Article by Nils Scharff
adidas Adizero Adios 9 (140€)
Introduction
In recent years, trends in the running shoe market have focused heavily on carbon fiber plates and maximum cushioning. Today, there is hardly a shoe for fast running that does not utilize the propulsive power of carbon and approaches or even exceeds the magical 40 mm stack height limit . The adidas Adizero Adios 9 therefore almost seems like a relic from another era. Given its low profile silhouette and relatively low cushioning, the question arises as to whether it still deserves a place in adidas' current product portfolio. Why choose the Adios when you could have the Adios Pro or Takumi Sen?
adidas still seems to believe in the Adios and has given it a major overhaul this year: The midsole has become minimally lower again, the drop has been reduced from 8 to 7mm. But above all, it now consists exclusively of Lightstrike Pro performance foam - both the harder, stabilizing Lightstrike material and the plastic torsion element have disappeared. The upper material was borrowed from the Adios Pro 4 and features its Lightlock technology. The same applies to the outsole, which now largely consists of adidas Lighttraxion material, which was also introduced with the Adios Pro 4. The Adios therefore shares a lot of technology with the €110 more expensive high-end model. In the course of this test report, I will try to find out whether it can perform just as well and where the possible limitations lie.
Pros:
- If you want to feel the running track underfoot, you'll love the Adios 9!
- The Lightlock upper is incredibly comfortable for a performance shoe!
- The Lightstrike Pro midsole is energetic, flexible and simply fun!
- Feels extremely light on the foot!
- Flies through tempo and interval sessions!
- Great price-performance ratio!
- The new outsole provides grip and confidence!
Cons:
- The only small drawback is not even solely due to the Adios 9: The sizes at adidas have changed slightly, so I now have to wear half a size larger than before. This means that the Adios 9 is now true to size and fits me in my regular US 10.5 for other brands.
- The versatility is of course somewhat limited due to the minimalist design.
Daten
Weight
Official: 176g (Herren US9)
Sample: 193g (Herren EU 44.5 / US 10)
Stack Height: 7mm (28mm Ferse / 21mm Vorfuß)
Release: available now for 140€ outside US in some geographies. US date not yet known
Link to all RTR Reviews: HERE
First impressions, upper material and fit
A lot has happened in the Adizero brand world since the launch of the last Adios (8): with the Adizero Pro EVO 1, adidas has made headlines beyond the boundaries of our running bubble. In addition, the Berlin Marathon 2024 saw the launch of the Adios Pro 4 and the EVO SL, two very strong shoes that have clearly ushered in a new generation of Adizero.
The new Adios 9 has been elevated into a newclass from Herzogenaurach through a whole series of changes and trumpets this to the world with the same design language: the three oversized stripes run across the upper and midsole and leave no question about the brand affiliation. My test model also shares the launch colorway with the Adios Pro 4 and comes in the classic white and black look, with only minimal color accents in red and neon yellow.
The yellow color comes from the so-called Lightlock technology, a system of reinforcements placed on the inside of the upper material. adidas first showed this in the Adios Pro 4 and is now finding its way into the significantly cheaper Adios 9.
The same applies to the single-layer mesh material itself, which has a honeycomb structure and hugs the foot super comfortably. It is extremely thin, breathes excellently and the highlight: it can be stretched one-dimensionally. This means that the material does not give at the sides and provides good support, but at the same time has a slight amount of stretch from front to back, making it comfortable to wear even over long distances.
Around the heel, the Adios 9 has minimal but classic padding around the entire shoe collar. The pull-on tab, which was still part of the inner lining in the previous models and gave me blisters time and time again, is now only sewn onto the outside. In my opinion, this is a significant improvement.
There is no classic plastic heel cup. Instead, adidas works with the familiar heel strap loop in the rear area, which is attached to the outside of the shoe. There are no other overlays apart from the Adidas stripes.
The tongue is stitched to the side with the help of a stretchy material and slightly padded, but withstands the pressure from the laces sufficiently. The laces themselves are the same ones that adidas has been using in all Adizero models for years and are therefore still a minor annoyance - there are simply so many better alternatives on the market.
