Adidas Adios 9 Review: A Modern Racing Flat in a Max-Cushion World

Introduction

Running shoe trends come and go, from the ultra-minimal barefoot era to today’s towering max-cushion trainers. In a market dominated by tall stacks, finding a genuinely low, lightweight racing shoe almost feels like stepping back in time. That is exactly where the Adidas Adios 9 positions itself: an old-school racing flat experience, updated with modern super foams.

If you have grown frustrated with high-stack shoes and want more ground contact feel, the Adios 9 is designed to be that answer. Adidas has made some meaningful changes from version 8 too: this update is 14% lighter, the stack drops to 27mm with a 7mm drop (down from 29mm and 9mm), the midsole now uses full-length Lightstrike Pro, and the upper construction is more comfortable, very similar to the Adios Pro 4. Best of all, the price stayed the same.

Who This Shoe Is For

The Adios 9 is a low-stack racing and speed session shoe, aimed at race distances up to around 10K. Think 3Ks, 5Ks, and 10Ks, plus the training that supports them. It is ultra-light with that old-fashioned racing flat feel, making it a strong choice if you want speed without the assisted sensation of plates or rods.

For a UK size 12, this shoe comes in at just 210g, which is remarkably light. It is a neutral shoe, sizing runs true to size, and there are no width options available. Price-wise, it cost £120 in the UK.

Main Strengths

The first strength is the weight. It is supremely light, and that makes you feel fast. The turnover you can generate is quite magical, the cadence climbs easily, and with the Lightstrike Pro foam you get a real turn of pace. Coming out of a corner, changing direction, and getting back to full speed all feel effortless.

Second, this is a supremely comfortable shoe. It has a slipper-like feel, something you could happily wear around the house in the evening. The Lightlock in the upper delivers a solid, secure lockdown, the gusseted tongue causes no issues, and it ranks among the most comfortable shoes to run in, sharing much of its upper design with the Adios Pro 4.

Third, the ground feedback is excellent. The proprioception is strong at every speed, whether you are jogging, cruising, or doing 5K and 10K pace reps. You stay engaged with the ground rather than disconnected, which is exactly what many max-stack shoes lack.

Fourth, the quality feels genuinely premium, with well-made materials and a look that holds up nicely. Fifth, it offers strong value: at £120, it comes in £25 cheaper than the Nike Strofly.

Things to Consider Before Buying

The toe box runs narrow at the forefoot, so this is not the best choice for wider-footed runners. If your feet need room to spread, look elsewhere.

The use case is also fairly niche. Many runners in 2025 will prefer higher-stack shoes, and while Adidas suggests it can handle up to a half marathon, realistically this is a 5K and 10K shoe. Running a half marathon in it is best left to elite or lighter runners with the strength to handle the low cushioning over that distance.

Finally, the laces are disappointingly cheap, a recurring issue across Adidas running shoes at the moment. They feel like they could snap or stretch over time, so you may want to swap them for better quality replacements. The rest of the shoe, thankfully, is built surprisingly well.

Buying Advice

This shoe is recommended, with one big caveat: you need to be happy building a rotation around it. This is not a one-shoe-to-do-it-all option, and you will likely want something softer for easy runs and long runs. But if you fall into its niche, it is arguably the best option on the market right now.

It suits three types of runner: anyone who wants a simple shoe for speed sessions without the assisted feel of rods or plates; anyone after a lightweight racer for 5Ks and 10Ks without a stiff propulsion system; and anyone who wants a traditional, grounded ride, softened just enough with modern foam so it is not harsh on the legs.

If you are torn between this and the Takumi Sen, the Adios 9 is the more versatile and comfortable option across speeds. You could happily jog in it or take it to all-out rep paces, while the Takumi Sen, with its rods, is stiffer and more of a race day and key workout shoe. Compared with the Evo SL, the choice comes down to cushioning versus ground feel: the Evo SL offers more cushion for longer runs but is heavier and lacks the high turnover you get here.

Conclusion

The Adidas Adios 9 delivers on its promise: a genuinely traditional, low-stack racing flat brought up to date with full-length Lightstrike Pro foam. It is light, comfortable, well made, and fairly priced, with clear limitations around fit and range. If you want a dedicated 5K and 10K racer or a speed-day shoe that keeps you connected to the ground, it is hard to beat.