Adidas Adizero Adios 7 First Impressions review: How does it compare to the SL20 and Takumi Sen 8?

I've been loving Adidas running shoes lately and picked up the Adios 7 for 50% off. I took it out for some fast intervals and then compared it against the SL20 and Takumi Sen 8 in 2 mile back to back runs to see where it fits in the Adidas lineup. It is a light, firm and durable shoe that works best when pushing the pace. I see it being great for speed workouts but too unforgiving for longer runs and easy pace runs.

[@alexkhan2000]

I also picked up the Adios 7 during the sale and my expectations were exactly in line as you described it: it's firm, responsive, and designed and made for shorter distance speed runs. It's a niche shoe for limited types of runs and certainly not comparable to the TS8, which I love. I've only done one brisk 5-mile run on it as it's been raining a lot here in SoCal, so I've been using it at the gym on the treadmill as well as for cross-training, stationery bike, and playing racquetball. I was hoping that the Adios 7 would become my ideal gym shoes because soft-cushioned shoes aren't good for the treadmill as it's bouncy enough on its own. I also wanted something light, firm, low-to-the-ground, and nimble with great traction for the racquetball court and the Adios 7 is working out really great for this. I wear size 8 US and it's 7.1 ounces so it's almost featherweight compared to other gym shoes options and volleyball court shoes which can weigh 11~12 ounces for my size! No thanks. I had been using the ASICS Gel-Nimbus Lite 3 for the gym and it's worked pretty well but still a little too tall and soft for what I want to do at the gym. Really curious about the Terrex Speed Ultra you have there. I'm really bummed that I missed the sale on that. It just wasn't on my radar at the time. I don't need another trail shoe as I have plenty, but this shoe does look intriguing for shorter distance (5~7 miles) on smoothened hard-packed dirt/gravel trails. Overall, I'm pretty happy with the Adios 7 - especially at the sale price. I'm pretty certain the foam will loosen up with more miles. It's an old-school racing flats kind of shoe. I've been running in super stack max-cushioned shoes exclusively over the past several months so I started missing the firmer feel of a shoe like this. I can imagine that it would feel especially firm and stiff in the cold weather. Being in SoCal, I don't deal with that. I look forward to your thoughts after you've put in some more miles into it. Thanks!

[@runwithsean]

Thanks for the detailed comment. I can see the Adios 7 being good for the gym with that firmer midsole. I’d appreciate some SoCal weather these days! Lots of sub 30 degree runs are in my near future. The Adios 7 definitely feels fast, light and firm. I think that it will feel better with a few more miles in it. It definitely has more pop and feels faster than the SL20. I’ll post an update once I have some more miles in it.

[@bdanimation2801]

Adios 7 better then boston 11..

[@runwithsean]

I have not run in the Boston 11 but know that they are two very different shoes. There is much more stack in the midsole of the Boston and it’s a heavier shoe. The Adios is designed more for speed, while the Boston is more of a daily trainer. They are both on the firmer side and need some breaking in. I think that the Boston would be better for longer miles while the Adios would be better for speed sessions and shorter distances.

[@iGo0gIe]

Once these get softer over about 50 miles. They can be used For easy miles

[@runwithsean]

Good to hear. I plan on putting a lot more miles in them and will update accordingly.

[@hfurbano]

A7 is getting softer with the km, not for being a daily trainer for easy runs but more confortable than the initial km. You should try with the Adizero SL, something in the middle of Adios 7 and Boston 11

[@runwithsean]

I can see that shoe getting better with some more miles in it. I’ll definitely be using it more for fast paced runs.

[@AncoraImparoPiper]

The Adios 7 is my first adidas shoe and I love it. It's perfect for my style of running: easy and interspersed with lots of short speed bursts. I use it for my 10k training plan but on the day of the race I will slip into my Saucony Endrophin Pros for the extra cushion and propulsion. I have many other easy running shoes e.g. NB 1080, Reebok, Hoka, but I now reach for the Adios 7 which has surpassed my preference for the NB Rebel over the last few years. Great shoe and got it at a good price on sale. I'm glad I tried it out.

[@runwithsean]

I'm glad that the Adios 7 is working well for you. I appreciate the tight fitting upper, lower stack and it's ability to go fast. If you are really liking this shoe, see if you can find the Takumi Sen 8 on sale. It's a very similar fit, but even lighter and the LightStrike Pro foam in that shoe feels just great.

[@boogieuhuh]

My experience with the adios 7 after almost 150k is that it needs some breaking in to soften the cushioning. Had blisters the first 50k every time I use it. Paired it with the adidas cushioned socks so at least ease it a bit but still had blisters on my soles. And now after maybe 140k of using it, the upper is already torn. Even with the adidas care instructions, my upper is already ripped. Still useable but don’t know for how long.

[@runwithsean]

I’ve used the shoe a few more times, since this review. The midsole did soften up a bit for me. I still much prefer the Takumi Sen 8 over this shoe.

[@robbristle5642]

No it’s 31 mm in the heel and 23 in the arch. LOVE THE SPORTS CAR ANALOGY.

[@runwithsean]

From Adidas website: Midsole drop: 8 mm (heel: 27 mm / forefoot: 19 mm). That’s what they are listing it at. I didn’t measure myself in my size. I did take these out for a faster run in warmer weather and they felt less stiff than my initial runs. I stand by that analogy. These still feel great at faster paces but have that firm sports car suspension that is uncomfortable when you aren’t getting after it.

[@mohammedanwar4196]

Would you recommend the Takumi Sen 8 as a 5k racing shoe?

[@runwithsean]

Definitely! That is right in its wheelhouse. It’s lighter than the Vaporfly and Adios Pro 3. It also isn’t as stiff, since it has nylon rods instead of carbon rods or a carbon plate. It strikes a nice balance of being assistant, but not overly so, light, and the upper disappears on your foot. I need to take that shoe out for a true 5k race sometime soon.

[@Don-Coyote-De-Transylvania]

Would you recommend Takumi Sen 8 for beep test?

[@runwithsean]

Definitely. They are incredibly light and responsive. They are also lower to the ground then a lot of the current carbon racers. So I’d feel more comfortable cornering and changing direction in those than a lot of the other shoes that I have.

[@Chicago_Jayhawk]

Takumi Sen 8 is easily the best shoe I've ever run in.

[@runwithsean]

Such a good shoe! I recently ordered a second pair for 50% off. Couldn’t resist.