I've watched at least a dozen of reviews of the Evo SL, but IMO yours is actually the best since you managed to include everything needed to be said about the shoe in less than 30 minutes. Also, thank you so much for not spending 10-15 minutes talking about the awful marketing and launch of the shoe like every shoetuber out there. Yes it's bad, nobody likes limited lottery drop but we've heard enough of it. You're really one of the best running shoe reviewers out there period.
I guess you missed my previous video where I spent 11mins complaining about the marketing. 🤣 I did split it out though as they are different topics that different people would be interested in. I’m glad the video was useful though. Thank you for watching and the feedback. 🤙🏻
@@SagasuRunning I actually watched that video from start to end an even commented on it lol. I enjoyed it and I agree with everything you said. I guess I should have made it clear, what I meant is I'm glad you didn't continue rambling on about the disastrous launch in the actual review video. 😆
I bought the shoe for my long runs, and I love it so much. Feels great going slow at 5:00 to 5:30 but still delivers from 3:30 to 4:00. Simple but effective.
Well said, such a brilliant shoe(I say this all the time). Interesting comment about the upper volume. I can't say I've noticed that myself. But I always get the women's version so that might be different.
Umm... ya, that would make a HUGE fit difference. Women's shoes have much more narrow lasts and considerably lower volume uppers (generally speaking). Often they will have softer foams as well. This would be good info to know in your reviews actually.
"one-shoe-for-everything" is a great point and comes in handy when having to travel, I call it my "Swiss Army Knife" shoe. For me now that's a Saucony Kinvara 14, which you can find here in the States for $50 and is a great deal for a decent shoe that can do it all. Of course I'm a new old inventory shoe buyer.
Couldn't agree more with the Kinvara 14. For starters they're extremely light and easy to pack. In the same trip I used it for easy runs, 11-mile-long runs and to beat my 5k PB on a track. Mine have almost 900kms and they still feel good.
@mattbeier I ran in the K1-5 and then gave up on the series…. The K5 was bad… the Saucony ground the series into the ground over the past 10 generations.
I agree 100% that the launch confused a lot of people, including me. I went on some websites to find it is "coming soon," then another didn't even have it, and finally, the last website I went on said it was on backorder. I will now have it at my door tomorrow. This isn't definitely not a way to do marketing, and I hope Adidas can correct this mishap in the near future.
Adidas deserves all the flaming for this one. All of it. It's 100% self created too. The Evo SL has no new material or new tech in it. I'ts all materials they have bene producing, en masse, for years. So supply chain is no excuse. At best it's a miserable attempt at "hunger marketing", at worst it's pure inept distribution management. Either way, it's an absolute failure on all counts by the brand, poorly managing their product or confusing and alienating their customers.
Great in-depth first impressions video. I love my pair. I do agree that the upper around the forefoot is a little baggy, similar to the Rebel V4, although not nearly as much. I definitely tend to save them for days when efforts are planned.
I love them, and now you made me curios to try half size down as I agree that they are a bit baggy. But regardless of this, I love the ride, so smooth and natural somehow. I even prefer them to my Superblast 2.
This shoe is incredible! I bought two pairs. Great for speed workouts, tempo, and easy runs. I have low volume / narrow feet and my TTS fit is awesome. Med/light cushion socks and the laces tighten to easily give me a secure foot…and I like tight race-like fits. It’s not as “glove like” as the Mach 6 but it’s way more so than the Rebel v4 or Cielo x1 for example.
Interesting. I have a high volume/high arch neither wide nor narrow foot, FYI. Spot on on the fit of the Rv4 (was a mess) and the Cielo X1 (the most unHoka fit ever).
I watch your videos and I do really like them! You have managed to present something very different! Size-wisely, I still have some concerns since I wear us12.5 on pro3 but us12 on Boston 12! You didn’t make quite clear if the evo sl runs a little longer than previous models such as the bostons or pro3s etc. Pro4 is a shoe that very few have it so far and every reviewer has stated that runs very short! Regards from Athens Greece
I agree. I love this shoe. Although it’s super hard to run slow in with that rocker. It’s my super shoe of choice just because it’s so fun to run in. Could even use it as a racer tbh.
I saw a runner finished the Fuji Marathon with this shoes, in sub 4. It’s actually the plateless version of the Adios Pro 3, in my personal experience.
That it is. I've also seen a few Japanese runners racing in these. There were a few at the Hakone Ekiden. If any fast marathoners are going to adopt this shoe, it will be Japanese runners. I don't expect an Afirican elites to be in them though.
Was waiting for this one - thank you. Really love the AP3 for long run, stocked up on a couple more pairs at Black Friday. Thinking it will be the EVO SL or NB5 for my next daily trainer. Thanks again - great review.
I am glad you mentioned that thing about sizing. Most runner recommend a shoe half a size larger from your normal shoe size for all kinds of running shoes. I agree and disagree. Tempo speed shoes should have a glove like race fit. Superblast 2's major weakness is that it has a daily trainer voluminous upper. It takes away from its performance. Now you made me want this shoe so bad. I really want to have the ultimate shoe rotation in 2025 with shoes that will be released this year. Evo SL has already won a spot if its sizing works for me when I get my hands on a pair. Adios 9 is a great candidate too. I am sure your review and comparison will be out soon about that potential two shoe rotation between them.
Ya, that rule of sizing up half a size always over your "street" shoes is bad. maybe 15 years ago it was ok...but in 2025 with the modern geometries and plates/rods...having a shoe that is too longer for your foot puts all of that in the wrong spot on your foot and reduces the performance of the shoe. Finding your TTS in brands is a baseline, but then every shoe needs to be taken as a one off and you need to find the right size for intended purpose. Having two sizes of the ESL is interesting. Seems like an opportunity to test something. Not quite sure what yet...but something. I'll have a 2025 Adidas rotation guide out in early February... I have many thoughts on how to build an Adidas rotation and there are some great options.
Agree on the stability, as a mild overpronator, this is the first Adizero that did not give me an issue. I'm looking forward to upcoming versus videos.
I'm glad to have that confirmed then. When I was testing out medial stability i was quite impressed with the midsole tooling. it really worked well (for an Adizero shoe) and completely bucks their recent trend. So many "vs" videos coming... maybe too many 🤣.
Fantastic initial review! I would love to hear your thoughts about this shoe compared to Boston 12 in one of those upcoming versus videos you mentioned at the end.
I'll be addressing it in a larger video and then will do a stand alone ESL vs B13 video when the B13 comes out. Though if you scroll the comments in this video you can see my thoughts on the ESL and B12... I'll also have a design video about that in Feb at some point.
Yup...though with Adidas you never know. I more want the press release for both shoes to know what foams are in them... then I can say what will be worth getting for what. That is the last piece of 2025 Adidas we don't know right now.
Evo sl is my new daily trainer it is really that goood!! coming from b12 with over 550km, i feel like my feet is pampered by evo sl..it is really fast comfortable im taking it on half marathon this feb 2❤
When you made a video describing the Peg Turbo’s best quality as “It’s the legitimate feel of a superfoam in the package of a plate-less performance trainer” (paraphrasing) I thought to myself, “Oh, he must not have run in the Evo SL yet.” - because if you had, the comparison would be IMPOSSIBLE not to make.
Agree...and I'll have a deep dive into the two shoes in February. They are both, possibly, the most important shoes in running right now. I have many thoughts... stay tuned.
@@SagasuRunningI saw a leak from TRE where a Boston 13 appeared to have a new version of LSP so I’m expecting Boston 13 to be relevant . I live in the PNW closer to Vancouver ca than Seattle and in rainy winter weather that Boston outsole is fantastic. That said I am excited to try the sl2 when widely released in summer . I love the old light strike pro foam !
This or the Adios 9 for a big runner needing to get faster during a speed work training block. 190lb 6'. 3:05 marathoner already. Curious on your thoughts?
