New for the fall Adidas is releasing its newest version of the Tempo, the Tempo 5. This new version lures runners in with a reduction in weight and an improved fit. I laced up my pair and set out to find out for myself, and to also see how they work as a daily trainer.
Adidas Adizero Tempo 5 Upper:
When I first placed on this shoe I was pleasantly surprised at how nice the fit and feel of the upper was right out of the box. The upper is built from an open mesh micro fiber suede. I really appreciated the lightweight feel and breathability of this material as it aided in giving the shoe an almost ghost like feel. Another nice feature of the shoe is the lack of hefty overlays. This new version incorporates in Adidas fused sprintweb overlay at the forefoot. This web helped keep my foot nice and centered on the shoe, but provided simple yet effective structure.
The lacing system of the shoe is simple but effective in creating a nice semi- custom fit. A set of stitched-on overlays running from the forefoot of the lacing system down laterally to the midfoot, and then up toward the rear of the heel where they terminate. This simple overlay band helped to pull all three zones up and in locking my foot into the shoe nicely without creating any undue pressure or hot spots. I can comfortably say that this is probably one of the most comfortable uppers that I have worn, and required no break-in period.
Adidas Adizero Tempo 5 Midsole:
Rather than using crazy design options to reduce weight in the Tempo 5, Adidas has opted to creatively change up its midsole foam composition to achieve its new weight reduction. Adiprene is still the predominant EVA in the midsole especially in the heel to aid in shock absorption. New to the Tempo 5 is the absence of the Foremotion heel. The 5 now uses a Lightstrike EVA heel to further improve cushioning, but it also helped to add a softer landing along with a smoother, quicker heel-to-toe transition when running faster. Adiprene + is forged into the forefoot giving the shoe a nice smooth propulsion through the toe-off.
As with its predecessor, the Tempo 5 still uses Adidas Promoderator instead of dual densities for pronation control. This control feature fills in the arch of the shoe nicely, giving the shoe a snug, comfortable feel. The stability of the promoderator was effective at correcting my slight overpronation without being noticeable or overbearing.
Another significant difference in this new midsole is a reduction in height that also helped to contribute to the shoes 1.5 oz. weight loss. The new midsole has a 22.5mm heel and 12 mm forefoot giving it a 10.5 mm drop. This reduction helped make the shoe nice and flexible without compromising the shoes’ ability to carry me comfortably on runs up to 13 miles.
Adidas Adizero Tempo 5 Outsole:
The newly constructed midsole of the Tempo 5 is covered with a blown rubber outsole. A piece of Continental rubber has been added to the toe for increased durability, and traction in wet conditions. The outsole uses a classic waffle pattern that provided nice traction over varying terrain, i.e. pavement, dirt roads, improved crushed gravel paths. A two pronged torsion bar bridges the heel and fore foot providing the shoe with a dynamic toe-off and responsive ride. After 100+ miles the outsole of the shoe is showing very little signs of wear.
Adidas Adizero Tempo 5 Opinion:
If you are looking for a versatile shoe capable of track work, tempo runs, pounding out miles, or racing especially up to the marathon distance than the Tempo 5 might deserve a look. The upper of the shoe is so comfortable, and flexible that is that it should accommodate most foot types. With an overall weight of 9.0 ounces the shoe may be slightly heavier that most racing shoes, however its responsiveness makes up for it in the long run. The Tempo has a racing flat feel but is definitely more durable and comfortable. I think that Adidas has done a great job with the upgrade of this shoe and I can’t think of anything that I would change other than a slightly lower heel to toe drop for future incarnations.
We thank the nice people at Adidas for sending us a pair of Adizero Tempo 5 to test. This did not influence the outcome of the review, written after running more than 50 miles in them.
price comparison
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Adidas Adizero Tempo 5 Lady Blue/white/pink Holabird Sports Free shipping over 69.95$ |
$55.00
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Adidas Running - Adizero Tempo 5 M (prime Blue/running White/green Zest) - Footwear Zappos Free shipping both ways (free return shipping), 365 days returns |
$110.00
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Adidas Adizero Tempo 5 Mens Shoes Adidas Official Adidas online store |
$110.00
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Mens Adidas Adizero Tempo 5 Running Shoe RoadRunnerSports Free shipping, 60-day perfect fit guarantee: possible to exchange shoes after using them for two months. |
$124.95
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Written by Jim Coulson
Jim Coulson is a career firefighter, husband, and father of two children hailing from the foothills of Colorado. Jim has been an avid road and trail runner since the age of 12, and loves to race locally and around the state a much as possible. A native Coloradoan Jim enjoys its trails, mountains, and outdoors taking advantage of all they have to offer as much as possible.
