The Adidas Takumi Sen 10 is a contemporary racing shoe that performs well in short races and workouts, particularly for 5K/10K distances. While it may not offer the same level of speed support as a full marathon shoe, it does provide improved stability and a greater sense of connection to the ground. Compared to its previous version, the Takumi Sen 10 feels quicker due to its firmer front section, although it has gained extra weight. Additionally, it boasts a more robust outsole compared to its predecessor, thanks to the inclusion of extra rubber.
Who should or shouldn't purchase Adizero Takumi Sen 10?
If you are a runner who values efficiency and desires a race shoe that offers both flexibility and a solid ride, the Takumi Sen 10 is a suitable choice for you. Additionally, if you prioritize stability and prefer to have your feet positioned closer to the ground, the Sen 10 is also a viable option for you.
If your feet are wide or you have flat arches, the Takumi Sen 10 may not be suitable due to its narrow midfoot and heel. Additionally, if you prefer a highly cushioned experience without any sensation of the ground beneath you, the Sen 10 may not meet your needs.
Adizero Takumi Sen 10 Brief Review
After publishing my review of the Takumi Sen 8, I was bombarded with a slew of angry comments from runners who vehemently disagreed with my assessment of the shoe. Unfortunately, the shoe simply did not work for me. Not only did it give me blisters during my first two runs, but I also found it to be slower compared to other racing shoes. I did not have the opportunity to test the 9th version, which only featured an upper alteration.
In today's times, it's rare to spot runners at the starting point of local 5K and 10K road races donning shoes like the Takumi Sen or other sprinting options like the Streakfly, Cielo, or SC Pacer. Despite their affordability compared to long-distance super shoes, these shorter distance racers seem to have lost their popularity.
This is because marathon shoes with their thick midsoles and rigid plates provide greater speed support. Majority of runners, including myself, prefer using these marathon shoes for 5 or 10K races instead of the contemporary racing flats like the Takumi.
Thus, one may wonder about the purpose of the Takumi Sen. According to Adidas, this shoe is specifically designed as a swift 10K racer. Its appearance is remarkably similar to the Adios Pro 3, albeit with a more slender midsole. In terms of measurements, it boasts a heel height of 33 mm and a forefoot height of 27 mm.
The Takumi Sen is designed for those runners who want a lighter shoe that provides a better connection to the ground, and don't necessarily need the extra speed boost. While I didn't use it specifically for racing in the past two years, I regularly utilized it during my interval and hill sprint workouts. I appreciated its stability and flexibility, which surpassed that of a traditional marathon shoe. This heightened level of difficulty in my workouts ultimately led to improved fitness levels for my races.
Although the Sen 10 has undergone notable improvements, its riding experience remains consistent with the previous two versions. While it has gained some weight, its stack heights and price have remained unchanged. Specifically, the new model now weighs 200 g (7.1 oz), a 19 g (0.7 oz) increase in comparison to a men's UK 8.5.
Adizero Takumi Sen 10 Initial Impressions
I found the Takumi Sen 8 to be too narrow, so I decided to go for a slightly larger size with the Sen 10. This choice provided more comfort, but the midfoot area remained quite narrow. Considering my flat arch, I believe I could further increase the size by half to alleviate the pressure on the medial side pressing into my arch.
For my initial jog, I maintained a consistent speed for 20 kilometers. Towards the conclusion, I incorporated four 1 kilometer intervals at a marathon pace. While running at a steady speed, the shoe seemed ordinary, but during the accelerated intervals, it truly shone. I effortlessly picked up my pace and experienced a heightened sense of enjoyment.
Upon my initial observation, I noticed a distinct dissimilarity: the forefoot had a heightened rigidity and a livelier response compared to the Sen 8. Consequently, this led to a swifter experience during my inaugural run. Additionally, the upper portion of the shoe provided a greater level of comfort, devoid of any blister formation.
The Takumi Sen 10 had a sleeker, more solid feel compared to the Boston 12. It didn't bring to mind the Adios Pro 3 as the Adios Pro has a livelier front rocker and delivers greater bounce.
The Sen 10 exceeded my expectations during its initial use, giving off a distinct race day vibe.
Adizero Takumi Sen 10 Upper (Vamp)
The racing upper of the Takumi Sen 10 is light, slender, and offers excellent breathability. While the foot stays secure, I do feel a distinct arch sensation because of its slim midfoot. To prevent blisters, I find it necessary to wear thick socks for added protection.
The tongue on these shoes is slim and lacks reinforcement, causing it to slip down while I'm running and prod the top of my foot. This problem is identical to the one I experienced with the Adidas Boston 12. Every time I come to a stop, I find myself having to readjust the tongue to relieve the discomfort.
The sizing is accurate, but if you have flat feet, it may be beneficial to choose a half size larger for added width in the middle of the foot. The front part of the shoe is typical, but the middle and back parts are quite narrow. This particular racing shoe is not recommended for individuals with wide feet or those who have sensitive arches.
