adidas adizero Adios 7 Review
Published: December 21, 2022
The adidas adizero Adios 7's New Upper Makes This Speedster Even Lighter
Likes
- Lightweight and breathable upper
- Locked-and-loaded fit
- Responsive with excellent traction
Dislikes
- May be too narrow for some
- Best under 5K distances
- Overlays can cause irritation
What's New
The adidas adizero Adios is a more traditional racing shoe that is excellent for uptempo runs, speed workouts, and road races. Version 7 does not see a lot of updates from the previous model, continuing to rock an almost identical midsole and outsole configuration, and lovers of version 6 will continue to appreciate the efficient and responsive Lightstrike, Lightstrike Pro segmented midsole. Furthermore, runners will continue to reap the benefits of the adizero Adios' highly durable Continental rubber outsole, which not only lasts for miles but promises grippy traction on all road and rubber surfaces.
As for the upper, now that is all-new in version 7, flaunting a lightweight mesh design that has helped the adizero Adios 7 cut almost a full ounce of weight. Not only is version 7 lighter, but adidas also has dramatically improved the shoe's fit, delivering a comfortably snug performance fit that provides excellent breathability. The new upper, coupled with the tried-and-true midsole composition, is why the adidas adizero Adios 7 will continue to be an excellent uptempo trainer and race-day option.
The Bottom Line
The adizero Adios has not seen many changes from version 6 to version 7. Though it is always impressive when an update is nearly a full ounce lighter than its predecessor, and the Adios' new lightweight mesh upper design is particularly noteworthy. Not only is it feather light and breathable, but it is clear that adidas wanted to dial in the overall fit of version 7 of this speedster, delivering an excellent performance feel that is secure without being restrictive. In other words, it offers comfort that can handle speed.
Unfortunately, the suede overlays that run across the front of the toe box are a bit abrasive out on the run and can cause hotspots and even blisters for some. Though, according to our team, this issue was minimized when runs were limited to shorter, faster workouts, noting that the irritation was more present over longer distances. Understandably, for some, this is discouraging. Though, if you are a runner looking for a responsive and efficient shoe for your speed sessions, then the adizero Adios 7 will deliver thanks to its fantastic midsole.
Like the previous model, the Lightstrike and Lightstrike Pro combination offers a mix of bouncy responsiveness with firm efficiency, and picking up the pace is easy when the adizero Adios 7 is on-foot. Runners can also run at full speed with confidence thanks to the impressive level of traction delivered by the Continental rubber outsole, so despite needing a reconfiguration of the overlays moving forward, the adidas adizero Adios 7 has a lot to offer runners looking for a shoe to pair with their speed training.
Specifications & Fit
Shoe Specs
| Sizing | True to size |
| Midfoot Volume | Medium to low |
| Heel Width | Medium to narrow |
| Toe Box | Medium to narrow |
| Arch Height | Medium |
Our In-Depth Look
Upper
Kaleb: "Similar to the adizero Adios 6, version 7 fits my foot well, delivering a secure, race-ready wrap that gave me the confidence to speed things up. The upper feels lighter on my feet than the previous model, and it also provides better breathability.
Unfortunately, the overlays around the toe box did cause some irritation and hot spots. I was hoping that the upper would break in enough to remedy this issue after a few testing runs, but the rubbing on my feet was consistent throughout testing. That said, I love the upper's look and style. The adizero Adios looks very sharp while crushing laps around the track."
Midsole
Kaleb: "I loved the midsole of the adizero Adios 6, and given that the 7 more or less has an identical configuration, I love the 7's midsole as well.
The segmented Lightstrike and Lightstrike Pro combined midsole is snappy and offers a responsive feel that pairs well with speed workouts and tempo runs, especially on the track. I am sure more elite runners could push for greater distances in the Adios 7, but for me, fast 5K and sub-5K efforts were where they shined brightest.
To slightly reiterate, I believe these are an excellent training option for track athletes, especially those who complete most of their mileage on the track, and as a coach who works with sprinters and some mid-distance athletes, the adizero Adios is my personal recommendation."
Outsole
Kaleb: "The Continental Rubber outsole was excellent, providing sufficient traction that gave me the confidence to take on corners at speed without hesitation. Also, we had wet conditions for once here on the Central Coast, and the adizero Adios' outsole had no difficulty. I am slightly concerned with long-term durability, but I had no issues with the 6, so I would be surprised if the Adios 7 does not hold up over time."
Comparable Shoes
Kaleb: "I think the adizero Adios 7 compares well to the Nike Streakfly and the New Balance SuperComp Pacer. It is not as soft and responsive as the ZoomX midsole, but the Adios makes up for this by providing a high level of inherent stability.
I have not worn the SuperComp Pacer, but given what I have heard about the shoes, they likely produce a more elite level of speed and responsiveness, placing the Adios 7 in the bronze medal position in terms of ride and performance. The Adios 7 is the cheapest option of the 3, which is always favorable, and runners will not be sacrificing much performance if they want to save a few dollars at the register!"
adidas Men's adizero Adios
The adidas adizero Adios is a racing shoe that is great for 5ks, fast interval training, and speedwork for sprinters.
adidas Women's adizero Adios
The adidas adizero Adios is a racing shoe that is great for 10Ks and shorter distances, tempo runs, or interval training.
Individual Thoughts
KalebOverall Score: 7/10
I have mixed reviews when it comes to the adidas adizero Adios 7. I enjoyed it on the track for speed workouts, fartleks, and even intervals, as it provided a speedy ride that was secure and stable as well. I also enjoy coaching in the shoes, as they enable me to stay comfortable as I demo drills and give me the pop I need when proving that I still got it when challenged to a race by a student-athlete. Furthermore, I think the aesthetic of the Adios 7, like its predecessor, is stylish and pairs well with running kits and my coaching gear.
The Lightstrike and Lightstrike Pro midsole falls on the firmer side, and I did not enjoy taking these shoes past 5K distances. This was in part due to the overlays around the toe box, which consistently caused foot irritation around the 2-mile mark throughout testing. The upper did soften slightly after a few runs, but for the health of my feet and the consistency of my running routine, I did not want to push the Adios too far.
Compared to other shoes, I think the Adios 7 separates itself from the competition with its slightly lower price point, which allows runners to get a lot of performance quality for shorter runs and faster paces without breaking the bank, which is always a huge consideration for me when I am considering buying a new shoe. Again, I would like to reiterate that these are my favorite shoes to coach in!
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