The supplied research includes official product details and reviewer summaries, but no direct head-to-head test. Prices and weights may refer to different markets and sample sizes.
Price and value
The adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 is the lower-priced option on the supplied launch-price figures.
The Nike Alphafly 4 is listed at £254.99 on the supplied Nike UK listing; review notes give a €280 price. No US$ figure for the Alphafly 4 was supplied. The adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 appears at £220 in a UK note and US$250–$255 in reviews; no € figure was supplied. These are reported launch/listing prices, not verified current prices.
On those figures, the Adios Pro 4 is the more straightforward value choice for a runner who wants a high-performance marathon shoe while spending less. The Alphafly 4’s case is its updated foam and Air Zoom system, lighter reported weight and redesigned Flyplate; the supplied material does not establish that these changes make it better value for every runner.
Ride and propulsion
The Nike Alphafly 4 and adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 use different systems to create a fast race-day ride.
The Nike Alphafly 4 combines ZoomX and ZoomX LT foam with Air Zoom pods and a full-length carbon Flyplate. Nike’s design changes aim for a softer, more responsive ride and smoother toe-off. In the supplied wear-test notes, one reviewer found it softer than the Alphafly 3 and described a smooth transition after break-in. That reviewer also warned that heel strikers may feel the heel bottom out, suggesting the shoe may suit midfoot or forefoot runners better.
The adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 pairs Lightstrike Pro foam with carbon-infused EnergyRods. Reviewers describe it as bouncy and responsive, with 60% rocker geometry helping create quick turnover at faster paces. One review notes that the rocker works best when running fast, so the shoe may feel less natural if you want a super shoe for slower everyday miles.
The Alphafly 4 may appeal if you want pronounced forefoot cushioning and a propulsive feel. The Adios Pro 4 may suit you if you like a fast, springy ride and want to keep the purchase price lower.
Stability and traction over marathon distance
Nike widened and retuned the Alphafly 4’s carbon Flyplate, with the stated aim of improving stability as fatigue builds late in a race. Review notes describe a more stable platform, but the softer foam may not feel supportive to every heel striker. Its minimal outsole helps reduce weight; the research also flags exposed heel foam as a possible durability concern for runners who land heavily at the rear.
The Adios Pro 4’s EnergyRods sit within a responsive Lightstrike Pro midsole. Reviewers praise its Continental rubber patches for grip through wet sections and tight corners. The notes also mention that the carved midfoot can feel less supportive if a runner’s form deteriorates significantly, so traction and overall stability are separate considerations.
Neither shoe is shown by the supplied evidence to be universally more stable. Your footstrike, running form and how each shoe feels underfoot should guide that choice.
Fit, sizing and who each shoe suits
The Alphafly 4’s sizing advice is mixed. One tester found the sample short and recommended true to size; another source advises considering a half-size up because of a snug toe box. Try it on with your race socks and check for enough toe room before committing to marathon distance.
The Adios Pro 4 also gets mixed fit feedback. Several reviewers say it runs long, while other notes praise its secure midfoot and accommodating toe box. The available research does not establish one sizing rule that will suit every foot shape, so check the fit in person if possible.
Choose the Nike Alphafly 4 if…
Choose the Nike Alphafly 4 if you are drawn to a soft, energetic forefoot, want Nike’s updated Air Zoom pods and Flyplate, and expect to run primarily at race pace.
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Choose the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 if…
Choose the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 if a lower reported launch price, lively turnover and wet-road grip matter most to you.
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Final Verdict
Choose the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 if you want the lower-priced option on the supplied launch figures, a responsive race-day ride and reviewer-praised Continental rubber traction.
Choose the Nike Alphafly 4 if you specifically want its soft, propulsive forefoot, updated Air Zoom pods and wider Flyplate. The supplied research does not establish a direct performance advantage that would make its higher reported price worthwhile for everyone.
For a lower-cost race shoe with lively response and strong traction, choose the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4. For the updated Nike cushioning and propulsion system, choose the Nike Alphafly 4—provided the fit and ride suit you.
Frequently asked questions
Which shoe is better value?
The adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 has the lower reported UK launch price (£220 versus £254.99 for the Nike Alphafly 4). Prices vary by source and may have changed, so check the current listings. The better value for you also depends on fit and preferred ride.
Which shoe is faster?
The supplied notes do not include a direct head-to-head race or lab test, so they cannot establish which shoe is faster. Both are designed for racing; choose based on the ride and fit that work for you.
Which is better for heel strikers?
One Alphafly 4 tester warned that heel strikers may feel the heel bottom out. The supplied Adios Pro 4 notes do not provide a direct heel-striker comparison. Try both at race pace and assess how secure they feel as you tire.
Which shoe is lighter?
Reported weights depend on sample size: the Alphafly 4 is listed at about 208 g for UK men’s 9, while the Adios Pro 4 is reported at about 200 g in US men’s 9 and UK 8.5/US 9.5 samples. Those figures are not a matched-size comparison.
Which has better grip on wet roads?
Reviewers praised the Adios Pro 4’s Continental rubber patches for wet-road grip and cornering. The supplied research does not include a direct wet-grip comparison with the Nike Alphafly 4.