Puma Fast R3 vs Adidas Adios Pro 4: Which is the best carbon race shoe?

Summary

In this video, two top-tier marathon racing shoes, the Puma Fast R3 and Adidas Adios Pro 4, go head-to-head in a detailed comparison. The Puma Fast R3, lighter and faster, offers a snappy ride, ideal for elite runners and those chasing personal bests. In contrast, the Adidas Adios Pro 4 provides more cushioning and comfort, making it a great choice for runners needing extra protection for longer distances. Both shoes excel in performance, but the decision ultimately comes down to whether speed or cushioning is more important for your race-day needs.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Puma Fast R3 is extremely lightweight, weighing just 6.22 oz (175g), making it one of the lightest shoes in its class.
• 😀 The Adidas Adios Pro 4 offers a softer, more cushioned ride with 39mm of foam in the heel and 33mm in the forefoot, giving it a more protective feel.
• 😀 The Puma Fast R3 has a slightly higher stack height of 40mm in the heel and 32mm in the forefoot, with an 8mm drop, making it feel a bit more exposed.
• 😀 The Puma Fast R3 is priced at $300 in the US, which is a premium over the Adidas Adios Pro 4, priced at $220-$250.
• 😀 The Fast R3 features a decoupled midsole with Puma's Nitro Elite foam and a restructured carbon power plate for maximum propulsion.
• 😀 The Adios Pro 4 uses the new Lightstrike Pro foam for extra softness and features carbon energy rods 2.0 for better propulsion and efficiency.
• 😀 The Fit of the Adidas Adios Pro 4 can be problematic for some runners, especially in the toe box, where it may feel too narrow, causing discomfort during long runs.
• 😀 The Puma Fast R3 fits snugly around the midfoot with a flexible upper, and while it may feel narrow, it provides a secure fit for most runners.
• 😀 In testing, the Puma Fast R3 outperformed the Adios Pro 4, offering better efficiency and propulsion, especially for sub-three-hour marathon runners.
• 😀 The Adios Pro 4 is more accommodating for runners with slower paces or those looking for more cushioning and support throughout a long race.
• 😀 The Puma Fast R3 provides a highly efficient, snappy ride and is ideal for faster, race-day paces, making it a top choice for competitive runners.
• 😀 Overall, both shoes are excellent race-day options, but the Puma Fast R3 stands out in terms of performance, speed, and efficiency, while the Adidas Adios Pro 4 is better suited for those needing more cushioning and a more forgiving fit.

Q & A

What is the main focus of this video?

The video compares two carbon race shoes, the Puma Fast R3 and the Adidas Adios Pro 4, focusing on their features, performance, fit, and how they affect marathon running.

How do the stack heights of the Puma Fast R3 and Adidas Adios Pro 4 compare?

The Adidas Adios Pro 4 has a stack height of 39mm in the heel and 33mm in the forefoot, with a 6mm drop. The Puma Fast R3 has a stack height of 40mm in the heel and 32mm in the forefoot, with an 8mm drop.

What is the weight difference between the Puma Fast R3 and Adidas Adios Pro 4?

The Puma Fast R3 weighs 6.22 oz (175g) for a UK men's 8.5, while the Adidas Adios Pro 4 weighs 7.1 oz (202g) for a UK men's 8.5.

What is the price difference between the two shoes?

The Puma Fast R3 is priced at $300 in the US, whereas the Adidas Adios Pro 4 costs $250. In the UK, the Puma Fast R3 is priced at £230, while the Adidas Adios Pro 4 is £220.

What are the key midsole features of the Puma Fast R3?

The Puma Fast R3 features a decoupled midsole with Puma's Super Critical Nitro Elite foam. It also has a reshaped carbon power plate with seven layers of carbon for maximum benefit and a sweeping heel cutaway to assist with toe-off.

How does the midsole of the Adidas Adios Pro 4 differ from the Puma Fast R3?

The Adidas Adios Pro 4 uses a new foam formula called Lightstrike Pro, which provides extra softness compared to its predecessor. It also features a moved-back forefoot rocker positioned at 60% of the shoe's length and uses carbon energy rods 2.0 for propulsion.

What are the differences in the upper designs of the two shoes?

The Puma Fast R3 uses a minimal, breathable UltraWeave upper with a thin tongue and a reduced heel counter. The Adidas Adios Pro 4 features a new Lightlock upper with one-way stretch woven mesh and locking bands for a secure fit, along with more padding in the tongue and heel.

How do the outsoles of the two shoes compare?

The Puma Fast R3 outsole features Puma Grip in the forefoot and small pads in key heel impact zones, which may wear out faster during marathon use. The Adidas Adios Pro 4 has a more generous covering of light traction rubber and Continental Grip in strategic landing zones for better durability and grip.

What are the fit differences between the Puma Fast R3 and Adidas Adios Pro 4?

The Adidas Adios Pro 4 has a narrower toe box and can cause issues with toe pressure, especially during long runs, so runners might need to size up. The Puma Fast R3 has a snug, race-hugging fit, which worked well for the reviewer despite slightly narrow uppers. The Puma shoe is generally recommended to be bought true to size.

Which shoe performed better during long-distance runs, according to the reviewer?

The reviewer found the Puma Fast R3 to be superior for marathon races, offering better efficiency and speed, even during the second half of the London Marathon. The Adidas Adios Pro 4, while offering more cushion and protection, didn't provide the same level of performance as the Puma shoe in race conditions.

What is the overall verdict between the two shoes?

Both shoes are excellent for race day, but the Puma Fast R3 stands out for its performance, being lighter, faster, and more efficient, making it the better choice for runners aiming for fast times. However, the Adidas Adios Pro 4 is recommended for runners who prioritize cushioning and comfort, especially for longer runs and slower paces.