Is there any discernible difference in recovery-friendliness between the classic lightstrike-pro and new lightstrike-pro? I’m training for my first half marathon, aiming for a 1h25m… Struggling to decide between the EVO SL and AP4 specifically for longer threshold runs and race day. I’m leaning towards the EVO SL, but I can get a significant discount on a AP4 bringing to a similar price point 😝
Only you can answer than. What I respond too is not what you will respond too. ZoomX is the best foam for recovery for me by a lot. LSP Classic is next. LSP is unknown. The workouts I’ve done in the AP4 and A9 leave my legs feel like LSP Classic… which is a good sign. Sadly though this is something you need to test for yourself. The only way to know.
The sizing comment is on point. I use EVO SL true to size and the fitting is a little bit too generous and roomy for speed work. I've just come back from a speedwork session with them(including some 200m series at 3:30 min/km) and the shoe delivers, but if I was exclusively using it for this I would prefer going half size down. At least they don't destroy my feet like the Takumi Sen 8 :'D
I tired 200s on a 200m track in my US8.5 ESL at that same pace. The tight corners of the small track were unstable in the shoe but the straights were strong. Not my first choice for 2s or 4s on a track, but given all the rocker, surprisingly capable.
@@SagasuRunning guess on the Adizero line (besides the Takumi) the Adios are the ideal shoes for those short-speed series. I managed to snatch some Puma Deviate Nitro Elite (the original ones) for less than £70. But while those arrive, the EVO SL covered the job quite well! I was doing laps outside a big football stadium, so, fortunately, tight corners weren't an issue.
Easily the most in-depth and insightful review of the EVO SL 👏🏻 Got me wondering if it’s a rotation companion to the ADIOS 9 or more a case of either/or. My gut’s telling me the former. Maybe a vs/comparison video is in order.. 🙌
The ESL + A9 may be the two shoe combo of the year, at least from Adidas. One one lacks the other has and vis-versa.I'll have a 2025 Adidas rotation guide out in early February that gets into it.
I'm sold 😅 In September I was intrigued, seen all those shoeFluencers rave about it, which was likely to adidas paying for their Berlin marathon "holiday" 😅 - though ok but shoe looks very good, so if i don't like it for running I'll wear it with jeans casually- either way win... Then in Nov my local store had it - not my size exactly, but run in it on treadmill- and it felt very good - at this point wanted it badly - ful swing into hype 😂 Couple more months and decided I'll not buy it simply because I will not be backing this type of release... .... and after your thoughts on the shoe , well defenetly getting pair :)
Great review. After the marketing debacle, I had written the shoe off, but now I'll give them more consideration in March when they are fully released. Currently the white colour way has limited availability in Australia on the Adidas website, but I'd prefer to get the black colour way. I'll be interested to see how the Evo SL compares to the Mach 6. The Mach 6 is a shoe which is supposedly a daily trainer, but I aways find myself running at a faster pace than planned in them. At least that is how the Mach 6 works for me. I'm guessing the Evo SL will have a better midsole, however, the Mach 6 upper may fit my feet better.
I enjoyed the Mach 6 until I got Hoka'd with the fit. here are my thoughts; - Both the M6 and ESL have similar early rocker feels. The M6 midsole is stiffer so there is a more pronounced :"falling forward" feeling, which for me limited the M6 at faster paces (as I don't like pronounced rocker for faster, sub 5k, speeds). - The foam in the ESL is lightyears better... LPS classic vs a Hoka SC EVA is no contest (and I like SC EVAs), night and day difference. -The fit is opposite. Where the M6 is way too constrictive and low volume in the forefoot, especially at the base of the eyelet chain... the ESL is the total opposite. I can work with the ESL fit and finetune but could do nothing with the M6 fit. - I actually like the upper textile better in the M6, but the simplicity of the ESL upper more.
@@SagasuRunning yeah, i also went up to a EU 46 2/3 in the Mach 6. Then, right now i tried again the EU 46 and lengthwise it would fit, but the toe box taper on the MEDIAL side for me was the problem. It pushes the big toe in Hallux Valgus position. Or refrased: the big toe pushes against the upper sideways. Then i tried the 46 in wide (2E), the shoe looked wider, but the forefoot felt the same. Quick change into my 46 2/3: yes, long enough that the big toe doesn't do anything ;) Oh and some people said the fit may differ from colour to colour, or the launch white coloured were smaller than the others: I got my 46 2/3 puppy/squash in may i think and right now i ordered the 46 in white and the 46 wide was black. Nothing to was off or to be recognized by me.
@@SagasuRunning do you think if i managed to get the NB5 closed up enough in 45, i could manage to do the same in the Evo SL in 45 1/3? Upper volume and wide fit is my concern due to your video and last comments 🫤
Damn, I wasn’t going to buy this shoe because a) I don’t need any more running shoes, and b) Adidas messed up the initial release , but I’ve just gone and ordered some anyway on the back of your review. I’ve been surprised at how fun the SL2 is to run in and I’m now hoping for more of that. Been running in the Takumi Sen 8 for a couple of years and the Adios Pro 3 for a year and really like Lightstrike Pro (Classic).
If you found the SL2 fun to run in (I didn't, which is why I didn't spend much time in it last year, it was never a shoe I reached for, bit it worked very well)...the Evo SL will blow your mind. It is a shoe I need to stop myself from reaching for. It is way too much fun.
9:50 wtf 😆 This is ridiculous. I'm all for brands making their race models a little more snug-fitting, but length discrepancies like this are unacceptable. Especially coming from a brand like Adidas. I feel like ASICS had this issue with the blast series for a little while but it seems to be corrected now.
Adidas had the opposite issue with the TS10, that shoe was short by at least half a size. It has been strange for Adizero the past 3-4 years. There is always one shoe in the Adizero lineup with inconsistent sizing. Not as bad as what Asics struggled with 4-5 years ago where nearly every shoe was different sizing. They do see to have that under control now though. I've found Asics sizing very consistent from last year onward.
Adidas is smart… if this can be used for marathoning at 2:30 or slower (I’m aiming sub-3) and it’s messed up release meant I had to wait and snap up the AP4 instead, they just manipulated me into handing over much more money!
There have been so many in leaks...but none have been better than this white one or the black/white one... I am hoping for a triple white/non-dyed though...
I find that I go easy in the shoe in terms of effort and HR but my paces are so much faster in them than in other shoes at the same effort and HR. Like 30 seconds faster per mile! It’s a miraculous shoe. Biggest surprise here is that Sagasu and I are in total agreement!
Ya... I have seen similar data for LOE/HR vs pace. It's a bit deceptive though and makes "easy" hard to manage. A she definitely capable of it, but there are other options to pair with it that don't take quite as much effort to stay on top of. Regardless, there are worst shoes to run easy in too...
How does this shoe compare to the novablast? Would love to see a comparison video since I will be in the market for a new shoe soon, currently considering novablast or peg plus. Thank you!
I have high volume feet, due to high arches, but neither wide nor narrow feet...but I can see wide feet liking the forefoot, as long as the mid-foot and heel aren't too narrow.
The B12, yes. The Evo SL is what the B12 should have been 2 years ago. As for the B13, it really depends on the foams in that shoe. I'll have some content next month with some thoughts on that.
Hi chris, about the Adidas sizing issues and the inconsistent sizes of many Adidas trainers, can you please tell me about your heel to toe size in CM, so that I can cross reference myself in your videos about the sizing. Thanks.
Agree re comment on sizing. I went TTS and find the length works well but there is just so much volume in the midfoot that the eyelets aren't far away from touching! Granted, I have quite a low volume foot. In any case, I don't intend on racing in these so I'll stick to my TTS. Looking forward to taking these out this weekend.
