adidas adizero Adios 8 Shoe Review

Individual Thoughts

JonOverall Score: 8.5/10

It can be hard living up to the adidas adizero family name, as the title carries high expectations with it, but the Adios 8 is by no means a black sheep. The Adios 8 is lightweight, fast, and comfortable, making it a fantastic high-value buy at $130. I would have no hesitation lacing these up for a 5K, and they are right at home for my weekly speed workouts. The midsole configuration works really well for me and my stride pattern, and the fit feels tailor-made for my foot.

My only knock on the Adios 8, though this might be an unfair judgment, would be that it lacks the protection to be a more versatile option within my shoe rotation. If there was a bit more stack underfoot, then I could enjoy the Adios for some daily miles as well, further adding to the shoe's already great value. That said, given what it was designed for, the Adios 8 is a high-performing, high-speed offering, and I look forward to logging more fast-paced miles in them.

KalebOverall Score: 8.5/10

I have tested the adizero Adios since version 6, and it has always been a shoe I enjoy for speedy, shorter efforts on the roads, as well as my go-to shoe for track workouts. Each model has improved over the years, and version 8 is the best by far, in my opinion.

The upper has improved greatly with the elimination of the bulky suede overlays, which were featured in the previous two models, providing a lighter, more race-ready feel that is perfectly paired with the shoe's updated midsole. Speaking of the midsole, version 8 still feels agile and stable — and even better, it feels fast. The new LIGHTSTRIKE PRO 2.0 feels even more responsive, and overall, the midsole packs a more powerful punch.

Given the lower stack, the Adios 8 will remain a speed-day trainer that I reserve for track workouts, rust busters, and short road races, but I am sure stronger runners can get more distance out of these shoes, and I believe the Adios 8 could be a good 10K option for some. Finally, the Adios will remain my top choice for coaches and track athletes who put a lot of mileage in at the track. I love having a shoe that can be worn comfortably for long hours but can perform when it is time to run.

Our In-Depth Look

Upper

Jon: "The upper of the Adios 8 has been vastly improved from the previous version and offers a highly comfortable, race-ready fit. The heel fits average to snug, the midfoot fit is average to snug, and the toe box fit is average. The Adios 8 was true to size as well.

From the seamless step-in feel to the secure yet breathable lock-in, I was very impressed with how comfortable my feet felt from start to finish in the Adios 8. The only minor issue I experienced was with the lacing system. The laces are very stiff, which made it a bit difficult to tighten down the midfoot. This was only a minor issue, though, as the midfoot straps attached to the tongue helped keep my foot secure."

Kaleb: "I think the Adios 8's updated micro-fit patterned mesh upper is a big improvement from the previous model. It is all business, and the new Adios no longer features the bulky suede overlays of the past two models. It feels lighter, more breathable, and more dialed in for speedy workouts and shorter races.

The lockdown is excellent, and I never experienced any irritation throughout testing. The Adios remains one of my favorite shoes to coach in, as it enables me to hop in and demo whenever needed without any difficulty. Also, it provides all the comfort I need to stay on my feet for long sessions at the track."

Midsole

Jon: "I was a fan of the nimble, close-to-the-ground feel of the Adios 7, so needless to say, I loved the ride of the Adios 8. It maintained the same agile and aggressive feel inherent in the Adios' DNA but with a softer, more responsive ride.

The LIGHTSTRIKE 2.0 shined through and made picking up the pace easy and fun. The LIGHTSTRIKE PRO cushioning in the midfoot provided excellent pop at toe-off, and the EnergyTorsion Rod System 2.0 tied everything together with its great flexibility and energetic snap.

In terms of protection, the midsole started to feel a bit firm around the 5-mile mark of a speed workout, so I probably would not race in them beyond a 10K. But for 10K races and shorter events, I really think the Adios 8 is a fantastic race-day option with everything you need to run a fast race. It would be great if there were a bit more stack underfoot to make this shoe a little more versatile, but I understand that would come at the cost of increasing weight. That is a tradeoff I would personally take."

Kaleb: "I have always been a fan of the adizero Adios' midsole, and version 8's is even better. Compared to its predecessor, it feels softer and faster thanks to the upgraded LIGHTSTRIKE 2.0 and always-impressive LIGHTSTRIKE PRO foam midsole. Intervals, fartleks, and 5Ks on the road and track were where the Adios shined brightest throughout testing, but with its stable platform, I was also able to enjoy running drills, plyometrics, and other cross-training workouts while wearing the Adios 8. It may not have the protection I want for longer road runs or easier daily efforts, but that is not something I would expect from a shoe like this."

Outsole

Jon: "When you look at an adidas outsole and see that trusty Continental logo, you know you are in good hands. It is not full coverage, but I would not expect it to be given the category this shoe sits in. The rubber layers are thick and look to have the durability we expect and appreciate from Continental."

Kaleb: "The Adios 8 provides excellent traction, and the grip really helps you claw quickly through the gait cycle, allowing you to maintain speed or charge through corners. Durability has never been an issue when Continental rubber is underfoot, and I do not imagine the Adios 8 wearing down any time soon."

Comparable Models

adidas adizero Takumi Sen 9 vs. adidas adizero Adios 8

Jon: "The Adios 8 is a lower-stacked, budget-friendly version of the Takumi Sen 9, and I mean that in the best possible way. Even though the Adios 8 lacks some of the premium features that the Takumi Sen 9 possesses, it offers a very similar ride in that it is aggressive, agile, and easy to go fast in.

If you're a runner specializing in short-distance racing or who craves the best technology, then the Takumi Sen 9 would be worth trying. But if you do not need the latest and greatest tech and are just looking for a fast-paced, short-distance racing shoe or just a trainer that performs well without breaking the bank, then I cannot recommend the Adios 8 highly enough."

HOKA Cielo Road vs. adidas adizero Adios 8

Kaleb: "The Adios 8 and Cielo Road both feel very connected to the ground, with lightweight uppers that nearly disappear on foot. The Adios 8 has a firmer feel and a better top speed, making it my preferred choice for workouts on the track or all-out 5K efforts. The Cielo Road's midsole is a bit more forgiving and comfortable over distance, which makes it more versatile, and it's my choice for longer fartlek or interval workouts."

adidas adizero Adios 7 vs. adidas adizero Adios 8

Kaleb: "The Adios 8 is a big update from version 7, in my opinion. It maintains all the good attributes of the previous model while eliminating some of the issues. The new upper is more race-ready, and I believe those who have struggled with the upper in the past will love the improved design. Furthermore, the midsole provides new levels of performance and pop thanks to the addition of the LIGHTSTRIKE PRO 2.0 foam. I have tested this shoe since version 6, and every version gets better and better; I cannot wait to see how the Adios continues to improve moving forward."