Nike Alphafly 3 vs Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4
A side-by-side comparison grounded in verdicts from 4 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.
Similar stack and drop, but Alphafly 3 has a wider heel and costs far more; not clearly better enough to justify the price gap over the Adios Pro 4
Alphafly has a broader, more stable feel with a softer heel into firmer forefoot, better for cruising at marathon pace than the nimbler Adios Pro 4
Adios Pro 3 has the best super-shoe outsole durability thanks to Continental rubber
Less comfortable transition than the Adidas
More comfortable transition than the Alphafly for this reviewer
Alphafly 3 has a more plush upper and more stability and cushion in the heel thanks to a flatter plate placement; considered the king in cushion/stability/comfort but much more expensive and harder to get
More comfortable with carbon rods instead of a plate; more movement
Adios Pro 4 is lighter, nimbler and a bit more springy throughout, cheaper, and slightly preferred at harder efforts, while the Alphafly has a more relaxed cruising feel better for locking into marathon pace
One of two shoes he is choosing between for Manchester Marathon
Similar stack and drop, but Adios Pro 4 is much narrower in the heel and significantly cheaper; Alphafly 3 is slightly more aggressive on traction but Adios Pro 4 is competitive enough that it may take the marathon slot
Alphafly 3 fit is more generous, almost baggy, with harsh knit edges. Zoom Air pods feel clunky, noisy, and rickety compared to the smoother Pro 4, but it remains an extremely efficient set-and-forget marathon racer — only 0.2 oz heavier at 7.4 oz.
Nike Alphafly 3 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: high cushion , balanced feel , high energy return , neutral stability , moderate rocker.
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EDDBUD highlights the Alphafly 3 as an ideal marathon option — plenty of cushion and a wide base keep it stable despite the very soft heel.
In their words: "a very wide base as well" · "not really unstable at all" · "ideal marathon option"
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Ben's marathon PB shoe — a top super-shoe pick with PEBA foam and carbon plate, offering exceptional protective cushioning for long race distances.
In their words: "ran my personal best in the marathon"
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The Alphafly 3 is eliminated in the group stage, described as a former great that is aging gracefully but no longer at the top.
In their words: "a former great, aging gracefully, but still not quite getting through"
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WINNER of Megan's knockout race-day bracket — her ultimate race-day shoe.
Ride:Forefoot Air Zoom pods give it the edge over the Vaporfly 4. Megan's race-day pick regardless of distance (except Vaporfly 2 which she disliked). Comfortable upper. Heavier than the Metaspeed Ray but worth it. Feels great in the late miles of a marathon.
Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: high cushion , neutral stability .
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EDDBUD found the Adios Pro 4 durable in the outsole and a great, super-soft racer overall, but recommends sizing up half a size because the insole lets your foot slide forward.
Fit:Runs about a half size small due to a slippery, slidy insole that lets the foot slide forward; size up half a size.
In their words: "great in terms of durability" · "quite slippery and slidy" · "great super soft racer"
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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"
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The Adios Pro 4 is seen as a popular and successful racing shoe but reviewers don't feel as fast in it, and it is eliminated in the group stage.
In their words: "I've never felt that fast in it"
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BITR's preferred Adidas race shoe — beats the Pro Evo 2 at half the price.
Ride:First Adios Pro where BITR likes the foam — v3 was too dense and firm. Lighter and more responsive in v4 with a propulsive feel and distinct pop off the toe. Traction is fine on dry pavement. Knocks out the NB SC Elite V5 in Megan's bracket.
In their words: "almost feels blocky under foot" · "feels like slappy almost" · "more of a propulsive feeling"
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 Nike Alphafly 3 if
- Racing at shorter, faster paces like 5K where the stiff, snappy forefoot shines, though still strong at any distance — Doctors of Running
- Marathon racing on good quality road surfaces where puncture risk to the Air Pods is low — EDDBUD
- All-distance racing from 5K up to marathon, especially for heel strikers and anyone wanting a cushier, more accommodating super shoe — The Run Testers
- Marathon racing with leg protection — The Run Testers
- Marathon racing and long runs with speed intervals, plus everyday use for hardened Nike fans — EDDBUD
- Marathon racing as a single-shoe training-and-racing option; runners who prefer wide, stable, air-unit ride — EDDBUD
Consider the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 if
- All-out racing at faster paces; the lightest racer in the comparison — EDDBUD
- 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
- Half marathon and marathon racing, with versatility for daily training use — 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
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the Nike Alphafly 3 and the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4?
The Nike Alphafly 3 is a race shoe and the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 is a race shoe. By the numbers, the Nike Alphafly 3 weighs 198g, has a 40mm heel stack and an 8mm drop, while the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 weighs 201g, has a 39mm heel stack and a 6mm drop. MSRP is $285 for the Nike Alphafly 3 and $220 for the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4.
Should I buy the Nike Alphafly 3 or the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4?
Doctors of Running on the Nike Alphafly 3: Racing at shorter, faster paces like 5K where the stiff, snappy forefoot shines, though still strong at any distance. EDDBUD on the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4: All-out racing at faster paces; the lightest racer in the comparison.
Per Doctors of Running, EDDBUD.
Has anyone reviewed both the Nike Alphafly 3 and the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4?
Yes — EDDBUD, The Run Testers, RunRepeat, The Running Channel, Ben Is Running, and Kofuzi directly compared the Nike Alphafly 3 and the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 in their reviews.
Per EDDBUD, The Run Testers, RunRepeat, The Running Channel, Ben Is Running, Kofuzi.
Which is cheaper, the Nike Alphafly 3 or the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4?
The Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 is cheaper at $220 versus $285 MSRP — about $65 less.