Adidas Adizero EVO SL Review: Overhyped or Underrated?
- FORDY RUNS
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 1 hour ago
The Adidas Adizero EVO SL has been one of the most talked-about releases of the year, generating major buzz through limited releases and strategic marketing. But is it actually any good? Here are my honest impressions—and whether this hyped-up daily trainer lives up to expectations.
Specs at a Glance
Price: £130 (UK)
Stack Height: 39mm heel / 33mm forefoot (6mm drop)
Weight: 243g (UK 9.5) / just under 9 oz
Midsole: Full-length Lightstrike Pro (no carbon plate)
Outsole: Continental rubber
Upper: Lightweight mesh
Fit: True to size
A Daily Trainer with a Fast Feel
Straight out of the box, the EVO SL looks great—especially in the black colorway I tested. The design is sleek and race-inspired, and it carries some serious DNA from Adidas’ higher-end race shoes, like the Adizero Adios Pro 3 and the ultra-premium Evo 1.
While there’s no carbon plate, the Lightstrike Pro midsole delivers a surprisingly responsive, soft-yet-stable ride. It feels best at moderate to uptempo paces—for me, around 7:30/mile (4:40/km) is the sweet spot. That’s when the rocker geometry and toe spring really come to life, giving you a snappy, efficient toe-off.
However, the shoe loses some of its charm at slower paces (8:30–9:00/mile), where the ride starts to feel a bit flat and less enjoyable.
Comfort, Fit & Ride Quality
Fit: True to size with a secure lockdown. Heel cup has just enough padding to keep things comfortable.
Upper: The mesh is decent—not the most premium or breathable, but it gets the job done.
Tongue: Not gusseted (and it should be). It’s prone to sliding and adds unnecessary fuss during lacing.
Laces: A weak point—thin and tricky to manage, much like previous Adizero models.
What really stands out is the rockered design, which is borrowed from Adidas' top-tier racing shoes. This geometry makes the shoe feel snappy and quick during workouts, especially when you’re on your toes and pushing the pace.
Who’s It For?
The EVO SL is perfect for runners who want a fun, uptempo daily trainer that feels fast but doesn’t rely on a carbon plate. If you like doing tempo runs, goal pace workouts, or even longer intervals without going full race-day carbon, this is a great option.
It’s less versatile than some competitors, though. Slower runners or those looking for a do-it-all trainer might want to consider something like the New Balance Rebel v4 or ASICS Novablast 5, which are more forgiving at easy paces.
Durability Concerns
One noticeable downside? Outsole wear. After just 17 miles, there was visible wear on the outsole. It may be exaggerated due to the black colorway, but it’s still a concern for long-term durability.
Rotation & Comparisons
The EVO SL fits nicely into a 3- or 4-shoe rotation:
Daily Trainer: Rebel v4 / Pegasus Turbo / Boston 12
Uptempo Trainer: EVO SL
Max Cushion: Brooks Glycerin Max or ASICS Nimbus
Racer: Adidas Adios Pro 4 or Evo 1
Closest comparisons:
New Balance Rebel v4 – more versatile, more stable
Nike Pegasus Premium – similar price, but Lightstrike Pro feels better than non-elite ZoomX
Skechers Razor 4 – similar no-nonsense speed trainer with great midsole foam
Hoka Mach 6 – another solid uptempo option, though I personally prefer the EVO SL’s ride
