Category: Lightweight Trainer
Stack height: 38.5/32mm
Weight: 224 gr.
In this year’s Berlin marathon, Adidas presented the Adios Pro 4 and Evo SL. The first will be released in early January and is the new version of the company’s popular racer. It has been a long time since the v3’s release in June 2022. Common for the Adizero models (especially in the past), but here it had to do with the intermediate launch of the Adios Pro Evo 1.
The incredibly lightweight (138g) yet very expensive (€500) Evo 1 has now become the design benchmark for the Adizero line. This was expected for the Pro 4, but the surprising addition was the Evo SL. Without anyone expecting it, the Germans introduced another model in their performance lineup, being the first model with a midsole made entirely of Lightstrike Pro foam and nothing else. Its visual similarity to the Evo 1 and Pro 4 can only be a good sign.
Upper and fit
I’ve always been a fan of the old-school aesthetic of the Adizero line, especially in white. They had a minimal beauty that showcased their essence without embellishments. That’s why I was thrilled with the design choice of the Evo SL. The three stripes are a bit oversized though, but it doesn’t matter.
The visual simplicity continues in the materials. It features a very thin and breathable engineered mesh, yet with a sturdy weave. A large toe bumper made from rigid material helps maintain the rounded and elevated shape of the toe box.
The slightly anachronistic toe guard supports the minimal mesh.
It may not seem like it, but the fabric is tightly woven and ultimately very durable.
The whole shoe, especially the midfoot, is structured by the huge stripes. It is from relatively thick synthetic and reminiscent of overlays of earlier times. You don’t even feel them though.
The tongue is not gusseted and without any padding, except for a minimal reinforcement at the top. It is enough to get the pressure at the point, but its height is marginal if you want to use the extra holes.
The collar is low and of medium hardness. It has plenty of padding, which extends low around the heel and even reaches the front. Additionally, the fabric in this area has a very soft feel.
Rich material without excess. Comfort and support.
The Evo SL has plenty of room. The toe box is wide and the bumper extends over the toes, providing additional height, comfortably fitting any foot shape. If you have a narrower one, that’s not an issue, as the structural elements and inelastic mesh prevent your foot from moving around.
The toe box is rounded, with a smooth closure over the toes
The same applies to the midfoot section. It’s comfortable but you can adjust the tightness as needed. Without noticing, the stripes enhance hold and secure the fit. The denser weave on the lower part of the sides also helps. A minor downside is that the tongue slips to the side. If it was stitched on one side, this wouldn’t be an issue.
The closely spaced lacing helps improve hold.
Moving to the back, the SL has an almost ideal design. It has a low profile collar with soft padding that extends widely, while the stiffer material is at just the right height and width. It not only locks the heel securely but also provides a very pleasant feel.
The collar reaches nearly to the middle and holds the heel easily. The soft finish allows for tightening, if needed
The SL follows the path of other Adizero shoes (excluding the narrower SL2) and is primarily designed for comfort. The good news is that it accommodates everyone. There’s ample space throughout if you have a wider foot. If you have a narrow one, the design’s simplicity allows you to adjust the fit as much as you need with the laces, though thicker socks are recommended. In any case, the hold is good enough for the use the shoe is intended for and the soft materials prevent any pressure points or friction. The sizing is standard..
Midsole and ride
The Evo SL is the first Adidas model whose midsole is made entirely of Lightstrike Pro foam. It is neither paired with a firmer foam nor incorporates any plastic or carbon rods. The sole consists of a large piece of thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPEE), tuned similarly to that in the Adios Pro 3. By the way, the upcoming Adios Pro 4 will feature a new version of the LS Pro, while the Evo 1 follows a unique, non-compression foam molding process that justifies its high cost.
For the first time, we have a clear impression of the Lightstrike Pro’s behavior.
Internally, there’s only a small plastic shank positioned in the middle of the sole and beneath the fabric lining. Adidas calls this a “dog bone” and its purpose is to add torsional rigidity to the midfoot, though it’s barely noticeable when running.
Since the softer foam would allow midfoot distortion, this reinforcement was necessary.
The outsole combines two materials: basic rubber on the heel and the well-known Continental rubber in the forefoot, the same as in the Pro 3. The Continental rubber is soft with a sandpaper-like texture, providing excellent traction and durability on various surfaces. I was impressed by how quietly it performs on the road and how seamlessly it works with the foam. Even after 50 kilometers, the exposed foam section shows no wear.
Beyond the aesthetics, the SL also borrows geometric elements from the Evo 1, like the rocker design which begins at 60% of the sole’s length. We find thesame in the Pro 4, though in both the Evo 1 and Pro 4 the rocker is much steeper, whereas in the SL it is smoother.
Evo SL and Pro 4: The angle starts from the same point but in the latter, it is much steeper and more aggressive.
