Very interesting and merry Christmas! I bought my self the sen for Xmas and I didn’t know but my wife got me the next percent. First week I ran a test 5k in the sen but was really burned out after the first 3k. Not because of the shoes but because of my inexperience running I’d say. The second week I ran in the next percent and got stuck behind a car for about 1/2 k but still done a sub 20 which is really good for me. Then I got covid. I’m okay now but I feel the the energy recovery in the Nikes is probably a better help to me. But it’s still early days.
Nice present and good you have sort of been able to do a similar comparison. Hope no lasting effects from Covid too. Got to be so careful I think. I do tend to agree that I just feel “better” in the NEXT% when going for it and when tired the foam I feel does help to push you along. That is why I think I might start to struggle in the Sen 8 if had gone further than I did. As I said though more testing is needed.
Don’t worry about the pronunciation Tim! 😊 can’t believe people were giving you a hard time about it! Anyway seems not much in it between the two ! The Next % is legendary but the TS8 is already starting to win medals! It’s funny how it’s already extremely polarizing! Eddbud is definitely not a fan as you can see by his latest video yet the Believe In The Run guys said it’s already one of the best ever if not the best Adidas racing shoe. Ben Johnson seems a big fan too. I have never worn the Next % but I can say I’m entirely enamored with the TS8 and of all my shoes, it’s my favourite! Can’t wait to run again in them. Thanks for the video Tim. Looking forward to more analysis! Great job
Par for the course I guess about what some comment on but perhaps added a bit of sort of humour to this. Yeah EddBud seems one of the few to not really like the Sen 8 yet but I do feel you need to try these “hard” efforts - largely race type effort simulation to be clearer. Out and out race shoes like the Sen 8 perhaps aren’t going to be great for going easier. I do feel the NEXT% is good to wear at any pace but consider that more of a bonus in a race shoe than the decider.
Liking these reviews Tim!..... be interesting to see when break a session down into 3k/2k/1k efforts on a track or consistent road surface with a mix of rotations.....Great to have the analysis data as well as the feel feedback....looking forward to updates. As I have just got the TS8 as although I hit best times with the Next%2, I don't feel at home on them as they have an unstable feel for me compared to my metaspeed sky.....so can't wait to pick up the TS8's from the PO on Tuesday when back home!! :)
Yeah be useful to do a formal session like that but I think this format, which have used before, is quite useful as get 2 runs in each shoe and only have to do 2 shoe changes. Interesting you find the NEXT% 2 unstable as never had a problem there. The Adios Pro 2 can feel a little bit unstable to me especially going slow compared to the Takumi Sen 8 which feels fine there.
Very interesting shoeoff again. Sen 8 is doing great for me so far. Seems like the Data confirms that there is not much in it. I would consider using the Sen 8 for 10k and under. I used to run Marathons in Kinvaras, so I could probably take it up to the Marathon if I wanted to as well.
Yeah not much in it and sure you could run a marathon in them if wanted to. Similarly I used to use the Adios and before that a version of the Nike Streak on marathons. That said these days don’t think would ideally want to wear the Sen 8 for relatively long distances.
So the Takumi Sen appears to be good for short fast blasts but perhaps not quite up to the Next% (and probably other higher stack super shoes) for longer race efforts. So a bit like a track spike (dragonfly if you will) for the road. Indeed, an updated version of a traditional racing flat with some newer tech added. Let’s see what your further testing throws up… Happy Xmas!
Yeah I think that is a fair summary from what have seen so far. Out of the blocks the Sen 8 sort of seemed faster but once was into a rhythm then just the usual effort you need when start to feel it. Will have to reverse the order, run at different paces and try and take out the HR drift effect I got here. Sen 8 promising for sure but don’t think it will necessarily take the NEXT% off my feet in races but I ought to say try a parkrun in them for sure.
