adidas Adizero SL2 Reviews

The SL2 is their new favourite trainer and distance shoe: bliss for easy runs and great for long runs and ultras, with no foot soreness, blisters or hot spots; break-in takes 20–30 km.

After 344 km of easy runs and intervals, the SL2 is stable with a very cushioned upper and midsole, far more comfortable and responsive than the original SL; outsole durability is worse and the laces need double-knotting.

At 6'2" and 186 lb, the SL2 is comfortable from easy pace down to 5K pace.

The SL2 felt plenty cushioned without break-in, its upper is much comfier than the Boston 12, and it has replaced the Rebel v4 as their favourite unplated shoe.

Their SL2 fits much better and is more comfortable than their Boston 11s; Adidas quietly hit a home run.

With about 60 km in them, mixing easy runs, intervals and fartlek during marathon training, they found them comfortable, versatile and responsive when the pace picks up, with a padded ankle collar and a grippy, solid outsole. They would size up half a size, as the forefoot is not roomy, and the cushioning is plenty soft for most but not as soft as they personally like. Not an aggressive speed shoe, but a good one-shoe option for beginners and easy runs up to about 20 km.

Two runners tested them, one with over 30 miles including a 12-mile run that finished at half-marathon pace. They liked the bouncy, smooth ride from the Lightstrike Pro core, the light feel, the snug race-like lockdown and the grip. Criticisms: the thick tongue and heavier mesh ran a little warm, one pair creased and irritated a toe, there is no stability, and they do not think it suits wider feet. They found it hard to beat for the price.