Adidas Running Shoes 2026 — The Complete Lineup Explained

Adidas has quietly built one of the most technically impressive running shoe lineups in the sport. Their Lightstrike Pro foam rivals any superfoam on the market, the Adios Pro line has paced world records, and their Dreamstrike+ daily trainers put real superfoam technology at a price most runners can actually afford.

I'll be upfront about something first. I've never raced or trained in a pair of Adidas, and the running store I worked at didn't even carry the brand. So you won't find personal mileage stories in this one. What I can give you is a coach's read on the technology itself: what each foam and plate setup actually does to your stride, and which runner each shoe is really built for. The lineup is dense too. Supernova Rise, Supernova Prima, Adizero SL, Adizero Evo SL, Boston, Takumi Sen, Adios Pro. What does each one actually do? Here's every Adidas running shoe in the Cadence catalog, organized from daily trainers to race day.

Understanding Adidas Foam Technology

Dreamstrike+: Adidas' PEBA-based superfoam for daily training. Soft, lively, and noticeably lighter than standard EVA. Used across the Supernova line for accessible superfoam performance.

Lightstrike Pro: Adidas' premium TPEE-based racing foam. Extremely lightweight and responsive, used in the Adizero line. Non-compression molded, which increases energy return and reduces weight compared to standard foam manufacturing.

Lightstrike 2.0: A durable EVA carrier foam used underneath Lightstrike Pro in training shoes for durability and structure.

LightBoost V2: The Ultraboost's updated Boost foam. Softer and more cushioned than standard Boost, with a comfortable, plush character.

EnergyRods: Glass fiber rods embedded in the midsole of Adizero performance shoes. They create propulsion and structure without a traditional carbon plate, giving a snappy, efficient toe-off.

Daily Trainers: The Supernova Family

Adidas Supernova Rise 3: The Everyday Workhorse

The Supernova Rise 3 is Adidas' most accessible daily trainer. It's 20% softer and 20% bouncier than the previous version, with a slightly taller stack and a full Dreamstrike+ midsole. It's a comfortable, reliable everyday shoe at a fair price. The Primeweave upper is breathable, though it doesn't feel as premium as what you get on the Prima 2. Worth knowing: some heel strikers report outsole wear in the lateral heel sooner than expected. The Lighttraxion outsole is lighter than Continental rubber, but it doesn't hold up as well in high-impact zones.

View Adidas Supernova Rise 3 specs on Cadence →

Adidas Supernova Prima 2: The Premium Daily Trainer

The Prima 2 is Adidas' best daily trainer, a real step up from the Rise 3 in stack height, foam quality, and upper refinement. The Dreamstrike+ foam is softer and more responsive through the forefoot than what you get in the Rise 3, full-length support rods keep transitions smooth, and the Primeweave upper with updated heel foam gives it a genuinely premium step-in feel. At $160, that's a fair price for what you're getting. This is the shoe I'd point someone toward for easy days and long runs.

View Adidas Supernova Prima 2 specs on Cadence →

Adidas Ultraboost 5X: The Comfort Option

The Ultraboost 5X has an increased stack height and updated LightBoost V2 foam, built for a soft, cushioned ride that prioritizes comfort over performance. The Continental rubber outsole grips well and holds up. The Mono Primeknit upper fits more like a sock than earlier versions. Reviewers are genuinely split on this one: some love it for easy miles and casual wear, others find it too soft and plush to take seriously as a training shoe. That's probably the right way to think about it. This is Adidas' most comfortable shoe, not their fastest one.

View Adidas Ultraboost 5X specs on Cadence →

Adidas Hyperboost Edge: The New Max Cushion Trainer

The Hyperboost Edge is Adidas' newest and most cushioned daily trainer. It's built on Hyperboost Pro, a pelletized supercritical EPEBA foam that gets close to Lightstrike Pro's energy return while being tuned for everyday comfort and durability instead of racing. The full-coverage Lighttraxion outsole grips well. The upper is where opinions split hard: some runners find the Primeweave with TPU overlays secure and premium, others find it unwearable for their foot shape. The midsole itself gets praised consistently as responsive and durable, so if the upper works for you, this is one of the most cushioned and energetic daily trainers Adidas makes.

