After two months, adidas has once again unveiled a new "double-edged weapon" aimed at the HYROX (run + training) events that have exploded in popularity over the past two years.
Compared with the ELITE version, the PRO's launch makes it easier for many consumers to experience adidas's response to HYROX, removing the need to constantly alternate between traditional running shoes and training shoes.
The ADIZERO DROPSET PRO’s design language is closer to the ADIZERO ADIOS 9 in the road-running lineup. Its lower-profile stack—21mm forefoot and 29mm heel—on one hand improves the shoe’s force-stability during strength elements by virtue of midsole height; on the other, combined with a lightweight construction + top-tier LIGHTSTRIKE PRO foam it delivers a light on-feet sensation with excellent responsiveness and feedback while running. Lightweight and accessible, yet with a solid performance ceiling.
For the running segments, if you have experience wearing thick, plated racing shoes, the ADIZERO DROPSET ELITE will benefit you more: its large rollover arc and potent foam performance place it among the "top-tier shoes" for HYROX.
The ADIZERO DROPSET PRO features a brand-new rearfoot stability system. From midsole to outsole, a wraparound lock at the heel adds to the shoe’s already strong stability. It provides excellent lateral support during strength movements like weighted lunges, helping prevent injury while ensuring more of your force is "applied in the right direction."
The ELITE, by contrast, relies more on thoughtful geometry in the outsole and midsole to boost stability during strength elements.
The newly designed forked ENERGY RODS deliver a snappy, propulsive feel during running while increasing midsole rigidity, which to some extent reduces arch pressure when the shoe is overly flexed during strength movements.
The ENERGY RIM rigid ring structure on the ELITE guarantees midsole stability and also helps shave weight from the shoe, allowing elite athletes to "lighten the load" in HYROX races.
Both the ADIZERO DROPSET PRO and Elite use a diamond-pattern Continental rubber outsole. That lets both shoes bite firmly on surfaces requiring strong traction (for example artificial turf when pushing a sled), so you can confidently focus on the task at hand.
For those new to HYROX—or heavier athletes, people with high ankle loading, or enthusiasts whose lower-body strength is relatively weaker than their upper-body—try the newly introduced ADIZERO DROPSET PRO; it could be the key to unlocking a new HYROX experience for you.
The ADIZERO DROPSET ELITE’s thick stack, aggressive 12mm drop and large rollover arc, combined with a heel that is overall less rigid than the ADIZERO DROPSET PRO, make it better suited to athletes who already possess ample lower-body strength and personal stability. You should allow time to adapt to this type of mixed-training mid/thick-stack plated shoe. If you meet those conditions, it will very likely be the shoe to help you PB in HYROX competition.