Adidas Adizero SL2 Review

Comfort and Fit

The SL2's upper doesn't stand out compared to the competition. While it is comfortable enough and about what we'd expect for a budget shoe, the materials don't feel soft or have a premium feel.

The SL2 is decidedly more performance-focused than comfort-centric. It doesn't have a plush and luxurious upper that makes sliding your feet in a divine experience. There is some padding along the top of the heel collar and the ankle, but it is limited. The SL2 tongue is padded but not gusseted. Beyond the midfoot, the upper is constructed from an engineered mesh that is both stiff and lightweight. The laces aren't the best, and can be easily tightened to the point where untying the knot is annoying. Despite the limited features and design for comfort, we didn't experience any issues with rubbing, slipping, or abrasions, even during 2-hour efforts. While the SL2 upper may not be plush, it managed to be effective.

The SL2 runs narrow, but the length is about right for size. The toe box is a little narrower than average, but volume can be adjusted with the laces. The midfoot is noticeably narrower than average, and the heel is average-to-narrow. Adidas offers a wide fit, which may be a better option for many, including those with average-width feet. We suggest trying on both the regular fit and wide versions to determine which is best for your anatomy.

Cushioning

The SL2 manages to feel like a much lower-stack shoe than it actually is. It has decent ground feel underfoot, which is surprising considering the shoe has 38 mm of foam at the heel. The midsole is dual-density, stacking a section of Adidas' highly resilient Lightstrike Pro foam on top of a firmer and less energetic foam. The result is a shoe that feels solidly planted when you land and somewhat firm underfoot, while also returning a noticeable amount of energy. It's not exactly bouncy, but there's some pep, particularly as you increase the pace and put more force into the shoe. For this reason, we expect heavier runners might find the SL2 a little soft.

The energy return isn't invasive; we had no issues jogging slowly in these shoes. Landings feel nicely damped and are never harsh. The cushioning is more than enough for longer efforts, and it left our legs feeling relatively fresh compared to similar competitors. While the SL2 features a 9 mm heel-to-toe drop, we believe heel- and midfoot-strikers will appreciate this shoe. Overall, the cushioning is phenomenal for the price, and makes the shoe an extremely versatile option.

Breathability

The SL2's mesh upper is extremely breathable. It's great for hot days, as it never leaves our feet feeling overly sweaty. This design is part of the tradeoff with a more performance-focused upper; while they may be a little less plush, they tend to breathe better.

The SL2 is more breathable at the front, where the upper is thinner, than it is at the heel.

Traction

The SL2 boasts standout traction, thanks to a tacky rubber outsole combined with a rigid design, making them perfect for easily handling wet pavement.

The gaps between SL2 lugs are sufficient to grab well on loose surfaces, such as crushed gravel or fresh snow, but not large enough to pick up rocks. Overall, we really appreciate this outsole and its exceptional durability.

Should You Buy the Adidas Adizero SL2?

Almost every runner should consider the SL2 at the very least. It's extremely well-rounded for its price. It's reliable for high-volume running, and simple enough that new runners won't have any issues. While it isn't as soft or bouncy as other options, we think the cushioning is excellent. The only people who might want to look elsewhere are those who recognize they require additional support and stability.

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