Adizero Takumi Sen 10 Sole Units
The most significant and crucial difference lies in the Takumi Sen 10's enhanced speed compared to its predecessors. This can be attributed to the upgraded EnergyRods, which possess a greater rigidity. The increased stiffness of these rods contributes to a more responsive forefoot, enabling it to swiftly recover its original position following flexion.
I find the Sen 8 to be less enjoyable for quicker workouts like intervals and short tempo runs because it lacks the same level of responsiveness. It works best when running at a faster pace below 4:40 minutes per kilometer (7:30 per mile). However, I would not use it for racing because it doesn't provide the same speed boost as a marathon racer and it doesn't help maintain a fast turnover for extended periods.
The absence of a plate in the midsole's heel, as seen in the previous two versions, has eliminated the disparity in firmness between the heel and forefoot. Instead, the EnergyRods now extend towards the rear of the shoe in a twisted "pretzel" configuration, resulting in a ride that is more even and seamless.
In order to reduce weight and showcase the fibreglass rods, the midsole retains a midfoot medial cutout. This design, however, may cause slight instability for runners with overpronation. Nonetheless, I personally did not find it excessively unstable even after running in high shoes like the Wave Rebellion Pro.
The Takumi Sen 10 is not suitable for long-distance running because its midsole is too firm and it lacks a forefoot rocker. Although it provided enough cushioning for a 22-kilometer run, it didn't feel comfortable due to its narrowness. While experienced runners accustomed to a firm ride could potentially race a half marathon in these shoes, most runners will find the firmness too harsh for distances over 15 km.
It's important to note that despite utilizing Adidas' top-notch racing foam, Lightstrike Pro, the experience of running in these shoes feels rather lackluster, hence the term "racing flat." The level of rebound and energy return is not as pronounced as in bulkier racing shoes such as the Adios Pro and Prime X, and it also lacks a rocker design to enhance the speed of transitions between strides.
The outer part of the shoe's sole now has a greater amount of rubber on the side of the heel. In earlier versions, there was a space between the rubber pieces on the outer side of the heel, and I observed significant wear in this area. However, in the Sen 10, there is now one continuous strip of rubber on the side, providing enhanced protection for those who strike their heels while running.
The forefoot of this shoe is shielded by a sturdy layer of Continental rubber, while the midfoot and rearfoot are covered in a thinner rubber. This suggests that the shoe is specifically made for runners who predominantly strike with their forefoot. However, the rubber on the heel and midfoot is relatively thin, indicating that the outsole may not be very durable. It is recommended to reserve this shoe for races or important training sessions.
Adizero Takumi Sen 10 Summary
The Takumi Sen 10 is designed for experienced runners seeking a specialized tool. It caters to those who prioritize a natural running experience, as opposed to the typical cushioned marathon shoes. With its excellent ground feel, it provides a sense of control. However, I believe that runners who opt for the Sen 10 in races may face a disadvantage compared to those who select marathon super shoes.
The new and improved Version 10 surpasses its previous model in terms of speed. Despite being slightly heavier, it benefits from enhanced rods that offer greater speed support and a more intense riding experience. Additionally, its outsole is now more resilient, featuring additional rubber on the heel. For my workouts, particularly hill sprints, I will stick with the Takumi Sen as it performs exceptionally well in short, rapid bursts.
In comparison to its counterparts, the Takumi Sen 10 offers a heightened sense of speed when pitted against the Nike Streakfly and New Balance SuperComp Pacer. However, the Pacer boasts a more indulgent upper and is better suited for a wider range of foot types.
Despite being $70 cheaper than the typical high-performance running shoe, I wouldn't repurchase it. Personally, I prefer investing more in a racer that offers a gentler, more comfortable experience, as well as enhanced speed support for both short and long distance competitions.
To make the most of the Sen 10, it's best to have a lineup of at least three shoes. This includes a daily trainer and a speed trainer that can withstand wear and tear. This way, you can reserve the Sen 10 for races or important training sessions. It's worth noting that the heel section of the Sen 10 has a delicate outsole rubber, making it less durable. Therefore, it's important to use it sparingly for special occasions.
- Price: $270
- Style: IG3134
- Color: Green Spark / Aurora Met / Lucid Lemon
- Usage:
- racing
- short distance running
- interval workouts
- hill sprint workouts
- Constructions & Features:
- absence of plate in midsole's heel to eliminate firmness disparity between the heel and forefoot
- EnergyRods for more even and seamless ride
- midfoot medial cutout to reduce weight and showcase fibreglass rods
- outsole's heel has more rubber
- rubber strip on the side to provide more protection
- accurate size
- lace closure
- mesh upper
- Lightstrike Pro cushioning
- slinglaunch heel
- Weight: 200 g (size UK 8.5)
- heel drop: 6 mm (heel: 33 mm / forefoot: 27 mm)
- Continental™ rubber outsole
- at least 20% recycled materials
