Adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 8 vs. Adios Pro 2 (2022)

These two shoes from Adidas have different positions in the brand’s collection and are intended to complement each other.

The Takumi Sen 8 is a specialist shoe for short distances (5 or 10K, for example), while the Adios Pro 2 was designed for the half-marathon and marathon.

In practice, the Takumi Sen 8 has a 33 mm heel stack height with a heel-to-toe drop of 6 mm, while the Adios Pro 2 has an even higher heel stack height of 39 mm, which is 1 mm less than the limit for official competitions. This is reflected in the weight: the Adios Pro weighs 1.1 oz/30 g more than the Takumi Sen.

Both shoes use the Energy Rods technology, a set of carbon fiber plates nested in the midsole to deliver an efficient impulse and maximize the running economy. Note, however, that the Takumi does not have a plate under the heel, unlike the Adios Pro.

The cushioning is soft with a responsive bounce for faster and easier propulsion in both cases. However, testers note that the trampoline effect is much more impressive on the Adios Pro 2.

In terms of foot lockdown, both the Takumi Sen and the Adios Pro use Celermesh, a very thin technical fabric with little structure. The lockdown seems slightly better on the Adios Pro 2.

Finally, note that the Adios Pro 2 is, according to runners, more versatile because it’s comfortable even at low to moderate speeds, unlike the Takumi Sen, which requires a reasonably fast pace to activate its full potential.

Takumi Sen or Adios Pro: which one to choose?

Overall, although their configurations are very similar, the Adios Pro 2 seems better because it’s more versatile and has much better cushioning and propulsion.

However, the Takumi Sen 8 will appeal to athletes looking for an even lighter shoe specifically for short distances. Plus, with a $40 difference for the same durability, it also offers better value for money.

Side-By-Side Comparison

Bottom Line
Pros
Cons
Adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 8
Adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 8
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A carbon-fiber plate running shoe to go very fast over short/medium distances.
+ Ultra-light shoe
+ Comfortable cushioning that provides impressive propulsion, especially when you’re going fast
+ Thin mesh that offers good support overall and stays loose enough
+ Good durability thanks to the robust outsole
+ Great design
Laces that are not very practical
Lack of stability according to some runners, especially at slower paces
Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2
Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2
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A very good carbon plated running shoe that offers a comfortable and versatile configuration for mid to long distances.
+ Great comfort
+ Cushioning is as effective and versatile as ever
+ Smooth transitions
+ Better fitting upper for a more targeted lockdown
+ Good durability for this type of shoe
Some testers note some stability and lockdown issues
A little heavier than its direct competitors (about 1 oz/30 g)

Adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 8

Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2

Technical Specs

TerrainRoadRoad
Pronation typeNeutralNeutral
Drop6 mm8 mm
Heel stack height33 mm39 mm
Forefoot stack height27 mm31 mm
Weight (men)193 g/6.8 oz227 g/8 oz
Weight (women)193 g/6.8 oz227 g/8 oz
FeaturesCarbon plate, Unisex sizingCarbon plate, Rocker
AthletesSenbere Teferi, Rhonex KiprutoPeres Jepchirchir
Release year20222021

Technologies

OutsoleContinentalContinental
MidsoleEnergy Rods, Lightstrike ProEnergy Rods, Lightstrike Pro
UpperCelermeshCelermesh 2.0

Cushioning

Softness (1-5)4 – Soft4 – Soft
Bounce (1-5)4 – Bouncy5 – Very bouncy

Use

SpeedFastModerate, fast
DistanceShort, mid, 5k, 10k, half marathonMid, long, 10 km, half marathon, marathon
WorkoutCompetitionCompetition
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Kevin Le Gall

Kevin is the founder and editor of Runner's Lab. He started running in 2015 and completed his first marathon in Rotterdam in 2016. He's also worked for Under Armour from 2016 to 2018 and helped launch their running collection in Europe (in particular the HOVR shoes). In addition, Kevin is a 300-hour certified yoga teacher (Sivananda) and uses this experience to run more mindfully with a focus on well-being over performance.