Adidas did not do things by halves with this boosted version of its star model. Ever lighter (less than 140g!) , it incorporates reworked Lightstrike Pro foam for maximum energy return. The Continental grip under the sole ensures impeccable grip, even on wet roads. Takele took advantage of this to win Tokyo in 2:03:23. When we tell you that German doesn't joke with precision...
Nike and the carbon plate is a love story that lasts. With the Vaporfly 4, the American brand has further refined its magic recipe: more reactive ZoomX foam, ultra-light shaft and still that rebound feeling that makes you want to run one more terminal. Deresa Geleta proved it by playing for the win in Tokyo, just missing the top step of the podium. In short, always a safe bet for time hunters.
ASICS is back in force with an optimized version of its Metaspeed Sky. Objective: maximize stride length for those who run gazelle style. Thanks to a new FF Blast Turbo foam and a slightly modified carbon plate, Ngetich was able to maintain an infernal pace on Japanese asphalt. When ASICS wants to play in the big leagues, it gives strong times.
Yes, she again! The Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1 v2 proved that it was not just a star on the men's podiums. Peres Jepchirchir demonstrated this by clocking a time of 2:16:16 in London, flirting with the peaks. Her secret? A shoe that combines lightness, propulsion and grip, perfect for dominating marathons.
We take the same one (or almost) and we start again! Nike remains a reference, especially thanks to its improved ZoomX foam and an even more aggressive sole geometry. Megertu Alemu made the most of it by playing at the forefront in London, finishing in 2:16:34. When you think that some people struggle to do a semi at this time...
Developed for the Paris Olympics, this Metaspeed Sky “Paris” has been optimized to meet the requirements of the best. A perfect balance between reactivity and comfort, with an even more explosive foam and a hyper-fluid transition. Result: several athletes have adopted it to shine in international races.
Because there is more than just marathons in life, we had to talk about a monster time over a shorter distance. In 2025, Jimmy Gressier struck again by breaking the European 5 km record with a very French pair: the Kiprun KD900X. This shoe, developed by Decathlon, uses ultra-reactive PEBAX foam and a redesigned carbon plate to optimize propulsion. The result: a timer that frightens the counters and proof that the French brand is now playing in the big leagues.
If you're looking to beat your PR, these models are definitely worth considering. Adidas, Nike and ASICS continue to dominate the competition shoe market with ever crazier innovations. The battle between foam and carbon is far from over, and who knows? In 2026, maybe we'll run a marathon in under two hours...
🦊 Welcome to Fox Running Club!
Running with Alfred, your true sparring partner! Here, we talk about running, training, and competitions with passion (and a touch of mischief). Whether you're looking for a personalized training plan, tips to improve, or the race calendar in France, Alfred, our speed expert fox, is here to guide you.
