adidas adizero Tempo 9 – A review by Shane Robinson
So, it has been nearly 3 weeks since my first run in the new adidas adizero Tempo 9. Plenty of time for me to try the shoes out over at varied paces. And, of course, without having to alter training. I’ll start with the trainers first, and then get down to my experience of the Tempos so far.
Who are they for? I’d suggest the name gives this one away. The Tempo 9, for most people, is, well, the perfect tempo shoe. It’s lightweight, has a slick fit, and adidas’ continual use of boost midsole means it is another responsive addition to their technical running shoe family. All of this combined simply makes it easier to run faster than in your traditional mileage shoe. The difference with the new Tempo 9, is that it also has some mild support in the midsole to help decelerate excessive overpronation of the foot.
However, I like to overanalyse things. The extra depth of boost, in comparison to an Adios, for example, means it feels much more cushioned. So, for the right person, the Tempo 9 can double up as a mileage shoe. On the other side of the spectrum, for those who get issues with over-pronation when running, and struggle to find a decent pair of race trainers, this could be the shoe for you, too! Essentially, another trainer adidas have produced that is as versatile as a pocket knife (not yet Bear Grylls verified!)
In my review of the Supernova ST, I made it known that I would usually run in neutral shoes, despite mildly over-pronating. Therefore the ST was unsuitable for me, and I quickly started to develop pains in my legs associated with too much stability in a trainer. Although not to the same level, the Tempo 9 is also a support shoe. Again, I embarked with caution.
But, I was more optimistic. The Tempo model was actually a blast from the past that I used to absolutely adore running in! 6-8 years ago it was perfect for me. A mild bit of support to help control my over-pronation, good enough cushioning, and a lovely springy, fast feel. However, over the past two years my feet and legs have become conditioned to my natural running gait. This was a good opportunity to put the Tempo 9 under some pressure to perform.
Boost appears to run through most of the midsole offering maximum cushioning for this type of trainer. The depths are higher in the heel, than the forefoot to absorb the impact forces if you heel strike.
The stability of the adizero Tempo 9 is achieved in a number of subtle ways. I like subtle. Much more comfortable than throwing a big medial pillar to inhibit to much natural movement. So, the only element that comes close to a medial ‘pillar’ in this shoe is the dual density boost on the inside. The fact that the support is achieved still using the energy absorbing boost capsules is a great addition to a shoe. This way, excessive foot roll is decelerated, rather than simply being stopped (by a firm medial posting), reducing the passive, transient ground reaction force associated with many lower limb injuries in runners. So, that also provides an option for someone who may need a trainer to help them slowly move away from needing high, manipulative support in a trainer. In turn, this also means an element of natural foot movement is maintained for someone who may not need much stability in a trainer. Happy days!
The lightweight, breathable upper is made from adidas’ air mesh material, featuring the Japanese origami inspired adizero webbing. If anyone has seen any runners in Japan, they love their lightweight running shoes! The uppers do feel fantastic. Unless you have a broad foot, it is one of the most comfortable fits I have ran in. You can barely feel anything wrapping around your foot!
My experiences in the shoes, then. Overall – pretty happy. I feel like the Tempo 9 has returned to what it was all of those years ago. The pair of shoes that saw me through two weeks of warm weather training for the first time, my first actual long run, and plenty of hungover miles at university!
As mentioned earlier, it has to be noted that my body can now cope better with running in minimal footwear. The adidas Supernova that I had back in December (which I absolutely loved!) now feel quite bulky, and I can do a fair amount of barefoot running on the track without any issues. So, the Tempo 9s will be my new mileage shoes. This is perfect, as now I can benefit from a really light pair of trainers (266g UK 8.5 – so about 200g for my girls size 3 feet) to spend 60-70% of my weekly mileage in.
Of course, I managed to try a bit of everything in them. I wore them for a light tempo at 6 minute mile pace, and they were great. Never felt like I had a heavy shoe on. I couldn’t notice any ‘stability’ elements manipulating my gait, and I even managed to get my legs ticking over on some hill sprints afterwards.
Conversely, I could feel all of this happening when running at a quicker pace on the track. They did feel bulky and I didn’t feel natural. But, still managed to run a sub 5:20 mile, and a 4:50 mile by picking up my second half to 2:15 – paces which I’d be running in an adizero Adios 3, or my beloved Takumi Sen racing flats. So, a bit of a defunct pace in trainers like this, for me.
So, if you have made it to this point without me sending you to sleep – get yourself into The Lincolnshire Runner and try a pair on if you feel this shoe could be suited to you. I’d see it as an exemplary secondary pair of trainers if you are doing all of your running in one pair of bulky mileage shoes. Likewise, if you do everything in low cushioned trainers and suffer from some of the typical running issues, consider the Tempo 9 as a secondary shoe to provide your body with a bit more help in order to adapt to training. If you’re new to running, and really aren’t sure which way to swing with trainers, then the Tempo provides a great lightweight feel, without the sacrifice of cushioning, offering mild stability to help control any excessive movement.
