NEXT% 2 vs Takumi Sen 8 Shoeoff

In this video, I ran a 5K at a good effort for me, first in the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT% 2 and then, after a short rest, I ran the same 5K again in more or less exactly the same time to see how they compare.

Subscriber count at time of upload: 2497

#TakumiSen8 #NEXTPercent2

[RobertNaik]

Very interesting and merry Christmas! I bought my self the sen for Xmas and I didn’t know but my wife got me the next percent. First week I ran a test 5k in the sen but was really burned out after the first 3k. Not because of the shoes but because of my inexperience running I’d say. The second week I ran in the next percent and got stuck behind a car for about 1/2 k but still done a sub 20 which is really good for me. Then I got covid. I’m okay now but I feel the the energy recovery in the Nikes is probably a better help to me. But it’s still early days.

[jasegalaxy]

Don’t worry about the pronunciation Tim! 😊 can’t believe people were giving you a hard time about it! Anyway seems not much in it between the two ! The Next % is legendary but the TS8 is already starting to win medals! It’s funny how it’s already extremely polarizing! Eddbud is definitely not a fan as you can see by his latest video yet the Believe In The Run guys said it’s already one of the best ever if not the best Adidas racing shoe. Ben Johnson seems a big fan too.
I have never worn the Next % but I can say I’m entirely enamored with the TS8 and of all my shoes, it’s my favourite! Can’t wait to run again in them. Thanks for the video Tim. Looking forward to more analysis! Great job

[josephgonzalez_]

So the Takumi Sen appears to be good for short fast blasts but perhaps not quite up to the Next% (and probably other higher stack super shoes) for longer race efforts. So a bit like a track spike (dragonfly if you will) for the road. Indeed, an updated version of a traditional racing flat with some newer tech added. Let’s see what your further testing throws up…

Happy Xmas!

[robin]

Very interesting shoeoff again. Sen 8 is doing great for me so far. Seems like the Data confirms that there is not much in it. I would consider using the Sen 8 for 10k and under. I used to run Marathons in Kinvaras, so I could probably take it up to the Marathon if I wanted to as well.

[Huxley]

I love my Takumi Sen 8, just done 18 or so miles in them today, not a good idea but just about managed it.
Did you find, right at the we front of the arch, just behind the ball of the foot the outsole really rubbed me the wrong way.
Obviously they're not built for it, but for those that fancy them for long runs better keep some compeed on hand.

Felt really slow today, but still managed a 5m/km tempo, which is fast for me.

[Andi]

Hi Tim. Thanks for this first test. I have a general question: have you tried the Stryd Powermeter Pod before within your running/testing? Would love to hear your opinion. Happy new year of course. Regards from Germany

[robinjones]

Looks a fairly conclusive test from the stats that the Sen is a 'Sheep' in 'Wolfs' clothing to twist the saying. I understand your HR would be higher in the second set, but it still looks like a start difference. I can't believe Adidas can package a likely EVA/TPU midsole with some plastic roads as a super shoe for £170!

[stuartwalker]

Liking these reviews be interesting to see when break a session down into 3k/2k/1k efforts on a track or consistent road surface with a mix of to have the analysis data as well as the feel feedback....looking forward to updates. As I have just got the TS8 as although I hit best times with the Next%2, I don't feel at home on them as they have an unstable feel for me compared to my metaspeed can't wait to pick up the TS8's from the PO on Tuesday when back home!! :)

[fabsterun]

Awesome comparison it's all in the preference today . Thanks for keeping us posted even on xmass!

[leonal]

I don't believe that the Takumi Sen 8 is anywhere as fast as the Next%, I actually find the Adios Pro to be a much better racer than the Takumi Sen 8 even at shorter distances.
The issue with lower stack 'lighter weight' shoes is similar to the 'law of diminishing returns', you think that lower weight will improve speed however you would lose out more energy from 'less shock impact/ less protection' than you would gain by reducing weight/ lowering stack

[jamesmaloney]

Interesting video Tim and Merry Xmas. Did you ever use the first iteration(s) of the Takumi Sen? My all time favourite running shoe - would be interested to hear any comparisons with v8

[colinm]

I'd say that's a good test. When you consider the demands of that workout vs the amount of speed work you've done the Takumi did a great job. You've also got to consider you went out 10 seconds up mile 1. Definitely worth same test when slightly fitter and reverse the order, or something to that effect.
I'll be running a 5k new years day in the Takumi to test it out, I have a feeling it's going to surprise people with the speed. There seems to be many people expecting Nike plushness from Addidas in a racer for 5/10km .For me it's down to performance, if it's not as comfy, but does the job right then it's a win and a great price considering the discounts available.
It's like people forget it's mostly the performance that dictates the price. Nike were able to generate huge money as the shoes gave an advantage. I think certain reviews have given an impression it's not worth it. This review brings some perspective back, where you can at least argue about pricing based on performance and the rest of the shoe.

[jonniesharpy]

Prefer takikumi sen tbh. Merry Christmas

[testtestph]

Cool test Tim, wonder how similar the Sen 8 with last years Adizero Pro.

[kikii]

Hi Tim...are they comfortable mid sole wise or a bit hard? And are they bouncey at all?

[NeillyVille]

Merry Christmas, Tim! I'd still take the Next% anytime of the day over the Takumi. It can go 5k to the full marathon, that's what seperates it from the rest, although the Sen 8 you can do a warmup for a 5k/10k race then do the cool down whereas the Next% is just a pure out and out racer.

[lifephorce]

As usual a great shoe off ✅🏅
Hope you have a great Xmas and continue to be the one Shoetuber who actually saves me money in 2022! 👍