The lacing itself runs through classic lacing holes, which are also part of the Lightlock system. Gone are the days of unnecessarily complicated lacing systems - fortunately, because the simple solution used here works perfectly. The pressure distribution works perfectly, the hold is good and secure.
Last but not least, it has to be said about the fit that the sizes at adidas have changed slightly. I had to have my first test sample in my usual size US10 replaced. Instead, I now have to wear half a size larger than before.
As a result, the Adios 9 is now true to size and my regular US 10.5 for other brands fits me. The fit is otherwise typically adidas narrow, but with sufficient width in the forefoot area.
Midsole
The transfer of new competition and high-end technology does not end with the upper . adidas has also taken a very similar approach in the midsole construction of the Adios 9. The multi-part midsole construction of the previous models, which always had firmer cushioning under the heel, has disappeared. Instead, the Adios 9 features what appears to be a relatively simple midsole construction consisting solely of a single slab of Lightstrike Pro foam.
adidas does not specify whether this is the well-known foam variation of recent years or even the new variation introduced with the Adios 4. I tried to find out in the pressure test. However, due to the different stack heights and running performance of my comparison shoes (EVO SL, Adios Pro 4), I cannot determine it with complete certainty. In my subjective opinion, the foam of the EVO SL feels firmer, while that of the Adios Pro 4 feels softer - the Adios 9 would therefore be in the famous golden mean.
Either way, it is a soft and very energetic midsole foam that, as is typical for Lightstrike Pro, returns the absorbed energy very quickly.
This soft midsole is still stabilized by a plastic element under the midfoot. This is located in the upper part of the midsole, directly under the insole. I couldn't feel it, but if you have a sensitive arch, you may have to accept a loss of comfort here. Basically, this stiffening element still serves to give the shoe some torsional stiffness and also to influence the flex point in the forefoot area.
Die Geometrie der Mittelsohle kommt wie von den Adios Modellen gewohnt eher klassisch daher. Doch im direkten Vergleich zum Vorgänger ist ein etwas weiter hochgezogener Vorfuß ersichtlich. Ebenso setzt der Rocker schon etwas früher in Richtung Mittelfuß an - eine weitere Gemeinsamkeit, die sich alle adidas Modelle der neuen Generation teilen.
The stack height of the Adios 9 is 20mm under the forefoot and 27mm under the heel. This results in a slightly reduced drop of 7mm.
Außensohle
The adidas Adizero Adios 9 has a completely new outsole. Although the familiar Continental logo is still emblazoned on the underside of the shoe, this only affects a small rubber piece under the big toe. The rubber at this point is softer than on the rest of the sole and presumably provides additional traction and sinking down to toe off when rolling.
But to be honest, I think this is more of a marketing measure or a licensing issue between Continental and adidas. The rest of the outsole also leaves little reason for complaint and the sole would probably not be any worse if it were made exclusively from the second rubber compound used..
This new Lighttraxion material is a so-called “cast polyurethane” (= Casted Polyurethane = CPU). This is significantly lighter and also cheaper to produce than conventional sole rubber. It therefore contributes significantly to the low weight of the Adios 9 and also helps to keep the price-performance ratio in check. At the same time, the material performs excellently in terms of traction - even on a wet track, I always had full control. After 50 kilometers of testing, I can only make a limited conclusuion about durability. So far, I haven't seen any excessive wear.
The sole pattern used was designed based on the impact patterns of some adidas elite athletes. The new sole has rubber only where it is needed and thus remains extremely light.
Running feel
From the very first step, I fell in love with the extremely light feeling underfoot that the Adizero Adios 9 offers. This is of course - quite objectively - due to its low weight. But the feeling is further enhanced by the supposedly slightly airier and softer new Lightstrike Pro foam underfoot.