I'd say that's a good test. When you consider the demands of that workout vs the amount of speed work you've done the Takumi did a great job. You've also got to consider you went out 10 seconds up mile 1. Definitely worth same test when slightly fitter and reverse the order, or something to that effect. I'll be running a 5k new years day in the Takumi to test it out, I have a feeling it's going to surprise people with the speed. There seems to be many people expecting Nike plushness from Addidas in a racer for 5/10km .For me it's down to performance, if it's not as comfy, but does the job right then it's a win and a great price considering the discounts available. It's like people forget it's mostly the performance that dictates the price. Nike were able to generate huge money as the shoes gave an advantage. I think certain reviews have given an impression it's not worth it. This review brings some perspective back, where you can at least argue about pricing based on performance and the rest of the shoe.
Yeah very good points and I totally agree that I buy race shoes to perform in not to feel comfy on my easy runs - for which got many other options. And yea the 2x5K was good training in itself. I was thinking of 3K 10K pace, 2K 5K pace, 1K what can muster in both and swooping order throughout with full recovery between distances but need more time for that and feeling good. Been doing lot of aerobic miles (eg 70 last week) since London so starting to feel fitter but when get nearer to race effort like this need, as you say, some sharpness too but was pleased just physically could do the same time in the Sen second as suspect if the other way would have been no less easy. Be interested to hear how your race goes. Good luck! Might try a parkrun again soon on a better course to the other week which had 5 dead turns and it was icy!
I love my Takumi Sen 8, just done 18 or so miles in them today, not a good idea but just about managed it. Did you find, right at the we front of the arch, just behind the ball of the foot the outsole really rubbed me the wrong way. Obviously they're not built for it, but for those that fancy them for long runs better keep some compeed on hand. Felt really slow today, but still managed a 5m/km tempo, which is fast for me.
Good miles in any shoe. I did 15 in the Adios Pro 2 today but the furthest been in the Sen 8 is about 10. I can't say have had the issue you mention but you are going twice as far and although I think I could do 18 in this shoe, I would not obviously choose to do so hence use of the Adios Pro 2 today.
Hi Tim. Thanks for this first test. I have a general question: have you tried the Stryd Powermeter Pod before within your running/testing? Would love to hear your opinion. Happy new year of course. Regards from Germany
Yes I used to use the Stryd for my all shoeoffs but never found it told me anything much extra so have omitted it in recent ones. Power was so related to pace and Air Power would often change between shoes so that skewed things. The running dynamics metrics correlated well with Garmin's ones. The "problem" is that unlike a bike power meter it is not a direct measure but an estimator so, to me, I could not see an obvious direct correlation between shoe choice and power. Do you use one?
Interesting video Tim and Merry Xmas. Did you ever use the first iteration(s) of the Takumi Sen? My all time favourite running shoe - would be interested to hear any comparisons with v8
And you. I did have one Takumi Sen which think was a pre Boost one but it “ran” rather short for me in the largest UK 12.5 so I hardly ever ran in it and haven’t got it any more. I did start on the Adios before the Boost ones and I really liked both those and the 1st Boost one which was my favourite of those largely as it more or less fitted me whereas some later ones were less good. The Sen 8 does, to me, have a racing flat vibe especially if run in the NEXT% as here then swop into it.
@@TimGrose I have the Sen 8, will be going out in them shortly 👍🏻 I tend to stay away from Nike these days as it's the only brand that gives me plantar fascia 😬
Merry Christmas, Tim! I'd still take the Next% anytime of the day over the Takumi. It can go 5k to the full marathon, that's what seperates it from the rest, although the Sen 8 you can do a warmup for a 5k/10k race then do the cool down whereas the Next% is just a pure out and out racer.
Looks a fairly conclusive test from the stats that the Sen is a 'Sheep' in 'Wolfs' clothing to twist the saying. I understand your HR would be higher in the second set, but it still looks like a start difference. I can't believe Adidas can package a likely EVA/TPU midsole with some plastic roads as a super shoe for £170!
I think it was conclusive enough that the Sen 8 is a viable racer. Would have struggled doing that 2nd run at that speed in say the Invincible or NOVABLAST for sure. Whether one is better than the other is hard to say from this alone. As often is the case might just depend which one you prefer to wear.
Sen 8 somewhat better IMHO. The Pro was a lot heavier and firmer. Definitely did not test as fast as the NEXT% or even the METARACER which is also similar low profile to the Sen 8.
@@TimGrose Yeah defnitely, that makes sense. The Adizero Pro really is firmer espevially in the forefoot. Wish they would price thr Sen 8 lower, maybe on par with Speeds or lower.
