ADIDAS - Adizero Adios 9

If you're going to buy them for full price: I think the best bang for the buck at the moment is the EVO SL. In theory, the shoe for that job is the Adizero SL2. But being in my second pair of those I honestly wouldn't buy them again and they will fall out of my shoe rotation as soon as I'm done with them. Me (and many others from what I read) have a lot of niggles with them, hotspots, they get uncomfortable very quickly, the midsole deteriorates quite fast and they feel terrible... For a bit more money, you have the EVO SL that outperforms the SL2 in every aspect. EVO SL is a great shoe that can do many things, and to be honest, while it is a tempo shoe that shines more at Marathon/HM even 10k paces than on an easy run (where is comfortable but a tad unstable for some) I think this is probably the best shoe for what you're looking for. Is my favorite run easy, run faster, run longer at different paces, etc shoe. All while being very comfortable (at least for me). Adios 9 is more pure speed-oriented (speed intervals), like a racing flat with low stack. I personally wouldn't consider this one for your case, but some people do everything in Adios! Boston 12 from my understanding (haven't tried them) is very firm and works great for long runs, tempo paces, and even some speed work... but many people hate the firmness. Similar use case as EVO (but more long runs oriented) but opting for firm midsole rather than soft as the EVO.

Why not just race with the evo SLs if you're running 5k-10kms. anyway try boston 12 or 13 if you want if you are sticking to adidas or try deviate nitro 3 from Puma. not as soft but Adios 9 is also good for shorter distances.

Better options imo would be : adios 9 (intervals only, cheap, although difficult to find in the US) magic speed 5 (threshold, intervals) Zoom fly 6 (more ideal for threshold but will do intervals quite well too)

Adios 9 doesn't have rods and is one of the most flexible shoe there is. For example Runrepeat ranked them 5/311 shoes as far as flexibility. The foam is indeed soft, but there so little foam that it is still among the least cushionned shoes.

I get a blister in the exact same place when I wear my adios 9s for anything more than 5k. I've come to the conclusion that they may be too big and my foot is moving in the shoe

If you're concerned about a plate, consider the Adidas Adios 9. Excellent non plated trainer for speed work up to ~15km (subject to personal comfort).

I do lots of sprint work and I've tested a fair few shoes.   Best are Adidas adizero Takumi Sen any version from 8-11 will work or Adiós 9 but it doesn't have the pop and energy return of the Takumi but it's a great trainer to strengthen the legs. I alternate between takumis and adios 

Adios 9. For less than 10k it's enough

I have these, and I would not recommend for heavy runners. I use them for gym workouts and treadmill running. They destroy my calves out on the road because there isn't enough cushion in them

Very similar paces to mine, it’s a bit of a meme by now but the Evo sl is pretty decent if you can get past the sloppy upper, non gusseted tongue and bad laces. It’s more fun than my superblast 1. I can’t speak for the es4 but the es3 was pretty mediocre to me. I preferred the Mach 6 compared to it. If you want to try something Saucony why not a pro 4 they’re faster than the speed but a bit boring. Something left field, the adios 9 is really fun but it’s a shoe that makes you work for speed. Were spoilt for choices now, the Nike zoom fly 6 is pretty decent but I’ve got no experience with it, as well as pumas.

From those I’d go with Evo sl. I’ve not had the Boston 12/13 but have the adios 9 and Evo sl. I’m 191cm and 87kg with 21 minute 5k. The Evo sl is really nice but can be wobbly if you’re not used to it, it’s not given me problems so far. The adios 9 is very low stack, feels like a ninja shoe. I really like it as well longest I’ve taken it is about 12km. I tend to use it for short intervals and easy runs. Not sure I’d use it as a daily driver.

Thanks for answering this one, I guess I’ll have to try it in a store to check fit. The lightlock neon strap on my adios 9 and adios pro 4 does dig into my Achilles heel and sometimes gives me a blister or a sore achilles. Heel counters like on the puma velocity nitro 4 or hoka mach 6 work much nicer for me. Heel counters on Evo SL and boston 13 are mostly ok, they can aggravate my Achilles sporadically. They have excellent heel bevels though.

Yesterday I did not lace up my left shoe properly and the tongue slid all the way to the side. I did not want to stop my run though as I was making good time. So I think this is the main thing, you need to properly lace up I have fairly low volume feet. Might eventually try different laces to see if they make a difference. The lockdown on the adios 9 is way way better because the tongue is fixed in place. +1000 on the Mach 6 recommendation, I’ve loved this shoe after seeing Fodrunner recommend it on YouTube last year and it’s on sale right now at lot of places. I’m at 600km in mine and it still feels reasonable.

The adios 9 is really amazing if you’re used to low stack shoes. If you want a bit more cushion the Evo sl is pretty decent with more protection and resilience a lot of daily trainers.

I've done a 20 something 5k race with the Adidas Adios 9 and sometimes use them for daily miles at around 5:30/km too. Plus you can get them for ~€ 100. But I think in the US it's hard to get them.