My larger right foot is EU 45,5 or self measured 28,4cm and since i have feet on the narrow side and very low volume, I always go for the smallest size - like i do with climbing shoes. I currently have the Adios 8 and Supernova Rise at home for trying. Both in EU 45 1/3 and EU 46. Both I wouldn't want to run in 45 1/3 but in 46 i don't fill the toe box in the Adios 8. Asics i take the smaller size: EU 45 / 285mm. Brooks Ghost Max 1 and Hyperion 1 GTS also 45 and not 45,5. Currently at home: Nike Zoomfly 6 and here it looks more like 45,5 than 45 at the moment. The Supernova Rise is nothing special and the Adios 8 is impossible to run because it is so hard at the front! Purely a sprint shoe. There is zero cushioning in the forefoot, no give, nothing. Just a hard wooden blanket! Now the Evo SL - which i planned to skip because of my disappointment of the SL2 and the stupid hype - gets good reviews everywhere. I mean, it is supposed to be a Adios Pro 3 midsole and everything else as cheap as possible. Well and continental rubber and not that slippery plastic of the SL2. I have many shoes at home to try at the moment and i have to return a lot of them soon. If I want to keep the Zoomfly 6 and get the Evo SL in March, I will return the Novablast 5, Skyflow and Skyward X. I also kept the Kayano 31 lite-show for walking and to not restrict the toes, Puma Foreverrun Nitro WTR, the-shoe-that-is-not-to-be-named, and got a few shoes 2nd hand for a good price for the state they are in, f.e. Magic Speed 3, Saucony Speed 2, Hyperion Max (1), Asics Trabuco 10 (new) for Hiking, Superblast 2, Glideride (1), Saucony Ride 17, Saucony (Speed 3, Pro 3, Axon 3), etc. Many shoes to test in the new year and hopefully to sell, as favorites should crystalize out of them. I would also wanna test the Hyperion 2 and the Hyperion Max 2, but they are sold out everywhere. The Novablast 5... I have the NB 4 TR, Ghost Max 1, VN2+3, Superblast 1+2, Mach 6, Noosa Tri 14-16, ... I just don't know if it makes sense if i have all those other shoes. Not that i couldn't sell them again, no problem, but... Best I return everything and close my eyes 2025+2026 since there are supposed to be even better shoes coming and I am sure i won't need shoes for years at that point. 😂🙈
@@SagasuRunningnot for me. The laces pull the extra part of the shoe in just right. I have low volume narrow foot and TTS fits great. Strange how differently people are describing the fit. Must be other factors like how high one’s instep and arch is and the angle of their toes big to small
You nailed it about the upper. The midsole feels great. Unfortunately the shank rubbing the bottom of my right foot, so No Evo SL for me. Good thing I have the Altra Vanish Tempo and the feel of midsoles are identical. The Vanish Tempo has much much better upper, better midfoot lock down. I guess I've saved 150usd...
I've been looking forward to this one. I am intrigued by your "do everything" framing, rather than the "this is not a daily trainer" sentiment I've seen from the other shoe-tubers. This may be a niche use case, but I have regular semi-long work travel and am interested in the Evo SL as a one-bring running shoe. I like the versatility and some aggressiveness can be nice when it's difficult to fit in enough time for easier mileage (or treadmilling versus a max-stack daily). Also, the subtler "lifestyle" design language would be nice for casual wear after hours. Any thoughts on the Evo SL as a one-bring travel shoe?
Did this for a few days while i was away in FL last december and was able to make it work even though i agree with the review saying that this is a tempo trainer at its core. It even made all my walking around faster bc of its aggressive rocker 😂 but all in all I made it work even though all my easy runs I had scheduled during my time there were a struggle to stay easy bc of how fast they are
Interesting you ask. That type of travel is called 'One bag" travel, something I was (am) a huge proponent of. I don't normally wear my active running shoes casually, but if i was going to look for a one-bag option for travel, casual wear and running...this would be one of the top 3 candidates (the Mount to Coast R1 and Nike Peg 41 are the other two). It really depends on your style and type of running planned. As a "weekend" shoe, a shoe to throw in a bag for running only, your casual shoes worn on the feet, the Evo SL is a top choice too.
Another great review, I especially like the length comparison. I found the Boston 12 voluminous and a touch long, but okay for width. So if this shoe is equally as voluminous (I just like typing that word) I’ll definitely try a half size down myself. I love Lightstrike foam (AP3 and TS10) so I’m sure I’ll love this. Now, if I can only find a matching tote bag 😉
I weigh 195 lbs and they are perfect for me. The foam is firm initially but softens up over the first 30 miles and becomes the perfect balance of firm when you need the speed and soft for those slower paces.
They are the best Adizero option right now. LSP Classic is known to withstand heavier runners force well. Given there are not rods in the Evo SL to give additional structure, like the AP3 had, I don't expect it to last as long as the AP3 did... but you'll get quite a bit of good running out of them.
Probably putting the cart ahead of the horse (and your planned video releases)... but really wanting to see how this compares across other tempo trainers (and possibly the Superblast?) on your ride characteristics comparison & performance matrix.
🛒 🐴... basically I have about a week of "vs" videos coming on this shoe... then more indepth content in Feb on rotation building and pairings. Stay tuned.
Such a high praise for such a hype shoe..I wonder how it compares with Adios 9 and Takumi Sen 10..for now, I use the TS10 as my tempo trainer..I wonder does adding one or both of them in the rotation could be useful or an overkill..I’m not training for any race for a moment..my current HM racer is the Metaspeed edge paris, and I’m sticking to that for now..for a context my 10K PB is 48 min ish, and HM is 1:51 ish both in Metaspeed, and if my Achilles permit, I hope I can break 45 min 10K this year
The ESL compliments the A9 well and is a much faster road shoe than the TS10. The ESL will be much nicer to your achilles than the Metapseed, both foam and geometry.
That shoe equation was wild, very different, and still spot on.. 😅 Chris, you mentioned this being the one shoe to do everything on and that one could even race a marathon on them. That's incredible, but as someone who's not really going to run even a half marathon this year, do you think the Adios 9 could be the shoe? Also, I'm fairly light, I'm 182cm and 80kg, and I ran 5k in under 20m last year before I kinda stopped running for the last couple of months. I'm coming back now and idk if i can justify buying 2 pairs in the near future.
So...you REALLY should have at least 2 pairs of running shoes to rotate, just for foot and leg health. A ESL + A9 combo would be ideal. We are similar weights,I'm shorter and a light lighter...but even i wouldn't depend on the A9 alone. I'd pair it with something else. Here is a video on the importance of running shoe rotations: ua-cam.com/video/5z4cY1deQqY/v-deo.html
@@SagasuRunning yeah, i remember that one video and I'm gonna go back to it when it comes to buying time.. Right now, I'm only running on my SL1 and it's my second pair, so it's still kinda new at about 300km I think. I occasionally pick up a pair of invincible 3 that i got in 2023 for a half marathon build and sometimes I finish a run barefoot on grass while cooling down. I don't see myself running anything longer than a 10k, so when the A9 comes to Brazil I might get it and the rotation is gonna be A9 + SL1. However, I will most definitely watch all the ESL comparison videos
Thanks for the review. Why would you need a shoe like this? It seems like a nice looking shoe but I find I need 2 types of shoes. A Superblast 2 for easy or long runs or old carbon racer for intervals of all types (eg: old pair of vaporfly 3 or 4).
The Evo SL is a replacement (or alternative) for the Superblast for those of us who want a shoe that is capable for more than just long runs with marathon pace. Like the SB2 is claimed to be, the Evo SL is actually a shoe that can do it all… including race. Otherwise it s tempo shoe to slot in between a daily trainer and a race shoe.
I’d say March 2025… but with Adidas and launches… not even they seem to know right now when their own shoes are coming out. 🤷🏼♂️ Incase you can’t tell from the video… it will be worth the wait.
@ I’ll wait for a re launch. I see on the UK app there is another Feb Evo SL drop. This is strange but I guess prevents too much dumb reseller activity. Though, after multiple cycles, they might lose the momentum and other shoes will be out. Nike can prob bring out previous versions of super shoes that would sell well. Like vaporfly or AF OG. VF2. They’ve brought out older Kobe Mamba bball shoes for example.
@@SagasuRunning depending on how people are training, I find I do so little marathon pace training on long runs during a cycle that it’s not worth buying such specific shoes. Your comparison as a lifestyle runner is interesting. That city runner is looking good and I think adidas is on to something there. Running culture has exploded. Younger folks seem to be way more engaged and marathons are becoming social media hype events. Lot different than when I started doing this stuff 20+ years ago.
Still working through it and will have a video on it in early Feb… I’m a bit undecided at the moment but will go through the options… as well as the Takumi Sen 11.