jim,
thanks for the review–sounds like a great shoe. how would you compare it to the adizero F50 2, which you also reviewed very favorably and seems to be in the same general realm? how are they different?
thanks,
bruce
Hello Bruce,
Thanks for your question and reading the review. I apologize for my delayed response as work duties have displaced me from home for a couple of weeks. I believe that the biggest difference between the two in my opinion is weight and responsiveness. Although, there are several others such as the upper, lacing etc. These the two that stand out most to me. The tempo with its considerably different mid-sole construction leaves it lighter than the F50 giving the runner a little bit faster turnover and reduced fatigue. However, the F50 has the sprint plate which the Tempo does not. This leaves the F50 with a little bit more pep in the through the forefoot and toe off than the tempo. Also the F50′s stability features are more substantial that the Tempo which makes it a a better choice for the moderate overpronator. As you noted that I did enjoy both shoes and either would make an excellent choice. Hope that I was able to answer you question.
Happy Trails,
JIM.
Just purchased these today. I have about 500 miles in two months on the Aegis 2, and although I loved them, they tore up my feet like no other shoe I’ve ever worn. I want to give Adidas one more try, and I chose these. Can’t wait to try them tomorrow!
Hey Michelle,
thanks for the comment. Just checking in to see how you are liking the Tempo, and if your experience thus far was as positive as mine.
JIM.
Jim,
Thanks for a detailed experience report on the AdiZero Tempo 5, very nice review indeed.
I was unsure and almost about to purchase the AdiZero Feather 2.
But considering long runs, more miles and other factors. I have to say this Tempo 5 will be more efficient on my runs. You were most helpful.
Thank you,
Jason
Just got a pair of these in the mail today, but am hesitant to take them for a run. They are incredibly stiff and have very little flexibility in the sole. Have you found this to be a problem Jim? I really don’t want to scuff them up and not be able to send them back. The fit is fantastic and they feel perfect under foot, it is only the lack of flexibility that bothers me. I currently run in the Asics DS Racer 9 which has a much softer and more flexible sole.
One could of course take a hack saw to the sole and cut some horizontal flex grooves, but I hate hacking up a new pair of shoes which removes all resale value if they don’t end up working out.
Hey Sam thanks for reading the review. It was my experience that the sole was not overly stiff. I found that the shoe was run ready right out of the box and was nice and responsive, with no major issues. However, looking at the shoe you are currently in the Tempo should feel slightly stiffer. I think a big part of this may be due to the promoderator. My best advise wold be to try and find a treadmill and give the shoes a ride and see what you think. Hope that this helps and you come to like the shoe. Keep me posted on your findings I am very curious to know.
Thanks Jim,
It was more the forefoot flexibility I was worried about. Simply bending the toe to the laces with your hands you can tell there is a lot of resistance. I eventually did decide the underfoot feel and upper fit was too good to pass up so I took them out for a run, sealing them as mine. I figure the forefoot flexibility will just need a little break in,
“…I can’t think of anything that I would change other than a slightly lower heel to toe drop for future incarnations.”
A lightweight, stability posted shoe and a low drop. That’s a great idea, they should make it and call it the Mana 6! Ahhh what the hell is Adidas doing?
I just moved from the Adios 2 to the Tempo 5 as a racing/speed work/tempo run shoe. As it turns out, I mildly pronate, so I wanted to try the added support that the Tempo 5 offers as opposed to the Adios 2. So far, after an interval workout and a tempo run in the Tempo 5′s, I love them. They are lightweight and a bit stiff, just like the Adios 2 (which I like — I realize not all people do). I’m a fairly serious runner (I’ve qualified for the Boston, which I’m running in the April), and these are perfect for speedier workouts. I’m racing a 15K in a week, and I expect that they will perform just as well as the Adios 2′s did in my prior races.
