A few months back, I celebrated my eight-year “runiversary.” Honestly, it’s hard to believe that the person who once despised running not only began this journey but has also sustained it. It’s quite remarkable. Engulfed in memories, I reflected on my initial forays into running and how drastically my understanding and experience have evolved over the years. This includes the types of running I engage in, my perspective, and even the gear, clothing, and shoes I choose.
In the early stages of my running adventure, I didn’t pay much attention to the shoes I wore. Sure, I bought a pair of proper running shoes, but I didn’t conduct thorough research on them. My main concern was finding something affordable—around fifty pounds or so—and aesthetically pleasing. How naive I was back then! The same applied to my running accessories. I was the kind of person who showed up to her first run with a handbag—unsure of where to stash my essentials. Yep, that was definitely me!
I had no clue about the key running brands, didn’t know what Strava was, didn’t understand terms like “split” or “personal best,” and was completely unaware of the distinction between road and trail running shoes. “Novice” doesn’t even begin to describe my level of ignorance.
Fast forward to now… I cycle through trail shoes more frequently than my kids go through groceries. I genuinely care about my footwear, recognizing the necessity of appropriate shoes for the type of running I’m doing. I’ve learned how significant well-made clothing can be for comfort and to avoid that dreaded chafing. All these factors are important. While I’m not looking to break the bank on gear, I’ve come to accept that quality often comes with a price.
Thanks to my role as an adidas blogger, I occasionally have the incredible opportunity to test their gear. When I received this month’s collection, the Adizero line immediately grabbed my attention. Let’s dive into it:
What Is Adizero?
Before I showcase my selected products, let’s discuss what Adizero is all about. Adizero is committed to creating the lightest products possible to enhance athletic performance. It’s simple to understand: the lighter you are, the faster you can run.
The brand’s journey began in 2004 when Japanese craftsman Toshiaki Omori joined the team. Omori emphasized the importance of foot anatomy in designing shoes that needed to both support the foot and feel almost invisible. The ideal shoe had to consider aspects like material, weight, cushioning, and various running conditions, all while being visually appealing and effective.
After four years of development, the Adizero Adios running shoes were first tested by Ethiopian athlete Haile Gebrselassie before the 2008 Berlin Marathon. He was so impressed that he chose to race in them and subsequently broke the world record by 29 seconds.
While I don’t expect to be setting any marathon records myself, there’s likely an Adizero shoe suited for your running style, whether you’re considering the Takumi Sen 9 for sprints, the Boston 12 for mid to long distances, or the Adizero Adios 8 for versatile performance.
Adizero Adios 7 Shoes
I decided on the Adizero Adios 7 shoes largely for their reputation as an “all-rounder,” which resonates with my own versatile nature. I opted for the most visually appealing color combination (Pulse Mint/Silver Metallic/Core Black) because, why not? There are also three other color options available (Cloud White/Core Black/Grey Three, Core Black/Beam Yellow/Solar Green, and White Tint/Court Green/Blue Dawn).
However, let me clarify: these are not rugged trail shoes. The lightweight mesh construction allows for easy entry of mud and debris—seriously, you can see your socks through the mesh. Yet, as evidenced in my photos, they performed admirably on dry sandy trails. Ultimately, they are more suited for road or track surfaces but can handle the occasional off-road excursion, which is why they’re categorized as versatile.
Not only do they look fabulous, but these women’s running shoes also offer numerous features designed to enhance your experience:
- Breathable mesh – Keeps your feet cool by providing maximum ventilation while delivering ample support.
- LIGHTSTRIKE PRO midsole – Offers soft foam cushioning designed for responsive performance.
- TORSIONRODS – Improve flexibility to allow for footwear support while maintaining freedom of movement during runs.
- Adjustable lace closure – Lets you adjust fit easily according to your preference.
- Lightweight – Weighing just 189.7g (UK size 5.5), a lighter shoe can result in faster runs.
- Recycled materials – Like many adidas products today, the Adizero Adios 7 shoes incorporate recycled materials to help combat plastic waste issues.
Personally, I adore these shoes because they feel tailor-made for my feet right out of the box. They fit snugly and are perfectly set for running. The jury is still out on whether they boost my speed—I’m not exactly a speedster—yet their comfort and lightness make me feel agile and energized, earning them a well-deserved spot on my shelf of regular running trainers (yes, I admit I have multiple pairs!).
Adizero 7/8 Leggings
I can be quite particular about my running leggings. They need to be high-waisted, stretchy, comfortable, dark-colored (I admit I gravitate toward darker tones in my lower half, believing they are more flattering), and equipped with pockets—because what’s a running legging without pockets? The Adizero 7/8 leggings check all these boxes. Hooray!
First and foremost, let’s discuss the comfort and fit. These leggings are so comfortable that it genuinely feels like you’re wearing nothing at all. Made primarily from recycled materials (at least 70% to be precise), the stretchy fabric hugs every contour of my body. When I run, I want leggings that don’t ride up, fall down, or bunch awkwardly. These leggings stay in place, thanks to thoughtful design features like perforated fabric behind the knees.
Aside from comfort, the leggings excel in practicality. They feature laser perforation in sweat-prone areas which enhances airflow, helping you feel fresher longer and allowing you to focus on your run. A high-rise waist provides additional support, ensuring you feel secure, while the inclusion of zipped side and waist pockets allows you to safely stow away items like keys and phones.
The color, dubbed Aurora Black, is a striking deep indigo with the Adizero logo prominently displayed in fluorescent green down the lower leg. It’s flattering and offers a unique color option rather than the typical plain black. I ordered a medium size, just right for my shape as a large size 12, and they fit me perfectly.
Adizero Running Tank Top
To complete my matching ensemble, I also picked the Adizero running tank top in Aurora Black. It’s available in other colors like Black and Semi Spark (a light yellow). The fabric is incredibly light and airy, almost like handling air itself. Perforated air holes throughout the top make it ideal for summer running, ensuring you won’t overheat.
The racerback style includes taped inner seams to prevent chafing—a crucial feature for those of us wary of painful friction, especially during hot runs. The Adizero vest utilizes adidas’s AEROREADY technology to wick away moisture, keeping you dry and minimizing chafing risks.
Reflective details are incorporated on the sides for added visibility, and the loose fit lends itself to comfort. I favor longer tanks for coverage, and this one fits nicely, providing flattering coverage without any extra fuss.
What truly sets this vest apart is its lightweight, airy design. Thankfully, it dries quickly after a wash, so I can expect to wear it often throughout the summer!
Final Thoughts
I admit it—I’m a staunch trail runner. I relish the mud, the diverse terrain, the stunning views, and the tranquil escape that trails provide, something rarely matched by road running. Yet, there are times when I need to squeeze in a quick run that doesn’t end with a lengthy clean-up of myself and my dog. While I’m unsure if specific footwear and lightweight clothing will make me run faster—though maybe dangling a Dairy Milk chocolate bar in front of me would do the trick—I’m open to the possibility.
What I do know is that the girl who laced up her trainers for the first time eight years ago is still within me. I still care about the appearance of my shoes and running gear—don’t we all? However, I now also prioritize performance. I must say, the Adizero gear I’ve received feels like the perfect blend of my past and present running self, and it brings me genuine joy.
*products gifted by adidas
Author Bio
Becky Stafferton is a dedicated content creator and blog coach who aims to promote a realistic and positive image of healthy living. When she isn’t writing or reminiscing about her teenage years, you can find her enjoying muddy runs, hiking through forests, making lists, renovating her new countryside home, and working out. She also runs BlogWell, her coaching company designed to help bloggers optimize and monetize their platforms.