Crafted' for 10K

Crafted' for 10KThe adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 11

In this episode of Race Lab, we team up with running expert Eren Demirel to test this rare blend of lightness and stability.

25 September 2025 · 3 min read

Looking for a race-day shoe that leaves your competition in the dust? Meet the adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 11: sleek, performance-driven, and every bit the secret weapon. Designed for speed, engineered for success, and co-signed by athletes.

The Takumi Sen series has carved out its own niche within adidas’ Adizero family, celebrated for its lightweight yet aggressive performance — perfect for shorter-distance 5–10 km races. The 11th edition builds on the legacy of its predecessors and packs a lot of promise — “Takumi” means “master craftsman” or “artisan” in Japanese.

In this episode of Race Lab, we’re putting the runner through a series of key testing stations to give you the real verdict on whether it truly masters the craft of racing. Teaming up with us is running expert Eren Demirel, usually spotted speeding around Berlin on his lunch break. “A good shoe keeps you comfortable and supported from start to finish,” he says when asked what makes or breaks a running shoe. “A bad one makes you think about your feet more than the run.”

The number one thing Eren looks for? “Energy return — when it feels like the shoe is giving something back with every step.”

The testing stations

To get a real feel for the Adizero Takumi Sen 11’s performance in the 10k run category, we’ll be putting it through four testing stations: traction, speed-friendliness, breathability, and responsiveness. Let’s go!

Check the traction

First things first: this shoe gives good grip. The Lighttraxion GCPU compound makes up most of the outsole and provides full-length traction across the foot while staying super lightweight — ideal for maintaining agility at top speed. Add a Continental Rubber patch (sticky, high-grip rubber) on the forefoot and you’ve got a powerful, sure-footed push-off, especially on road surfaces.

Up to speed

At just 185 g, these Adizeros are lightweight powerhouses, fine-tuned for maximum speed. Inside, EnergyRods 2.0 — a glass-fibre rod system running from heel to toe — sits between dual layers of Lightstrike Pro foam. The result? Rigidity where you need propulsion, and flexibility where you need to snap round tight corners without losing pace.

Light & breezy

This silhouette is breathable by design. The Lightlock woven mesh upper, with its one-way stretch design, wraps the foot for a snug fit while letting air flow freely. The structure stays lightweight, flexible and tuned for ventilation, so your feet stay dry even during all-out efforts. Pair that with a Slinglaunch heel construction and Locking Bands, and you get extra stability to manoeuvre sharp turns with ease.

Response station

This is where the EnergyRods 2.0 and Lightstrike Pro foam really shine as a dream team. The dual-layer foam is soft, springy and packed with bounce, while the glass-fibre rods add robustness by amplifying your natural stride efficiency and turnover speed. Together, they deliver high-level responsiveness — a cushioned yet explosive ride that makes the Takumi Sen 11 a standout performer on race day.

A black athletic shirt and shorts are worn by a person who is seated with one leg raised. Their shoes have a white base, black stripes, and neon accents.

Need for speed?

Eren tells us, “It felt super agile. Very sleek and race-ready. It’s built for speed and perfect for chasing a fast 10k pace. And the balance between lightness and stability — it’s rare to get both in a speed shoe.” His final take: “If you’re looking to shave time off your 10k or want a responsive, minimal shoe for speed work, it’s a winner.”

The adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 11 is a race-day shoe Eren would definitely recommend. But every runner’s needs are different — which is why Race Lab is here, testing a range of the best shoes to help you find your perfect fit. Stay tuned for the next one!