |
| Plate | Carbon plate | Carbon plate |
| Support | Neutral | Neutral |
| Fit | Runs small | True to size |
| Widths | standard | standard |
| Waterproof version | No | No |
| 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
More comparisons
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