Adidas Evo 3: The 97g Supershoe Behind Sabastian Sawe’s Sub-Two-Hour Marathon Record

Sabastian Sawe’s Historic Run in the Adidas Evo 3

On April 26, 2026, Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe crossed the finish line of the London Marathon in a groundbreaking time of 1:59.30, becoming the first athlete to officially break the two-hour marathon barrier. As he finished, an Adidas representative collected his shoes—the Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3—and inscribed his record-breaking time on the side. After Sawe posed for photos, the shoes were immediately transported to Adidas’s archives in Herzogenaurach, Germany.

The Evo 3 is now recognized as the fastest shoe in the world, a title cemented by Sawe’s historic achievement. Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha followed closely behind, finishing in 1:59.41, while fellow Ethiopian Tigist Assefa set a women’s world record of 2:15.41. All three athletes, who are official Adidas partners, wore the Evo 3 during the race.

Why the Evo 3 Is a Game-Changer in Running Footwear

The Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3 is the lightest and fastest race shoe Adidas has ever produced, weighing just 97 grams. Its revolutionary design has redefined performance standards, forcing competitors to rethink their own innovations. Since its debut on April 23, 2026, the shoe has gained unprecedented attention, with its initial limited release of 200 pairs selling out in under two minutes. Resale prices for the Evo 3 have already surged to $4,000.

Adidas plans to release several more limited batches in the coming months, followed by a broader commercial version timed for the Berlin Marathon in September 2026. However, the Evo 3’s significance extends beyond commercial success—it represents a major leap in marathon running technology.

Adidas’s Innovation Leadership in Marathon Racing

Marc Makowski, Adidas’s Senior Vice President of Innovation, emphasizes the strategic importance of marathon racing in the athletic footwear industry. He compares it to Formula 1 in automotive racing, stating:

“Marathon racing is, in our industry, a bit like F1 in the automotive industry. It’s become that battleground where, as a brand, if you want to showcase your performance credibility, that’s where you do it.”

Adidas is currently leading this high-stakes competition, with the Evo 3 outperforming rivals like Nike’s Alphafly 3, On’s LightSpray technology, and Asics’ Metaspeed Edge. The shoe’s success underscores Adidas’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance footwear.

The Science Behind the World’s Lightest Supershoe

Adidas has spent over three years developing ultra-light running shoes as part of its Adizero Adios Pro initiative. The goal was to collaborate with elite athletes to create the fastest possible shoe. The breakthrough came from adopting a “less is more” philosophy—every gram saved and every design detail optimized can make a critical difference in elite marathon performance.

The Evo 3’s weight, at just 97 grams, is lighter than a standard bar of soap, yet it delivers unparalleled speed and efficiency. This innovation has set a new benchmark for the industry, challenging competitors to match or surpass Adidas’s advancements.

What’s Next for the Adidas Evo 3?

• Limited Releases: Adidas will continue rolling out small batches of the Evo 3 in the coming months, with resale prices expected to remain high.
• Commercial Launch: A broader, more accessible version of the shoe is planned for September 2026, timed with the Berlin Marathon.
• Industry Impact: The Evo 3’s success is likely to accelerate innovation across the athletic footwear sector, as brands compete to develop the next generation of supershoes.