What do you think of this rotation? Daily/Interval trainer: Adios 9 Tempo/long run trainer: Evo SL Race Day: Sky Paris I love Lightstrike Pro classic. I respond well to it. The formulation of the FF Turbo+ is a winner. Fast rebounding yet a bit softer.
This shoe sounds like a lot of fun! I currently have the SL2 and AP3 and even in the SL2 I often run faster than I wanted to. I can't imagine the EVO SL. SL2's have 600+ km on them and they are almost like new, when I finally retire them I will probably switch to the EVO SL.
The ESL is so much better than the SL2, but also a very different shoe. They both have their place. When you finally try the ESL your mind will be blown.
How is the fit compared to Boston 12? I went half size down for Boston 12 (US11 Boston12 and US11,5 Pro3) and I use Boston 12 for fartleks/long run with mix of paces. Would it be better to go with US11 like Boston 12?
I just tried them both on. My US9 B12 fits similar to my US8.5 ESL...my US9 ESL is much longer than my US9 B12. The upper on both the ESLs has much more volume. Heel hold in the ESLs is better. The ESL is much more comfortable on foot.
@@SagasuRunning Even with EvoSL half size smaller, it still has more room than the B12? Then I will try to go full size down to 10,5. My feet is a bit narrower than average
Yes…. Though length may be an issue a full size down. The upper volume, especially I the forefoot, is higher overall in the ESL over the B12, regardless of the size.
I'm currently training in the SL2 and absolutely love it; I'm running my first half marathon in May, so I'm looking for a longer distance shoe. My pace will probably be around 5min/km. I just ordered the B12, but looking at your reviews I should probably wait for the release of the ESL?
The ESL is a much better option in 2025. The B12 will be fine, but the ESL is more comfortable, faster and more fun. See my "Evo SL vs Adizero" video for more on the two and why.
I was torn between the Evo SL or Zoom Fly 6. I really want a firmer tempo trainer without a plate. Looks like Evo SL will be my top pick. 2025 Rotation: Daily trainer: Brooks Launch 11 Tempo trainer: Evo SL 5k: Adios 9? Streakfly 2? 10k-21k: Sky Paris 42k: Vaporfly 4? Adios Pro 4?
@@SagasuRunning thank god the Evo SL seems classes better than the SL2. You really want me to rant about the SL2? 😜 There is not a single piece of the shoe which is not aweful. The shoe lives off of the Lightstrike Pro marketing. The rest is a 30 Dollar noname trash sold for 100€ because of Lightstrike Pro marketing. But slowly: 1.) The toe box is rediculous! The toenails of my fat big toes press against the upper like there is no tomorrow! Also pulling out the insoles doesn't help, since they are so thin anyway, that it basically doesn't matter. 2.) the upper is probably the only thing which isn't a total catastrophe. A normal, super basic, cheap one. Ok. 3.) the laces. Are you kidding me? This is a hardcore pricepoint shoe, i understand, but just put together the worst and cheapest trash just to be able to print Lightstrike Pro on the shoe? 4.) my feet are ultra low volume and narrow, normal arches, everything normal and healthy. But even me on one foot the insole pressed into my foot in the middle on the medial side (arch) 5.) foam: what is that? You are standing on hard ground. Or the floor, i don't know. It is just a hard piece of crap. 6.) the outsole “rubber" is no rubber, it is cheap plastic! I was sliding at home on my wooden floor that much, that i didn't even want to take the shoe out the door. UA-camrs confirmed: grip is bad. I know that my indoor floor says nothing about "real world performance", but i never had a shoe slipping THAT bad! 7.) I am sure i forgot something, but the important stuff is here. Conclusio: THIS (the SL2) is by far the worst shoe I've ever put my feet inside! Ever! As far as me is concerned, as i said: this "shoe" is a 30 Dollar noname trash with Lightstrike Pro marketing, sold for 100. So, what to do when having a bad product or want to get red of some spare parts? Piece together something, put a little bit of something good in it and pump up the marketing. Tadaaa, super high profit margin and you sell a ton of these.
@ Well for me it's seeming like I'm working a little harder for the same return on tempo runs. I wear SB2's as my daily (have done for 2 years), race in VF2's and use my 'older' VF2's for track work and anything faster than Tempo pace - which is around 3:40min/km for me. First couple runs they felt over squishy (which i know is the point of these), almost like ZoomX on VF2's but with no plate. Like the shoe is absorbing my efforts and not giving me anything back. Today was a little better tbh, but lots of variables at play with me atm though, so i'll do next weeks T runs back in my SB's and see how i feel again. Not completely writing them off. Just not completely sold yet.
I am also deciding if i should return NB5 and Zoomfly 6 I have currently at home to try and get the Evo SL in march/april/whenever it is available. Because i have a ton of good daily trainers and also a DN2 and the-shoe-you-shall-not-name + DNE2 as plated tempo shoes. Also coming 2nd hand: Speed 2, Speed 3, Saucony Pro 3 (this has the best days behind). Man, i want the teal colourway of the NB5 and after trying at home i want to run in the ZF6 Ekiden :) Help 🥲
@@SagasuRunning soooo... Get rid of the ZF6? 😢 This would be the only shoe i would have for fun and bounce - the motivation to lace up and go out the door even if you initially don't feel to. I also tried the Skyward X because it is called the most bouncy shoe ever. Holy sh*t, that thing is unrunable! It is like having half a meter styropor under your feet 😱 Zoomfly 6... SH*T! I have to keep all of she shoes are and hide it in the cellar, that nobody thinks i have lost my mind by having this much running shoes - or have won the lottery or something. 🙈
Another highly detailed review, kudos! You bring up a curious point about sizing that echoes my experience with the AP3, as I run in a pair that's half a size down from my usual US 10.5 without issue. I'm intrigued by your ride equation to describe the ride as I haven't run in the Invincible, but an AP3 without rods sounds like an appealing proposition to me, more so if it works well for mild pronators. I am however slightly confused as to why Adidas didn't use the new formulation of LSP in the Evo SL (price?). It shouldn't encroach on Adios 9 territory as that one has considerably less foam. Will the Evo SL 2 go with the softer foam that's on the AP4 and Adios 9?🤔 Looking forward to your comparisons.👍
Price and availability. Also, as I pointed out in my marketing video, I think the ESL is a transitional shoe, given those that found the jump to the AP4 too far something to bridge the gap from the AP3. It really does that. If we see a ESL2, I do think it will have the new foam, though I also think it will stay one foam generation behind the Adios Pro. When we see what foams are in the Boston 13 and Takumi Sen 11...we will know more. I'll be covering that in detail.
Hi, thanks for this comprehensive review! I wanted to ask if this would be a good shoe for a marathon of around 4 hours, on a low-weight runner (50kg), who supinates. I have used the Endorphin Pro and Speed 4, and I cannot handle the plate; after 2 hours, it is very painful for my feet :(. I was thinking this might be a good plateless option. Thanks!
I definitely think it would be and is worth a try. I honestly see no disadvantage for a light weight runner in the marathon… other than maybe the weight. However it’s negligible. If you do try it, let me know how it works out. I’m curious.
@SagasuRunning thanks for your answer. I will give it a try! I am scared that some other shoes, like the Superblast, are too thick and stiff for me. And then I'm scared of the plates haha. That's why this option seems promising😀
It was definitely a disastrous introduction to this shoe but I could care less about marketing. #fastculture 😂 I just want to experience the shoe. I can’t wait for its release.
I think it is a mix of an old and new gen style of a tempo trainer and what most ppl want in a non plated tempo trainer Again, like the peg plus i mentioned in like every evo sl vid you made lol
@SagasuRunning I think that you should compare them to other shoes like the Boston 12 Endorphin speed 4 and such cuz they have a thin line connecting between em Especially the boston 12 since they both got lightstrike pro
B12 comparison coming, in a way. Won’t be doing and ES4 comparison though, no longer have those shoes (my 2024 shoe purge happened already, I have very little storage where I live so I only keep what I’m running in or currently working on for the channel).
