Adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 11 Review: A Brilliant Shoe That’s Struggling to Stay Relevant

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The Adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 11 is a shoe that delivers exactly what it promises: speed, snap, and a race-day feel in a lightweight package. But in today’s ever-evolving running shoe market, the big question is — do we still need it?

Let’s break down the performance, updates, and whether this 5K-10K speed demon still deserves a spot in your rotation.

What we think: Fast, Flashy, and Familiar

Let’s start with the aesthetics. The Takumi Sen 11 looks brilliant — especially in this vibrant colorway, also seen on the Prime X Strung 3. Visually, it's a real head-turner. But we’re not here just for looks. The big talking point is whether this updated Takumi still has a clear purpose in a rotation flooded with versatile racers and discounted carbon shoes.

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Specs and Features

Priced at £170, the Takumi Sen 11 is clearly pitched as a premium, speed-focused shoe — primarily for 5K-10K racing and fast workouts. Here’s what you’re getting:

• Lightstrike Pro midsole, same as in Adidas’ top-tier race models.

• Energy Rods 2.0 made of glass fiber lattice for increased snappiness.

• Lightlock upper — shared with the Adidas Adios Pro 4 — for a breathable, secure fit.

• Continental rubber outsole with a “light traction” design.

• Stack height of 33mm in the heel, 27mm in the forefoot.

• Weight: 204g (US Men’s 10)

So, on paper, it’s got everything you want in a fast shoe. And out on the run? It delivers.

Performance Review

In the right setting, the Takumi Sen 11 feels epically fast. It’s perfect for treadmill intervals, fast parkruns, and 5K efforts where snappiness and turnover are key. Everything about this shoe screams "speed": the responsive midsole, the aggressive geometry, and the firm push-off from the forefoot.

Compared to previous versions (like the Takumi 8, 9, and 10), this update feels like a true upgrade. The improved upper is more secure and race-ready, while the refined energy rods genuinely add to the explosive ride.

But… Do We Still Need It?

Here’s where it gets tricky. There are just so many great alternatives now — both from Adidas and other brands — that do similar jobs for less money. For example:

• The Adios 9 is just £120, super lightweight, and fast-feeling.

• The New Balance SC Pacer often retails under £150 and feels incredibly nimble.

• The Nike Streakfly is lighter and feels quicker on foot for similar sessions.

• And let’s not forget all those older carbon racing shoes now available at discounted prices — perfect for workouts or tempo days.

So while the Takumi Sen 11 is brilliant at what it does, it’s fighting in a crowded category. And unless you’re really dialed into 5K-10K racing and want something razor-sharp for that purpose alone, it’s a tough sell at £170.

Final Verdict

The Adizero Takumi Sen 11 is a fantastically built shoe — faster, snappier, and more aggressive than its predecessors. If you do buy it, you’re going to love how it performs. But should you buy it? That’s another story. Unless you find it on sale, or you’re an Adidas fan who needs a dedicated 5K flat, your money might go further elsewhere. Options like the Adios 9 or discounted carbon models can give you similar — or even better — value for less.

Bottom line:✅ Great shoe.❌ Hard to justify full price.

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