Reasonably comfortable for me but being a race shoe not really one would want to wear all day. Might also depend if have narrow or wide feet. Those with wide feet might struggle. I would say more responsive than bouncy but cushioned enough for sure.
@@TimGrose I'm wondering whether to buy the Takumi or Adios pro 2 for park runs. I'm leaning towards the pro 2 because of the aggressive drop. Which do you reckon would be the faster shoe? (BTW your channel is the best on youtube in terms of facts and figures so thanks for putting so much effort in)
@@kikii1 Thanks! I need to test that but my instinct suggests will be little in it. I did not really notice it was "only" 6mm drop in the Sen 8 especially as virtually all my shoes are 8-10mm. What shoe are you currently using for your parkruns/races ? Many shoe choices are around what sort of shoe you prefer - Sen 8 is certainly lighter and lower to the ground and a bit firmer than the Adios Pro 2 which I would say is more versatile in terms of the distances you probably would want to use it for.
@@kikii1 As it happens wore my Prime X today for 11 miles easy. Maybe not the ideal shoe for that but wasn't turning too often as was on country lanes and like to get some miles on all my shoes. The Sen 8 feels rather different to the Prime X as although same foam there is a lot lot less of it. Do you mean hard as in firm with the NEXT%? The NEXT% certainly feels softer than the Sen 8 to me and a bit more than Adios Pro 2 so of all these would say the Sen 8 is the firmest. What is your normal parkrun course? What surface is it?
@@TimGrose Yes I think you've helped me decide to save £110 and return them 👍☺️ You're never going to get freebies from the manufacturers with your detailed and honest reviews ✅✅✅😁
@@lifephorce and in my size half the companies won’t have anything to send me anyway :) Curious though with the Sen 8 - I think I have shown they are very capable but perhaps niche in the distances would use them for and if have say the NEXT% already unlikely to give any significant advantage.
@@lifephorce ...Yes I think too many of the Shoetubers have gone down the murky road of the 'affiliate link' so I take anything they say with a pinch of salt.
@@kevingilhooley2064 yeah tend to agree. Freebies are nice but this is my “hobby” not “job” like it appears for increasingly more these days. Ben Parkes seems to have right as does not seem to get “sent” shoes when you might think be good value for the shoe companies with his reach these days.
I don't believe that the Takumi Sen 8 is anywhere as fast as the Next%, I actually find the Adios Pro to be a much better racer than the Takumi Sen 8 even at shorter distances. The issue with lower stack 'lighter weight' shoes is similar to the 'law of diminishing returns', you think that lower weight will improve speed however you would lose out more energy from 'less shock impact/ less protection' than you would gain by reducing weight/ lowering stack
Well that was what I was trying to test based on actual running and I like to think have shown it is at least a capable racer as was able to match my NEXT% effort albeit with a bit higher HR but was already tired from the first run. It could well be that the NEXT% is faster and I personally probably the feel of it but, for at least 5K, may not be a huge amount in it. As mentioned need more testing. Have you raced in the Sen yet as it is only just come out. I think I would certainly prefer the Adios Pro 2 for longer distances than 5K or 10K but that is at least what adidas are advising so no real surprises there.
Very interesting and merry Christmas! I bought my self the sen for Xmas and I didn’t know but my wife got me the next percent. First week I ran a test 5k in the sen but was really burned out after the first 3k. Not because of the shoes but because of my inexperience running I’d say. The second week I ran in the next percent and got stuck behind a car for about 1/2 k but still done a sub 20 which is really good for me. Then I got covid. I’m okay now but I feel the the energy recovery in the Nikes is probably a better help to me. But it’s still early days.
Nice present and good you have sort of been able to do a similar comparison. Hope no lasting effects from Covid too. Got to be so careful I think. I do tend to agree that I just feel “better” in the NEXT% when going for it and when tired the foam I feel does help to push you along. That is why I think I might start to struggle in the Sen 8 if had gone further than I did. As I said though more testing is needed.
Awesome comparison it's all in the preference today . Thanks for keeping us posted even on xmass!
Thanks. Of course did not do the running on Xmas Day though!