Despite the low stack height, every step feels extremely energetic. At the same time, the shoe flexes comfortably and lets us athletes do the "motorized" work of the rolling process - without any carbon fiber reinforcement. Of course, this means that the last bit of “pep” is missing compared to the Adios Pro 4, for example - but I don't miss this “carbon feeling”in the Adios 9 at all. On the contrary, I find it extremely positive that the musculoskeletal system still has to do all the work and is only encased and supported by extremely strong materials.
I therefore see the Adios 9 primarily as an extremely fun training tool for setting motor stimuli, for example during sprint or stride units or during short intervals (400s, 800s). During these, I don't need carbon as a supportive element and the last half percent of performance is not important to me.
At the same time, the Adios 9 offers me such a good ratio of weight to energy recovery that I don't waste a single thought on the higher-priced competition models Takumi or Adios Pro during such workouts. In fact, I ran my fastest 100m stride set ever in the Adios 9 - which speaks both for the shoe and, fortunately, for my current form.
Thanks to the extremely comfortable upper material, the Adios disappears on the foot and, in combination with the lower stack height and the associated feeling for the running track, it feels a bit like a more energetic form of barefoot running (all actual barefoot runners - please forgive me for this comparison). Thanks to this, the Adios 9 is extremely comfortable and smooth even at slow base speeds and could even be used as a daily trainer, at least for shorter distances and by efficient runners.
Last but not least, it should be mentioned that the Adios 9 stands on a very narrow platform. In combination with the soft midsole and the absence of a classic heel counter, this means that stability is completely lacking here. In my opinion, the Adios 9 is a shoe for experienced, more or less efficient runners and offers no support whatsoever to absorb or compensate for poor running form.
Summary and Recommendations
The adidas Adizero Adios 9 is a classic, low-cushioned “racing flat” that is equipped with the latest technology of the current super shoe generation in all areas.
The Lightlock upper is outrageously comfortable, the Lighttraxion / Continental outsole is lighter than ever and delivers strong, confidence-inspiring grip.
And the seemingly simple midsole, which consists of a single piece of Lightstrike Pro foam, offers an extremely high level of energy recovery despite its low stack height. As the sum of all these parts, the Adios 9 is close to perfection.
The question remains, why choose it over a maximally cushioned racer like the Adios Pro 4, which has all the same technologies? In addition to the huge price difference, I can think of arguments such as the feel for the running track, the motor response and the associated training effect or simply the fact that the more expensive sibling model is easier on the body for competitions. Or simply because you like the great feeling that the Adios 9 gives you during short, fast sessions.
Score: 9.79/10
Ride 10 (50%) Fit: 9.8 (30%) Value: 9 (15%) Style: 10 (5%)
6 Comparisons
adidas Adizero Adios 8 (RTR Review)
I've made this comparison several times in the course of this report, so I'll keep it brief: the Adios 9 is lighter, sits much more comfortably on the foot thanks to the Lightlock upper material, the midsole, which is now made entirely of LS Pro, is more energetic and the outsole offers more bite. The only thing in favor of the Adios 8 is the greater stability, which is generated primarily in the rear area by the firmer Lightstrike 2.0 material. However, the new Adios 9 is the better shoe in all other respects. Adios 8 EUR 44; Adios 9 EUR 44 ⅔.
adidas Adizero EVO SL (RTR Review)
The EVO SL is significantly higher and more cushioned, making it a very different shoe to the Adios 9. One is a daily trainer with uptempo genes, the other a speed shoe. However, the EVO SL was also the first Adizero shoe to use a Lightstrike Pro midsole without any stiffening (carbon) element, and thanks to this similarity, it is worth comparing.
But in direct comparison, the EVO SL almost seems like a failed attempt. The Adios 9 outperforms it with a significantly better and more comfortable upper material as well as the new Lighttraxion outsole. The Adios 9 presumably uses the new LS Pro variation as the midsole foam - so here too it is ahead of the competition.
The EVO SL is by no means a bad shoe, but in terms of detail, the Adios 9 is slightly ahead in every component. A slightly wider, more cushioned Adios 9 would definitely be the better EVO SL and the almost perfect daily trainer for me, which wouldn't have to hide in the €180-200 price segment.
