Adidas Adizero EVO SL Woven Review — Small Tweaks, Big Improvements
- FORDY RUNS
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
How do you improve one of the best running shoes of the past year? According to Adidas, the answer is simple: fix what people complained about and leave everything else alone. That’s exactly what they've attempted with the updated Adidas Adizero EVO SL Woven. While I wouldn’t go as far as calling it the “EVO SL 2,” the changes here are meaningful enough to warrant attention—and yes, maybe even a little clickbait.
The original EVO SL was, in my opinion, the best running shoe you could buy for £130. With Lightstrike Pro cushioning, Continental rubber, and the versatility to handle easy miles, workouts, and even races, it offered remarkable performance for the price. But it wasn’t perfect. Fit inconsistencies, a flimsy upper, sliding tongue, and terrible laces held it back from true greatness. The good news? Adidas clearly listened.
What’s New: Upper & Tongue Overhaul
Adidas kept the chassis, midsole, and outsole exactly the same—because they already worked brilliantly. Instead, they focused their attention on the upper and tongue, the two areas most runners had issues with.
Improved Woven Upper
The star of this update is the new “woven” upper. Despite the name, it doesn’t feel like a knit or a true woven material; it’s more of a refined mesh. But labels aside, it’s a noticeable upgrade:
More comfortable
Better overall fit
More secure without being restrictive
Side by side, the old upper feels coarse and outdated. This new version is simply more pleasant on foot.
Gusseted Tongue (Finally!)
One of the biggest annoyances of the previous model was the tongue constantly sliding around. This update solves that with a proper gusseted tongue that stays put and dramatically improves lockdown and comfort. It’s one of those small details that makes a big difference.
Specs & Details
Price: £130
Weight (UK 10): 256 g (up from 240 g, but not noticeable in use)
Midsole: Lightstrike Pro (unchanged)
Outsole: Continental rubber (unchanged)
Stack: 39 mm/33 mm (6 mm drop)
Use case: Daily trainer, uptempo work, and even race-capable for some runners
The slight weight increase likely comes from the new upper, but on foot, the shoe still feels light, fast, and responsive.
Performance: Still a Standout
Crucially, all the things that made the original EVO SL such a standout remain intact. Lightstrike Pro still delivers an energetic, smooth ride. The Continental outsole still grips brilliantly, especially in wet conditions. And the shoe remains impressively versatile—capable of handling everything from easy runs to faster sessions.
Despite the unchanged laces (yes, they’re still bad), the improved upper and stable tongue give the shoe a more polished, comfortable feel overall.
Is It Worth Upgrading?
Absolutely. The woven version is simply a better, more comfortable shoe without losing any of the magic that made the original such a killer value.
If you loved the OG EVO SL, you’ll love this more.
If you were on the fence because of the upper or tongue issues, this fixes both.
And for £130—plus potential discounts for affiliated club members—it remains one of the strongest performance bargains on the market.