Would you recommend them for traveling? Like the all-in-one shoe for walking and running just as it's advertised per your video before this haha. I really like how this looks so I'm considering it for that use case. Another option being the Pegasus Plus which I know you really liked.
Interesting you ask. That type of travel is called 'One bag" travel, something I was (am) a huge proponent of. I don't normally wear my active running shoes casually, but if i was going to look for a one-bag option for travel, casual wear and running...this would be one of the top 3 candidates (the Mount to Coast R1 and Nike Peg 41 are the other two). It really depends on your style and type of running planned. As a "weekend" shoe, a shoe to throw in a bag for running only, your casual shoes worn on the feet, the Evo SL is a top choice too.
Coming from someone who was a sneakerhead for years, the marketing strategy is working every time someone complains about the release of this shoe. That’s actually building the hype, which is exactly what adidas wants.
See... for sneakerhead/hypebeast stuff, limited collabs that should be exclusive....these games are fine for that. However, for performance shoes, for athletes (like what Adizero is), these games are just dumb. At the very elast have a basic color way available for athletes always...then play the games with the exclusive color ways, whatever. In this case though, I don't feel like this is Adidas playing games. I feel like it is just inept management. Even Adidas doesn't seem to have any idea when Adidas shoes are actually launching right now.
@ you explained that well on your last video. I completely agree that there is some ineptness going on, probably because the people at the top are putting greed over need.
Technically it's a glued in non-removable insole, but it is easy enough to remove. Though if you need to put an orthotic in you'll need a very minimal low profile one in the shoe as it's not really designed for that. While there is extra volume in the upper, the footbed is very flat and can take a thick orthotic or 3rd party insole.
Appreciate the review! I have a pair on the way and also have a backlog of Prime X Strung 1’s. How would you compare the two shoes? I would love to not have to try and hunt down reasonably priced PXS1’s any more, haha
I never ran in the PX1S, only tried on the PX2S (and immediately took them off with a firm "nope")... so I can't really say, sorry. There was someone that commented in this video that ran in both and compare the ESL to a "cheaper" PX. 🤷🏼♂️
How does the Evo SL hold up in long runs? Does it feel like it begins to bottom out or is the amount of foam adequate? Also, it would be great to have a Evo SL vs Superblast 2 comparison video. Thanks!
Longest run i did was 17k...it's LSP Classic... I don't think I've ever heard anyone mention that foam "bottoming out" (to be honest I've also never felt that in any shoe period?)... for 15 k of the 17k I did I was in at Tempo pace that was silky smooth. I would have no issue taking this shoe much further (which I have no reason too at the moment as I am focused on 5k and short distances). ESL vs SB2 video coming soon...🤙🏻
What I mean by bottoming or is that after a while, it feels like the foam in the shoe isn’t enough to be protective. That used to happen with me with lower stack shoes like the NB Rebel v3. It would start out feeling ok, but then after about 7-8 miles, it would feel like the foam was no longer doing its job.
I know what you mean. I’ve never felt it. I especially have never felt it, or heard anyone mention it, with LSP. It’s a very resilient and durable foam. Comparing LSP to any foam New Balance has used in the past 10 years isn’t fair either. NB foams leave alot to be desired. I ran a lot in the Rv1 and Rv2… the durability of the shoe overall and the materials were the issue there. Current NB foams are even worst.
Adidas uppers are so horrible for me (Boston 12, Pro 3, Takumi Sen9) that Im really scared to try out new Adidas shoes. And, as usual, since we are like fire and water... I LOVE SOCK LIKE UPPERS
We really are. If you are scared of Adidas uppers...the new Microfit uppers on the AP4 and A9 are very good and not scary at all. The upper on the ESL is more of the same, though the best one yet, of what they have been doing the past few years. I'm a fan of RunRepeat as well and you may see us working together on some things in the future... they are a great team over there.
I currently have Novablast 4 and Boston 12’s in my rotation. I’m considering the supernova rise or the peg plus, would both fit? Or maybe the evo SL instead? So many choices.
@christiansl0506 SNR is a better cruiser, the PP is a better tempo shoe. They will work great together as a wonderful low stack rotation… a massive counter to the B12.
Anyone knows where to get these in the US😢 I’m sold by this great video, but the wide release of this pair isn’t until march right? I could only find them on some reseller websites like flight club and stockx, but I want to try them on before buying. Anyone has any advice?
I wonder if Adidas intents to merge current Adizero SL and EVO SL in the future. 🤔 About sizing, I personally would 1/2 size up AP4 based on my experience and since you prefer 1/2 down I think I would be fine with TTS in ESL.
Different uses. For tempo and threshold efforts the Evo SL... for proper speed work the A9. The two shoes compliment one another quite well as they do what the other doesn't do well...
I guess we had to wait for the "plated shoe" hype cycle to run its course before this could happen. It's been about 5 years I have been waiting for a light, neutral performance flat to fill the Streak 7 void but built with the breakthrough new materials that created the "supershoe" shakeup. I still have some months to wait, apparently, but it looks good. The adios 8 was decent but the outboard torsion system shank has always sucked, IMO. The experience of the adios 8, though, tells me that a large continuous forefoot slab of Continental rubber is a structural element in addition to the shank. That's a bit different than the omnidirectional flexibility of the Streak blown rubber hexagons but the midsole of Lightstrike Pro is stretchier than Phylon. It seems likely to me that the just right outsole coverage is a key part of the apparent success with this minimalist design. (Count me in on the don't-care-about-gusset club.)
Right? I will have a video exploring this topic "viable non-plated modern race shoes" in early February. I feel strongly that the Evo SL should have come out two years ago and have been called the Boston 12 (I'll discuss this somewhere too)... if that would have happened then, as the tempo trainer partner to the AP3, alot of the insanity of the "super trianer" thing wouldn't have happened as Adidas would have shown a better way. Super trainers would have still happened, but the templated would have been different. However, I agree with your point that the "plated shoe" hype cycle need to run it's course. Two years ago it was near the peak, especially for Adidas who was struggling to get their rods working right (EnergyRods 2.0 was a massive breakthrough for them). Again, I'll have a video on this somewhere in Feb...I've bene writing it for a few days now.
I haven’t tried it but I just realized that Adidas Terrex has a similar shoe out last year: the agravic speed. It’s similar to the ASU but without the energy rods. It’s just lightstrike pro with a full coverage continental rubber outsole. In retrospect I kind of regret not trying them out but they seemed too similar to the Kjerag that I already had.
Wondering the same. I'm in between getting the SL or the Boston 13. So odd that there aren't even any images of the Boston 13 yet. The image or two that came out are not of the Boston 13 I'm pretty sure as the design language is old.
There are multiple B13 images… of multiple generations. We have seen it from all angles. It does look to be Indians still… the question is what two foams. That will determine if the shoe is useful. However, the ESL is going to be hard to beat. It’s a better “Boston” all together.
Great Video! when it does hard release (idk if i used that right) i'ma try to get one for my rotation because i don't have a good shoe for faster runs that aren't tempo or easy like progressions or steady state or even long runs I've been in boston 10's and ghost 16's
so spot on on the sizing...i tried both as well and they both work but it depends on what you are using it for! this video will save lots of time and hassle for people, thank you
I've watched at least a dozen of reviews of the Evo SL, but IMO yours is actually the best since you managed to include everything needed to be said about the shoe in less than 30 minutes. Also, thank you so much for not spending 10-15 minutes talking about the awful marketing and launch of the shoe like every shoetuber out there. Yes it's bad, nobody likes limited lottery drop but we've heard enough of it. You're really one of the best running shoe reviewers out there period.
I guess you missed my previous video where I spent 11mins complaining about the marketing. 🤣
I did split it out though as they are different topics that different people would be interested in.
I’m glad the video was useful though. Thank you for watching and the feedback. 🤙🏻
@@SagasuRunning I actually watched that video from start to end an even commented on it lol. I enjoyed it and I agree with everything you said. I guess I should have made it clear, what I meant is I'm glad you didn't continue rambling on about the disastrous launch in the actual review video. 😆
Totally agree!
