Adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 8 vs. Adios 6 (2022)
Not easy to find your way around the Adidas Running series with the many Adizeros on the menu! Today, we help you choose between the Takumi Sen and the Adios (not to be confused with the Adios Pro). Two very different shoes.
Different purposes
The Adizero Takumi Sen is not the most well-known shoe in the Adidas series. However, it’s highly respected for short distances. For example, Rhonex Kipruto wore the Sen 5 when he broke the men’s 10K world record in 26:24.
The Adios, on the other hand, is more of a daily trainer, but don’t call it slow. After all, it was the shoe of choice of the great champion Haile Gebrselassie. Proof that it has some power under the hood if you need it!
With or without carbon plate?
The configurations of these two shoes illustrate their different vocations. The Takumi Sen 8 has carbon plates (Energy Rods) which is not the case of the Adios 6. Then, the TS is much lighter, with 1.8 oz/50 g less on the scale!
Regarding cushioning, both shoes have an equivalent stack height under the heel: 33 and 32 mm, respectively. However, the feel of the Adios is a bit firmer underfoot, while the Takumi Sen has a softer feel. The Adios isn’t firm, though. But it’s firmer.
Between speed and stability, you have to chose
In practice, the Adidas Takumi Sen offers a much more responsive ride with a lightning-fast and effective propulsion (though not as fast as the Adios Pro 2). The run provided by the Adios is pleasant but with a much more moderate bounce.
Nevertheless, the running economy offered by the TS is not without a trade-off. Indeed, runners note that it’s a bit unstable at times, especially when turning. In addition, its racing configuration makes it uncomfortable at slow speeds. The Adios 6, on the other hand, is more stable and more versatile as it can accommodate a broader range of paces.
Takumi Sen or Adios: which one to choose?
As you have seen, these two shoes have different profiles, so the choice depends on your practice and your goals.
If you are looking for a responsive shoe with a good energy return for a 5 or 10K race, then the Takumi Sen 8 is the right choice. However, if you want a versatile shoe for daily training or even a competition shoe up to the half marathon, we recommend the Adios 6.
Side-by-side comparison
+ 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
– Lack of stability according to some runners, especially at slower paces
+ Comfortable cushioning
+ Highly responsive
Breathable upper with precise lockdown
– A little narrow
Adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 8
Adidas Adizero Adios 6
Technical Specs
| Terrain | Road | Road |
| Pronation type | Neutral | Neutral |
| Drop | 6 mm | 8 mm |
| Heel stack height | 33 mm | 32 mm |
| Forefoot stack height | 27 mm | 24 mm |
| Weight (men) | 193 g/6.8 oz | 244 g/8.6 oz |
| Weight (women) | 193 g/6.8 oz | 221 g/7.8 oz |
| Features | Carbon plate, Unisex sizing | |
| Athletes | Senbere Teferi, Rhonex Kipruto | Haile Gebrselassie |
| Release year | 2022 | 2021 |
Technologies
| Outsole | Continental | Continental |
| Midsole | Energy Rods, Lightstrike Pro | Lighstrike, Lightstrike Pro, Torsion System |
| Upper | Celermesh | Engineered Mesh |
Cushioning
| Softness (1-5) | 4 – Soft | 2 – Firm |
| Bounce (1-5) | 4 – Bouncy | 4 – Bouncy |
Use
| Speed | Fast | Moderate, fast |
| Distance | Short, mid, 5k, 10k, half marathon | Short, mid, 5k, 10k, half marathon |
| Workout | Competition | Daily runs |