Don’t worry about the pronunciation Tim! 😊 can’t believe people were giving you a hard time about it! Anyway seems not much in it between the two ! The Next % is legendary but the TS8 is already starting to win medals! It’s funny how it’s already extremely polarizing! Eddbud is definitely not a fan as you can see by his latest video yet the Believe In The Run guys said it’s already one of the best ever if not the best Adidas racing shoe. Ben Johnson seems a big fan too.
I have never worn the Next % but I can say I’m entirely enamored with the TS8 and of all my shoes, it’s my favourite! Can’t wait to run again in them. Thanks for the video Tim. Looking forward to more analysis! Great job
Par for the course I guess about what some comment on but perhaps added a bit of sort of humour to this. Yeah EddBud seems one of the few to not really like the Sen 8 yet but I do feel you need to try these “hard” efforts - largely race type effort simulation to be clearer. Out and out race shoes like the Sen 8 perhaps aren’t going to be great for going easier. I do feel the NEXT% is good to wear at any pace but consider that more of a bonus in a race shoe than the decider.
Liking these reviews Tim!..... be interesting to see when break a session down into 3k/2k/1k efforts on a track or consistent road surface with a mix of rotations.....Great to have the analysis data as well as the feel feedback....looking forward to updates. As I have just got the TS8 as although I hit best times with the Next%2, I don't feel at home on them as they have an unstable feel for me compared to my metaspeed sky.....so can't wait to pick up the TS8's from the PO on Tuesday when back home!! :)
Yeah be useful to do a formal session like that but I think this format, which have used before, is quite useful as get 2 runs in each shoe and only have to do 2 shoe changes. Interesting you find the NEXT% 2 unstable as never had a problem there. The Adios Pro 2 can feel a little bit unstable to me especially going slow compared to the Takumi Sen 8 which feels fine there.
Very interesting shoeoff again. Sen 8 is doing great for me so far. Seems like the Data confirms that there is not much in it. I would consider using the Sen 8 for 10k and under. I used to run Marathons in Kinvaras, so I could probably take it up to the Marathon if I wanted to as well.
Yeah not much in it and sure you could run a marathon in them if wanted to. Similarly I used to use the Adios and before that a version of the Nike Streak on marathons. That said these days don’t think would ideally want to wear the Sen 8 for relatively long distances.
So the Takumi Sen appears to be good for short fast blasts but perhaps not quite up to the Next% (and probably other higher stack super shoes) for longer race efforts. So a bit like a track spike (dragonfly if you will) for the road. Indeed, an updated version of a traditional racing flat with some newer tech added. Let’s see what your further testing throws up…
Happy Xmas!
Yeah I think that is a fair summary from what have seen so far. Out of the blocks the Sen 8 sort of seemed faster but once was into a rhythm then just the usual effort you need when start to feel it. Will have to reverse the order, run at different paces and try and take out the HR drift effect I got here. Sen 8 promising for sure but don’t think it will necessarily take the NEXT% off my feet in races but I ought to say try a parkrun in them for sure.
@@TimGrose I'm thinking of exchanging for a half size down and trying a parkrun.. 🤔
I did only pay £110 for them 😊
@@lifephorce £110 seems good value these days albeit we were seemingly “lucky” there. Personally I would give them a go. More shoes good right :)
I'd say that's a good test. When you consider the demands of that workout vs the amount of speed work you've done the Takumi did a great job. You've also got to consider you went out 10 seconds up mile 1. Definitely worth same test when slightly fitter and reverse the order, or something to that effect.
I'll be running a 5k new years day in the Takumi to test it out, I have a feeling it's going to surprise people with the speed. There seems to be many people expecting Nike plushness from Addidas in a racer for 5/10km .For me it's down to performance, if it's not as comfy, but does the job right then it's a win and a great price considering the discounts available.
It's like people forget it's mostly the performance that dictates the price. Nike were able to generate huge money as the shoes gave an advantage. I think certain reviews have given an impression it's not worth it. This review brings some perspective back, where you can at least argue about pricing based on performance and the rest of the shoe.
