Adidas Adizero Adios 7 review

Who should buy the Adidas Adizero Adios 7 

The seventh iteration of the Adidas Adizero Adios is a must-have for those who enjoy having a: 

• lower-drop, more traditional racing flat
• multi-functional running shoe that can handle both fast training runs and competitions
• highly energetic shoe that's ready for the long miles ahead

Who should NOT buy it

One of the weak points of the Adidas Adios 7 is its heel hold. If you want something that will lock your foot in better, the Adidas SL20.2 is a better choice than the Adizero Adios 7. And if you don't want a slappy-sounding outsole, the Adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 8 won't annoy the crap out of you. 

Adizero Adios 7 vs. 6

• It's lighter, going from 244 grams/8.7 ounces to 229 grams/8.1 ounces in US men's 9. All because of: 
  • a new and less padded mesh upper
  • a thinner tongue, which a runner describes as a "paper-thin material;" "nothing there much at all," he continues. 
• "Big change in the collar" is what another expert says about this version as it's wider and flimsier. Although it's a miss compared to the past version, he doesn't necessarily consider it a deal-breaker. 

Retro ain't bad

When it comes to the midsole, the Adidas Adizero Adios 7 sits on the firmer end. This makes its ride very responsive and fast, which has been a favorite among reviewers. Very much so that they gave the shoe these comments: 

• "Gave me my personal record" 
• "Good training flats for tempos and track work" 
• "Just a joy to run in!" 

On top of the shoe's rather firm yet speedy ride, it also allows maximum ground feel. Unlike most racers today, the Adios 7 stays grounded (literally) with its minimal stack. This said, "the Adios remains true to what racing flats have been for years," expresses one road runner. 

Only firm for a hot minute

Yes, the Adidas Adizero Adios 7 can feel firm for the first few miles. But once broken in, it has the "perfect cushioning for mid/long-distance runs," says one tester. But another runner who has always been a fan of firmer cushioning also states that the shoe "felt great the second [they] put it on!" 

The Adizero Adios 7 takes it easy on the weighing scale

Racing shoes, on average, weigh 214 grams/7.5 ounces. Although the Adios 7 is still a few grams away from this (weighing 229 grams/8.1 ounces), Adidas fans are still in love with it because it's way lighter than its predecessor. One of them even says that they're a "big fan" of the new version because of how light it is. 

Ready to grip and last

The outsole has both good news and bad news. As always, let's start with the good news. (1) It's grippy and (2) it's built to last. Even after 500 km worth of wear tests, it still has little to no traces of wear and tear. 

Now to the bad news. It's rigid, which is also the reason why it's hard to scratch. So much so, "you can even hear it from the sound," reports one racer. For context, the sound it makes is an annoyingly slappy sound. 

Ready for some big feet

In the past version, the common complaint was that it's a little bit narrow, especially for those with wide feet. But with the seventh edition, everything's looking good. The upper has more stretch to it, allowing a roomier and comfier fit. 

One of the wide-footed runners who left a comment regarding the shoe's wrap finds the overall fit "refreshing." Another adds that wearing the shoe feels "super comfortable, especially for a person with big feet." 

A rear issue

"Lockdown doesn't convince me" are words from a running athlete who finds the heel area too wide and not sufficiently structured. 

Worth the purchase! 

On average, racing flats cost $146 a pair. But at $130, the majority, if not all, find the Adidas Adizero Adios 7's price tag very reasonable, especially since it can handle both training and race-day runs.

Good looks are appreciated

It's not unknown that Adidas running shoes are killing it in the style department, and the Adios 7 is no exception. Attesting to this, a runner leaves this short yet very telling comment, "niceeeee" when he talked about the shoe's design. Another joins in saying that they love the pair so much; they bought it in a different color.