Building on previous models of the Takumi Sen family is the inclusion of refined Energyrods 2.0 in the midsole, made from partly recycled glass fibre, which provide a seamless transition from heel to toe. Previous iterations of the Takumi Sen offered a combination of a carbon plate in the heel and individual, separated carbon-infused rods in the forefoot, mirroring the shape of the metatarsal bones in the feet. The new model offers a fresh approach thanks to a holistic structure of glass fibre rods from the heel to the toe, and a double layer of Lightstrike Pro foam, to provide cushioned propulsion, the company said in a press release.
The curved rod system works in tandem with the midsole foam to provide lightweight stiffness, increasing propulsion as the foot hits the ground and reducing energy loss with each stride. The careful placement and shape of the rods stabilises the softer midsole foam and drives forward motion. Glass fibre is more flexible than carbon, crucial for navigating tight corners of 5-10K road races and enduring the high impact experienced from running fast on hard ground.
Prototypes of the Adizero Takumi Sen 10 were tested in Iten, Kenya and Ethiopia with elite male and female Adidas athletes. Insights from this session – including the need for increased responsiveness – were implemented into the development of the new shoe, to ensure it is optimised for performance as requested by the best in the field. The previous iteration of the shoe – Adizero Takumi Sen 9 – was also tested in the lab to gather further feedback from Adidas elite athletes and consumers alike. These combined insights informed the development of the new model. The result is a fast and flexible shoe that does not compromise on cushioning.
“When developing the new Adizero Takumi Sen 10, we wanted to create a shoe specifically designed for the demands of 5-10Ks. Racing these distances on the road has a high impact on the body, which increases when running at high speeds, so runners require a propulsive yet cushioned shoe to support their feet. From a reduced upper construction made from 100 per cent recycled polyester, to a more flexible and lower profile tooling, and increased grip on the outsole for navigating tight corners – every detail of the Adizero Takumi Sen 10 is built for fast road racing,” Moritz Hoellmueller, VP design running at Adidas, said.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RR)