The short version: the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 5 went on sale September 22, 2026 for $275. The Nike Alphafly 4 had a limited nike.com release on September 17 and reaches stores October 29 at $280 on nike.com. Both brands say the new shoe is lighter and returns more energy than the last one. They are built differently: adidas gives the Pro 5 a 4 mm drop, and Nike lists 8 mm for the Alphafly 4.
The timing matters for Texas runners. Most people racing the fall and winter marathons in Texas are only now picking a race-day shoe. If you plan to run the Alphafly 4 in December, the October 29 date leaves about six weeks to get it, put a few long runs on it and still race in it.
Spec sheet, from the brands
| adidas Adizero Adios Pro 5 | Nike Alphafly 4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $275 | $280 (nike.com, men’s) |
| Release | Sept. 22, 2026, worldwide | Limited Sept. 17 on nike.com; wider Oct. 29 |
| Weight | Average of 177 g (size not given) | ~188 g men’s 8.5 / ~208 g men’s 10 |
| Stack | 39 mm heel / 35 mm forefoot | Not published |
| Drop | 4 mm | 8 mm |
| Foam | Latest-generation Lightstrike Pro | ZoomX LT, plus dual forefoot Air Zoom units |
| Plate | EnergyRim carbon | Carbon-fiber Flyplate |
| Brand claim vs. last model | +9% energy return; about 12% lighter than the Pro 4 | 10% more energy return; 5% lighter in men’s 8.5 |
Every number above comes from the adidas and Nike announcements or Nike’s product page (linked under Sources). We have not weighed or tested either shoe.
adidas Adizero Adios Pro 5: what changed
adidas says the Pro 5 borrows from the Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3. The carbon EnergyRods in earlier Adios Pro models are replaced by what adidas calls EnergyRim carbon technology, under a new generation of Lightstrike Pro foam. The brand’s headline numbers are a 9% jump in energy return and about 23 grams, or 12%, less weight than the Adios Pro 4.
The 4 mm drop is low for a marathon super shoe. Runners coming from an 8 to 10 mm daily trainer should do some long runs in it before race day, so the calves are used to it before mile 20.
Nike Alphafly 4: what changed
Nike kept the Alphafly layout: a carbon Flyplate, forefoot Air Zoom units and a scooped plate under the forefoot. The foam is new. ZoomX LT is, in Nike’s words, “up to 17 percent lighter than standard ZoomX foam.” The upper is a new Atomknit with an integrated heel and a molded sock liner, and the outsole is called Fast Shot. Nike’s headline claims are 10% more energy return than the Alphafly 3 and 5% less weight in a men’s size 8.5.
The first release had already sold out on nike.com when we checked. For most runners, October 29 is the date that matters.
Which Texas races are they for?
Both are marathon shoes first, and both brands market them for the half as well. On the Texas calendar, the timing falls like this:
- Early November: the Fort Worth Marathon weekend (marathon, 20-miler and half on November 8). The Alphafly 4’s wide release comes about ten days before it, which isn’t enough time to break a new shoe in for a marathon.
- December: the San Antonio Marathon (December 6) and the Dallas Marathon weekend (December 11–13). Either shoe, bought by early November, leaves time for a couple of long runs first. The December race guide lists the rest.
- January and February: Houston (January 17, sold out), Austin (February 14) and Cowtown (February 28). Our Texas marathon registration roundup has each race’s status.
Should you buy one?
A $275 to $280 race shoe is worth it if you already race regularly, have a goal time and will save it for workouts and race day. If this is your first marathon, the money usually goes further on a good daily trainer and a proper fitting. A specialty store can put you on a treadmill and have you try both brands. Find one near you in the Texas running store directory.