Instead, adidas has two absolute price-performance wonders in its portfolio - EVO SL for the most kilometers and the Adios for the really fast stuff. Both EUR 44 ⅔
adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 (RTR Review)
Two obviously very different shoes in terms of the result. But I would like to make this comparison here to demonstrate once again: The Lightlock upper, the Lighttraxion outsole and the Lightstrike Pro material in the midsole are all components that both shoes share. T
The Adios 9 therefore uses all the same technologies as the high-end competition shoe at a price point of just €140. In simple terms, the Adios Pro 4 is simply built higher and is therefore reinforced with carbon rods. Adios 9 for training, Adios Pro 4 for competition. Both EUR 44 ⅔.
adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 10 (RTR Review)
Similar to the Adios Pro 4, the Takumi comes with fiberglass-reinforced Energy Rods and a (slightly) higher midsole for a higher price. This results in even more propulsion than the Adios and, thanks to a 5mm higher stack height, a little more long-distance capability. I can well imagine running a half marathon in the Takumi but not so much in the Adios. Above the midsole, however, the Adios wins for me, as the fit and comfort of the upper material are much better. For competition the Takumi is 1% better, for training the Adios is 100% more comfortable. Takumi EUR 44; Adios EUR 44 ⅔.
adidas Adizero SL2 (RTR Review)
The SL2 is the entry into the Adizero world, with a 10mm drop and slightly more stack height than the Adios. In the SL2, a layer of Lightstrike Pro is surrounded by firm Lighstrike material, providing stability but also slightly less energy underfoot. Its very classic upper material is better cushioned than the Adios, but it did cause me a little friction at one point or another. It is an uptempo daily trainer and not a speedster like the Adios.
Both are great shoes and both offer great value for money. However, the Adios is clearly the higher quality, more sophisticated shoe, similar to the EVO SL. It is lighter, more energetic, faster, more comfortable and clearly wins this comparison for me. Adizero SL 2 EUR 44; Adios EUR 44 ⅔ .
Topo Athletics Cyclone 2 (RTR Review)
Just like the Adios, the Cyclone is an extremely light and fast shoe that comes without any plate and in this case impresses with an extremely energetic midsole made of PEBA foam. Just like the Adios, it is damn comfortable for so much performance.
But in terms of fit, the natural fit of the Topo is roughly the opposite of the extremely narrow Adios. My narrow foot occasionally floats a little in the Topo at top speeds, but for wider feet it's an equal weapon to the Adios.
However, the Topo costs a whole €190 and is therefore significantly more expensive. If you can cope with its narrow fit, you should opt for the 50€ cheaper and at least as good Adios. Cyclone EUR 44; Adios 44 ⅔.
Available now for 140€ outside US in some geographies. US date not yet known.
Tester Profile
Tester: Nils Scharff
I am 35 years old, born in Kassel, married to a wonderful wife and have been running around Heilbronn and its surrounding vineyards for 7 years now. I have practiced all kinds of sports all my life, often 5-7 times a week. In addition to running, I have been climbing and bouldering for a few years now. I haven't considered myself a runner for very long. It all started with a company run that I didn't want to go into completely unprepared. From that point on, I just didn't stop. In 2017, I “only” ran just under 1000 kilometers, in 2018 I doubled that, and in 2019 I tripled it. The most important thing for me during all these kilometers, whether on the trail or on the road, is to switch off and exercise in nature. You will rarely find me on the treadmill or with headphones on. I have now run eleven marathons, and I recently set my PB of 2:40:05h in Berlin. In competitions, I generally run all distances from 5km (16:59min), 10km (35:26min) and half marathons (1:17:29h) to marathons.
Translated from the original German with the help of Deepl.com
Europe only: use RTR code RTR5ALL for 5% off all products, even sale products
LightTraxion was first introduced in Supernova Prima before Adios Pro 4.
ReplyDeleteWhy aren't these available anywhere in the United States? I've been calling stores, and they don't have them.
ReplyDeleteThese photos don't really do it justice. It looks much better on feet than portrayed here.
ReplyDelete