Adidas Takumi Sen 9 Review (2023): Best Carbon Plate Racer?

Published on: 10/08/2023

The Adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 9 is a competition classic. Equipped with a carbon plate, this new version builds on the series legacy while significantly improving it.

Consensus

Introduction

Designed to deliver the perfect balance between lightness and performance, the Adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 9 boasts innovative features to serve the fast-paced athletes best.

These German-made lightweight running shoes are appreciated for their sleek design and premium-quality construction, which makes them an excellent option for running enthusiasts to level up their performance.

Cushioning

The Adizero Takumi Sen 9 running shoes feature Boost technology, a lightweight foam that offers firm and balanced cushioning. This technology is integrated into the shoe’s midsole to provide a comfortable feel while reducing impact on the joints. It also incorporates full-length Lightstrike Pro material, which further adds to comfort.

And, of course, there’s the Energy Rods carbon plate, which takes the form of several rods under the forefoot. With this, the aim is to make the ride more springy by instilling a decent amount of propulsive movement to save energy throughout the run.

The sole thickness is 27 mm in the forefoot and 33 mm in the heel, with a heel-to-toe drop of 6 mm, similar to its older version. But, it has been redesigned to improve comfort and lockdown while offering better responsiveness.

Foot Lockdown

The extremely thin upper of these speed shoes is made from a wear-resistant, lightweight, breathable mesh material that combines multiple technologies for providing comfort and secure lockdown while promoting airflow.

Moreover, it also incorporates support overlays for lateral stability. As a result, runners get to enjoy a secure fit without sacrificing freedom of movement.

These super shoes also feature laces that don’t stretch and a thin, non-gusseted tongue lined with a silicon band.

Although the Adizero Takumi Sen 9 offers a wider, more comfortable toe box for optimal stride development, it remains narrow for wider feet, and the upper tightens in the midfoot and heel area.

Overall, it is designed to offer a precise, snug fit, which can be beneficial for runners looking for shoes with optimum performance.

It weighs around 7 oz / 200 g, making it a very lightweight option for runners looking for a fast, responsive shoe.

Grip

The Continental rubber outsole of Takumi Sen 9 provides a strong grip on wet and dry roads but remains soft enough to offer adequate flexibility and responsiveness during the stride.

However, for a speed shoe, this technology is not very resistant to abrasion, which can accelerate wear, especially on the road.

Ride

The testers claim these running shoes offer a balanced cushioning with an appropriate bounce while running. They also appreciated the flexibility and responsiveness of the outsole as it enables easy propulsion.

Furthermore, they mentioned that transitions from heel to toe are fluid, with their shape and midsole design. However, it tends to run a tiny bit long, so going a half-size down than your usual might help.

The running shoe features a traditional configuration, without a carbon plate and with a very slight rocker. [check original translation]

While training daily, the Takumi Sen 9 is ideal for faster sessions. They are equally suited to fast, split, or tempo daily training and running at shorter distances such as a 5K, 10K, or even half-marathon races.

It also offers similar comfort for longer distances, such as a marathon, for runners who like their shoes more snappy and not too cushy.

Conclusion

The Adizero Takumi Sen 9 is suitable for light, fast runners looking for a running or racing shoe for short to medium-distance competition.

Beginners, heel strikers, heavy people, people with wide feet, and those looking for comfort on their first run may not find this shoe to their liking.

Finally, speed freaks looking to beat their personal best over short or medium distances will undoubtedly be delighted with their performance in these running shoes.

Facts

Technical Specs

Terrain	Road
Pronation type	Neutral
Drop	6 mm
Heel height	33 mm
Forefoot height	27 mm
Weight (men)	181 g/6.4 oz
Weight (women)	181 g/6.4 oz
Features	Carbon-fiber plate, Rocker
Athletes
Release year	2023
Price	Check prices

Cushioning

Softness	Balanced
Responsiveness	High

Technologies

Outsole	Continental
Midsole	Lightstrike Pro, ENERGYRODS
Upper	Primegreen

Use

Speed	Moderate, Fast
Distance	Short, 5K, Mid, 10K, Half marathon
Workout	Racing

Comparisons – Adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 9 vs.:

Adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 8

The differences between the Adizero Takumi Sen 9 and the Adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 8 lie mainly in the upper.

The Adizero Takumi Sen 9 features a new breathable mesh upper with improved ventilation and a more cozy fit. But, its midsole remains mostly similar to the Takumi Sen 8’s, but with added Boost technology for lively cushioning and effective bounce.

However, buying the latest Adidas Takumi Sen may not be essential for daily runners who already have the previous version, especially if that already meets their needs. Nevertheless, for those looking for a fast-running, lightweight shoe with excellent breathability and improved foot lockdown, this new model will meet their expectations.