Yeah very good points and I totally agree that I buy race shoes to perform in not to feel comfy on my easy runs - for which got many other options. And yea the 2x5K was good training in itself. I was thinking of 3K 10K pace, 2K 5K pace, 1K what can muster in both and swooping order throughout with full recovery between distances but need more time for that and feeling good. Been doing lot of aerobic miles (eg 70 last week) since London so starting to feel fitter but when get nearer to race effort like this need, as you say, some sharpness too but was pleased just physically could do the same time in the Sen second as suspect if the other way would have been no less easy. Be interested to hear how your race goes. Good luck! Might try a parkrun again soon on a better course to the other week which had 5 dead turns and it was icy!
@@TimGrose I'll let you know how it goes 👍
I love my Takumi Sen 8, just done 18 or so miles in them today, not a good idea but just about managed it.
Did you find, right at the we front of the arch, just behind the ball of the foot the outsole really rubbed me the wrong way.
Obviously they're not built for it, but for those that fancy them for long runs better keep some compeed on hand.
Felt really slow today, but still managed a 5m/km tempo, which is fast for me.
Good miles in any shoe. I did 15 in the Adios Pro 2 today but the furthest been in the Sen 8 is about 10. I can't say have had the issue you mention but you are going twice as far and although I think I could do 18 in this shoe, I would not obviously choose to do so hence use of the Adios Pro 2 today.
Hi Tim. Thanks for this first test. I have a general question: have you tried the Stryd Powermeter Pod before within your running/testing? Would love to hear your opinion. Happy new year of course. Regards from Germany
Yes I used to use the Stryd for my all shoeoffs but never found it told me anything much extra so have omitted it in recent ones. Power was so related to pace and Air Power would often change between shoes so that skewed things. The running dynamics metrics correlated well with Garmin's ones. The "problem" is that unlike a bike power meter it is not a direct measure but an estimator so, to me, I could not see an obvious direct correlation between shoe choice and power. Do you use one?
Interesting video Tim and Merry Xmas. Did you ever use the first iteration(s) of the Takumi Sen? My all time favourite running shoe - would be interested to hear any comparisons with v8
And you. I did have one Takumi Sen which think was a pre Boost one but it “ran” rather short for me in the largest UK 12.5 so I hardly ever ran in it and haven’t got it any more. I did start on the Adios before the Boost ones and I really liked both those and the 1st Boost one which was my favourite of those largely as it more or less fitted me whereas some later ones were less good. The Sen 8 does, to me, have a racing flat vibe especially if run in the NEXT% as here then swop into it.
@@TimGrose Good to know. Looking forward to testing out the racing flat feel
Merry Christmas Tim
Thanks and you! Have you got either of these shoes?
@@TimGrose I have the Sen 8, will be going out in them shortly 👍🏻 I tend to stay away from Nike these days as it's the only brand that gives me plantar fascia 😬
@@richardrendell9363 ah let us know how you get on. Hope before Xmas dinner though :)
@@TimGrose plans were scuppered yesterday as a family member we were going too had a positive test, so it's a late dinner for us today!
@@richardrendell9363 Ah that’s a shame. Been nowhere (save for solo runs) of late to try and avoid it and thought best skip parkrun too today.
Merry Christmas, Tim! I'd still take the Next% anytime of the day over the Takumi. It can go 5k to the full marathon, that's what seperates it from the rest, although the Sen 8 you can do a warmup for a 5k/10k race then do the cool down whereas the Next% is just a pure out and out racer.
Yeah tend to agree that the NEXT% is still my favourite as well but hope this showed the Sen 8 is potentially very capable as a short distance racer.
Looks a fairly conclusive test from the stats that the Sen is a 'Sheep' in 'Wolfs' clothing to twist the saying. I understand your HR would be higher in the second set, but it still looks like a start difference. I can't believe Adidas can package a likely EVA/TPU midsole with some plastic roads as a super shoe for £170!
I think it was conclusive enough that the Sen 8 is a viable racer. Would have struggled doing that 2nd run at that speed in say the Invincible or NOVABLAST for sure. Whether one is better than the other is hard to say from this alone. As often is the case might just depend which one you prefer to wear.
Cool test Tim, wonder how similar the Sen 8 with last years Adizero Pro.
Sen 8 somewhat better IMHO. The Pro was a lot heavier and firmer. Definitely did not test as fast as the NEXT% or even the METARACER which is also similar low profile to the Sen 8.
