adidas Adizero EVO SL Reviews

Calls the EVO SL the top shoe in their rotation: top-notch energy return and a light, cushioned ride. Broke their PRs on a mixed-trail 10k over rolling hills compared with track runs in other shoes.

A 150 lb mid/forefoot striker turned a planned 5-mile jog in the EVO SL into 8 miles with fast intervals. Praises the firm-soft foam's energy return, early rocker, grippy forefoot rubber, light weight, roomy toe box and breathable upper.

At 163 miles the EVO SL is still super responsive and their favourite shoe.

First run in the EVO SL was a 3x9 min threshold: true to size, roomy toe box, not super soft initially but fun, snappy and light, a great tempo shoe.

About 200 miles over two months, on easy runs, tempo work, strides and long runs up to 30 km, and rated among the best they have tried, mainly for the price. They like the responsive foam, versatility, breathable upper and decent durability, though the outsole and midsole show some wear and a small crack. They dislike the cheap laces and short, thin tongue (which bruised their foot once or twice when tied tightly), say the soft, compressing foam makes it a poor long-run choice, find it weaker at 5K-10K pace, and note it runs slightly small.

A 6'3" 200 lb runner at 75 miles: easy runs have never felt easier or more protective in the Evo SL, tempo runs are a breeze with the rocker, and it's versatile enough to slow down in. The foam is unreal.

An adidas fan found the EVO SL comfortable but unremarkable on an easy 3 miles, then was pleasantly surprised on a 10x800 m workout: bouncy, neither too firm nor too soft, with a rocker that works over a wide range of paces.

A self-described Nike fan won over by it: propulsive without a plate, legs stay fresh on 22 km runs, and the outsole shows almost no wear past 900-1000 km. Cautions: slippery on wet roads, a bit loose for narrow feet, not great for walking.

Mark Dredge found it comfortable and responsive at 500 km, a little softer and more lived-in than a new pair, with foam creasing and a big-toe wear spot on the upper. He expects another 300–500 km. The main caution is that it can feel unstable for runners without good ankle or foot control.