I bought the shoe for my long runs, and I love it so much. Feels great going slow at 5:00 to 5:30 but still delivers from 3:30 to 4:00. Simple but effective.
Simple but effective, nails it. Yes. 👍🏻
The best EvoSL review I've watched.
Will def get a pair when it is widely released.
I'm glad it hit the mark for you. Thank you for watching. Enjoy them when you get a pair. 🤙🏻
I own the Boston 12, Adizero SL and Prime X Strung 2 and can easily say I love the Evo SL the most. It’s just such an amazing shoe 🏃🏻♂️
Same
The Evo SL is what the Boston 12 should have been 2 years ago. Can't really compare it to the SL and is a more reasonable and usable PX2S.
True to size?
@MattsThk For?
@@SagasuRunning Daily Training and Tempo runs ✌🏻
Excellent job on the powerpoint slides, no one else does this as fas as I know and its very helpful.
Ha! Thank you. 🙏🏻 🤙🏻
I love mine! Will definitely be buying another pair when Adidas drop some better colourways 👌🏻
So many more color ways in the leaks... I'm waiting on a triple white/non-dyed.
Well said, such a brilliant shoe(I say this all the time). Interesting comment about the upper volume. I can't say I've noticed that myself. But I always get the women's version so that might be different.
Umm... ya, that would make a HUGE fit difference. Women's shoes have much more narrow lasts and considerably lower volume uppers (generally speaking). Often they will have softer foams as well.
This would be good info to know in your reviews actually.
"one-shoe-for-everything" is a great point and comes in handy when having to travel, I call it my "Swiss Army Knife" shoe. For me now that's a Saucony Kinvara 14, which you can find here in the States for $50 and is a great deal for a decent shoe that can do it all. Of course I'm a new old inventory shoe buyer.
Couldn't agree more with the Kinvara 14.
For starters they're extremely light and easy to pack.
In the same trip I used it for easy runs, 11-mile-long runs and to beat my 5k PB on a track. Mine have almost 900kms and they still feel good.
Light and airy for hot climates, yes, but the shoes feel way too hard for me, so i sold them after 1 run 🤷
I also call it that... and am a big swiss army knife fan. It's been the Peg for me for years, though it was a Kinvara a long time ago (up to the K5).
@@SagasuRunning You are bringing me back to the early days of the Kinvara. I ran in the K1 and K2 and used them for my first adult 5Ks (post HS XC).
@mattbeier I ran in the K1-5 and then gave up on the series…. The K5 was bad… the Saucony ground the series into the ground over the past 10 generations.
You got me subscribe with this exceptional quality review with illustration and data that really helps the understanding of the shoe 👍
I'm glad you found value in the content. Hopefully you continue to find that on this channel. Happy to have you here! 🤙🏻
Can't get any more of a comprehensive review than that.
I try...I'm happy with how this testing and video turned out. I'm glad it was in a shoe I'll actually run in in 2025 too.
@SagasuRunning 👍
I agree 100% that the launch confused a lot of people, including me. I went on some websites to find it is "coming soon," then another didn't even have it, and finally, the last website I went on said it was on backorder. I will now have it at my door tomorrow. This isn't definitely not a way to do marketing, and I hope Adidas can correct this mishap in the near future.
Adidas deserves all the flaming for this one. All of it. It's 100% self created too. The Evo SL has no new material or new tech in it. I'ts all materials they have bene producing, en masse, for years. So supply chain is no excuse.
At best it's a miserable attempt at "hunger marketing", at worst it's pure inept distribution management. Either way, it's an absolute failure on all counts by the brand, poorly managing their product or confusing and alienating their customers.
Great in-depth first impressions video. I love my pair. I do agree that the upper around the forefoot is a little baggy, similar to the Rebel V4, although not nearly as much. I definitely tend to save them for days when efforts are planned.
Oh man, you just reminded me how bad the Rv4 fit was...the Evo SL is nowhere near as bad.
I love them, and now you made me curios to try half size down as I agree that they are a bit baggy. But regardless of this, I love the ride, so smooth and natural somehow. I even prefer them to my Superblast 2.
These are a valid alternative to the SB2…. I’ll have a look”vs” video that goes into it.
21:29 This is true! While aiming for my easy runs, It just makes me run fast. Some days I switch to my pegasus 39 😅
Nice review btw Mr. Sagasu!
I mean, there are worst problems to have. Still, pairing the ESL with a proper easy day shoe is a good idea.
Thank you for watching. 🤙🏻
Been waiting for more on this shoe! The marketing video was good.
Here is the actual shoe, silly marketing put away… 🤙🏻
Fantastic review especially breaking down the fit thanks 🎯
I’m glad it was useful. Thank you for watching. 🤙🏻
NOBODY gives such reviews as you! EXELENT
Thank you for the kind words. 🤙🏻
This shoe is incredible! I bought two pairs. Great for speed workouts, tempo, and easy runs. I have low volume / narrow feet and my TTS fit is awesome. Med/light cushion socks and the laces tighten to easily give me a secure foot…and I like tight race-like fits. It’s not as “glove like” as the Mach 6 but it’s way more so than the Rebel v4 or Cielo x1 for example.
Interesting. I have a high volume/high arch neither wide nor narrow foot, FYI.
Spot on on the fit of the Rv4 (was a mess) and the Cielo X1 (the most unHoka fit ever).
Great review Chris! Can’t wait to actually get my hands on a pair!
Still, officially March 2025, but that could mean tomorrow as well. Even Adidas doesn't seem to know when their shoes are releasing anymore.
I watch your videos and I do really like them! You have managed to present something very different!
Size-wisely, I still have some concerns since I wear us12.5 on pro3 but us12 on Boston 12! You didn’t make quite clear if the evo sl runs a little longer than previous models such as the bostons or pro3s etc. Pro4 is a shoe that very few have it so far and every reviewer has stated that runs very short! Regards from Athens Greece
All in US9 the ESL is longer than the AP3 and B12.
I agree. I love this shoe. Although it’s super hard to run slow in with that rocker. It’s my super shoe of choice just because it’s so fun to run in. Could even use it as a racer tbh.
🎯
I saw a runner finished the Fuji Marathon with this shoes, in sub 4. It’s actually the plateless version of the Adios Pro 3, in my personal experience.
That it is. I've also seen a few Japanese runners racing in these. There were a few at the Hakone Ekiden. If any fast marathoners are going to adopt this shoe, it will be Japanese runners. I don't expect an Afirican elites to be in them though.
Was waiting for this one - thank you. Really love the AP3 for long run, stocked up on a couple more pairs at Black Friday. Thinking it will be the EVO SL or NB5 for my next daily trainer. Thanks again - great review.
The Evo SL + AP3 is a great combo. Add in the NB5 and you have an excellent rotation. Thank you for watching. 🤙🏻
@@SagasuRunning - Sweet, thanks so much. Still got a lot of life in a pair of Adios 8s, great for speed work.
You give real information. no bullshit content. Love it.
That is what I try to do here... 🤙🏻
I love your new style of video editing!
Ha... minimalist jump cuts are your thing I see. 🤣
Love your reviews
Thank you for watching! 🤙🏻
I tihnk i can run a marathon in these bad boys!
Not only run a marathon… race a marathon for an aggressive time.
I am glad you mentioned that thing about sizing. Most runner recommend a shoe half a size larger from your normal shoe size for all kinds of running shoes. I agree and disagree. Tempo speed shoes should have a glove like race fit. Superblast 2's major weakness is that it has a daily trainer voluminous upper. It takes away from its performance. Now you made me want this shoe so bad. I really want to have the ultimate shoe rotation in 2025 with shoes that will be released this year. Evo SL has already won a spot if its sizing works for me when I get my hands on a pair. Adios 9 is a great candidate too. I am sure your review and comparison will be out soon about that potential two shoe rotation between them.
Ya, that rule of sizing up half a size always over your "street" shoes is bad. maybe 15 years ago it was ok...but in 2025 with the modern geometries and plates/rods...having a shoe that is too longer for your foot puts all of that in the wrong spot on your foot and reduces the performance of the shoe. Finding your TTS in brands is a baseline, but then every shoe needs to be taken as a one off and you need to find the right size for intended purpose.
