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The [http://www.adidas.com/us/adizero-takumi-sen-2.0-shoes/M25617.html Adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 2] 3 is a Japanese lightweight racing remarkably nice shoe, with great cushioning and grip. It is only recently been introduced to uses Adidas' Boost foam in the American marketforefoot, having been previously only available which actually gives it more cushioning in Japanthe front than the back, something that's pretty unique. The outsole and remains the boost foam should give a longer life to this lightweight shoe. The Takumi Sen is Japanese, so it can be 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 I rate the Takumi Sen are far stiffer than you'd expect for such a light weight shoe (6as "Highly Recommended." {{H:WhatToLookForInShoes}}{| class="wikitable" |- valign="top"|[[File:Addidas TakumiSen 3-top.JPG|none|thumb|250px|Addidas TakumiSen 3 top]]|[[File:Addidas TakumiSen 3-bottom.3oz)JPG|none|thumb|250px|Addidas TakumiSen 3 bottom]]|- valign="top"|[[File:Addidas TakumiSen 3-inside. The outsole provides a remarkably high level of grip on asphaltJPG|none|thumb|250px|Addidas TakumiSen 3 inside]]|[[File:Addidas TakumiSen 3-outside. JPG|none|thumb|250px|Addidas TakumiSen 3 outside]]|}

* '''Why {{H:WhyBuy}}. If you'd buy it'''. You're after a light weight okay with running in high heels, then this is an excellent shoe, combined combining good cushioning with a firmlight weight. Its grip on asphalt, inflexible sole and even wet asphalt makes it a high level of gripgood choice for speedwork. longevity* '''Cushioning'''{{H:cushioning}}. The Takumi Sen is quite firmcushioned with a combination of traditional EVA foam, much firmer with a section of Adidas' "Boost" foam under the forefoot. The result is a shoe with more cushioning in the forefoot than shoes like the heel, something unique in my experience. Unlike earlier versions, the cushioning is good enough to improve [[Saucony VirrataRunning Economy]]. It, and while it's so firm under if there cushioning/weight ratio is sufficient cushioning to get not as good as the benefits of increased Running Economy. Howeverbest, if youit're s still a runner that likes nice ride. The Boost foam in the forefoot has a firm midsole the Takumi Sen may work for younice spring to it, and it should last much longer than normal foam. * '''Drop'''{{H:drop}}. The Takumi Sen midsole height is 17mm/22mm 21mm for a 5mm 4mm drop. There's no noticeable "arch support", and which stays the heel provides a slight cup for stability. However, I found same when the heel relatively narrow, unlike most shoes that are wider at the base of the heel to provide some stabilityshoe is worn. This didnis a low enough drop that I don't seem to be an issue for feel like I'm running howeverin high heels.* '''Structure'''{{H:structure}}. The midsole consists of While the Takumi Sen has two different densities of EVA foamfoams, combined these are not designed to interfere with your biomechanics, just focus the cushioning on the hard plastic arch support inserts that is forefoot. Adidas' "torsion system"links the forefoot and heel, but I'm not sure this has any effect (good or bad.) There's no noticeable "arch support" to cause pressure on the plantar fascia. * '''Flexibility'''{{H:flexibility}}. The Takumi Sen is far a little less flexible than other shoes in its weight category. If you're looking d expect for a light weightlightweight shoe, but stiff soled shoe, then this may be manifests itself as a good option for youlittle bit of toe off spring rather than just deadening your foot movement.* '''Outsole'''{{H:outsole}}. The outsole is covered by tiny protrusions that are covered with plastic that is covers most the consistency of sandpaper. This provides a quite remarkable level of gripcontact surface, and the outsole forefoot has hard plastic "nubs" that provide wonderful grip on asphalt. These plastic nubs are awesome for speedwork, especially in damp conditions. The rubber on the logo extreme edge of the heel and toe is by Continental tires, so and is quite sticky. Overall this is one of the best outsoles 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 dirtve come across. * '''Shape'''{{H:shape}}. The shape of the Takumi Sen is the classic shape that does not match the human foot, and narrows excessively in the toe box[[Shoe Modifications| needs cutting open]] to prevent toe problems. {{H:TryCuttingShoes}}* {{H:upper}}. The upper is much more substantial than you'''Upper'''d expect in a lightweight shoe. The material seems rather thick, but the open weave is quite breathable. The upper is remarkably thin and completely inflexible. It has good breathabilitybut reasonably comfortable, and its thinness means it dries quite quicklyI don't expect the few seams or reinforcement patches to cause any problems. The There is no padding except a little around the soft ankle opening is probably adequate, though not overly generous. * {{H:tongue}}. The tongue is not padded, but made of material that'''Tongue'''s a little thicker than many lightweight shoes. The tongue design is very thin and unpaddedtraditional, with no attachments to the upper along the sides, but it has a loop to attach it to the laces. I found the tongue stayed in place fine.