Boost Your Speed: Running with Adidas Adizero

A few months back, I celebrated my 8th “runiversary.” It’s unbelievable that someone like me, who used to despise running, not only started but has kept it up. It feels like a miracle. Reflecting on my journey, I’m amazed at how much I’ve learned about running and how much has changed, from the style of running, my mindset, to the gear and shoes I use.

Initially, I didn’t care much about my running shoes. Sure, I bought a decent pair, but I didn’t invest much time researching. My focus was on affordability and aesthetics, aiming for around £50. Looking back, I realize how naive I was. My beginner self even brought a handbag to a run, clueless about where to stash my stuff, and knew nothing about running brands, Strava, or terms like split and PB. Comparing road shoes to trail shoes was foreign to me back then.

Time has passed, and now I go through trail shoes like my kids go through groceries. Footwear matters to me, especially knowing the importance of matching shoes to the terrain and distance. I understand how crucial comfortable clothing is to avoid chafing. While I won’t splurge excessively, I now appreciate the value in quality gear.

As an adidas blogger, I have the awesome job of testing their gear occasionally. This month, the Adizero range piqued my interest. Let’s delve into what caught my eye:

What Is Adizero?

Before sharing my product picks, let me introduce you to Adizero. This line focuses on creating lightweight products to enhance athletic performance by reducing mass load. This concept makes sense—less weight can lead to faster runs.

Launched in 2004, Toshiaki Omori, a Japanese craftsman, prioritized foot anatomy, aiming for supportive yet almost invisible shoes. They needed to consider material, weight, cushioning, and running conditions like distance, terrain, and speed—and of course, appearance.

The Adizero line took four years to develop before the Adizero Adios men’s shoes were tested by Ethiopian runner Haile Gebrselassie just before the 2008 Berlin Marathon. He loved them so much that he wore them during the race, breaking the world record by 29 seconds.

While these shoes might not make you a record-breaker, depending on the running style, there’s an Adizero shoe for everyone. Whether it’s the Takumi Sen 9 for speedy runs, the Boston 12 for mid-to-long distances, or the versatile Adizero Adios 8, adidas has you covered.

Adizero Adios 7 Shoes

I picked the Adizero Adios 7 because they’re known for being ‘all-rounders’, which suits my vibe. I chose the prettiest color combination (Pulse Mint/Silver Metallic/Core Black) because why not? Although they come in three other colorways: Cloud White/Core Black/Grey Three, Core Black/Beam Yellow/Solar Green, and White Tint/Court Green/Blue Dawn.

These aren’t hardcore trail shoes—lightweight mesh would let mud through. However, they were perfect on a dry, sandy trail. They’re essentially road or track shoes, but suitable for occasional off-road detours—hence their ‘all-around’ label.

Besides looking fantastic, these women’s running shoes boast features to simplify your run, and many of us could use that!

Features include:

• Breathable mesh for maximum ventilation while maintaining support.
• LIGHTSTRIKE PRO midsole for dynamic, soft cushioning.
• TORSIONRODS for flexibility, offering support and foot movement freedom.
• Adjustable lace closure for a custom fit.
• Lightweight at just 189.7g (UK size 5.5), which aids faster runs.
• Made with recycled materials, as part of adidas’s eco-friendly initiatives.

I love these because they feel custom-made for me right out of the box. They’re a perfect fit and are race-ready. While they’re not making me much faster (I’m not a speed-runner), they’re comfy and light, giving me a bouncy stride and a spot on my well-stocked running shoe shelf.

Adizero 7/8 Leggings

When it comes to leggings, I have high expectations. They must be high-waisted, stretchy, comfortable, dark (slimming effect), and most importantly, have pockets. The Adizero 7/8 leggings check all these boxes. Hooray!

First up, feel and fit. These are so comfy, it’s like wearing nothing. Made with at least 70% recycled content, the fabric is stretchable, hugging every curve without riding up, falling down, or creasing at the legs. Features like perforated fabric behind the knees ensure a snug, stay-put fit.

Functionality is key too, with laser perforation promoting airflow in sweat-prone areas, keeping you cool and fresh longer. The high-rise waist holds everything in place, eliminating jiggle concerns, while zipped side and waist pockets safely store essentials.

The Aurora Black color is a rich, deep indigo with neon green Adizero branding—flattering and unique. I ordered a medium, and they fit my large size 12 perfectly.

Adizero Running Tank Top

Feeling matchy, I also picked the Adizero running tank top in Aurora Black to match the leggings, although it’s also available in Black and Semi Spark (a custard-like yellow). The fabric is indescribably light and cool, ideal for summer running with no overheating worries due to its perforated design.

This racerback top has inner tape over abrasion points to prevent chafing, an absolute must for anyone who’s experienced the painful sting. Thanks to adidas’s sweat-wicking AEROREADY technology, moisture is efficiently drawn away, reducing chafing risk.

Reflective details enhance visibility, and the loose fit is super comfortable. I prefer lower-cut vests for bum coverage and less underwear concern. Sitting nicely midway down, it offers a flattering look.

The lightness and airiness make this stand out from my other run vests. It dries fast after washing, which is great because I’ll be wearing this vest frequently during summer!

Final Thoughts

Running on trails is my passion—muddy paths, diverse terrain, beautiful views, and peace provide unmatched joy compared to road runs. However, clean, quick runs are sometimes necessary, and while I’m unsure if these shoes and lightweight clothes will make me faster, it’s worth a shot. Maybe not as effective as offering me chocolate as motivation, but I’m open to trying.

The girl who started running 8 years ago still cares about aesthetics. I mean, who doesn’t? But now, functionality is a priority too. The Adizero kit delights both my old and new running selves.

products gifted by adidas

Author Bio

Becky Stafferton is a full-time content creator, web publisher, and blog coach. She consistently promotes a practical, sustainable, and positive approach to a healthy lifestyle. When not writing or reading her teenage diary, you’ll find her running through mud, hiking forests, listing things to do, airing grievances, or renovating her new country home. She also owns BlogWell, a coaching company helping bloggers optimize and monetize their sites.