Having two sizes of the ESL is interesting. Seems like an opportunity to test something. Not quite sure what yet...but something.
I'll have a 2025 Adidas rotation guide out in early February... I have many thoughts on how to build an Adidas rotation and there are some great options.
Agree on the stability, as a mild overpronator, this is the first Adizero that did not give me an issue. I'm looking forward to upcoming versus videos.
I'm glad to have that confirmed then. When I was testing out medial stability i was quite impressed with the midsole tooling. it really worked well (for an Adizero shoe) and completely bucks their recent trend.
So many "vs" videos coming... maybe too many 🤣.
Nice rewiew! Answered all my questions about stability compared to SL2 , outsole durability, ride feel and uper features. Good job!
🇧🇷🙌👏🙏🌟
I'm glad it helped and got you want you needed. Thank you for watching. 🤙🏻
@SagasuRunning your analysis consistency is unmatched.
🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Fantastic initial review! I would love to hear your thoughts about this shoe compared to Boston 12 in one of those upcoming versus videos you mentioned at the end.
Boston 13 will be release very soon…
I'll be addressing it in a larger video and then will do a stand alone ESL vs B13 video when the B13 comes out. Though if you scroll the comments in this video you can see my thoughts on the ESL and B12... I'll also have a design video about that in Feb at some point.
Yup...though with Adidas you never know. I more want the press release for both shoes to know what foams are in them... then I can say what will be worth getting for what. That is the last piece of 2025 Adidas we don't know right now.
Evo sl is my new daily trainer it is really that goood!! coming from b12 with over 550km, i feel like my feet is pampered by evo sl..it is really fast comfortable im taking it on half marathon this feb 2❤
@sonson2815 Ya… the feel difference between those two shoes is massive.
When you made a video describing the Peg Turbo’s best quality as “It’s the legitimate feel of a superfoam in the package of a plate-less performance trainer” (paraphrasing) I thought to myself, “Oh, he must not have run in the Evo SL yet.” - because if you had, the comparison would be IMPOSSIBLE not to make.
Agree...and I'll have a deep dive into the two shoes in February. They are both, possibly, the most important shoes in running right now. I have many thoughts... stay tuned.
Great review! This is my First Adidas shoe, and I absolutely love it!
Wow...quite and introduction to the brand. Enjoy them! 🤙🏻
If i decide to buy them, it would be the first Adidas running shoe for me too.
So it either kills the Boston or it forces the Boston (and the Takumi Sen) to the new formulation of LSP.
Agree… will have some content in early February discussing that. For the sake of right now though… the Boston 12 is dead.
@@SagasuRunningI saw a leak from TRE where a Boston 13 appeared to have a new version of LSP so I’m expecting Boston 13 to be relevant . I live in the PNW closer to Vancouver ca than Seattle and in rainy winter weather that Boston outsole is fantastic. That said I am excited to try the sl2 when widely released in summer . I love the old light strike pro foam !
The B12 outsole was fantastic…totally agree.
This or the Adios 9 for a big runner needing to get faster during a speed work training block. 190lb 6'. 3:05 marathoner already. Curious on your thoughts?
Evo SL...
Nice review, think I will try these once they launch.
They are something special. 🤙🏻
Is there any discernible difference in recovery-friendliness between the classic lightstrike-pro and new lightstrike-pro?
I’m training for my first half marathon, aiming for a 1h25m… Struggling to decide between the EVO SL and AP4 specifically for longer threshold runs and race day.
I’m leaning towards the EVO SL, but I can get a significant discount on a AP4 bringing to a similar price point 😝
Only you can answer than. What I respond too is not what you will respond too. ZoomX is the best foam for recovery for me by a lot. LSP Classic is next. LSP is unknown. The workouts I’ve done in the AP4 and A9 leave my legs feel like LSP Classic… which is a good sign.
Sadly though this is something you need to test for yourself. The only way to know.
@ Thank you Chris! Hopefully I can get a pair of EVO SLs at their next release date in the UK. Otherwise I’ll be forced into a different shoe 🧐
The sizing comment is on point. I use EVO SL true to size and the fitting is a little bit too generous and roomy for speed work.
I've just come back from a speedwork session with them(including some 200m series at 3:30 min/km) and the shoe delivers, but if I was exclusively using it for this I would prefer going half size down.
At least they don't destroy my feet like the Takumi Sen 8 :'D
I tired 200s on a 200m track in my US8.5 ESL at that same pace. The tight corners of the small track were unstable in the shoe but the straights were strong. Not my first choice for 2s or 4s on a track, but given all the rocker, surprisingly capable.
@@SagasuRunning guess on the Adizero line (besides the Takumi) the Adios are the ideal shoes for those short-speed series. I managed to snatch some Puma Deviate Nitro Elite (the original ones) for less than £70. But while those arrive, the EVO SL covered the job quite well!
I was doing laps outside a big football stadium, so, fortunately, tight corners weren't an issue.
The Adios 9 is a wonderful track shoe for sure.
best shoe review ever? 👏🏻👏🏻
Maybe not ever... but I'm happy how this one turned out. 🤙🏻
Easily the most in-depth and insightful review of the EVO SL 👏🏻 Got me wondering if it’s a rotation companion to the ADIOS 9 or more a case of either/or. My gut’s telling me the former. Maybe a vs/comparison video is in order.. 🙌
The ESL + A9 may be the two shoe combo of the year, at least from Adidas. One one lacks the other has and vis-versa.I'll have a 2025 Adidas rotation guide out in early February that gets into it.
I'm sold 😅
In September I was intrigued, seen all those shoeFluencers rave about it, which was likely to adidas paying for their Berlin marathon "holiday" 😅 - though ok but shoe looks very good, so if i don't like it for running I'll wear it with jeans casually- either way win...
Then in Nov my local store had it - not my size exactly, but run in it on treadmill- and it felt very good - at this point wanted it badly - ful swing into hype 😂
Couple more months and decided I'll not buy it simply because I will not be backing this type of release...
.... and after your thoughts on the shoe , well defenetly getting pair :)
Ya, release games aside... this shoe is the real deal and absolutely a must for many runners. Especially those who have loved LSP classic...
Great review. After the marketing debacle, I had written the shoe off, but now I'll give them more consideration in March when they are fully released. Currently the white colour way has limited availability in Australia on the Adidas website, but I'd prefer to get the black colour way.
I'll be interested to see how the Evo SL compares to the Mach 6. The Mach 6 is a shoe which is supposedly a daily trainer, but I aways find myself running at a faster pace than planned in them. At least that is how the Mach 6 works for me. I'm guessing the Evo SL will have a better midsole, however, the Mach 6 upper may fit my feet better.
I fully agree! 😀
I enjoyed the Mach 6 until I got Hoka'd with the fit.
here are my thoughts;
- Both the M6 and ESL have similar early rocker feels. The M6 midsole is stiffer so there is a more pronounced :"falling forward" feeling, which for me limited the M6 at faster paces (as I don't like pronounced rocker for faster, sub 5k, speeds).
- The foam in the ESL is lightyears better... LPS classic vs a Hoka SC EVA is no contest (and I like SC EVAs), night and day difference.
-The fit is opposite. Where the M6 is way too constrictive and low volume in the forefoot, especially at the base of the eyelet chain... the ESL is the total opposite. I can work with the ESL fit and finetune but could do nothing with the M6 fit.
- I actually like the upper textile better in the M6, but the simplicity of the ESL upper more.
@@SagasuRunning yeah, i also went up to a EU 46 2/3 in the Mach 6.
Then, right now i tried again the EU 46 and lengthwise it would fit, but the toe box taper on the MEDIAL side for me was the problem.
It pushes the big toe in Hallux Valgus position. Or refrased: the big toe pushes against the upper sideways.
Then i tried the 46 in wide (2E), the shoe looked wider, but the forefoot felt the same.
Quick change into my 46 2/3: yes, long enough that the big toe doesn't do anything ;)
Oh and some people said the fit may differ from colour to colour, or the launch white coloured were smaller than the others:
I got my 46 2/3 puppy/squash in may i think and right now i ordered the 46 in white and the 46 wide was black. Nothing to was off or to be recognized by me.
