Adidas adizero Evo SL Introduction

We’re now in the age where training shoes like the ASICS Superblast and the Adidas EVO SL can generate such extraordinary levels of hype that they consistently sell out immediately upon release, making them extremely difficult for consumers to acquire.

The injection of advanced racing midsole foams into daily training shoes represents a major shift in the industry. These innovative materials, previously found exclusively in high-priced racing shoes, offer exceptional cushioning and energy return at a fraction of the price.

As a result, runners can now experience the benefits of cutting-edge, speed technology during their regular workouts, blurring the lines between training and racing footwear.

The EVO SL is a lightweight speed trainer and is an “evolution” of Adidas’ regular SL (super light), which is also a lightweight speed trainer. It competes with other unplated speed trainers like the Pegasus Plus, the New Balance Rebel, Brooks Hyperion and Hoka Mach.

Adidas cleverly leveraged the popularity of the Adios Pro EVO 1 to boost the EVO SL’s appeal. Apart from how it looks, the EVO SL has nothing in common with the EVO 1. The EVO 1 has a completely different midsole foam which is softer and has less structure. The EVO 1 also has a stiffer midsole with carbon EnergyRods in it.

The EVO SL weighs 224 grams (7.9 oz) for a men’s US 9. It has stack heights of 39 mm in the heel and 33 mm in the forefoot. It costs $150, which is a very competitive price for a full Lightstrike Pro midsole. The Adios Pro 3 costs $250 and it has the same midsole foam as the EVO SL but with carbon EnergyRods.

There have been two online drops of the EVO SL here in Malaysia and both times, all of the sizes were sold out within seconds. I got lucky and managed to purchase a pair during the second drop after many failed attempts to pay. Some of the flagship Adidas stores in Asia have also received a limited batch.

Adidas adizero Evo SL First Impressions

My first run was a 10 kilometre easy run. It felt ordinary and I wasn’t very impressed. I was expecting more energy return and more of a wow factor. It reminded me of a slightly heavier, firmer version of the New Balance Rebel 4.

Transitions felt really fluid and I could feel a subtle forefoot rocker. The upper enveloped my foot comfortably and securely, and I was pleased to find that the thin tongue, even without a gusset, caused no discomfort or irritation.

During my second run was when the EVO SL excelled- I tackled a 35 km (22-mile) long run, maintaining a Zone 2 effort. This run truly highlighted the exceptional capabilities of the EVO SL. The experience was nothing short of amazing: the shoe’s efficiency, the energy return it provided, and the overall comfort were outstanding.

It had been months since my last run of this distance, yet I felt surprisingly fresh and energised even as I finished. It effortlessly carried me through the miles during that long run, minimised fatigue and allowed me to maintain a strong and consistent pace throughout the run.

Adidas adizero Evo SL Upper

The EVO SL has a simple and lightweight upper made of thin engineered mesh. The ventilation in the toe-box is excellent and it’s more suited to warm climates than cool ones.

The thin tongue isn’t gusseted so there’s some downward tongue slide during runs but I managed to solve this problem by feeding the second row of laces through the lace loop in the middle of the tongue. When putting the shoe on, the edges of the tongue fold because it’s thin and not gusseted so you have to do some adjusting to ensure it lies flat.

There’s some light padding in the collar and heel tab which results in an irritation-free ankle area. I find overall foot lockdown to be excellent. Unfortunately, there are no reflective elements on the EVO SL’s upper.

The fit is true to size with a very spacious forefoot and toe-box. I have to wear thick socks to eliminate all the excess space. It’s best suited to runners with medium to wide feet which are of high volume.

Adidas adizero Evo SL Sole Unit

The EVO SL is a prime example of Adidas listening to feedback. For years, we’ve wanted a training shoe with a full-Lightstrike Pro midsole. Now, we finally get it. The development of the EVO SL marks a significant step forward in Adidas’s performance training range. They are finally catering to the need and desire of their customers/elite athletes for a premium, lightweight trainer.

The EVO SL stands out due to its exceptionally engaging ride. When picking up the pace, it delivers an unexpected level of energy which is so pronounced that it almost feels like cheating, as if a training shoe shouldn’t be capable of providing such a dynamic experience.

