The running shoe market is currently in an aggressive arms race. Manufacturers are constantly trying to one-up each other with higher stacks, stiffer carbon plates, and increasingly complex foam compounds. However, amidst this technological noise, Adidas has released something refreshing: simplicity executed at the highest level.
The Adidas Adizero Evo SL is arguably one of the most exciting releases of 2025. For years, runners have asked for a shoe that features Adidas’ premium racing foam (Lightstrike Pro) without the rigid, aggressive feel of carbon Energy Rods. The Evo SL is exactly that. It borrows the visual language of the elite “Adios Pro Evo 1” marathon racer (the $500 shoe) but translates it into an accessible, $150 package designed for daily training and uptempo work. It is not a replacement for the Boston series; rather, it is a uniquely fun, versatile addition to the Adizero lineup.
- Exceptional value for super foam
- Versatile for all paces
- Extremely light, high cushion
- Questionable long-term durability
- Lacks high-level stability
The Adidas Adizero Evo SL is a lightweight, fast-feeling road shoe that blends responsive cushioning with everyday comfort for training and racing.
Key specifications:
Brand: Adidas
Model: Adizero Evo SL
Weight: 7.8 oz. (220 g) for US 9 model
Heel: 39 mm
Toe: 33 mm
Heel drop: 6 mm
Carbon plate: No plate
Cushioning & Ride
Amount of cushioning: Highly cushioned
Purpose: Super Trainer
Price of Adidas Adizero Evo SL
Price: $150 USD
Upper
The Evo SL features a stripped-back, thin engineered mesh upper that prioritizes weight reduction and breathability.
Fit & Volume: The shoe fits true to size, but it is notably spacious. The toe box offers plenty of volume, making this a friendly option for runners with medium-to-wide feet. If you have narrow feet, you may find yourself needing thicker socks to fill the negative space.
Breathability: Ventilation is excellent. This mesh is designed for warmer climates and heat management, though it does lack reflective elements for night running.
The Tongue: The tongue is thin and, crucially, not gusseted (it is not attached to the sides of the shoe). This can lead to some downward sliding during a run. A practical tip for users is to thread the laces through the loop in the middle of the tongue to keep it pinned in place.
Heel Counter: The heel collar has light padding that secures the foot well without causing irritation.
Midsole
This is why you buy this shoe. The midsole is constructed from a full-length slab of Lightstrike Pro foam.
The Feel: The ride is “balanced.” It is not overly squishy like some max-cushion recovery shoes, nor is it harsh. It sits in that sweet spot of resilient energy return. Because there are no carbon Energy Rods stiffening the length of the shoe, the forefoot is flexible. This makes the shoe much more accessible to the average runner than the stiff Adios Pro 3.
Geometry: It features a rocker shape that starts at 60% of the shoe’s length. Even without a plate, there is a small stiff shank in the midfoot (under the glued-in footbed) that helps maintain structure and allows you to utilize that rocker motion efficiently.
Performance: This foam loves effort. While it handles easy paces fine, the “bounciness” really activates when you push into Zone 2 or Threshold paces (around 4:00 min/km or 6:30 min/mile). It offers the protective cushion of a high-stack shoe (39mm heel) but the agility of a lower-profile racer.
Outsole
Adidas uses its signature Continental rubber on the outsole, but it is applied thinly to keep the weight down.
Traction: The rubber is relatively flat and smooth. It performs decently in wet conditions, though it lacks the aggressive bite of the textured rubber found on the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4.
Durability Concerns: This is the main trade-off. The exposed Lightstrike Pro foam on the underside is soft. It is prone to scuffs, abrasion, and punctures from road debris like rocks or glass. Heavy wearers may see the foam grinding down faster than they would on a standard daily trainer like a Nike Pegasus or a Brooks Ghost.
Comparison: How it stacks up
Adidas Evo SL vs. Adidas Adios Pro 3
Think of the Evo SL as the “unplated” sibling of the Adios Pro 3. They share the same foam and similar geometry. However, the Pro 3 is stiffer, more propulsive, and stable due to the Energy Rods. The Evo SL is softer, more flexible, and friendlier for daily miles.
Adidas Evo SL vs. Nike Pegasus Plus
The Nike Pegasus Plus retails for $180, while the Evo SL is $150. Despite the lower price, the Evo SL offers a superior foam compound (Lightstrike Pro) that feels livelier and lighter (7.9 oz vs. the heavier Pegasus Plus). The value proposition heavily favors Adidas here.
Adidas Evo SL vs. New Balance Rebel v5
These are very close competitors. Both are non-plated, fun, uptempo trainers. The Evo SL feels slightly more substantial underfoot due to the higher stack height (39mm vs. the Rebel’s lower stack), making the Evo SL better suited for longer efforts (10 miles+), whereas the New Balance Rebel v5 excels at shorter, punchy workouts.
Who is this shoe for?
- The Marathoner: This is the perfect training companion to save your legs on long steady runs without wasting the mileage on your expensive carbon-plated race shoes.
- The “One Shoe” Runner: If you only buy one pair of shoes to cover daily miles and faster workouts, this is versatile enough to do both.
- The Wide-Footed Runner: The generous toe-box volume will accommodate you well.
Who should avoid it?
- Runners who need stability or pronation control.
- Runners looking for a tank-like shoe to last 1,000 km (600+ miles).
Verdict
The Adidas Adizero Evo SL is a triumph of editing—knowing what to take out (the plate) to let the best feature (the foam) shine. It brings the excitement of a “super shoe” down to a daily training price point. While durability is a slight concern, the sheer joy of running in this shoe makes it worth the investment. It makes fast running feel easier and long running feel effortless.
Prateek is the founder of Athletico, a Toronto-based running community of over 90,000+ running enthusiasts. A lifelong running gear nerd, Prateek has been testing and reviewing running shoes since 2021, with a focus on honest, real-world performance rather than marketing hype.
With 20+ 10K races, four half marathons, and a first full marathon planned for April 2026, Prateek brings both experience and curiosity to every review. From daily trainers to race-day shoes, each product is tested on the road, track, and long runs because the best insights come from miles, not spec sheets.
Through in-depth reviews and practical buying guides, Prateek helps runners make smarter choices about their gear, train with confidence, and enjoy the process of running a little more.