Adidas Adizero Evo SL Review: Simple Bliss

Introduction to the Adidas Adizero Evo SL

MEAGHAN: A little over a month ago, while making plans to run the Berlin Marathon, we learned that two new shoes would be released. It was pretty easy to guess that one would be the race day Adizero Pro 4 to align with the marathon, but the Evo SL was a fun surprise. After we first received the shoe, we put together a first thoughts which covers most of the details and history linking it to the Adios Pro Evo 1– the $500 racing shoe with a non-compressed Lightstrike Pro midsole.

Theh $500 Adios Pro Evo 1

It’s remarkably similar in name and looks to that shoe, but if the Adios Pro Evo 1 was made for the select few, the Evo SL was made for the royal we. With a markedly different use case, this speed-inspired trainer is simply designed for everyday running, featuring a thick layer of Lightstrike Pro (the same formulation in the Pro 3) without carbon fiber rods. The synthetic and textile upper has a simple lacing system and a no gusset tongue. It still gets a Continental rubber outsole like its more premium counterparts. Maybe the most shocking feature? It’ll only cost you $150.

THOMAS: Every few years, a simple idea floats across a shoe designer’s desk. It is a pristine directive with a crystal clear concept: create a running shoe with a great midsole, add a sleek and sparse upper, keep it light, with a price that is right. When I started reviewing shoes, the Saucony Kinvara nailed this concept and became a treat for runners. Later, the Nike Epic React followed the formula and was a banger. It remains one of Robbe’s all-time favorite shoes. 

Recently, the New Balance Rebel has been tinkering with this concept. Now, Adidas has knocked it out of the park with the Evo SL. This shoe is clean, in both looks and design, but the real magic comes from the same Lightstrike Pro foam used in the Adizero Adios Pro 3. While I will openly admit I love this shoe and believe it will be a hit with runners all over the globe (especially at a $150 price point), there are still some small tweaks that could elevate this shoe to the next level.

What We Like About The Adidas Adizero Evo SL

MEAGHAN: It goes without saying that this is a beautiful shoe. The crisp white upper with three thick black stripes seeping into the midsole gives it a bold, clean look. The step-in feel of this shoe is just as dreamy. The upper hugs the foot without being too tight and accommodates my wider foot just fine. My toes sat right at the edge of the forefoot, but I never had any rubbing or issues with hot spots. The laces sit above a thin, but lightly padded tongue to secure the foot in place and the padded collar and heel provide that comfortable, daily trainer fit.

Beneath the foot is a thick layer of Lightstrike Pro (38 mm in the heel, 32 mm in the forefoot) that is soft, but remains bouncy. I was never a big fan of the Adios Pro 3, but I guess when you remove some EnergyRods and add a nicely padded upper, my mind shifts completely. For me, the rods of the Pro 3 created a harsh feeling underfoot that I didn’t love. The ride of the Evo SL is much smoother and softer, but just as bouncy and responsive.

My first run in this shoe was in Germany and it was pretty much love at first run. I typically lean towards shoes with lots of fun tech (i.e. carbon fiber plates) but there is something magical about a simplistic shoe that feels great – and that’s the Evo SL. This shoe felt great for short easy runs, for longer runs, and even when I had to pick up the pace. And did I mention this all comes in a crazy lightweight package? My W7.5 came in at a mere 6.4 oz (181 grams). 

I would put the Evo SL into a similar bucket as the New Balance Rebel v4 and Hoka Mach 6. It’s a super trainer without a plate. And while that description resembles the Asics Superblast 2, the Evo SL feels so very different underfoot that it’s hard to put them into the same category. The Superblast is a light, but firm(er) ride, whereas the Evo SL is a light, but squishy/bouncy underfoot feeling. 

THOMAS: Meg can be picky when it comes to shoe design, but I knew she would like the Evo SL design because she loves white shoes. I’m with her. The bold black three stripes give the shoe a classic style and it doesn’t hurt that the silhouette mimics the fastest shoe on the planet. While it looks like the Adios Pro Evo 1, the two-ply mesh upper adds some daily mile comfort with a more structured heel counter and a padded ankle collar. 

The real joy comes from the squishy Lightstrike Pro midsole. It was love at first run. There is enough stack to keep your feet comfortable and the rebound in the foam is buttery, making this shoe enjoyable for double-digit miles. I find myself bouncing along through my stride.

Can you pick up the pace? Yes, you can. The light weight helps the shoe move quickly, but don’t go thinking this shoe is a race day shoe. The absence of the rods keeps this trainer from encroaching on the Adios Pro 3, and especially the Adios Pro 4. If anything, the Evo SL replaces the need for the SL 2. That has to be confusing. The $130 Adizero SL 2 is a great shoe with a Lightstrike Pro insert carried by a typical Lightstrike 2.0 foam. The Evo SL, on the other hand, is pure, unadulterated Lightstrike Pro.

