Adizero Adios Pro 4 vs Wave Rebellion Pro 3

The Adizero Adios Pro 4 is adidas at its most focused: a carbon marathon racer built to chase a personal best and little else. At 188g it is light for a shoe with this much stack, and the EnergyRods give it a firm, forward-tipping snap that wants you up on your toes and moving. Pair that with a high, responsive midsole and you get a ride that protects your legs deep into a race while still feeling fast. It is happiest on smooth tarmac at marathon and half pace, where a quick, efficient cadence unlocks the best of it. This is not a do-everything trainer, and it does not pretend to be. If you want one shoe for easy miles and race day, look elsewhere. But if you are after a sharp, single-minded racer for the days that count, the Adios Pro 4 is one of the best around.

If you want a lighter, softer ride for the same job, the Nike Vaporfly 4 is the obvious rival.

The Wave Rebellion Pro 3 is Mizuno at its most uncompromising: a £250 carbon racing shoe built for one thing, chasing a fast marathon or half. The party trick is the radically cut-away heel, which drops away behind your foot and throws you forward onto a steep forefoot rocker. Land on your midfoot or forefoot and it rolls you through toe-off with real momentum. At 225g with a 4mm drop it is light and low-slung for a super shoe, and the carbon plate keeps everything firm and directional underfoot. This is not a do-everything racer. It rewards efficient runners who hold pace and land forward, and it can feel awkward for anyone who sits back on their heels. If you want a friendlier ride with more forgiveness, the Vaporfly 4 is the easier shoe to run. But for committed racers who like an aggressive, propulsive road shoe, few things feel this eager to move.