Adidas Adizero Adios 9 Review (2025): Back to the Origins?

Julien Guyod

Published on 04/08/2025

Updated on 04/11/2025

If you are an experienced runner, the Adios will undoubtedly remind you of the world records (including the marathon) set with this shoe not too long ago.

However, the running landscape has changed considerably since then, with a clear dominance of maximalist carbon-plated shoes. So, when Adidas announced this Adizero Adios 9, I was particularly eager to see the result.

What type of runner is it for? Does it suit your profile and goals? That’s what we’ll find out in this field test.

Our Verdict

Cushioning

For the midsole of this new Adios, the brand simply chose its best foam, Lightstrike Pro, throughout (unlike two distinct foams on the 8).

The ENERGYTORSION RODS 2.0 posts are removed, their anti-torsion effectiveness having not convinced everyone. They are replaced by a nylon structure on the midfoot.

This brings added rigidity ensuring smooth transitions. In my view, the shoe falls into the “non-plated” category because we’re far from that sensation.

The feel is indeed very well balanced. It tends to be firm of course, but we’re far from the old “racing flats” pounding the ground. The ride is very pleasant with a very natural roll.

The thickness is 28 mm under the heel and 21 mm at the forefoot. In a landscape where most models exceed 40 mm for running, the shoe offers a breath of fresh air to those who appreciate a more marked ground contact.

In return, shock absorption is rather limited when it comes to extending the distance. The brand claims the Adios 9 is ideal for races up to a half marathon.

I would tend to nuance: in my opinion, you need to have solid feet to exploit the shoe over this distance. It’s certainly the limit for me, I couldn’t push this model beyond.

The Adios 9 will mainly serve for races like 5-10 km. Finally, the 7 mm drop is similar to standard drops (8-10 mm), but I find it feels more like shoes with a drop of 4-6 mm. So expect some adjustment time.

Energy Return

With 168g in size 42, the Adios 9 is a featherweight. Thanks to the very good energy return of the foam that crowns the whole, I confidently validate a very good dynamism.

However, be careful, the propulsion is not comparable to carbon rockets. It is an “old school” dynamism with very quick transitions. The shoe is therefore ideal for speed sessions.

Support and Stability

The Adios 9 is for neutral stride, without stabilizing technology (except, arguably, the nylon structure on the midfoot). But it takes advantage of proximity to the ground and its rather firm foam, which make it a naturally stable shoe offering a completely safe ride.

Foot Lockdown

With such a light weight and affordable price, concessions had to be made somewhere.

This is in the upper that I locate them; it is not the shoe’s strong point.

The new Adizero LIGHTLOCK upper is made from a stretch material meant to adapt to any foot shape, somewhat like the new Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4.

But there is a 110 euro difference between the two models and it is somewhat felt – inevitably. Forming an opinion on the shoe’s sizing is not easy; tests are very contradictory.

So I will not relay everything I have read, I just give you my opinion: the shoe is quite narrow at the forefoot, and it is a point to consider for wide feet. However, since the material is flexible, it did not bother me.

I was more bothered by the lack of structure in the upper. Obviously, since the primary use of the Adios 9 is speed, it was not designed to be worn for long.

The upper sometimes lacks support, but fortunately, the new LIGHTLOCK band (which wraps around the heel on both sides and runs up to the eyelets inside the shoe) tempers this flaw.

The size seems fairly standard to me, with a caveat for wide feet. Without perforation points, the shoe is quite protective in cold weather. Finally, ventilation remains satisfactory since the material is very thin.

The gusseted tongue is very effective, no tester reports slipping. Comfort is satisfactory even without padding. Without matching the stars in the domain, it is more pleasant to wear than old competition models.

The flat lace lacing system is very effective. Only the heel counter was not unanimously acclaimed. I found it quite standard for a model of this type, but some testers would have liked more support in this area.

The foot lock seems satisfactory to me. The upper is certainly not perfect, but I find it generally successful, especially considering the price and the quality of other elements like the foam and the outsole.

Traction

The new outsole rubber uses technologies:

• CONTINENTAL on a small area at the forefoot
• LIGHTTRAXION on a large area

This novelty is highly effective. The rubber is quite thin and provides a soft impact feel. Traction is very good. Even on wet surfaces, the Adios 9 doesn’t disappoint; grip is efficient.

It is less effective on paths or trails, but that is not its purpose. Its domain is the road.

Although there are no grooves, the shoe remains flexible.

Use Scenarios

To sum it up in one word: speed! The Adidas Adizero Adios 9 should not be considered as a daily training partner; this model is not suitable for jogs and even less for long runs. The Adidas Adizero EVO SL therefore offers a good complement to this Adios.

Moreover, the cushioning is rather limited and will not allow all runners to extend the distance. Some will argue that they can push it. But not everyone is Yiánnis Koúros (the most legendary ultra-distance runner) capable of running with so little protection.

I consider myself to have solid feet, but I admit having difficulty reaching even intermediate distances with this shoe. The main use is thus speed. However, I will not hesitate to choose it for 200-300 or 400 repetitions to be performed; it constitutes the best option for me.

In racing, the Adios 9 is an excellent alternative on short distances (10 km) for runners who do not want the rigidity of a plate. It seems more relevant to me than the latest Takumi Sen 10.

Quality and Durability

This latest version, with its stretch material, is of better quality than the previous one, whose upper was particularly criticized. However, it remains very thin, so better avoid obstacles.

The outsole will have a classic lifespan, as will the whole shoe. This allows, in my opinion, to validate an excellent quality/price ratio.

The shoe is made from at least 20% recycled materials. According to our information, the Adidas Adios 9 is not vegan.

Conclusion

As you will have understood, I greatly appreciated the Adidas Adizero Adios 9. If I still love soft cushioning and propulsion shoes, I felt there was a lack in the market for a shoe like this.

Very light and responsive, in line with the old “racing flats”, the shoe will of course be more limited for extending the distance. But it offers to date one of the best options for accelerating when you don’t want the rigidity of a plate.

Facts

Reference: official website