In the recent World Half Marathon held in Riga, adidas continues to establish itself as a leader in the sector of record-breaking running shoes, especially with its flying models that include the revolutionary carbon fibre plate. It is clear that they are maintaining their dominance, achieving that coveted "sorpasso" against their eternal competitor, Nike.
The innovative and disruptive running shoes adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1 and the reliability of the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 have prevailed over one of the most avant-garde silhouettes of the renowned Oregon brand such as the Nike Vaporfly 3. On this podium of flying shoes at the 2023 World Half Marathon in Riga, another interesting and high-performance model has also sneaked in, the HOKA Rocket X 2.
It is clear that the streets of Riga have resonated with the cruising rhythm of the elite athletes. There have been no world records, but there has been a high-flying competition, which has confirmed the absolute dominance of the Kenyan runners. Triple win in both the men's and women's categories. Sebastian Kimaru Sawe, in men, and Peres Jepchirchir, in women, have become the new world half marathon champions in the Latvian capital.
At RUNNEA we detail the running shoes with carbon plate, which have helped to define the final podium in Riga 2023 for men and women:
Men's Ranking: a step forward with cutting-edge technology
1. Sebastian Kimaru Sawe (59:10) - Shoes: adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3
The German firm presents this latest edition of the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 with significant improvements, such as the inclusion of two layers of foam in its midsole and an optimisation of the carbon plate to maximise energy return with each stride. In addition, they have reduced the drop, giving more height to the forefoot area, maintaining the essence of its predecessor but with adjustments that enhance its performance.
2. Daniel Simiu Ebenyo (59:14) - Nike Vaporfly 3 Trainers
The Nike Vaporfly 3 model is one of the crown jewels of Nike. A technical marvel that stands out for its design that follows the speed legacy of the Vaporfly line, but with key improvements that further enhance the runner's experience.
It is an ideal trainer for distances ranging from 10k to the marathon, designed to provide reactivity, propulsion, and stability.
3. Samwel Nyamai Mailu (59:19) - Trainers: HOKA Rocket X 2
HOKA is not left behind with its fastest and most efficient trainer, the HOKA Rocket X 2. This model stands out for its spoon-shaped carbon fibre plate that, combined with the new ultra-reactive PEBA foams, offers a remarkable rebound performance. Its two-part ProFlyX midsole is designed to ensure a more energetic and stable stride. In addition, they have added rubber zones in critical areas to increase its durability.
Women's Ranking: The perfect combination of speed and elegance
1. Peres Jepchirchir (1:07:25) - Trainers: adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1
This running shoe is the latest innovation from adidas. With an impressively light weight of only 138 grams, it redefines the concept of lightness in running. Inspired by the technology of the Adizero Adios Pro 3, the adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1 features a forefoot profile in the shape of a rocker that has been scientifically validated to optimise stride efficiency.
Its exclusivity is also reflected in its price of £500. The most expensive racing shoe in history, which has already shown what it can do on the feet with the recent women's world record in the marathon distance, by the hand of the Ethiopian Tigist Assefa, and her stratospheric time of 2 hours 11 minutes and 53 seconds.
2. Margaret Chelimo Kipkemboi (1:07:26) - Trainers: adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3
As already mentioned in the men's ranking, this adidas model is a masterful combination of technology and design, aimed at those who seek to surpass their own limits in long-distance races such as the half marathon and marathon. A sure bet to aspire to the final victory and achieve the best personal marks.
3. Catherine Reline Amanangole (1:07:34) - Trainers: Nike Vaporfly 3
Reiterating their presence on the podium, the Vaporfly 3 from Nike Running demonstrate why they are one of the most popular models for elite runners. That said, with the permission of the Nike Alphafly 2, which has led the great Eliud Kipchoge to conquer his excellent marathon record.
In short, and as could not be otherwise, the World Half Marathon Riga 2023 has been a showcase not only of human talent, but also of the evolution in the design and technology of running trainers. These models are a testament to the constant innovation that leading brands bring to the world of athletics.
Ready to take the next step? These flying trainers could be your ticket to a new personal record in your next sporting challenge on the tarmac.
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