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Created page with "{{DISPLAYTITLE:Adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 2 Review}} The [http://www.adidas.com/us/adizero-takumi-sen-2.0-shoes/M25617.html Adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 2] is a Japanese lightweig..."
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 2 Review}}
The [http://www.adidas.com/us/adizero-takumi-sen-2.0-shoes/M25617.html Adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 2] is a Japanese lightweight racing shoe. It is only recently been introduced to the American market, having been previously only available in Japan, and remains a little tricky to get hold of. The name means "An Artisan of The Highest Order," and the shoe does seem to have an unusual design aesthetic. There is no single part of the shoe that is radically different from any other, but the overall impression is of a shoe from a different culture. (This is a little strange given that Adidas is German, not Japanese.) The midsole and the upper of the Takumi Sen are far stiffer than you'd expect for such a light weight shoe (6.3oz). The outsole provides a remarkably high level of grip on asphalt.
=Characteristics=
* '''Why you'd buy it'''. You're after a light weight shoe, combined with a firm, inflexible sole and a high level of grip.
* '''Cushioning'''. The Takumi Sen is quite firm, much firmer than shoes like the [[Saucony Virrata]]. It's so firm under if there is sufficient cushioning to get the benefits of increased Running Economy. However, if you're a runner that likes a firm midsole the Takumi Sen may work for you
* '''Drop'''. The Takumi Sen midsole is 17mm/22mm for a 5mm drop. There's no noticeable "arch support", and the heel provides a slight cup for stability. However, I found the heel relatively narrow, unlike most shoes that are wider at the base of the heel to provide some stability. This didn't seem to be an issue for running however.
* '''Structure'''. The midsole consists of two different densities of EVA foam, combined with the hard plastic arch support inserts that is Adidas' "torsion system".
* '''Flexibility'''. The Takumi Sen is far less flexible than other shoes in its weight category. If you're looking for a light weight, but stiff soled shoe, then this may be a good option for you.
* '''Outsole'''. The outsole is covered by tiny protrusions that are covered with plastic that is the consistency of sandpaper. This provides a quite remarkable level of grip, and the outsole has the logo of Continental tires, so I assume they're responsible for this novel material. This is a high grip outsole for asphalt and similar surfaces; it is not for trails or dirt.
* '''Shape'''. The Takumi Sen is the classic shape that does not match the human foot, and narrows excessively in the toe box.
* '''Upper'''. The upper is remarkably thin and completely inflexible. It has good breathability, and its thinness means it dries quite quickly. The padding around the ankle opening is probably adequate, though not overly generous.
* '''Tongue'''. The tongue is very thin and unpadded.
* '''Lacing'''. The flat laces work well and remained tied.
* '''Heel counter'''. The heel counter is far stiffer than any shoe I can recall trying. The edge of the heel counter is quite well defined, but I think it's positioning will mean it shouldn't cut into most runners feet. One oddity is the Adizero logo on the heel counter can only be seen from some angles, which is a fairly cool effect.
=Comparisons=
The Takumi Sen doesn't have any close competition from the other shoes I've tested. Its combination of light weight, stiffness, high grip and firm midsole make it a little unusual.
* [[Mizuno Cursoris]] is a lot softer in every way, and the Cursoris has an exposed midsole that provides less grip. I found the Cursoris far more comfortable and I preferred it's softer cushioning.
* [[Altra One2| Altra One<sup>2</sup>]] is also softer than the Takumi Sen and has a better overall shape.
* Saucony Hattori is also very thin, though it's far more flexible.
=A Comparison with other Recommended Shoes=
{{:Shoes-include}}
The [http://www.adidas.com/us/adizero-takumi-sen-2.0-shoes/M25617.html Adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 2] is a Japanese lightweight racing shoe. It is only recently been introduced to the American market, having been previously only available in Japan, and remains a little tricky to get hold of. The name means "An Artisan of The Highest Order," and the shoe does seem to have an unusual design aesthetic. There is no single part of the shoe that is radically different from any other, but the overall impression is of a shoe from a different culture. (This is a little strange given that Adidas is German, not Japanese.) The midsole and the upper of the Takumi Sen are far stiffer than you'd expect for such a light weight shoe (6.3oz). The outsole provides a remarkably high level of grip on asphalt.
=Characteristics=
* '''Why you'd buy it'''. You're after a light weight shoe, combined with a firm, inflexible sole and a high level of grip.
* '''Cushioning'''. The Takumi Sen is quite firm, much firmer than shoes like the [[Saucony Virrata]]. It's so firm under if there is sufficient cushioning to get the benefits of increased Running Economy. However, if you're a runner that likes a firm midsole the Takumi Sen may work for you
* '''Drop'''. The Takumi Sen midsole is 17mm/22mm for a 5mm drop. There's no noticeable "arch support", and the heel provides a slight cup for stability. However, I found the heel relatively narrow, unlike most shoes that are wider at the base of the heel to provide some stability. This didn't seem to be an issue for running however.
* '''Structure'''. The midsole consists of two different densities of EVA foam, combined with the hard plastic arch support inserts that is Adidas' "torsion system".
* '''Flexibility'''. The Takumi Sen is far less flexible than other shoes in its weight category. If you're looking for a light weight, but stiff soled shoe, then this may be a good option for you.
* '''Outsole'''. The outsole is covered by tiny protrusions that are covered with plastic that is the consistency of sandpaper. This provides a quite remarkable level of grip, and the outsole has the logo of Continental tires, so I assume they're responsible for this novel material. This is a high grip outsole for asphalt and similar surfaces; it is not for trails or dirt.
* '''Shape'''. The Takumi Sen is the classic shape that does not match the human foot, and narrows excessively in the toe box.
* '''Upper'''. The upper is remarkably thin and completely inflexible. It has good breathability, and its thinness means it dries quite quickly. The padding around the ankle opening is probably adequate, though not overly generous.
* '''Tongue'''. The tongue is very thin and unpadded.
* '''Lacing'''. The flat laces work well and remained tied.
* '''Heel counter'''. The heel counter is far stiffer than any shoe I can recall trying. The edge of the heel counter is quite well defined, but I think it's positioning will mean it shouldn't cut into most runners feet. One oddity is the Adizero logo on the heel counter can only be seen from some angles, which is a fairly cool effect.
=Comparisons=
The Takumi Sen doesn't have any close competition from the other shoes I've tested. Its combination of light weight, stiffness, high grip and firm midsole make it a little unusual.
* [[Mizuno Cursoris]] is a lot softer in every way, and the Cursoris has an exposed midsole that provides less grip. I found the Cursoris far more comfortable and I preferred it's softer cushioning.
* [[Altra One2| Altra One<sup>2</sup>]] is also softer than the Takumi Sen and has a better overall shape.
* Saucony Hattori is also very thin, though it's far more flexible.
=A Comparison with other Recommended Shoes=
{{:Shoes-include}}