The shoe behind the run: Adidas drives a new marathon moment

Adidas’ newest running shoe has gained global attention following a series of record-breaking performances at the London Marathon.

The model, worn by top athletes including Sabastian Sawe, was at the center of a historic race in which the two-hour marathon barrier was broken in an official competition for the first time. Multiple leading runners wore the same shoe, further amplifying its presence during the event.

Weighing just 97 grams, the shoe is the lightest Adidas has ever produced. It features carbon-fiber elements in the sole and a specialized foam designed to improve running efficiency and energy return over long distances.

The design reflects a broader trend in distance running, where advances in footwear technology are playing an increasingly visible role in elite performance.

The development is part of an ongoing competition between major sportswear brands, particularly Adidas and Nike, which have been racing to produce “super shoes” capable of pushing athletes closer to physical limits. These innovations have coincided with a wave of faster race times in recent years.

At the same time, the technology has sparked debate within the sport, with some questioning how much influence footwear should have on results and how it may reshape comparisons across generations.