@@TimGrose Yeah defnitely, that makes sense. The Adizero Pro really is firmer espevially in the forefoot. Wish they would price thr Sen 8 lower, maybe on par with Speeds or lower.
@@testtestph yeah at £110 that I got them for seem very good value. More challenging at £170 for sure.
Hi Tim...are they comfortable mid sole wise or a bit hard? And are they bouncey at all?
Reasonably comfortable for me but being a race shoe not really one would want to wear all day. Might also depend if have narrow or wide feet. Those with wide feet might struggle. I would say more responsive than bouncy but cushioned enough for sure.
@@TimGrose I'm wondering whether to buy the Takumi or Adios pro 2 for park runs. I'm leaning towards the pro 2 because of the aggressive drop. Which do you reckon would be the faster shoe? (BTW your channel is the best on youtube in terms of facts and figures so thanks for putting so much effort in)
@@kikii1 Thanks! I need to test that but my instinct suggests will be little in it. I did not really notice it was "only" 6mm drop in the Sen 8 especially as virtually all my shoes are 8-10mm. What shoe are you currently using for your parkruns/races ? Many shoe choices are around what sort of shoe you prefer - Sen 8 is certainly lighter and lower to the ground and a bit firmer than the Adios Pro 2 which I would say is more versatile in terms of the distances you probably would want to use it for.
@@TimGrose im currently using the N%2 but ever since i used the prime x I'm finding them really hard and unforgiving...not fun like they used to be.
@@kikii1 As it happens wore my Prime X today for 11 miles easy. Maybe not the ideal shoe for that but wasn't turning too often as was on country lanes and like to get some miles on all my shoes. The Sen 8 feels rather different to the Prime X as although same foam there is a lot lot less of it. Do you mean hard as in firm with the NEXT%? The NEXT% certainly feels softer than the Sen 8 to me and a bit more than Adios Pro 2 so of all these would say the Sen 8 is the firmest. What is your normal parkrun course? What surface is it?
As usual a great shoe off ✅🏅
Hope you have a great Xmas and continue to be the one Shoetuber who actually saves me money in 2022! 👍
Thanks and you. So has this helped you decide if want the Sen 8 or not?
@@TimGrose Yes I think you've helped me decide to save £110 and return them 👍☺️
You're never going to get freebies from the manufacturers with your detailed and honest reviews ✅✅✅😁
@@lifephorce and in my size half the companies won’t have anything to send me anyway :) Curious though with the Sen 8 - I think I have shown they are very capable but perhaps niche in the distances would use them for and if have say the NEXT% already unlikely to give any significant advantage.
@@lifephorce ...Yes I think too many of the Shoetubers have gone down the murky road of the 'affiliate link' so I take anything they say with a pinch of salt.
@@kevingilhooley2064 yeah tend to agree. Freebies are nice but this is my “hobby” not “job” like it appears for increasingly more these days. Ben Parkes seems to have right as does not seem to get “sent” shoes when you might think be good value for the shoe companies with his reach these days.
Prefer takikumi sen tbh. Merry Christmas
Merry Xmas. Ah interesting. Why is that? And for what distances?
I’m sorry I meant I prefer your original pronounciation. Sorry for the misunderstanding.
@@jonniesharpy ha ha right !
I don't believe that the Takumi Sen 8 is anywhere as fast as the Next%, I actually find the Adios Pro to be a much better racer than the Takumi Sen 8 even at shorter distances.
The issue with lower stack 'lighter weight' shoes is similar to the 'law of diminishing returns', you think that lower weight will improve speed however you would lose out more energy from 'less shock impact/ less protection' than you would gain by reducing weight/ lowering stack
Well that was what I was trying to test based on actual running and I like to think have shown it is at least a capable racer as was able to match my NEXT% effort albeit with a bit higher HR but was already tired from the first run. It could well be that the NEXT% is faster and I personally probably the feel of it but, for at least 5K, may not be a huge amount in it. As mentioned need more testing. Have you raced in the Sen yet as it is only just come out. I think I would certainly prefer the Adios Pro 2 for longer distances than 5K or 10K but that is at least what adidas are advising so no real surprises there.