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Adizero EVO SL 1
5.0 (1 review)Today's tracked prices
- 01365Rider5d ago£105.00£150.00−30%
- 02Adidas4d ago£130.00£150.00−13%
- 03JD Sports5d ago£130.00£150.00−13%
- 04ASOS5d ago£130.00£150.00−13%
- 05Next10d ago£130.00£150.00−13%
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Price history
Our verdict
The Adizero EVO SL is adidas taking its marathon race foam, stripping out the plate, and giving you a lightweight speed trainer you can actually run every day. At 224g it feels closer to a racer than a daily shoe, and that is the whole point. This is a running shoe for the runner who wants one pair for tempo sessions, strides, parkrun and the odd long run, without the rigid, all-or-nothing feel of a carbon racing shoe. You get lively, propulsive cushioning and a low 6mm drop that keeps you up on your forefoot. At an RRP of £150 it undercuts most super-trainers and plated tempo shoes, which is a big part of why it has been so popular. In our view it is one of the most versatile shoes adidas has made in years. If you want the plated race-day version, the Adizero Adios Pro 4 is the sibling to look at.
Key features
- Plateless race foamGives you the lively, propulsive pop of adidas's carbon racers without the rigid, forced roll, so it stays friendly for everyday running
- 224g lightweight buildFeels barely there on foot and helps you turn your legs over quickly when you push the pace
- Low 6mm dropKeeps you up on your forefoot and rewards an efficient, quick cadence
- Race-style breathable upperWraps close and vents well so your foot stays locked and cool through fast efforts
- £150 RRPUndercuts most plated tempo shoes and super-trainers, making it strong value for a shoe this versatile
Who it suits
Who should buy it
- Runners who want one do-everything shoe for tempo, long runs and racing
- Efficient midfoot and forefoot strikers who like a low drop and quick ride
- Value hunters wanting racer feel without paying carbon-plate prices
- Lighter runners racing 5k up to the half who want a fast, connected ride
Who should not buy it
- You need stability or motion control for overpronation
- You want soft, max-stack cushioning for easy recovery miles
- You have wide or high-volume feet that need a roomy fit
- You are chasing a marathon PB and want a full carbon race shoe
Best uses
Extra information
Fit & sizing
The EVO SL fits true to size for most runners, so order your usual adidas number. The last is on the snugger, performance side rather than roomy, which suits the shoe's fast intent. The toe box gives you enough width to splay on longer efforts but it is not a wide fit, so runners with high-volume or wide feet may find it tight and should try before committing or size up a half. Midfoot lockdown is secure through a thin, race-style upper that wraps close without pinching. Heel hold is good with light padding, though the collar is minimal in the racing tradition, so expect a locked-down, low-slung feel rather than a plush one. If you like a generous, relaxed fit for easy miles, a roomier daily trainer like the Novablast 5 will suit you better. For tempo running the close race-day fit here is exactly what you want.
Performance breakdown
Ride & feel
The ride is fast, bouncy and eager. There is no plate, so instead of a stiff, forced roll you get a smooth, natural toe-off with plenty of energy return from the foam. It rewards a quick cadence and comes alive as you lift the pace. Hold tempo and it feels effortless. The low 6mm drop and lightweight build keep you snappy up front, so it flatters efficient midfoot and forefoot strikers. Cruise slowly and it is still perfectly pleasant, if a touch less special than at speed. If you want a similarly plateless do-everything ride with more stack for long runs, the Superblast 2 is the obvious rival, though it costs more.
Cushioning
Cushioning is lively and responsive rather than soft and pillowy. The foam is the same energetic type adidas uses in its carbon racers, so you get a springy, protective platform that stays connected to the road. It is enough underfoot for tempo work, long intervals and even half-marathon distance for lighter runners, but it is not a plush, max-stack cruiser. Heavier runners or anyone chasing marathon-distance comfort may want more foam under the heel. For fast, purposeful miles the balance of protection and ground feel is judged really well.
Stability
This is a neutral shoe with no medial post or dedicated support features, so it is not the pick if you need stability or motion control. That said, the platform is lower and the ride firmer and more connected than a tall, soft racer, which gives it a planted, predictable feel at speed. The narrower race-style last also helps keep your foot centred. Mild overpronators running at pace will likely get on fine, but if you rely on structured support for your daily miles this is not the shoe for that job.
Upper & comfort
The upper is a thin, breathable race-style mesh built for speed rather than luxury. It is light, wraps the foot closely and vents well on warm runs, which is exactly what you want for tempo efforts. There is minimal padding around the collar and tongue in keeping with the racing intent, so it feels stripped-back rather than cushioned. Most runners will find it comfortable straight out of the box with no real break-in, though those who prefer a soft, padded daily-trainer upper will notice how spartan it is. Lockdown through the laces is secure and hot-spot free.
Reviews (1)
Great Daily Shoes
The Adidas Adizero Evo SL is just an easy, fun shoe to run in light, comfy, and with a nice bit of bounce. It’s great for everyday miles and can still pick up the pace if you want, without feeling too serious.
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FAQ
Specifications
| Category | Tempo |
| Surface | Road |
| Drop | 6mm |
| Heel Stack | 39mm |
| Forefoot Stack | 33mm |
| Weight | 224g |
| Carbon Plated | No |
| Stability | No |