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 

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