Kit & Gear

REVIEW: adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 8

Race day is here, and it's time to unleash the speed!

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Find your fastest tempo in the new adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 8 running shoes, specifically made for 5K to half-marathon road races.

Designed to provide complete comfort from the moment you put them on, till the moment you take them off, this shoe uses Lightstrike Pro Cushioning to energise your stride and ENERGYRODS to add stiffness for snappy toe-offs - because you don't want anything holding you back.

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Alfie Manthorpe has been busy putting the adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 8 to the test. Here he provides a detailed review of this exciting new shoe release.

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Can you race a 5K in the Takumi Sen 8? I mean, can the Takumi Sen 8 hold up against the likes of the Vaporfly next% and the Asics Metaspeed Sky?

The short answer is Yes. I strongly believe the Takumi Sen 8 is the best on the market for a 5K road race. But there's a catch. If you're a highly efficient runner, with a good leg drive and someone who lands on your mid-foot to fore-foot, then this shoe is the perfect racer. However, if you tend to be more of a heel striker, then the higher stack height options such as Vaporfly next% and Asics Metaspeed sky are probably still a better option.

The same applies to the 10K. We've just seen Emile Cairess equal Sir Mo Farah's 10K British record, whilst wearing the Takumi Sen 8. However, Emile is an exceptionally efficient runner.

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THE UPPER

Renowned shoe reviewers *not mentioning any names*, seem to argue that the laces are of poor quality. But in my opinion, if the laces stay tied, then they do their job. I don't need much else from the laces. Provided they stay tied, they keep the shoe secure.

The upper itself is quite a stiff material. I would say this is a big negative in a marathon shoe because it would need to be much more breathable. However, it isn't a marathon shoe and for the 5K and 10K distances I quite like the stiffer material because it keeps your foot more secure and the stiffness makes your stride feel faster and more natural.

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THE MIDSOLE

Lightstrike Pro (adidas's super foam) certainly packs a punch. The shoe itself feels more aggressive than other super shoes, yet it also has a natural feel. Everything about the shoe's midsole is perfect in my opinion. The foam and flexible rods complement each other exactly how they should.

The rod's flexibility also makes the Takumi a great training flat for all paces from tempo to race pace. Usually, you may run the risk of injury in a super shoe, constantly training with a carbon plate. The rods reduce the stiffness of the shoe and allow your foot to flex in a more natural way, which in turn helps to keep foot, shin, and calf injuries away.

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THE OUTSOLE

The only issue I have with this shoe is the inclusion of continental rubber. The added weight and durability aren't needed in a racing shoe (it's still lighter than the Vaporfly). I know most people will see added durability as a good thing, especially if they look to train in this shoe. However, I'd rather have a lighter, less durable outsole, so the fractional weight savings can make me more efficient on race day.

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CONCLUSION

The ratings above are designed to give you a better idea of the general information people look for. However, since this shoe is a racer, it has lower scores in some categories. Naturally, this results in a lower score. Keep this information in mind when looking at these scores. I think in terms of a racing and training flat alone, this shoe is right at the top.

The ratings above are designed to give you a a better idea of the general information people look for. However, since this shoe is a racer, it has lower scores in some categories. Naturally, this results in a lower score. Keep this information in mind when looking at these scores. I think in terms of a racing and training flat alone, this shoe is right at the top.

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SHOP THE ADIDAS ADIZERO TAKUMI SEN 8 RUNNING SHOE HERE

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Alfie Manthorpe is the CEO of Trackstaa, a company aiming to inspire athletes all over the world with their exclusive content and dedicated running channels.

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