Technology focus: Rubber traction in Adidas supershoe

Sabastian Sawe, who became the first athlete to run a sub-two-hour marathon in a competitive race at the London Marathon, runner-up Yomif Kejelcha, who also finished under two hours, as well as Tigst Assefa, who set a new women-only world record, were among athletes wearing Adidas’ latest “supershoe”, launched only three days before the event.

Launched 23 April, the Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3 is 'a new elite racing shoe' weighing an average 97 grams and featuring "strategically placed Continental rubber" in the forefoot for traction at high speeds.

The outsole uses a minimal rubber layout designed to preserve grip while reducing weight, underlining the role advanced rubber compounds continue to play in next-generation performance footwear.

Adidas said the design avoids compromising weight while delivering “reliable traction” in race conditions.

The shoe also combines a new ‘Lightstrike Pro Evo foam’ with an integrated carbon system branded Energyrim, aimed at improving propulsion and running efficiency.

Adidas said the model is 30% lighter than its predecessor, with 11% greater forefoot energy return and a 1.6% improvement in running economy.

The launch highlights how lightweight rubber traction systems remain central to balancing grip, durability and energy efficiency in the latest generation of marathon “supershoes.”