* '''Lacing'''{{H:lacing}}. The Takumi Sen has traditional flat laces work well and remained that stay tied. * '''Heel counter'''{{H:heelcounter}}. The heel counter is far stiffer more solid than any shoe I can recall trying. The edge of the heel counter is quite well defined'd like, but I think itdoesn's positioning will mean t come up all the way, so it shouldn't cut into most runners feetdig in. One oddity is the Adizero logo on the heel counter can only be seen from some anglesWhile heal counters are pretty useless, which at least this one is a fairly cool effectrelatively harmless.{{FastBlr|adidas/adizero-takumi-sen-3-1376|1376|Adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 3}}

==Takumi Sen 3 and Altra One2Takumi Sen 2==Comparing While they might appear similar, the version 2 and 3 are radically different to run in. The Takumi Sen and 2 is really rather firm, to the point that I'd classify it as a minimalist shoe. The Takumi Sen 3 on the other hand is nicely cushioned, especially in the forefoot. Both have rather more substantial uppers than is the norm with a lightweight shoe. {| class="wikitable" |- valign="top"|[[File:Addidas TakumiSen 3-top.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Addidas TakumiSen 3 top]]|[[Altra One2File:Addidas TakumiSen 3-bottom.JPG|none|thumb|200px| Altra One²Addidas TakumiSen 3 bottom]]|[[File:Addidas TakumiSen 3-inside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Addidas TakumiSen 3 inside]]* Similarities|[[File:Addidas TakumiSen 3-outside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Addidas TakumiSen 3 outside]]** Both are light weight|- valign="top"|[[File:Adidas-Takumi-Sen-top.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Adidas Takumi Sen top]] ** Both are expensive, though the poor longevity probably makes the Altra more expensive in the long run|[[File:Adidas-Takumi-Sen-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Adidas Takumi Sen bottom]]* Advantage |[[File:Adidas-Takumi -Sen-inside.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Adidas Takumi Sen inside]]** The |[[File:Adidas-Takumi -Sen has amazing outsole grip on Asphalt-outside.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Adidas Takumi Sen outside]]|}==Takumi Sen 3 and Asics Gel Hyper Speed==** The Takumi Sen outsole will is a little heavier than the [[Asics Gel Hyper Speed]] which is a major strike against it. However, it offers better forefoot cushioning and better grip. I also expect it to last much longer than unless you heel-strike heavily. The decision between the two shoes mainly depends on how much you want forefoot cushioning over heel cushioning; the Takumi Sen has more in the forefoot, the Hyper Speed more in the heel. In terms of outright performance, the Hyper Speed has a slight edge due to its lower weight, but the extra grip of the AltraTakumi Sen might compensate. {| class="wikitable"|- valign="top"|[[File:Addidas TakumiSen 3-top.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Addidas TakumiSen 3 top]]|[[File:Addidas TakumiSen 3-bottom.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Addidas TakumiSen 3 bottom]]|[[File:Addidas TakumiSen 3-inside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Addidas TakumiSen 3 inside]]|[[File:Addidas TakumiSen 3-outside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Addidas TakumiSen 3 outside]]* Advantage Altra One²|- valign="top"** The Altra One² is more flexible|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-top.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 top]] ** The Altra One² is zero drop|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 bottom]] ** The Altra One² is softer|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-inside.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 inside]] ** The Altra One² has a much toe box shape (not as good as the Cursoris)|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-outside.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 outside]] |}** The Altra One<sup>2<{{FastBlr|asics/sup> is generally more comfortable.gel-hyperspeed-6-192|192|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6}}==Takumi Sen 3 and Mizuno CursorisHoka Clifton==Comparing the The Takumi Sen and [[Mizuno Cursoris]]:* Similarities** Both the Clifton are light weight.** Both are hard to get hold ofnot really competitors; the Takumi Sen Clifton is rare about 40% heavier and provides massively more cushioning. If you're after cushioning then the Cursoris Clifton is discontinuedthe best choice, and nothing comes close, not even the Takumi Sen.