Adidas Adizero Evo SL Review

Comfort and Fit

The Evo SL features a solid upper, constructed with high-quality materials and no glaring issues. The fabric and mesh that come in contact with your foot are high-quality, with a soft and non-abrasive feel. We had no problems with rubbing or hotspots, although the non-gusseted tongue tended to migrate over the course of the run, which may cause rubbing issues on the top of the foot for some runners.

The heel cup on the Evo SL provides ample space without compromising heel retention. It isn't overly stiff or uncomfortable, and it didn't cause any abrasion on the back of our Achilles. Alternatively, the lacing system is a disappointment. First, the laces themselves are more difficult to use compared to competitors. They're thin and cinch down too easily, which can make it very difficult to untie knots. We hate these laces. The knot managed to snug itself impossibly tight on a wet run. They're so thin that we had a horrible time getting them undone with cold fingers. Second, it was easy to under-tighten the midfoot, which caused our feet to slip forward in the shoe. Finding the right lacing setup could take some experimentation.

In terms of fit, the Evo SL is generous by Adidas' standards. The forefoot has plenty of room, and even borders on being too voluminous for runners with narrow forefeet. From there, the shoe tapers to an average width through the midfoot and heel. We think the width and shape of the shoe should suit most runners. Adidas appears to agree, as it fails to offer a wide version. The length of the shoe is about right, although runners with narrow feet will need to monitor their lacing to ensure their feet don't slide towards the front of the shoe.

Cushioning

Cushioning is the standout feature of the Evo SL. The Adidas Lightstrike Pro features premium foam, providing excellent compression upon landing. The foam is highly resilient, meaning it returns a significant portion of the energy you put into it. There's a bit of bounce underfoot as you run, but it's not overstated. It's just bouncy enough to make you smile when you start your run, but it's not enough to be distracting or difficult to manage. Underfoot, the 39mm of cushioning is absorbent but a little firm. It feels like there is some structure under your foot. This resulted in a controlled feeling at easy paces, along with immediate responsiveness when the pace gets spicier. The more energy you put into the Evo, the more responsive it feels, and the softer the foam feels.

The foam is extremely protective on long runs. We felt less muscle soreness after an 18-mile progression run than we typically experience with non-race shoes. This is likely attributable to the midsole foam. In fact, many runners report feeling less soreness after hard efforts in “super shoes” (carbon-plated shoes that utilize premium, highly resilient midsole foams, such as Adidas' Lightstrike Pro). However, the relatively low weight (8.73 ounces in a US Men's 10.5) of the Evo SL probably helped as well.

The Evo SL is a joy to run in. It's smooth rolling underfoot, featuring a subtle early-to-midfoot rocker and a 9mm heel-to-toe drop. Landings feel natural, and the shoe provides a noticeable boost as you roll forward on your foot. The main drawback here is the lack of stability. The Evo SL doesn't offer much lateral support, so runners with a history of pronation-related injuries or who value stability will likely want to look elsewhere.

Breathability

The synthetic, engineered mesh of the Evo SL is very breathable, though not the best.

We experienced no issues with temperature regulation across a range of conditions, from 15 to 80°F. Our feet never felt cold nor overheated when running in the Evo, even for longer periods.

Traction

Continental rubber makes up the outsole of the Evo SL. It's a tacky compound that provides great grip on most smooth surfaces, but it struggles once things get loose or uneven.

We had no issues in conditions ranging from icy asphalt to hot, wet concrete. However, the lack of lugs is a significant drawback on looser surfaces, such as crushed gravel trails, where the shoe noticeably lacks grip as you push off the ground. While not designed as a trail running shoe, it would be beneficial for runners traversing various substrates to feel more confident on short stints over looser terrain, as they can be challenging to avoid.

Should You Buy the Adidas Adizero Evo SL?

We believe the Evo SL should be at the top of your list if you're seeking a versatile shoe for serious training. It's comfortable and versatile enough to be a daily trainer for some runners, and a race shoe for others. Additionally, it offers great value, outperforming many shoes that cost significantly more.

What Other Running Shoes Should You Consider?