The carbon plate running shoe market is more competitive than ever. Every brand is looking to offer the perfect combination of lightness, responsiveness, and efficiency to help you beat your personal bests. Two of this season's main protagonists are the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 and the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5.

Both are shoes designed for fast running, but their philosophy is quite different. While Adidas opts for an extremely efficient and versatile shoe for all types of runners, New Balance presents a much more aggressive and faster version than its previous SuperComp Elite models.

If you're looking for your next half marathon or marathon shoe, this comparison will help you discover which one best suits your running style.

Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4: Efficient speed for all runners

The Adios Pro 4 represents the evolution of one of the most successful shoes in the current competitive landscape. Adidas has refined the formula by incorporating a lighter version of the Lightstrike Pro foam, a more efficient geometry, and Energy Rods that provide an excellent propulsion sensation without being overly demanding.

One of its great strengths is that it works well for a wide range of runners. From elite athletes to recreational runners looking to complete a marathon, the Adios Pro 4 offers an unparalleled combination of speed, stability, and comfort. Additionally, the Continental outsole remains a benchmark for grip on asphalt, even when conditions are not perfect.

New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5: The fastest version of the series

With the SuperComp Elite v5, New Balance has made a significant shift from the v4. The new version is considerably lighter, narrower, and much more focused on pure performance. The FuelCell foam with a PEBA base and the new Energy Arc plate geometry aim for a faster and more aggressive transition.

The running sensation is clearly more competitive than in previous generations. New Balance has sacrificed some of the comfort and stability that characterized the SC Elite family to approach the most radical supershoes on the market. The result is a shoe that excels particularly at high paces and short or medium-distance competitions.

Midsole comparison

The Adidas Adios Pro 4 uses one of the most proven foams on the market. The combination of Lightstrike Pro and Energy Rods provides a very balanced feeling of cushioning and energy return. It's a fast shoe, but also surprisingly stable for its stack height.

For its part, the SuperComp Elite v5 offers a more aggressive and direct ride. The FuelCell PEBA foam is very responsive, and the new plate configuration promotes a faster transition to toe-off. Runners with good technique will be able to extract its full potential, especially at demanding race paces.

Upper comparison

The Adios Pro 4 features an extremely lightweight and minimalist upper, designed to maximize fit during competition. The racing feel is clear from the start.

The SuperComp Elite v5 has also evolved towards a more competitive approach. While maintaining some of New Balance's characteristic comfort, the fit is now much more precise and performance-oriented than in previous versions.

Stability comparison

Here we find one of the biggest differences.

The Adios Pro 4 is one of the most stable plated shoes in its category. Its platform and the arrangement of the Energy Rods allow many runners to use it even for marathons without a feeling of instability.

The SuperComp Elite v5 has significantly reduced the base width to gain speed and lightness. This improves the competitive feel, but also makes it a more technically demanding shoe.

Which to choose for a half marathon?

If your goal is to run fast and you have efficient technique, both are excellent options.

The SuperComp Elite v5 may be particularly attractive for lighter or advanced runners who are looking for a more aggressive and direct feel in competition.

The Adios Pro 4, however, offers outstanding performance with a much greater level of adaptability for different runner profiles.

Which to choose for a marathon?

For the queen distance, the scale tips slightly towards the Adidas Adios Pro 4.

Its combination of cushioning, efficiency, stability, and comfort allows you to maintain high paces for many kilometers without excessively punishing your muscles. In addition, it is a shoe that adapts very well to both fast runners and recreational runners looking for their personal best.

The SuperComp Elite v5 can also perform perfectly in a marathon, but it requires more solid technique and a good ability to take advantage of its more aggressive behavior.

ADS Running Verdict

If you are looking for New Balance's fastest and most aggressive shoe to date, the FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5 is a spectacular option that brings the brand closer to the most competitive supershoes on the market.

However, when it comes to overall performance, ease of adaptation, and the ability to deliver great results to a larger number of runners, the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 currently seems to us to be one of the best racing shoes on the market.

Its balance between cushioning, responsiveness, stability, and efficiency makes it an almost sure bet for those looking to improve their times in 10K, half marathon, or marathon.

At ADS Running you can find both the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 and the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5 and choose the shoe that best suits your competition goals.

Ready to compete? Choose yours at ADS Running with fast shipping. 🏃
👉 Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4
👉 New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v5