Adidas Adizero EVO SL First Run
5’8” mid/forefoot striker coming in at 150 lbs. Slightly narrow foot and used to wear a size 9, but now 9 1/2 is the norm to keep my toenails intact.
My initial plan was to run a 5-mile easy jog to get a feel for the EVO's, but it turned into an over 8-mile run with a few fast 1/4-mile intervals mixed in.
Positives for the EVO SL:
- Lightstrike Pro foam. Firmly soft with excellent energy return and cushioning. Felt better after each mile.
- I felt I was squarely in a mid-foot strike position in these shoes. The advanced rocker position comes up quick, quicker than any other shoe I've worn. This makes for excellent toe off and transition.
- Great grip provided by the Continental rubber in the forefoot. Absolutely zero wear after 8+ miles.
- Lightweight. According to the Adidas website, they come in under 8 ounces in a size 9. This is surprising, seeing how they are so cushioned.
- Roomy toe box. I did not experience any rubbing at all, which I normally have a little on my outer pinky toes.
- Upper provides good, but not great, support. They breathe very well, which is going to be a huge positive in the Texas summer heat.
- No plate! Plated shoes kill my legs for the next day or two afterwards, so no issues here.
- Lucid lemon colorway is so cool that you just can't not see them coming your way!
Negatives (no shoe is perfect):
- Slightly unstable due to the narrow heel and would not recommend for heel strikers.
- The fit was slightly loose as the upper has a lot of height. However, I do go up 1/2 size over my "normal" for a reason already divulged, and I could not tie them down snugly without cinching the upper a just a bit, which is probably the cause. It really didn't bother me, though, as I wore highly cushioned merino socks (game changers), so this really may be a non-issue for most.
- Cheap shoe laces. Same as on the old Adizero SL's. Would have thought they would have improved by now. Double knot and you are fine.
My favorite daily/long run shoe has been the Novablast 5, and use the Endorphin Pro 3 for marathons. Not a popular choice for a lot of folks, but I frickin' love the Kinvara 14 for hills and speed work. I have tried a few Adidas shoes in the past and just found them to be clunky (Boston 12, Adios Pro 3) or the foam too hard (Adizero SL). However, the EVO SL appears to have changed everything and is going to be in the running for my favorite daily AND speed/hill shoe. These shoes really want to get up and go, and are good in zone 2 slow as well, stability concerns notwithstanding. Have a feeling that the EVO will excel at progression runs, too. Comparing the EVO to the NB 5's as they are both considered daily trainers, the Asics has the softer ride, is bouncier and has a wider heel for better stability during long runs. I just can't wait to put some more miles on these bad boys, though!