ADIDAS ADIZERO ADIOS 9 INITIAL REVIEW - SPEED DAY ONLY OR A DAILY DRIVER? - EDDBUD

Summary

Ed reviews the Adidas Adizero Adios 9, a lightweight, race-ready shoe with a minimal stack and full-length Lightstrike Pro midsole. He highlights its glovelike upper, comfortable fit, and fast feel, but notes it's best suited for shorter distances, like 5-10K, due to limited cushioning. While the shoe is great for speed and tempo runs, its outsole durability on rough terrain is questionable. At £120, the Adios 9 is a niche offering, ideal for lighter runners, but may not satisfy those seeking long-distance comfort. Overall, Ed gives it a solid rating for its refined design but points to its specific target audience.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Adidas Adizero Adios 9 is a lightweight, responsive racing shoe designed for fast-paced runners, particularly for 5K or 10K races.
• 😀 The upper features a glove-like fit with the innovative *Light Lock* material to ensure a secure lockdown and comfort.
• 😀 The laces are thin and difficult to tie, especially in cold weather, which could be frustrating for runners who prefer a runner's knot.
• 😀 The shoe features *Light Strike Pro* foam for a low stack, making it responsive but with minimal cushioning—ideal for faster runs but not long-distance events.
• 😀 With a 27mm heel stack and 7mm drop, the shoe is more suited to lightweight runners and doesn’t offer enough cushioning for heavier runners.
• 😀 The outsole has *Continental* rubber for good grip during aggressive toe-offs, but its durability and traction are questionable, especially for heel strikers or rougher terrain.
• 😀 The shoe's outsole is smoother at the heel, which may lead to quick wear and tear, particularly for runners who often strike with their heels.
• 😀 Cleaning the outsole is challenging due to the rubber's design, and it could be prone to wear when running on surfaces with debris.
• 😀 The Adidas Adizero Adios 9 is priced at £120, offering good value for those looking for a fast, race-focused shoe, but it may not suit all runners due to its specialized nature.
• 😀 While the shoe offers great performance for short races and tempo runs, its lack of cushioning makes it unsuitable for longer distances like marathons.
• 😀 The Adizero Adios 9 is a niche product aimed at faster, lighter runners, and is best for speed work or track sessions, not daily training or long runs.

Q & A

What is the main selling point of the Adidas Adizero Adios 9?

The main selling point of the Adidas Adizero Adios 9 is its lightweight and responsive design, making it ideal for fast-paced, short-distance runs. It is especially suited for lighter runners who prioritize speed over cushioning.

How does the Adios 9's fit compare to other shoes in the Adidas lineup?

The Adios 9 offers a glove-like fit with minimal padding around the heel, reminiscent of race flats and football boots. It's designed for a snug lockdown, enhanced by Lightlock technology, which helps secure the foot inside the shoe.

What updates have been made to the midsole of the Adios 9?

The Adios 9 features a full-length Lightstrike Pro midsole, offering a more responsive feel compared to previous models that used a mixture of Lightstrike 2.0 and Lightstrike Pro. This change provides a lighter, more nimble feel, but with less cushioning, making it less suitable for longer runs.

How suitable is the Adios 9 for long-distance runners?

The Adios 9 is not ideal for long-distance runners, as its midsole provides insufficient cushioning for distances beyond 10K. It is better suited for shorter, faster sessions, such as 5K and 10K races, due to its lower stack height and responsiveness.

What are the key drawbacks of the Adios 9's outsole?

The outsole of the Adios 9 has limited durability, particularly when used on rough, debris-filled terrain. The rubber ridges are hard to clean and can wear down quickly if the shoe is used in environments with varied surfaces or grit.

How does the Adios 9 compare to other Adidas shoes like the Evo SL or Adios Pro 4?

Compared to the Evo SL, the Adios 9 is more refined with a better upper fit but lacks the same level of cushioning for longer runs. The Adios Pro 4 offers more cushion and support, making it a better choice for longer distances. The Adios 9 is a more niche offering for runners seeking speed and minimalism.

What type of runner is the Adios 9 best suited for?

The Adios 9 is best suited for lighter runners or those who prioritize speed and tempo runs over long-distance comfort. It excels at short, fast races like 5K or 10K, but heavier runners may find the lack of cushioning a disadvantage for longer runs.

What are the advantages of the upper construction in the Adios 9?

The upper construction of the Adios 9 is lightweight, comfortable, and provides a secure fit thanks to Lightlock technology. The soft, flexible heel counter and minimal padding enhance comfort, and the thin tongue and breathable materials contribute to a snug, racing-inspired fit.

What concerns does the reviewer raise regarding the laces of the Adios 9?

The laces on the Adios 9 are thin and difficult to tie, particularly when trying to use a runner's knot. Their needle-like ends make them challenging to handle, especially for runners wearing gloves or those who need a secure, reliable knot during a run.

How does the Adios 9 perform on different types of surfaces?

The Adios 9 performs well on smooth, dry surfaces, but its grip is less reliable on rough or debris-filled roads. While it provides solid traction on concrete and track surfaces, it may not be ideal for running on roads with gravel or grit, as the outsole can wear down quickly under these conditions.