View Adidas Hyperboost Edge specs on Cadence →

The Adizero Family: Performance Trainers and Racers

Adidas Adizero SL 2: The Lightweight Daily Trainer

The SL 2 is the entry point into the Adizero performance lineup. A full-length Lightstrike Pro midsole for $130 is exceptional value for superfoam in a daily trainer. It's lighter and snappier than anything in the Supernova line, with a more connected feel underfoot. It runs narrow, especially through the heel, so know that going in if you have a wider foot. This is probably the most versatile shoe in Adidas' whole lineup. Comfortable enough for easy miles, responsive enough to hold a moderate pace when you want to push a little.

View Adidas Adizero SL 2 specs on Cadence →

Adidas Adizero Evo SL: The Super Trainer

The Evo SL is inspired directly by the Adios Pro Evo race shoe, taking the same non-compression molded Lightstrike Pro foam and adapting it for daily training. The result is an incredibly light, bouncy super trainer with a nylon shank for structure instead of carbon rods. This shoe has developed a devoted following since its release and consistently ranks as one of the best super trainers on the market. It runs about half a size small, so size up.

View Adidas Adizero Evo SL specs on Cadence →

Adidas Adizero Evo SL EXO: The Upgraded Super Trainer

The EXO is the Evo SL with an upgraded exoskeleton upper. External TPU overlays wrap a woven shell for noticeably better lockdown and midfoot security when you're moving fast. The midsole is identical to the standard Evo SL. Same price, better fit if you found the regular Evo SL too loose through the midfoot. Go with the EXO if lockdown matters to you. Stick with the standard version if you'd rather have a more relaxed, roomier fit.

View Adidas Adizero Evo SL EXO specs on Cadence →

Adidas Adizero Boston 13: The Tempo Trainer

The Boston 13 is the classic Adidas performance trainer. Lower stack, firmer feel, and glass fiber EnergyRods that create a snappy, propulsive ride built for faster paces. Where the Evo SL is bouncy and plush, the Boston is firm and purposeful. This is the shoe for someone who wants a dedicated tempo trainer that can handle everything from 5K efforts to long marathon-pace runs. It fits snug and runs about half a size small, so size up.

View Adidas Adizero Boston 13 specs on Cadence →

Race Shoes

Adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 11: The 5K/10K Racer

The Takumi Sen 11 bridges the gap between the flat-profile Adios 9 and the marathon-focused Adios Pro 4. It's tuned primarily for 5K and 10K racing, with a more aggressive rocker than the previous version for quicker turnover, dual Lightstrike Pro layers, and glass fiber EnergyRods for propulsion. Reviewers regularly put it up against the Nike Vaporfly for shorter distances, and some runners prefer it out to the half marathon. Running Warehouse named it their Best Running Shoe of 2026. At this price point, it's a standout.

View Adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 11 specs on Cadence →

Adidas Adizero Adios 9: The Racing Flat

The Adios 9 is Adidas' most minimal race shoe. A razor-thin flat with full Lightstrike Pro foam and a nylon shank for flexibility. For the first time in the Adios line, there's zero Lightstrike 2.0 in it. It's pure superfoam throughout, which means you get to feel the ground while still getting real energy return from the foam. At $140 it's the most affordable superfoam race shoe on the market. It's best for track workouts and 3K to 10K road racing, where that low, connected feel gives you confidence and efficiency you don't get from a taller shoe.

View Adidas Adizero Adios 9 specs on Cadence →

Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4: The Marathon Racer

The Adios Pro 4 is Adidas' flagship marathon shoe, re-engineered with a softer, more cushioned Lightstrike Pro midsole and carbon Energy Rods 2.0 for a noticeably plusher ride than version 3. An enhanced rocker point smooths out forward transitions, and the new Micro Fit upper with a LIGHTLOCK band locks the heel down better. The softer feel has split long-time Adios Pro fans. Some preferred the firmer, snappier character of version 3, but if you're coming from a softer super shoe, this one will probably feel more natural to you. It's the most capable Adios Pro for marathon distances Adidas has made yet.

View Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 specs on Cadence →

Which Adidas Shoe Is Right for You?

Not sure which fits your training? Take the Cadence Shoe Finder Quiz and we'll match you to the right shoe based on your running goals, foot type, and budget.

Browse All Adidas Shoes on Cadence

Browse all Adidas running shoes on Cadence →