From my experience, Lightstrike Pro typically feels denser and more compact compared to other super foams. I exclude the 50mm Prime X. The Evo SL, free from complementary foams or internal rods, has a noticeably softer feel. It compresses deeply, less resistant and more flexible, allowing a more natural foot motion. If Adidas hadn’t stated that it’s the same formulation as the Pro 3, I’d think it had a different tuning. In my opinion, this model has the nicest feel among Adidas’s lineup.
On the other hand, the robustness associated with the Adizero line and Lightstrike Pro is somewhat reduced. The sole feels “emptier” and the foam more airy, which I don’t see as a drawback but rather positive. This is likely why Adidas added the small plate to improve stability and support.
As an Adizero model, the SL serves as both a training and an up-tempo shoe. The foam and its weight justify its speed potential. Theoretically, at least. Bur let’s examine them separately.
For daily training, long runs, or even recovery runs, this shoe is fantastic. It gives you everything you ask at such paces and even more. It offers softness and mild energy return, making the ride extremely comfortable. It’s not squishy but you feel its deep and gradual cushioning. The foam sacrifices a bit of stability but it compensates you with feel and fun. Additionally, it has a quite natural feel, which is surprising given the nearly 40mm of foam. Nor it feels like such a tall shoe. I was also impressed with how fresh my legs felt, something I hadn’t experienced with other Adidas models except the Prime X.
The forefoot is flexible but the angle upfront stays consistent at that paces, making the transition very easy. The point where the dog bone ends is exactly at the 60% we mentioned, so flexibility and rocker meet and combine. It doesn’t propel you forward like in other shoes but drives you nicely to the toe off.
The flex point starts right at the end of the plastic shank.
Up to medium efforts (let’s say marathon pace), the Evo SL is truly enjoyable. It doesn’t have the prominent bounce or roll, but there’s a ‘flow’ and ‘fluidity’ in the transition, making it very effortless. I really don’t know how else to describe it. Remarkably smooth and “sweet” ride. The soft outsole plays a role in this.
Moreover, add its weight to the above. And if the 224 grams are very low for a trainer anyway, on the street it seems even lighter. It literally disappears on your foot.
However, as you speed up, its performance is not exactly what I expected. The foam compresses more under pressure and doesn’t spring back quickly, something that results in a sensation of sinking into the sole rather than bouncing off. I wouldn’t say that the midsole bottoms out but the foot definitely stays into it more than I prefer.
Additionally, applying more force cancels out the rocker effect. The flexible forefoot can’t maintain the angle, flattening almost completely. Under other circumstances, this wouldn’t be an issue as not all geometries rely on the rocker. However, in the SL the forefoot is soft and can’t effectively transfer power downwards. It spreads out and becomes somewhat mushy. Someone with a shorter and lighter stride may not notice this as much. However, if you lift your foot higher and strike harder, the toe off loses effectiveness.
I expected more spark from the SL, with the sole coming alive even more when you pick up speed. However, this doesn’t mean the Adidas can’t go faster. It’s extremely lightweight and has a good foam, which are essential features of a fast shoe. What it lacks is the “mechanical assistance” found in most modern performance models. An effective geometry that makes the effort easier and extends it, whether through a bouncy foam or the rolling effect offered by a plate. The Lightstrike Pro isn’t exactly like that, especially with the level of softness it has here. It also lacks the leverage and aggressiveness up front that a stiff forefoot provides.
This becomes clearer if we make some comparisons. The Boston 12, with its rods (even though they’re plastic) and a firmer foam underneath, is more dynamic and faster. The same goes for the SL2, even though it lacks rods as well. The casing of standard Lightstrike (EVA) around the LS Pro balances and directs the midsole very efficiently, creating a more streamlined transition. This is exactly what’s missing from the Evo SL. On the other hand, at more relaxed paces, the new Adidas clearly surpasses both in terms of ride quality.
It’s reminiscent of models like the Streakfly or Rebel v2/3, which, while they had a performance character on paper, were actually ultra-lightweight trainers. For the same reasons we described for the Evo SL.
Conclusion
The final paragraphs don’t change the essence of the model; they simply clarify it. If you understand its purpose, this shoe excels in every way. It may even work well for some as a performance option, as this largely depends on individual preferences and biomechanics. I wore it for two tempo runs and it performed comfortably and effortlessly. However, there are other models, even within Adidas’s own lineup, that might perform better for this purpose.
For me, it’s one of the best training shoes I’ve ever run in, perfectly suitable for long runs as well. It’s also very reasonably priced and it looks great. If stability isn’t a high priority, this model could even be a marathon shoe, primarily due to its comfort, ease, and light weight.
After trying various models, only a few remain in my regular rotation over time, either because something better comes along or because I get bored of them. As a trainer though, I think the Evo SL will be in my lineup for quite a while.
