Adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 8 vs. Nike ZoomX Streakfly (2022)
We have a clash of titans in 2022 with the release of the Adidas Takumi Sen 8, followed closely by the Nike Streakfly. Both shoes share the same goal: to be the best racer for short distances like the 5K or 10K.
And they have a lot in common. First of all, many refer to these shoes as “racing flats.” If the term was appropriate for the previous versions, it’s harder to picture with these new models that don’t share much with them.
Indeed, the Adidas Takumi Sen has a max cushion with a stack height of 33 mm in the heel, while the Nike Streakfly has 32 mm. The drop is 6 mm for both shoes, which is moderately low.
Next, the first significant difference between these two shoes is carbon fiber: the Takumi Sen comes with carbon plates (Energy Rods), while the Streakfly is more modest with a simple Pebax unit. As a result, the TS8 has a more responsive and bouncy ride. The Streakfly offers a smooth ride, but it’s not as impressive as the Adidas.
The underfoot feel is also different. It’s firmer and more structured on the Adizero Takumi Sen, contributing to the shoe’s better energy return. The Streakfly’s ZoomX foam, on the other hand, has a much softer feel.
Overall, the Takumi Sen provides a more effective but less comfortable ride than the Nike Streakfly. This is also felt in the upper with a tighter foot lockdown on the Takumi Sen.
Takumi Sen or Streakfly: which one to choose?
Between comfort and performance, you have to choose! The Adidas Takumi Sen 8 aims to shine in competition and offers an ultra-lightweight configuration (193 g/6.8 oz) to go very fast at the expense of stability and comfort.
Conversely, the Nike ZoomX Streakfly is even lighter (170 g/6 oz!) but bets everything on comfort to offer an easy and smooth ride. However, this configuration may show its limits at high speed due to a less precise lockdown.
If you are looking for a pure competition shoe for race day, we recommend the Takumi Sen. The Nike Streakfly is a more versatile option if you plan to use it for daily running.
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
Soft, responsive, and protective cushioning
Very stylish design
Good stability for such a soft and flexible shoe
Ultra-lightweight
The flexibility of the sole can limit performance
Adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 8
Nike ZoomX Streakfly
Technical Specs
| Terrain | Road | Road |
| Pronation type | Neutral | Neutral |
| Drop | 6 mm | 6 mm |
| Heel stack height | 33 mm | 32 mm |
| Forefoot stack height | 27 mm | 26 mm |
| Weight (men) | 193 g/6.8 oz | 170 g/6 oz |
| Weight (women) | 193 g/6.8 oz | 170 g/6 oz |
| Features | Carbon plate, Unisex sizing | Unisex sizing |
| Release year | 2022 | 2022 |
| Athlete | Senbere Teferi, Rhonex Kipruto |
Technologies
| Outsole | Continental Rubber | Rubber |
| Midsole | Energy Rods, Lightstrike Pro | Pebax Shank, ZoomX |
| Upper | Celermesh | Engineered mesh |
Cushioning
| Softness (1-5) | 4 – Soft | 4 – Soft |
| 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 | Competition |