The ride of the EVO SL isn’t very squishy. It’s firmer than recent daily trainers like the Novablast 5 and the 1080v14. The best way to describe how it feels is balanced: not very firm but also not very soft. It feels like a speed trainer and it performs best whenever you’re putting in some effort to go faster. Zone 2 runs or higher are when you can really feel the energy return.

I wouldn’t race in it or do really fast interval workouts in it because it doesn’t have a full-length plate or EnergyRods to keep it from flexing in the forefoot. The sweet spot is 4 minutes per km to 5:30 minutes per km (6:26-8:52 per mile).

The rocker in the EVO SL starts at 60% of the length of the sole, the same as the EVO 1 hyper shoe. This design results in a rocker that’s less abrupt and more gradual compared to the one in the Adios Pro 3.

Additionally, the forefoot of the EVO SL has a notable degree of flexibility that contributes to a less rockered sensation compared to other Adidas trainers like the Boston 12 and even the Supernova Rise/Prima, all of which have a stiffer forefoot than the EVO SL.

If you’re familiar with Adidas shoes, you’d know that they have a signature design element that they incorporate into many of their trainers: a midfoot stiffening device. This structural component serves to enhance support and stability in the middle portion of the shoe.

The popular Ultraboost utilises a Torsion system, while the Supernova series employs a Support Rods system. Both mechanisms essentially achieve the same goal: to provide essential structure and prevent unwanted twisting or flexing in the midfoot area, ensuring a more controlled running experience.

In the EVO SL, there’s a short, flat plate that’s situated in the midfoot, just below the strobel lining. This plate is an integral component as it makes it more efficient and more comfortable. In similar trainers like the Nike Pegasus Plus that don’t have a plate/shank, the midsole is far too floppy and unstable- this makes it unsuitable for long-distance runs.

The EVO SL doesn’t possess many stability features like a wide base or built-up midsole sidewalls so it doesn’t offer a high level of support. Runners with weak ankles or who over pronate excessively might find the EVO SL a tad unstable. I find myself having to slow down when running on uneven surfaces.

On the outsole, thin Continental rubber protects the midsole. It’s a similar kind of soft rubber that you find on the Adios Pro so you get a higher level of ground feel than most trainers. Outsole traction is decent in wet conditions but it’s not amazing on smooth surfaces because of how flat the outsole rubber is. The Adios Pro 3 outsole rubber which is rougher has better traction.

The EVO SL’s most significant drawback is its low durability when it comes to the midsole foam. The midsole foam is very soft so it’s prone to scuffs and punctures from sharp objects in the road like stones and glass. On one of my shoes, there’s a patch in the centre of the rearfoot where the road has ground it down- I’ve only done 94 kilometres in it. This is a shoe that belongs far away from the trails.

Adidas adizero Evo SL Conclusions

The Adidas EVO SL has received significant attention and praise from influencers but it’s all well-deserved. In a market often saturated with products that prioritise marketing over performance, the EVO SL stands out as a shoe that delivers on its hype.

Its exceptional performance also justifies a price point that is surprisingly affordable. In fact, the EVO SL’s value proposition is so impressive that it could easily command a price in the $170-$180 range without raising eyebrows. It’s that good. The only department where it’s lacking is durability because of how delicate its midsole foam is.

It will stay in my rotation because it’s such a versatile option. I can use it for long runs, steady-paced runs or easy runs with short, fast bursts. The EVO SL is the shoe that I will pick to race a marathon in if I don’t want a stiff, carbon-plated racer.

The Adidas EVO SL stands out among its competition in the lightweight, unplated speed trainer category, particularly when considering its price point. It’s the only one with a full-length, racing foam midsole; the ZoomX in the Pegasus Plus doesn’t feel the same as in the Nike racers.

It surpasses competitors not only in terms of bang for buck, but also by delivering an unparalleled level of energetic responsiveness and a notably high fun factor. This combination of attributes makes the EVO SL an exciting option for runners seeking a cushioned and lively trainer that doesn’t compromise on weight or agility.

The EVO SL is one of the best trainers of recent years.