Overview
- Adidas announced its lightest race shoe at 97 grams in a men’s US 9.5, opening a limited drawing for buyers before a broader fall release.
- The model stays legal for road racing with a 39mm heel stack, a 36mm forefoot, and a minimal 3mm drop under World Athletics’ 40mm cap.
- Much of the weight drop comes from new Lightstrike Pro Evo foam that Adidas says is 50% lighter than before, paired with an ENERGYRIM carbon frame that runs around the midsole to steady the soft foam and add snap.
- Adidas replaces the prior outsole with Continental rubber and new tread mapping that aims to fix the Pro Evo 2’s poor wet grip.
- The shoe lists at $500 and is set for an elite debut in London, reflecting a halo strategy that meets rules requiring consumer availability even when production is small and profits are thin.