The Adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 11 and the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 5 fill two distinct roles in the Adizero line and are meant to complement each other. The Takumi Sen is the short-distance specialist, for the 5K and 10K. The Adios Pro is the carbon racer built for the half marathon and the marathon.
Despite a noticeably taller midsole, the Adios Pro 5 is a bit lighter, by about 10 g / 0.4 oz. The Takumi Sen 11 stays close to the ground, with a drop that is a bit higher.
Both run on Lightstrike Pro foam, but the stiff element differs. The Takumi Sen keeps the fiberglass EnergyRods 2.0, gathered into a single rigid structure that runs lengthwise under the forefoot. The Adios Pro 5 moves to the U-shaped EnergyRim carbon structure, which leaves more foam in the flex zone without losing stiffness.
Forward propulsion is strong on both. The Takumi Sen 11 keeps a flatter feel and a ride that demands a lot from your legs, even though its new foam is softer and bouncier than on the previous version. The Adios Pro 5 is plusher at impact, with a more impressive bounce, a pronounced forward roll, and shock absorption that doesn’t limit the distance.
The Takumi Sen sits lower and is therefore more agile through changes of direction. The Adios Pro 5 is still demanding but has gained stability over the previous version.
On grip, the Takumi Sen’s outsole pairs Lighttraxion with Continental rubber at the forefoot. The Adios Pro 5’s outsole combines Continental rubber and Lighttraxion technology, for reliable grip even on wet ground.
For lockdown, both uppers are very thin and breathable. The Takumi Sen 11’s is new, lighter, with a bit more room in the forefoot than before. On the Adios Pro 5, the Lightlock band wraps from the heel up to the eyelets for very good lockdown, with a tighter forefoot than on the previous version.
Takumi Sen 11 vs Adios Pro 5: Which Should You Choose?
For almost everyone, the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 5: it may be the most well-rounded carbon shoe to date, and its versatility lets it do just about everything. It is built for racing, though, not for training.
If you want a fast shoe for your speed workouts and racing, mostly over the shorter distances (5K and 10K), the Takumi Sen 11 may be the better choice.
