Four Running Shoes Under the Microscope: Adidas, Saucony and Salomon Assessed

Introduction

When a wave of new releases lands all at once, it helps to separate the genuine updates from the cosmetic refreshes. This round covers four road running shoes: the Adidas Adizero Adios 7, the Adidas Adizero Boston 11, the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 and the Salomon Spectur. Some are iterative tweaks, one is a proper redesign, and one arrives from a brand still finding its road-running identity.

Adidas Adizero Adios 7

The Adizero Adios 7 is a conservative update. The midsole and outsole carry over from last year’s model almost unchanged, with the revision focused on the upper. That upper brings meshier panels and styling nods to the original Adios Pro, though the famously breathable toe box of the Adios 6 has been swapped for a more closed-in mesh.

There is also a discrepancy worth flagging: the brand lists energy rods for this shoe, but the actual build uses the torsion system carried over from the Adios 6. That system still adds a bit of pop and midfoot rigidity, functioning more as a stabilizing element than anything dramatic.

The changes do appear to have shaved roughly 10 grams off the weight, and testers who found the previous upper too narrow may get some relief here. The suede-like heel reinforcements remain, so it stays one of the better-looking shoes in the line. On balance, this is still a shoe worth recommending.

Adidas Adizero Boston 11

The Boston 11 follows the same playbook as the Adios 7: an upper-only update on an unchanged midsole and outsole. Another specification oddity shows up here, with the listing suggesting Lightstrike Pro Plus while the actual midsole combines Lightstrike Pro with a denser EVA variant of Lightstrike, the same formula as before.

The upper does look slightly lighter, with the sample size listed around 271 grams compared to roughly 286 grams previously. That is movement in the right direction, but the Boston line has long felt clunky and overly dense, a shoe best reserved for smooth, easy efforts rather than anything ambitious.

At a 10-pound price increase over its predecessor, it becomes hard to justify for a rotation that already covers this territory. Verdict: pass this time around.

Saucony Endorphin Speed 3

The Endorphin Speed 3 is a real redesign rather than a reskin, and it keeps the lively character that made the line a favourite since launch. The midsole profile changes along the outer edge, and the outsole gets a fresh traction pattern with multi-directional chevrons, aimed squarely at the wet-weather grip that always felt a little lacking in the Speed and Pro.

The nylon plate now has an S-curve design intended to increase support. The slight flex some runners noticed over longer distances is arguably part of the appeal: the Speed has always felt more forgiving and more daily-trainer friendly than the Pro, assured rather than unstable.

At a premium price and with weight creeping upward, it is not a bargain, but the ride character and thoughtful revisions earn it a clear recommendation.

Salomon Spectur

The Salomon Spectur is the wildcard here, and it is refreshing to see genuine innovation in the road lineup. A slimmer, race-speed fit wraps a midsole built around an Energy Blade plate in the mid-to-forefoot, a curved carbon design meant to enhance propulsion. The classic outsole grip makes it an interesting alternative to the usual contenders, and the 6mm drop plus an EVA-based midsole will give some buyers pause.

The main sticking point is weight: 280 grams in the sample size, which scales up significantly for larger feet. At a moderate price it could be worth a spin for pace work, particularly for runners who appreciate how durable Salomon’s trail shoes tend to be. For now, though, the verdict is a hesitant no, with room to be convinced.

Overall Buying Advice

If you want the safest pick of this group, the Endorphin Speed 3 offers the most meaningful redesign and a proven ride character, provided the price fits your budget. The Adios 7 remains a solid choice if you liked the Adios 6, with the caveat that you are buying a new upper rather than a new shoe. Skip the Boston 11 unless the weight reduction matters to you, and treat the Spectur as a curiosity worth testing if Salomon’s durability record appeals more than mainstream options.

Conclusion

This release wave is a reminder that not every version bump equals progress. The Endorphin Speed 3 and Adios 7 earn their spots, the Boston 11 coasts on familiarity, and the Spectur shows promise that is not quite ready to convert. Match your choice to the ride you actually need rather than the newest name on the shelf.