I keep going back to this shoe, and I have over 50 miles in them already. They can handle any distance and really shine in the longer runs. I regret not wearing them for the Berlin Marathon. I wasn’t pushing the pace that day and feel that the Evo SL may have been more comfortable for the 42k over the Adios Pro 4. 

The Continental rubber on the outsole rounds out the quality construction of the Evo SL. And while the weight can’t compete with the Evo Pro, my size US 10.5 weighs in at 8.6 oz (243 grams) and fits true to size. That is light for a daily trainer with this kind of cush.

What We Didn’t Like About The Adidas Adizero Evo SL

MEAGHAN: Not a true complaint from me, but something to note: there isn’t much structure and support to the midsole/outsole, so anyone needing a little guidance might struggle with this one. I also heard from several runners that they had issues with the tongue sliding around. I did not, but I heard it enough to believe this will probably be a common theme.

Lastly, you’ll actually need to buy two pairs, because you’re going to want to keep one pristine for walking around in.

THOMAS: Meg mentioned that the shoe fits her wider footwell. The upper is roomier than I would like. With a thinner sock like a Near Earth Sock or Bandit sock, my foot had enough room to slide around in the toe box. The extra play in the shoe did not cause any issues with hotspots or rubbing. I prefer a slim fit for racing, so I keep the Evo SL in the easy-to-tempo run category. I’d also stitch the tongue or add a gusset. 

Meg mentioned the midsole being unstructured. The foam has no support other than being firm enough to work inherently. If you need arch support, I would add an insole. If you need stability, this isn’t a shoe for you.

Final Thoughts on the Adidas Adizero SL 2

MEAGHAN: I said this in the introduction, but I’ll say it again: the Adidas Adizero Evo SL was a really fun surprise. I didn’t expect to like this one as much as I did. The overall simplistic design and structure had me intrigued and the extremely light build and solid price point sealed the deal. I’ve been loving the big stack shoes like the Brooks Glycerin Max, Hoka Skyward X and Puma MagMax Nitro, but with all that cushion comes extra weight. It’s a nice change to lace up the Evo SLO and get that bouncy fun ride in such a lightweight package. I think this shoe is going to make a lot of people pretty happy.

THOMAS: I adore this shoe. The Evo SL is greater than the sum of its parts. It must be tricky to make a simple shoe because there aren’t many of them out there that work this well. I do not doubt that this shoe will transcend running and be a hit in lifestyle. For $150, this shoe is a strong buy recommendation from me. Hopefully, you will love it as much as I do.

Shoes I would put in the same category are the New Balance Rebel v4, Asics Novablast 4, Nike Pegasus Plus, and the Hoka Mach 6. The Rebel is the closest, but I give the Evo SL Lightstrike Pro an edge over the Peba-blended FuelCell foam. I like the feel under the toes that the stack of Lightstrike Pro provides. All the shoes listed can be used for easy to tempo paces, which might be my favorite category.

I like being able to feel the pace. Heavy daily trainers keep me in the easy zone, and race day shoes have me running too fast on easy days. Shoes like this one straddle the line. We have been asked how it compares to the Asics Superblast, another plateless, lightweight shoe that uses race day foam. Despite the higher stack, the Superblast 2 is firmer and more stable than the Evo SL. The fun factor is about even on both shoes. That said, the Evo SL beats the Superblast 2 on price by 25% and can cross over into streetwear.

So where does this shoe belong in the Adidas lineup? To be honest, Adidas’ running options are confusing even to us. I lean heavily into the Adizero line, and while the Ultraboost is coming back into play, I’d stick to the Adizero line. Race day I would go with the Adios Pro 4 or the Evo Pro 1 (if you’re a hedge fund manager); for tempo days and easy days, grab the Boston 12 or the Evo SL.

The only shoe missing from the Adizero line would be a recovery shoe, but those can be found in the Supernova line. The Boston 12 feels more like a built-up shoe with power rods, two foams, and a more complicated upper. With the added tech, the Boston makes it an excellent option for a “sub super shoe” for the runner who may not want to shell out $250 bucks. 

But when you’re looking for a simple, lightweight shoe that combines both comfort and performance, then the Evo SL is calling your name.

You can pick up the Adidas Adizero Evo SL for $150 on October 25, 2024 exclusively via the adidas app, or wait until the wide release in March 2025. You can buy the shoe by using the shop links below.