Adidas Adizero Evo SL ATR Review: A Winter-Ready Twist on a Modern Favourite
- FORDY RUNS
- Nov 21
- 3 min read
Adidas have finally done it — they’ve taken one of their most popular daily trainers of the year, the Adizero Evo SL, and built a true winterised version designed for the mushy trails, frosty pavements and unpredictable conditions of the colder months. Meet the Adizero Evo SL ATR: a more rugged, weather-resistant, grip-enhanced spin on the lightweight favourite so many runners already love.
I’ve been testing this shoe throughout the UK’s early winter conditions — wet leaves, mud, frost, the whole lot — and in this review I’ll walk you through what’s changed, how it performs, how it stacks up against my previous winter pick, and ultimately whether it’s worth the £140 price tag.
What’s New? Key Differences From the Standard Evo SL
Adidas didn’t just sprinkle “winter” on the box and call it a day — the ATR version gets a proper cold-weather overhaul:
1. Ripstop Water-Repellent Upper
The upper is now a woven ripstop material designed to repel water, dew and light rain. It’s not Gore-Tex, but it handles typical winter dampness well and keeps feet relatively dry on wet grass, soaked leaves and frosty paths.
2. Wraparound Toe Guard & Reinforced Toe Box
Ideal for kicking through winter debris — leaves, mud and shallow puddles.
3. Upgraded “Sawtooth” Laces
Genuinely excellent. They stay locked in, feel more durable, and frankly I hope Adidas rolls these out across the entire Adizero line.
4. Continental Rubber Outsole with 1.5mm Lugs
The biggest functional change: proper grip. These shallow trail lugs give the shoe noticeably more traction on winter surfaces without making it feel like a dedicated trail shoe.
5. Slightly Increased Weight
ATR version: 287g (UK 10)
Standard Evo SL: 238g
Despite the added protection and outsole, the shoe doesn’t feel heavy. On foot, the increase is barely noticeable.
What’s the Same?
Lightstrike Pro midsole
38mm — 32mm stack, 6mm drop
Similar overall fit and comfort
In short: it’s still an Evo SL, just tougher.
Fit, Feel & Performance
The most impressive thing about the ATR is how closely it mirrors the ride of the standard Evo SL. The Lightstrike Pro midsole delivers the same snappy, energetic feel — easy to cruise in, easy to pick up pace when you want to. Even on my 10-mile frost-covered test run, it responded superbly.
Ride Quality
Smooth and responsive
Surprisingly nimble despite the added structure
Stable; no issues on uneven or mushy surfaces
Enough grip for wet leaves, soft mud, frost and light ice
This isn’t a hardcore trail shoe, but it’s perfect for winter road and canal-path runners who encounter “urban trail” conditions.
Upper Performance
Handles rain, dew and wet foliage well
Not as waterproof as Gore-Tex
Doesn’t overheat — a huge plus
Secure, comfortable lockdown with the new laces
Gore-Tex shoes can often feel swampy once you’re not in truly foul weather. The ATR finds a sweet spot: water-repellent without being sweaty.
How It Compares to the Salomon Blaze Gravel 3 Gore-Tex
My go-to winter shoe this year has been the Salomon Blaze Gravel 3 GTX — a tank of an all-conditions trainer with a fierce outsole and a very protective Gore-Tex upper. After switching to the Evo SL ATR, I’ll be honest: the Adidas is more fun to run in and closer to my preferred daily feel.
When I’d Choose the Salomon
Heavy rain
Deep mud
Proper off-road winter routes
When I’d Choose the Evo SL ATR
Frosty pavements
Soggy towpaths
Leaf-covered park routes
Mixed road-to-light-trail outings
Pretty much everything else
The Salomon still has its place, but the Evo SL ATR is a more versatile, “grab-and-go” winter trainer with superior ride quality.
Is It Worth £140?
In my opinion — yes.
This is one of the best winterised road shoes released this season. You’re getting:
A proven Lightstrike Pro midsole
A genuinely effective grip upgrade
A water-resistant but breathable upper
Much improved laces
The familiar Evo SL ride
Winter confidence without winter clunkiness