adidas Adizero SL2 Reviews

A 120 lb high-school runner's first 12 miles in the SL2: firm at first, then light with a nice pop and quick toe-off close to their Endorphin Speed 4; average for easy runs, very good at long-run or tempo pace, but the padded upper is warm.

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.

Half a size up, the SL2 gave them blisters that limited runs to under 10 km, but it's light and responsive with good grip; months later they've come to love it.

Over 125 miles in them, with a longest run of 12 miles, and the midsole rated a standout: snappy, with good energy return, and versatile enough for easy runs, long runs, strides and tempo work. They found the upper durable and the shoe lightweight, and expect 300 to 400 miles from a pair. Downsides: the fit is snug and a bit narrow, so they suggest sizing up half a size, and they feel it is best up to about half-marathon distance.

A 190 lb heel striker training for London ran 15 km on a treadmill in the SL2: runs small, a solid daily-trainer upper, and a dense but energetic midsole that's just right for daily miles.

Nathaniel Bailey found it firm-ish but peppy and very versatile, with standout wet traction and great value. The midfoot is narrow, stability is limited, and the thin laces are hard to untie.

A sleeper hit: the full-length Lightstrike Pro gives a smooth, snappy ride at $130. It runs narrow, one tester got a hot spot near his big toe, and there is no support for pronators.

Runshu describes a durable, versatile daily trainer with excellent wet grip. He retired it at 910 km after it began tilting laterally. The midfoot is slightly loose, and the laces come undone easily.

Replaced the Novablast 4 with the SL2 as a daily trainer: more bouncy, responsive and soft, lighter and more agile, at 20% less.

About 15 miles in, they really like the SL2: soft and bouncy, fine at daily pace, slotting between the Nimbus 25 and Deviate Nitro 2; the heel is narrowish and toe box low.