Type: Neutral
Weight: 205g
Drop: 8mm
What everyone's reading
The shoe
In a world of carbon-fibre plates, towering stack heights and £200-plus price-tags, the Adidas Adios line represents an appealing compromise: get some of that technology, but in a lower-to-the-ground and lighter-on-the-wallet package. The eighth iteration of the Adios is lighter and softer than its predecessor and designed for both PB-hunting and quicker training sessions.
How does the Adidas Adios 8 compare with the Adidas Adios 7?
It’s considerably lighter than the Adios 7. The midsole has also had a makeover, with Lightstrike Pro foam under the forefoot and Lightstrike 2.0 under the heel – the result being a more comfortable yet responsive ride. The forefoot is also a little wider, which provides a bit more room for your toes and creates added stability underfoot.
What is the Adidas Adios 8 like to run in?
If you’re looking for a responsive shoe that clings more to the traditional racing flat template, you’ll love running in the Adidas Adios 8. With a stack height of 28mm in the heel and 20mm in the forefoot, it’s about 10mm closer to the ground than most of the supershoes. Although it lacks a carbon plate, it does have ‘energy torsion rods’ that provide some of the same propulsion and make the shoe feel race-day ready.
It's also very comfortable – much more so than traditional racing flats – and our testers experienced no hotspots or blisters while wearing these. The Lightstrike midsole is fairly soft, without feeling overly pillowy, and the shoe felt comfortably over a variety of speeds and distances. So if you’re looking for a shoe that can work for training and race day, the Adios 8 is a decent bet.
How does the Adidas Adios 8 fit?
The Adidas Adios 8 fits true to size, and there’s enough room in the forefoot to allow toes to splay. The lacing system is also excellent, allowing for a tailored fit.
The tongue is very thin, as is the heel counter, but we experienced no issues as a result of this and the upshot is a shoe with plenty of cushion that remains seriously lightweight.
RW verdict
The Adidas Adios 8 is a great alternative – or complement – to a supershoe. It has some of the same technology and propulsion, but in a more stripped-down and affordable package. It also gains points for its versatility, stylish design and excellent lacing system.
