Details
Brand
Adidas
Heel To Toe Drop
6 mm
Breathability
8/10
Latest Version
Adidas Adizero Takumi-Sen 3
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• EVA foam in the midsole helps protect runners by absorbing shock with each foot strike.• Quickstrike technology along the outsole is a diamond shape that adds responsiveness and keeps things speedy.• Patented Boost Midsole material gives the shoe added cushioning without weighing it down.• AdiWear technology found in the outsole to promote a longer life span of the shoe even after long miles.• Teijin Japanese Mesh in the upper to give the shoe maximum breathability and flexibility.
Upper
The upper is one of the stars of this shoe for a few reasons. Breathability is key to this shoe, and Adidas uses a lightweight mesh in the design of this upper. This keeps the foot cool and dry even in hot weather or on long runs.. As an added benefit of the updated breathability, a dryer foot is less likely to acquire painful blisters from annoying friction and irritation. Not only is the upper mesh material breathable, it is uniquely stretchy. It actually conforms to the unique shape of your foot, giving you a secure, almost glove life feeling.
Midsole
The Adidas Boost midsole material is lightweight, cushioned, and extremely comfortable. The original version of the shoe features a plastic insert that runs the length of the midsole. This insert is designed to give the shoe excellent responsiveness and forward motion, adding to its ultra fast feel. It feels almost like a sponge, but don’t worry, because it doesn’t absorb water, and quite to the contrary, actually helps keep the foot cool and dry even on long, hot runs. The LightStrike EVA foam in the midsole gives the shoe some added cushioning as well. It protects the runner by absorbing shock which can greatly reduce the risk of injury
Outsole
The material used in this outsole is a continental rubber. This is a durable rubber that protects the foot but still manages to feel lightweight and responsive. This shoe is lined with diamond shaped grips that Adidas refers to as a Quickstrike technology. Another technology offered in the outsole is AdiWear which supports a longer life of the shoe even after excessive miles. This design improves the flexibility of the outsole and allows the shoe to provide top notch responsiveness. The diamond pattern of the underfoot gives the shoe good traction and grip even though it is designed for road running. It is a great shoe to take to the track for speed work.
Breathability
Adidas takes breathability to a new level in the Takumi Sen. The upper is made of a material called Teijin Japanese Mesh. This mesh has larger air holes to support maximum air flow. This keeps the foot cool and dry even on longer, hotter runs. Runners know that a dryer foot is a more comfortable foot because it reduces the risk of friction and blisters.
Comfort
The Boost cushioning of the midsole helps make this is a really comfortable ride. The EVA midsole foam is added cushioning without weighing the shoe down. Additionally, the Japanese mesh material used in the upper is sock like in its ability to mold to the foot and wrap it in support. The upper is also extremely breathable which keeps the foot cool and dry. This is another key element for achieving maximum comfort. The shoe is snug, and almost feels like a sock or glove when you put it on. It squeezes the foot in all the right places, giving the runner comfort and support.
Style
This shoe did receive some hate from the masses because the primary color option for men is pink. It seems like racing shoes with wild color patterns and styles is all the rage these days, and there are so many options out there. These shoes have a slightly tamer aesthetic. Expect to see the traditional Adidas insignia along the side, and typical of the brand, the color options are classic and limited.
Durability
Yes, this shoe is certainly on the higher end of the pricing spectrum. However, the added durability features like the EVA midsole foam, or the unique material of the upper can easily justify this cost. Runners reported that even after long, hard miles, the shoes did not show signs of breakdown and kept their original form.
Protection
There aren’t any stand out protective elements of this shoe. Other than the added durability of the upper and midsole, the shoe is built more for speed and comfort than it is for protection.
Responsiveness
The technology used in the midsole and outsole for the Takumi Sen creates a fast, highly responsive ride. The underfoot is comprised of a unique diamond pattern that adds in grip and responsiveness. The shoe has a six millimeter heel drop, and while the foam used in the midsole provides support and cushioning, it doesn’t reduce the responsiveness of the shoe.
Support
There are two distinct places where these shoes feel especially supportive. The first is the sock like fit of the upper. The upper is made of a special mesh material the hugs the foot and gives it a sock like fit. The second is the Boost technology of the midsole. This foam contours to fit the unique shape of your foot, giving you support in each foot fall.
Terrain
This is a great shoe for the roads and track work. Runner after runner raved about this shoe’s ability to bring them quickly and comfortably across finishes lines from the 5k to the marathon. Whether you are racing or doing speed work on the track, this is a good road running shoe.
Price
One of the best things about buying a shoe that is an older model is that price will be significantly lower. The originally selling price on this model was $150, but since two new versions have come on the market since its inception, you can find this shoe for a much lower price these days. This is a racing shoe and a training shoe rolled into one cute little, light weight package. Yhref=”https://runnerclick.com/affordable-running-shoes-under-100/”
Drop
The heel drop on these shoes is 6 mm. A true minimalist shoe runs anywhere from 0 mm to 4 mm. The 6 mm is a great option for runners who are looking to either move down to a minimal shoe or for a runner who is looking for a more natural feel but still wants some cushioning. The shoe feels fast and close to the ground.
Stability
A thoughtfully designed midsole helps give this shoe a great amount of stability. This model uses a technology called the Torsion System in the midsole. This system creates a more natural, flexible movement in the heel and the forefoot which in turns gives the runner a high level of stability. Although this is marketed as a shoe for the neutral runner, it does actually provide a good deal of stability and support for the overpronator as well.
Flexibility
This shoe offers a unique combination of flexibility and support. The outsole is durable and powerful enough that runners feel protected on their runs, but still flexible enough to adapt quickly to pace and terrain changes. Additionally, Adidas made changes to the heel counter to maximize flexibility but also keep a secure, protected feeling for the runner. The upper is made of a Teijin Japanese Mesh that molds to the foot and creates a very flexible movement.
Traction
Simply by flipping this shoe over and checking out the design of the underfoot, it is clear to see that this shoe offers great traction for a road and racing shoe. This shoe is one hundred percent suggested for road racing, but it is clear via the repeated diamond pattern of the outsole that this shoe has gripping capabilities that allow the runner to speed up and slow down effortlessly.
Bottom Line
Adidas knows how to make a comfortable shoe that is ready for racing and miles. This is a shoe that can be compared to the Adios 2. The Adizero Takumi Sen provides a breathable upper, a cushioned midsole, and a flexible outsole that combines to make this a great training and racing companion for the 5k to the marathon runner. The price is on the higher side, but if you are picky about needing a lightweight racing shoe that can also provide you moderate stability and high levels of cushioning, this is a great shoe for you.
