Two of the most sought-after racing shoes of the year went on wider sale on Thursday 29 October, and neither sold out immediately. Canadian Running Magazine reported that the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3 was restocked and the Nike Alphafly 4 received a broader release, just days before the New York City Marathon on 1 November.
The Adios Pro Evo 3 first launched in April 2026 and sold out within minutes. At 97 grams in a men’s size 9.5, it is Adidas’s first running shoe under 100 grams, and it is priced at C$650. The shoe was worn by Amos Kipruto, who won the Chicago Marathon in 2:01:09, by Hawi Feysa, who won the women’s race in 2:13:33, and by runner-up Tadese Takele. Sabastian Sawe also wore it for his 1:59:30 marathon.
The Alphafly 4 followed a limited September launch that sold out within minutes. Nike promises a lighter and more responsive shoe than its predecessor, and it is priced at C$360. In Chicago, Mary Ngugi-Cooper and Joan Jepkosgei Kilimo wore it to top-five finishes in the women’s race.
The reasons given for the softer demand are straightforward. There are now more super shoes on the market, many older models are discounted, and the release comes at the end of the autumn marathon season, when many runners have already bought their racing shoes. The gap between the Adidas and Nike price points also shows how differently the two brands are positioning their flagship products.
For buyers, the practical message is that availability has improved, though sizes and colours will still vary by retailer. For the brands, the muted sell-through is a reminder that the carbon-plated racing category has matured, and that podium results alone no longer guarantee a stampede at the checkout.