adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 8

Review Score
77%
🏅 Highly Rated
See 21 reviews
Your rating
Price band

Buy adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 8 at today's best price (men's/women's)

adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 8: Review

“A swift and responsive choice for short-distance racers.”

Overview


The adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 8 is a high-performance running shoe designed for speed and efficiency over short distances. This model is a significant evolution from its predecessor, featuring a thicker Lightstrike Pro midsole and EnergyRods, which contribute to a stiffer ride.

Key Features:

  • Lightstrike Pro midsole: Provides a balance of cushioning and responsiveness, ideal for races and speed workouts.
  • EnergyRods: Enhances the shoe's stiffness, contributing to efficient energy transfer during runs.
  • Breathable upper: Ensures a comfortable and ventilated experience, even at high speeds.

The adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 8 is part of the adidas Adizero Takumi Sen family and stands out as a specialized option for runners who prioritize a lightweight, responsive shoe for racing and speed training. Its design is optimized for those with a neutral pronation and is particularly suited for distances up to a half marathon.

According to our analysis of reviews from experts around the world, it averages a review score of 77%. This puts it in the lowest rated 30% of comparable running shoes. According to our analysis of prices across the internet, at current rates it's just above the median price of running shoes.

Verdict

The consensus on the adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 8


The consensus among testers is that adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 8 is a specialized racing shoe best suited for distances up to 10k. Its updated Lightstrike Pro midsole and EnergyRods provide a stiffer, more responsive ride, making it a strong contender for runners seeking a lightweight and fast shoe. However, its narrow midfoot and instability issues may not cater to all foot types or those requiring more support. In our experience, the Takumi Sen 8 excels in grip and breathability but falls short in stability and comfort over longer distances. While it's a step up from its predecessor in terms of cushioning, it still may not be the best choice for runners looking for a versatile shoe that can handle a variety of distances and paces.

Updates to adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 8


The Takumi Sen 8 represents a significant update from the previous model, with a thicker midsole and the introduction of EnergyRods, aligning it closer to adidas's flagship marathon racer, the Adios Pro 2. These changes have resulted in a stiffer and more responsive shoe, although at a higher price point.

6 adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 8 Pros & Cons


3 Pros

The Takumi Sen 8 offers excellent grip and a breathable upper, making it a strong choice for short-distance races.
The shoe's Lightstrike Pro midsole and EnergyRods provide a responsive and efficient ride.
Its lightweight construction is ideal for runners looking to achieve fast times in races.

3 Cons

The narrow midfoot design may not be comfortable for all runners, potentially leading to blisters or discomfort.
Stability issues may arise, particularly for overpronators or those requiring more support.
The Takumi Sen 8's cushioning may not be sufficient for longer distances, limiting its versatility.

In Depth


Upper

The Takumi Sen 8's upper is constructed with a single-layer Celermesh, providing excellent breathability and a secure fit. However, the narrow design in the midfoot and rearfoot may pose fit challenges for runners with wider feet or those who prefer a more spacious toe box.

Midsole

Featuring a Lightstrike Pro midsole and EnergyRods, the Takumi Sen 8 offers a firm and responsive ride. This combination is ideal for short, fast races but may not provide enough cushioning for longer distances or runners who prefer a softer underfoot feel.

Outsole

The outsole of the Takumi Sen 8 is equipped with Continental rubber, delivering exceptional grip and traction. This makes the shoe a reliable choice for road running, ensuring confidence with every stride.

Size/fit

The Takumi Sen 8 fits a half size large and is shaped with an Asian last, which means it has a wide forefoot that tapers into a narrow midfoot and rearfoot. This unique fit may not accommodate all runners, especially those with wider feet.

Comfort

While the Takumi Sen 8's upper ensures breathability, the overall comfort is compromised by the narrow fit and lack of cushioning for longer runs. Runners may experience blisters or discomfort during extended use.

Cushioning

The shoe's cushioning is primarily focused on providing a responsive ride, which may not be sufficient for runners seeking plush, long-distance comfort. The Takumi Sen 8 is more suited for those who prefer a firmer race-day feel.

Breathability

The Takumi Sen 8's upper excels in breathability, thanks to its well-ventilated mesh design. This feature keeps feet cool and dry, even during intense speed workouts or races.

Stability

Due to its narrow midfoot and cutout in the midsole, the Takumi Sen 8 may not offer the stability required for overpronators or runners who need additional support during their runs.

Durability

While the outsole's Continental rubber provides excellent grip, the exposed foam in certain areas raises concerns about the shoe's long-term durability. It's best reserved for key workouts and races to maximize its lifespan.

Grip

The Takumi Sen 8's outsole grip is a standout feature, with Continental rubber ensuring reliable traction across various road surfaces. This makes the shoe a solid choice for runners who prioritize a secure footing.

Who should buy the adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 8?


The adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 8 is ideal for experienced runners who are focused on improving their speed and setting personal records in short-distance races. Its lightweight design and responsive cushioning make it a top pick for those who value a fast, race-day shoe for events like the 5k and 10k.

Who should not buy the adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 8?


Runners with wider feet or those who require a more stable and cushioned shoe for longer distances may want to consider other options. The Takumi Sen 8's narrow fit and lack of support make it less suitable for overpronators or those training for marathons.

adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 8: What's it good for?


The adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 8 is well-suited for road racing and speed training. Its lightweight construction and responsive midsole are tailored for runners aiming to achieve quick paces and short-distance personal bests.

4 adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 8 FAQs


Is the adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 8 suitable for marathon distances?

The Takumi Sen 8 is optimized for shorter races such as the 5k and 10k. While it offers a responsive ride, it may not provide the cushioning and support needed for the demands of a marathon.

How does the fit of the Takumi Sen 8 compare to other adidas running shoes?

The Takumi Sen 8 features an Asian last, which results in a wide forefoot that narrows significantly in the midfoot and rearfoot. This fit may differ from other adidas models and is not ideal for all foot shapes.

What type of runner would benefit most from the Takumi Sen 8?

Runners who prioritize speed and efficiency in short-distance races will benefit from the Takumi Sen 8's lightweight design and responsive cushioning.

Can the Takumi Sen 8 be used for daily training?

While the Takumi Sen 8 can handle speed workouts, its design is primarily for racing. It may not offer the comfort and durability needed for daily training.

adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 8 alternatives

bestDealShow prices
priceBand
Price band
similarity
Similarity
Very similar
Very similar
Very similar
Very similar
released
Released
Dec 2021
Jun 2022Jun 2023May 2019
expertReviewScore
Expert Review Score












Weight
Weight
193 g
210 g
213 g
M: 340 g
W: 227 g
204 g
Forefoot
Forefoot
27 mm
31 mm
28 mm
18 mm
Heel to toe drop
Heel to toe drop
6 mm
8 mm
9 mm
10 mm
10 mm
Heel
Heel
33 mm
39 mm
37 mm
28 mm
Usages
Usages
RacingSpeed training
Daily runningSpeed trainingRacingSpeed trainingCompetitionRacingDaily runningSpeed trainingSpeed training
Brand
Brand
adidas
NewtonASICSOnNikeNike
Shoe Type
Shoe Type
LightweightMaximalist
BreathableComfortableLightweightMaximalistBreathableComfortableLightweightMaximalist
Lightweight
Carbon fiber plate
Carbon fiber plate
Carbon plate
Carbon plate
Rocker
Rocker
Techs
Techs
Nike Air Zoom
0

adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 8: what the experts say (2 reviews)

adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 8: 17 Expert video reviews

adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 8 characteristics and specifications

Characteristics
SportsRunning (+1920)
TerrainRoad (+1303)
UsagesRacing (+189)Speed training (+290)
Brandadidas (+278)
Support TypeNeutral (+1503)
Pronation TypeNeutral pronation (+1483)
Strike TypeFore/Midfoot strike (+1062)Heel strike (+1141)
Arch TypeHigh arch (+1430)
Shoe TypeLightweight (+418)Maximalist (+504)
FitWide toe box (+324)
FeaturesBreathable (+964)
MaterialsMesh (+859)
Events10k (+682)Half marathon (+682)Marathon (+682)
ColorwaysBeam Orange Shadow Navy / Pulse Lilac, Cloud White / Grey Two / Gold Metallic, Cloud White / Real Teal / Flash Orange, Core Black / Beam Yellow / Solar Green, Dash Grey Solar Orange / Pulse Lilac, Grey Six / Cloud White / Black, Legacy Indigo / Turbo / Sky Rush, Orange / Black
Specificationsvs Average
Model
8
Released
Dec 2021
Measurements
Weight
193 g
Heel to toe drop
6 mm
Heel
33 mm
Forefoot
27 mm

Evolution of the adidas Adizero Takumi Sen product family

Related guides

AuthorTom Green
Tom is the founder of geerly. Based in West London, he found his passion for running in his mid-30s. He’s best at longer distances, and is a regular at the London Marathon, where he's edging closer to sub-2.40. He started geerly because he found it frustrating when shopping for running shoes spending ages trying to find the best deal in his size, and wading through verbose, waffling reviews clearly designed to appeal to search engines rather than be helpful to users. For geerly he's passionate about writing reviews that get straight to the point, and helping runners find the right gear at the best price.
new!
Sync your parkrun results to your Strava activities
Profile picture
Tom Green
March 22, 2024 at 9:55 AM
Gunnersbury parkrun #230 (my #3️⃣4️⃣)
📊 Stats | Powered by geerly.com 👟 🕒 Official time: 00:22:45 | Course PB 🚨 🏁 Overall position: 35/549 🚹 Gender position: 21/299 🎯 Age grade: 61%