Adidas Adizero Evo SL Review: New Kid on the Block

By RunDNA

Published on Dec 20, 2024

3 min read

Adizero Evo SL: Quick Facts

Weight:

M: 221g US 9
W: 188g US 7.5

Best For:

Versatile daily training
Can be used as a "do it all" shoe

Price:

$240 AUD

Stack Height & Drop:

39.5mm heel / 33mm forefoot
6.5mm drop

Favourite Features:

Simple shoe, showing that sometimes less is more
Lightstrike Pro midsole feels resilient

Release Date:

December 2024

What’s the Evo SL all about?

Adidas is shaking things up with the Adizero Evo SL, a shoe that has taken cues from the Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1. Adidas are pitching this as a lightweight, "do-it-all" shoe that seamlessly transitions from daily training to speed workouts. If you’re after a shoe that’s lightweight, cushioned, but speedy enough to be a versatile option for different types of runs, this is certainly worth a look!

It's also the first daily training shoe from Adidas that's packed with the best of the Adizero racing technology. For us, the Evo SL is pretty unique, but we think the closest options on the market are New Balance Rebel v4, Hoka Mach 6, Saucony Endorphin Speed and On Cloudboom Zone — shoes that balance cushioning and responsiveness without overcomplicating the ride.

There are three key features in Evo SL:

1) Trusted Lightstrike Pro midsole

The Evo SL borrows the midsole from the high-performance Adios Pro 3 super shoe, this foam delivers a lively, responsive feel with a solid amount of ‘guts’ underfoot. This midsole will be durable too, given the Adios Pro 3 was one of the more durable super shoes we’ve seen. The midsole ride is firmer than the version found in the newly released Adizero Adios Pro 4 shoe, but strikes a great balance for everyday runs and faster efforts.

Adidas have added small midfoot shrank to the Evo SL, which they're calling a 'nylon dog bone'. This will provide some stiffness and structure, but doesn't run the full length of the shoe which gives the Evo SL some forefoot flexibility.

2) Simple upper, sometimes less is more

The upper of the Evo SL really sums up the entire vibe of the shoe, it's light, performance focused, but most importantly simple. It's decently padded through the heel collar, but features less padding in the tongue. Fit wise, we found the Evo SL true to size and not short like the Adios Pro 4. The only gripe with the upper is the lack of a gusset or any stitching to keep the tongue in place.

3) Premium outsole materials

Adidas uses their Continental Rubber through the forefoot which is renowned as one of the most grippy and durable outsole materials on the market, while the use of Clear Rubber through the rearfoot cuts weight. It also looks as though Adidas have put the right amount of outsole coverage on the Evo SL to protect the magic in the midsole and offer runners the durability they need for longer training blocks.

Our first thoughts

We think the Adizero Evo SL is going to suit a lot of runners. Especially those who appreciate a lightweight daily trainer with performance foam, making it capable of handling everything from easy jogs to tempo workouts. We can really see the Evo SL sliding into a shoe rotation either as a capable 'do it all' shoe, or something that's fun and fast complementing a runner with an easy day and race shoe already in their rotation.

We're really excited to see Adidas offer another shoe within the Adizero line that complements their racing products. It delivers a simple, but premium experience at a super competitive $240 price point that won't completely break the bank!

About the author

Nathan Pope - Runner and Shoe Nerd

I'm really passionate about running footwear and how shoes can be used as a tool to get the best of your running, whether that be general fitness or performance.

My favourite event is the marathon. I feel as though the marathon is the ultimate test both physically and mentally! It requires careful planning both within the race and during the training block and it can be super satisfying when it comes together on race day.