* Advantage Takumi Sen{| class="wikitable"|- valign="top"** The Takumi Sen has amazing outsole grip on Asphalt|[[File:Addidas TakumiSen 3-top.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Addidas TakumiSen 3 top]]** The Takumi Sen outsole will last much longer than the Cursoris|[[File:Addidas TakumiSen 3-bottom.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Addidas TakumiSen 3 bottom]]* Advantage Mizuno Cursoris|[[File:Addidas TakumiSen 3-inside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Addidas TakumiSen 3 inside]]** The Cursoris is more flexible|[[File:Addidas TakumiSen 3-outside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Addidas TakumiSen 3 outside]]|- valign="top"** The Cursoris is zero drop|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-top.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Hoka OneOne Clifton top]] ** The Cursoris is softer|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Hoka OneOne Clifton bottom]]** The Cursoris has a much better toe box shape|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-inside.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Hoka OneOne Clifton inside]]** The Cursoris is generally more comfortable|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-outside.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Hoka OneOne Clifton outside]]|}** The Cursoris is often available at a much lower price.{{FastBlr|hoka-one-one/clifton-2-1062|1062|Hoka Clifton 2}}==Takumi Sen 3 and Saucony Hattori New Balance RC5000v2==Comparing While the Takumi Sen and is lighter than many shoes, it's actually 65% heavier than the [[Saucony HattoriNew Balance RC5000v2]]:* Similarities** Both are light weight. The Takumi Sen offers more forefoot cushioning, but the Hattori ultralight RC5000v2 actually offers more cushioning in the heel. While the Takumi Sen is lightera great shoe, it can't really compete with the outrageously good RC5000v2. {| class="wikitable"|- valign="top"|[[File:Addidas TakumiSen 3-top.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Addidas TakumiSen 3 top]]|[[File:Addidas TakumiSen 3-bottom.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Addidas TakumiSen 3 bottom]]|[[File:Addidas TakumiSen 3-inside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Addidas TakumiSen 3 inside]]|[[File:Addidas TakumiSen 3-outside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Addidas TakumiSen 3 outside]]|- valign="top"|[[File:New Balance RC5000 v2-top.JPG|none|thumb|200px|New Balance RC5000 v2 top]]|[[File:New Balance RC5000 v2-bottom.JPG|none|thumb|200px|New Balance RC5000 v2 bottom]]** Both have a sub|[[File:New Balance RC5000 v2-optimal toe box that is not shaped for the human footinside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|New Balance RC5000 v2 inside]]** Both have low cushioning, though they have different characteristics|[[File: the Takumi Sen has thicker but firmer foamNew Balance RC5000 v2-outside. JPG|none|thumb|200px|New Balance RC5000 v2 outside]]|}{{FastBlr|new-balance/rc5000-v2-1374|1374|New Balance RC5000 v2}}** Both are hard to get hold of; the ==Takumi Sen is rare 3 and Asics GT 2000==I tend to compare shoes against my benchmark "normal running shoe", the Hattori is discontinued[[Asics GT 2000]].* Advantage Takumi Sen** The GT 2000 weights 70% more than the svelte Takumi Sen has amazing outsole grip on Asphalt, but the cushioning is nearly the same.** The Takumi Sen GT 2000 has laces for a better fit (Hattori more padded upper, but the comfort is available with laces not as different as you might think. What the Hattori LCGT 2000 does give you that the Takumi Sen lacks is lots of over engineered attempts to manipulate your stride, but they attempts that [[The Science of Running Shoes]] indicates are even harder to find)all in vain. {| class="wikitable" |- valign="top"|[[File:Addidas TakumiSen 3-top.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Addidas TakumiSen 3 top]]|[[File:Addidas TakumiSen 3-bottom.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Addidas TakumiSen 3 bottom]]|[[File:Addidas TakumiSen 3-inside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Addidas TakumiSen 3 inside]]|[[File:Addidas TakumiSen 3-outside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Addidas TakumiSen 3 outside]]* Advantage Saucony Hattori |- valign="top"** The Hattori is more flexible|[[File:Asics-GT2000-top.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Asics GT2000 top]]|[[File:Asics-GT2000-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Asics GT2000 bottom]]** The Hattori is zero drop|[[File:Asics-GT2000-inside.jpg|none|thumb|200px|Asics GT2000 inside]]** The Hattori is cheaper (when you can find it)|[[File:Asics-GT2000-outside. jpg|none|thumb|200px|Asics GT2000 outside]]|}{{ShoeGraphs}}