Adidas set out with a bold mission: to make elite-level speed accessible for everyday training. The result is the Adizero Evo SL, a shoe that mirrors the DNA of world-record-breaking racers while remaining durable enough for your daily mileage. It’s a premium, “butter-soft” trainer that feels more like a racing flat than a standard workhorse.
In this review, we’re breaking down why this lightweight beauty is becoming the go-to choice for runners who want to feel fast, even on their easy days.
Model and Purpose
The Adizero Evo SL is engineered as a high-performance trainer that bridges the gap between daily jogs and aggressive speed work.
- Elite Training: Designed to bring pro-level foam to the masses.
- Versatility: Capable of handling everything from uptempo runs to tune-up races.
- Uptempo Focus: Best suited for days when you want to pick up the pace without the harshness of a carbon plate.
Specs and Measurements
- Weight (Spec): 188g / 6.6 oz (Size 5.5 UK)
- Weight (Measured): 202g / 7.15 oz (Women’s Size 8.5 US)
- Price: $150 (Note: Some specific colors/patterns may list up to $180)
Color Options
The Evo SL offers an extensive, almost overwhelming palette for both men and women:
- Womens: Cloud White / Core Black / Cloud White, Core Black / Iron Metallic / Core Black, Lucid Lemon / Core Black / Matte Silver , Wonder White / Cyber Metallic / Warm Vanilla, Powder Plum / Zero Metalic / Shock Pink, Cloud White / Pure Teal / Grey Two, Glow Blue / Silver Metallic / Cloud White, Cloud White / Blue Fusion / Off White, Lucid Pink / Core Black / Cloud White, Cloud White / Collegiate Purple / Purple Burst, Core Black / Core Black / Iron Metallic, Grey Five / Core Black / Lime Burst, Core Black / Grey Four / Impact Orange, Silver Metallic / Lucid Red / Iron Metallic, Crystal Linen / Zero Metalic / Grey Four, Wonder White / Crystal Linen / Wonder Taupe, Aurora Coffee Met. / Blush Pink / Iron Metallic
- Mens: Cloud White / Core Black / Cloud White, Core Black / Cloud White / Core Black, Lucid Lemon / Core Black / Matte Silver, Silver Metallic / Iron Metallic / Halo Silver, Core Black / Iron Metallic / Grey Four, Cloud White / Pure Teal / Grey Four, Preloved Brown / Iron Metallic / Lucid Blue, Cloud White / Royal Blue / Pure Ruby, Cloud White / Collegiate Purple / Lime Burst, Core Black / Core Black / Iron Metallic, Silver Metallic / Lucid Red / Iron Metallic, Aurora Coffee / Putty Beige / Beige, Charcoal / Coffee Met. / Aurora Black, Collegiate Navy / Muted Purple / Maroon, Aurora Onix / Onix / Collegiate Orange, Core Black / Grey Four / Impact Orange, Grey Five / Core Black / Lime Burst
Key Features
1. Engineered Mesh Upper
The upper is a premium, nearly see-through mesh that is exceptionally lightweight and breathable—perfect for hot weather training. The interior feel is described as “like butter,” making it comfortable enough for those who prefer running barefoot or without socks.
2. Non-Gusseted Suede Tongue
The tongue is unattached (non-gusseted) but features a central lace loop to lock it in place. It is crafted from a soft, suede-like material that feels premium against the top of the foot.
3. Lightstrike Pro Midsole & Nylon Plate
This shoe uses the exact same Lightstrike Pro foam found in Adidas’ $500 elite racing shoes (like the Evo 1). While it lacks a rigid carbon plate, it contains a flexible nylon plate and an aggressive 60% rocker designed to propel you forward.
4. Continental™ Rubber Outsole
The outsole features strategically placed Continental™ rubber to enhance grip and longevity in high-wear areas. While the rubber is thin to save weight, it covers the critical strike zones for midfoot and heel strikers.
On-Foot Running Experience
The Evo SL is a “fun” shoe that naturally pushes you to go faster than your intended recovery pace. At just 7.15 oz, it is nearly the same weight as a top-tier racing shoe (like the Alphafly), giving it a snappy, weightless feel on the road.
Despite the aggressive rocker and premium foam, the shoe feels surprisingly stable thanks to the TPE-based foam and the internal nylon plate. It’s a “snappy” ride that excels during uptempos and strides, though it may be “too fast” for sluggish recovery days.
Comparisons: The weight and “pro-foam” feel put it in a similar category to elite racers, but with the accessibility of a trainer.
Final Verdict
Choose this shoe if:
- You want elite-level racing foam (Lightstrike Pro) in a more affordable, durable package.
- You want a versatile shoe for daily runs, speed work, and even tune-up races.
- You value a lightweight, breathable, and sock-like fit.
Stick with a specialized trainer if:
- You need a dedicated, slow recovery shoe; the Evo SL’s rocker and bounce will likely make you pick up the pace.
