Brand: adidas

Model: adizero Pro

Key Features: For the first time ever, adidas’ LIGHTSTRIKE midsole technology — one of the lightest TPU foams on the market — is used on a running shoe. It is combined with Boost at the heel. A carbon plate is sandwiched between the midsole and the sock liner, as has become standard in the performance running industry.

Release Date: April 1 (pre-release), May 15 (global)

Price: $200

Buy: adidas and select retailers

Editor’s Notes: Last week, adidas unveiled the adizero Pro, a shoe it is calling its fastest-ever distance runner. The sneaker features a host of proprietary adidas technologies, including two different midsole cushioning, a carbon fibre plate, a Continental rubber outsole, and a newly-engineered mesh upper.

It was designed in part by longtime adidas collaborator Yoshitori Omori, who carved the last for the adizero Pro in his workshop in Japan.

The adidas adizero Pro is the brand’s attempt to join the global running arms race to create the fastest marathon sneaker. Nike’s premiere running, the Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT%, recently came under scrutiny and was briefly in danger of being banned. Other brands have also announced premier marathon runners, including HOKA ONE ONE’s Carbon X and Saucony’s Endorphin Pro.

Marathon world record holder Mary Keitany, who tested the shoe during her training camp in Kenya, said: “For me, the adizero Pro provides that peace of mind I need when I block everything out and get that tunnel vision. I know that every time I put them on, I’m guaranteed lightweight speed and comfort across serious mileage.”

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