Fine shoes, done some tempo runs. The only thing that is really strange: spangled laces as if they were made for pimps )))
I could not fix my heels as i used to in my other shoes.
Try lacing your shoes differently. Lace your shoe up normally until the top eyelet. Make a “bunny ear” on each side and lace the ends through the opposite bunny ears before tying. Helps lock your heel down.
Hard to explain without demonstrating, but here’s the best description I can find: http://walking.about.com/od/shoes/ss/shoelacingtofit.htm
Hey Jim.
Nice review, I was wondering if you could help me.
I’m a neutral runner and purchased Adidas Adizero Boston 3′s based on the review on this very site. Needless to say, I was very impressed!
I’m looking for an additional pair of road running shoes but I see you have listed these under the stability category, would that pose any problems for my neutral pronation?
Also, aside from these shoes, could you recommend any shoes that I would find comparable to the Adidas Adizero Boston 3?
Thanks.
Thanks for such an awesome review of this shoe. Can you compare it to a newer model Mizuo Elixir? I like the Elixir but looking for a bit more support for my fairly flat feet. Thanks!
Hi Jim!
I’m glad to read that you liked the Tempo shoes. I have been using Tempo for the past 4 years (of course buying new ones when needed) as my main runningshoe because, as you said, it’s versatile, comfortable and durable. The only time I’ve felt I was wearing the wrong shoe, running with the Tempo, was when doing the marathon on concrete road…
Now that I went to replace my old Tempos to newer Tempo’s I found the Tempo 5 in the store. The sole feels exactly like before. Running with them is great, BUT the lacing goes over my bunion (really the bone enlargement) causing pain.
I have now bought and tried Sauscony Fastwitch and Asics Gel_DS Sky Speed 3. None of these worked either.
And now I’m lost. At the moment I’m maily using my old Tempos with no response and no pattern at the sole and my salomon trailshoes (on not so traily gravelroads).
Do you have any suggestions on what to buy? Somebody suggested adizero Adios.
I don’t want to stop running due to not finding shoes.(I run 5-6 times a week)
Sofie
No opinion on these shoes, just a question. I am trying to find a replacement for the Saucony Fastwitch 4, my favorite shoes ever. The Fastwitch 5′s are too stiff and don’t ride right, and I haven’t found anything else even close to the 4′s. Can anyone give me some advice? Thanks!
I have just recently purchased these shoes and have about one month of running in them. I have ran previously in Mizuno Elixirs. The Tempo 5 is lighter and more supportive than the Elixir. This shoe has resolved my overpronation issues! The Tempo isn’t quite as flexible as the Elixir but I don’t see that as a bad thing. I’ve run in the OLD Saucony Fastwitch some and it was almost too flexible for marathon running. In my opinion, the Tempo 4 is a superior shoe to both the Elixir and the old Fastwitch 4, particularly for runners looking for more support in longer races. It is now my go to shoe for 5K racing at my 6 minute pace or marathon racing at my 7:25 pace
This brand and model is one of results recommended to me by the Running Shoes Wizard of your website. I just got a pair of these today. It took some time for me to decide between this and the Adios 2. All of the stores sell the Adios 2, but do not have the Tempo 5. I think that was the deciding factor for my decision to choose the Tempo 5. LOL. I checked the malls in another area and one of them sell only yellow ones, and another the white/navy lime. I got the latter one. I can’t wait to try them for a run tomorrow.
which one is best adizero adios 2 or tempo 5 or other shoe
I just finished trying it out on the road yesterday for 12.5 km. I wasn’t dissappointed with its performance, I’ll be using this on my half marathon this coming Sunday.
Hi, thanks for the very nice review!
I’m a recreative runner with times like 4:15/km.
This seasons i want to take my performances up to a higher level and i want to participate in a serious ammount of races, mostly 10k or 15k.
I’m currently using the Mizuno Wave Ultima 4 for all my runs.
Now i’m considering to buy a second shoe for my faster runs and for running a race.
Is this a good idea?
And could the Adizero Tempo 5 be a good additional shoe next to my Mizuno? Is there a big difference in between those shoes?
I’m looking for a shoe that can bring me up to a higher level in a race.
Thanks for your advice in advance.
Jules
PS i’m from Holland, so if my English is the worst you’ve ever read, here’s your explanation