Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 vs Saucony Endorphin Pro 4
A side-by-side comparison grounded in verdicts from 6 reviewers with every source linked. We don't invent quotes; every claim below is attributed.
Specs at a glance
Reviewers who wore both
Direct paired observations — reviewers who actually ran in both of these and wrote the contrast. This is the strongest comparative signal on the page.
Adios Pro 4 is lighter, softer and cheaper but less stable, less structured in the upper, and dulls faster than the Pro 5
Adios Pro 4 is lighter and softer; Endorphin Pro 4 is denser, more stable and consistent underfoot, better for runners with stability needs
Endorphin Pro 4 is denser and more stable over the footbed with no major medial cutouts, but slightly bulkier and heavier
Adios Pro 3 is firmer/denser with a trickier lockdown and slippery outsole when wet; Pro 4 has easier lockdown and more versatility
Pro 4 has better upper fit and easier lockdown
Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: high cushion , neutral stability .
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A strong marathon race shoe once fit is dialed in — the reviewer used it successfully at Chicago Marathon after making tweaks.
Fit:Required some personal tweaks to dial in before it worked well for this reviewer.
In their words: "worked out perfectly well"
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Works well for half/full marathon but too soft for shorter, faster distances, loses pep quickly, and its softer Lightstrike Pro foam is linked to rod-snapping issues. Tier C.
In their words: "went a bit flat even quicker than Man City" · "just a few too many issues"
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Ben Parkes calls this probably the best-value super shoe on the market, lightweight and fast, and a strong marathon race-day option.
Ride:Reviewer describes carbon rods (rather than a single plate) giving a similar propulsive effect.
In their words: "probably the best value super shoe" · "Lightweight, fast, used by so many"
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The most comfortable of Ben's three race day picks — carbon rods instead of a plate allow more natural movement, making it an excellent choice for longer race distances.
In their words: "most comfortable for me" · "can move a little bit more"
Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: high cushion , neutral stability .
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One of the most user-friendly race day shoes for everyday marathon, half marathon and 10K runners.
In their words: "phenomenal race day shoe for everyday runners" · "one of the most user-friendly race day shoes"
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A marathon-oriented carbon racer that the reviewer prefers to save for longer distances rather than 10k racing.
Ride:Better used for longer runs and marathon-pace work rather than 10k distance
In their words: "best utilized for longer runs" · "marathon pace runs"
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A more consistent, stabilized marathon racer than the Adios Pro 4 — not better or worse, just more appropriate for runners who need stability or find the Adios too soft.
Ride:Denser foam with less air than the Adios Pro 4; more consistent, stabilized ride over the footbed; feels a bit bulkier due to suede overlays
In their words: "a denser foam" · "a more stabilized ride" · "simply too soft for them"
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A super shoe that shines at the 5K end and the marathon end of the spectrum, but struggles at half-marathon pace — both reviewers ultimately agreed it suits fast 5K running and steady marathon efforts.
Ride:After a track workout at 4:40/4:30 pace Matt concedes Andrea was right that the stiffer forefoot and aggressive plate work best at truly fast paces (5K or faster); at easy-to-marathon paces the softer heel rolls well; the shoe struggles in the middle (half marathon/tempo) for Matt
In their words: "I really only like running fast in it" · "this is a little better for easier paces" · "doesn't feel as assistive"
Who should buy which
Use cases the reviewers above actually call out — one bullet per distinct take, attributed. Where reviewers converge (e.g. "5K to half marathon" appearing across multiple takes) the agreement is a stronger buying signal than any single voice.
Consider the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 if
- A marathon race-day shoe, also suited to 5K, 10K, and half marathon distances; good value since it's been out a couple of years. — Ben Parkes
- Any distance from short reps to marathon racing — The Run Testers
- Marathon racing; verdict deferred to 2025 list. — Kofuzi
- Marathon racing where bounce and pop matter most — The Running Channel
- The most versatile super shoe in the test — 5K through marathon. EDDBUD's overall winner at 19/25. — EDDBUD
- Runners targeting marathon or longer who want cushioned protection and are comfortable with the fit; recommended for those running slower than sub-3 marathon pace — The Run Testers
Consider the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 if
- Runners wanting a more stabilized marathon racer without aggressive medial cutouts — EDDBUD
- All-around carbon super-shoe racer from 5K to marathon, especially for higher-volume feet — EDDBUD
- Runners wanting an approachable carbon plated racer that is smoother and more cushioned than the Pro 3 — Kofuzi
- Runners wanting a stable-neutral super racer for marathon and half-marathon distances with a softer, more comfortable ride. — Doctors of Running
- Marathon racing and high-mileage training for runners with slightly wider feet — EDDBUD
- Stable-neutral runners wanting a durable super shoe for 5K fast efforts or steady marathon pacing; forefoot strikers especially benefit from the stiff forefoot — Doctors of Running
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 and the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4?
The Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 is a race shoe and the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 is a race shoe. By the numbers, the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 weighs 201g, has a 39mm heel stack and a 6mm drop, while the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 weighs 218g, has a 40mm heel stack and an 8mm drop. MSRP is $220 for the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 and $225 for the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4.
Should I buy the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 or the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4?
Ben Parkes on the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4: A marathon race-day shoe, also suited to 5K, 10K, and half marathon distances; good value since it's been out a couple of years. EDDBUD on the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4: Runners wanting a more stabilized marathon racer without aggressive medial cutouts.
Per Ben Parkes, EDDBUD.
Has anyone reviewed both the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 and the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4?
Yes — EDDBUD directly compared the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 and the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 in their reviews.
Per EDDBUD.
Which is lighter, the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 or the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4?
The Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 is lighter, at 201g versus 218g (men's 9) — about 17g less.