Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2 vs. Nike Air Zoom Alphafly Next (2021)
These carbon plate shoes have a stunning futuristic design with a cut-out sole design that creates a segmentation between the forefoot and the heel.
While we’re on the subject of the forefoot, note that the Alphafly features an Air Zoom unit which gives it more flexibility under the toes. Also, despite its seemingly massive design, it’s lighter than the Adios Pro 2.
In terms of ride, runners seem to agree that the Adios Pro 2 is more versatile and can be used at a slow pace, while the Alphafly appears to be made almost exclusively for competition.
Finally, both shoes have a thin mesh with not much structure that provides a soft and relatively loose foot lockdown.
Adios Pro or Alphafly: which one to choose?
It’s primarily a matter of personal preference. If your goal is to run fast and far, then the Alphafly seems a better choice.
If you want a carbon ‘super shoe’ that’s compatible with racing and your daily runs, we recommend the Adios Pro.
Finally, if you’re on a budget, you may not have any choice at all: the Alphafly costs $50 more than the Adios Pro!
Side-by-side comparison
Cushioning is as effective and versatile as ever
Smooth transitions
Better fitting upper for a more targeted lockdown
Good durability for this type of shoe
A little heavier than its direct competitors (about 1 oz/30 g)
Precise foot lockdown
Good space even for wider feet
Lightweight
Above-average durability for a carbon shoe
The new ‘Nature’ version is more ecological with 50% recycled material (by weight)
The low heel-to-toe drop may not be suitable for everyone
Really expensive shoe
Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2
Nike Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT%
Technical Specs
| Terrain | Road | Road |
| Pronation type | Neutral | Neutral |
| Drop | 8 mm | 4 mm |
| Heel stack height | 39 mm | 40 mm |
| Forefoot stack height | 31 mm | 36 mm |
| Weight (men) | 227 g/8 oz | 210 g/7.4 oz |
| Weight (women) | 227 g/8 oz | 184 g/6.5 oz |
| Athletes | Peres Jepchirchir | Eliud Kipchoge, Brigid Kosgei |
| Release year | 2021 | 2020 |
Technologies
| Outsole | Continental | Textured rubber |
| Midsole | Energy Rods, Lightstrike Pro | ZoomX, carbon plate, Zoom Air |
| Upper | Celermesh 2.0 | Atomknit |
Cushioning
| Softness (1-5) | 4 – Soft | 3 – Moderate |
| Bounce (1-5) | 5 – Very bouncy | 5 – Very bouncy |
Use
| Speed | Moderate, fast | Fast |
| Distance | Mid, long, 10 km, half marathon, marathon | Mid, long, 10 km, half marathon, marathon |
| Workout | Competition | Competition |