@@SagasuRunning do you think if i managed to get the NB5 closed up enough in 45, i could manage to do the same in the Evo SL in 45 1/3?
Upper volume and wide fit is my concern due to your video and last comments 🫤
@@SagasuRunning Thanks for the summary. It's very useful. Hopefully, I'll get to try them on in a store.
Damn, I wasn’t going to buy this shoe because a) I don’t need any more running shoes, and b) Adidas messed up the initial release , but I’ve just gone and ordered some anyway on the back of your review. I’ve been surprised at how fun the SL2 is to run in and I’m now hoping for more of that. Been running in the Takumi Sen 8 for a couple of years and the Adios Pro 3 for a year and really like Lightstrike Pro (Classic).
If you found the SL2 fun to run in (I didn't, which is why I didn't spend much time in it last year, it was never a shoe I reached for, bit it worked very well)...the Evo SL will blow your mind. It is a shoe I need to stop myself from reaching for. It is way too much fun.
9:50 wtf 😆 This is ridiculous. I'm all for brands making their race models a little more snug-fitting, but length discrepancies like this are unacceptable. Especially coming from a brand like Adidas. I feel like ASICS had this issue with the blast series for a little while but it seems to be corrected now.
Adidas had the opposite issue with the TS10, that shoe was short by at least half a size. It has been strange for Adizero the past 3-4 years. There is always one shoe in the Adizero lineup with inconsistent sizing.
Not as bad as what Asics struggled with 4-5 years ago where nearly every shoe was different sizing. They do see to have that under control now though. I've found Asics sizing very consistent from last year onward.
Adidas is smart… if this can be used for marathoning at 2:30 or slower (I’m aiming sub-3) and it’s messed up release meant I had to wait and snap up the AP4 instead, they just manipulated me into handing over much more money!
You may be onto something... I didn't think of that. The Ap4 has had a more predictable and smooth release and the shoes DID launch together....🤔
Can’t wait for these and the multitude of colorways
There have been so many in leaks...but none have been better than this white one or the black/white one... I am hoping for a triple white/non-dyed though...
@ that would be really cool.
There was an all grey/silver one that caught my eye .
I’ve not seen that one… I’ll have to go look.
I find that I go easy in the shoe in terms of effort and HR but my paces are so much faster in them than in other shoes at the same effort and HR. Like 30 seconds faster per mile! It’s a miraculous shoe. Biggest surprise here is that Sagasu and I are in total agreement!
Ya... I have seen similar data for LOE/HR vs pace. It's a bit deceptive though and makes "easy" hard to manage. A she definitely capable of it, but there are other options to pair with it that don't take quite as much effort to stay on top of. Regardless, there are worst shoes to run easy in too...
How does this shoe compare to the novablast? Would love to see a comparison video since I will be in the market for a new shoe soon, currently considering novablast or peg plus. Thank you!
That "vs" is coming... next week, with a bunch more.
I agree, bigger is not always better 😅. People with thick, high volume feet probably are going to love the fit
I have high volume feet, due to high arches, but neither wide nor narrow feet...but I can see wide feet liking the forefoot, as long as the mid-foot and heel aren't too narrow.
Great video. Does this basically render the Boston redundant?
The B12, yes. The Evo SL is what the B12 should have been 2 years ago. As for the B13, it really depends on the foams in that shoe. I'll have some content next month with some thoughts on that.
Hi chris, about the Adidas sizing issues and the inconsistent sizes of many Adidas trainers, can you please tell me about your heel to toe size in CM, so that I can cross reference myself in your videos about the sizing. Thanks.
I’ll have to get back to you on that… I’ll update this comment in the next 24-48hours…
@SagasuRunning much appreciated.
Correct to assume there’ll be comparisons between the Evo SL and the Adios 9?
In a manner, yes. Plus some other content in February around them.
Agree re comment on sizing. I went TTS and find the length works well but there is just so much volume in the midfoot that the eyelets aren't far away from touching! Granted, I have quite a low volume foot. In any case, I don't intend on racing in these so I'll stick to my TTS. Looking forward to taking these out this weekend.
My larger right foot is EU 45,5 or self measured 28,4cm and since i have feet on the narrow side and very low volume,
I always go for the smallest size - like i do with climbing shoes.
I currently have the Adios 8 and Supernova Rise at home for trying. Both in EU 45 1/3 and EU 46.
Both I wouldn't want to run in 45 1/3 but in 46 i don't fill the toe box in the Adios 8.
Asics i take the smaller size: EU 45 / 285mm.
Brooks Ghost Max 1 and Hyperion 1 GTS also 45 and not 45,5.
Currently at home: Nike Zoomfly 6 and here it looks more like 45,5 than 45 at the moment.
The Supernova Rise is nothing special and the Adios 8 is impossible to run because it is so hard at the front!
Purely a sprint shoe. There is zero cushioning in the forefoot, no give, nothing. Just a hard wooden blanket!
Now the Evo SL - which i planned to skip because of my disappointment of the SL2 and the stupid hype - gets good reviews everywhere.
I mean, it is supposed to be a Adios Pro 3 midsole and everything else as cheap as possible. Well and continental rubber and not that slippery plastic of the SL2.
I have many shoes at home to try at the moment and i have to return a lot of them soon.
If I want to keep the Zoomfly 6 and get the Evo SL in March, I will return the Novablast 5, Skyflow and Skyward X.
I also kept the Kayano 31 lite-show for walking and to not restrict the toes, Puma Foreverrun Nitro WTR, the-shoe-that-is-not-to-be-named, and got a few shoes 2nd hand for a good price for the state they are in, f.e. Magic Speed 3, Saucony Speed 2, Hyperion Max (1), Asics Trabuco 10 (new) for Hiking, Superblast 2, Glideride (1), Saucony Ride 17, Saucony (Speed 3, Pro 3, Axon 3), etc.
Many shoes to test in the new year and hopefully to sell, as favorites should crystalize out of them.
I would also wanna test the Hyperion 2 and the Hyperion Max 2, but they are sold out everywhere.
The Novablast 5... I have the NB 4 TR, Ghost Max 1, VN2+3, Superblast 1+2, Mach 6, Noosa Tri 14-16, ... I just don't know if it makes sense if i have all those other shoes. Not that i couldn't sell them again, no problem, but...
Best I return everything and close my eyes 2025+2026 since there are supposed to be even better shoes coming and I am sure i won't need shoes for years at that point. 😂🙈
Low volume and narrow feet are going to struggle with fit in this shoe.
@@SagasuRunning thats why i like Puma and love my Hoka Speedgoat 5 👍
@@SagasuRunningnot for me. The laces pull the extra part of the shoe in just right. I have low volume narrow foot and TTS fits great. Strange how differently people are describing the fit. Must be other factors like how high one’s instep and arch is and the angle of their toes big to small
Ugh… the Speedgoat fit… 🤦🏼♂️
You nailed it about the upper.
The midsole feels great. Unfortunately the shank rubbing the bottom of my right foot, so No Evo SL for me.
Good thing I have the Altra Vanish Tempo and the feel of midsoles are identical.
The Vanish Tempo has much much better upper, better midfoot lock down.
I guess I've saved 150usd...
I’m glad you found a shoe that works for you.
I've been looking forward to this one. I am intrigued by your "do everything" framing, rather than the "this is not a daily trainer" sentiment I've seen from the other shoe-tubers. This may be a niche use case, but I have regular semi-long work travel and am interested in the Evo SL as a one-bring running shoe. I like the versatility and some aggressiveness can be nice when it's difficult to fit in enough time for easier mileage (or treadmilling versus a max-stack daily). Also, the subtler "lifestyle" design language would be nice for casual wear after hours. Any thoughts on the Evo SL as a one-bring travel shoe?
Did this for a few days while i was away in FL last december and was able to make it work even though i agree with the review saying that this is a tempo trainer at its core. It even made all my walking around faster bc of its aggressive rocker 😂 but all in all I made it work even though all my easy runs I had scheduled during my time there were a struggle to stay easy bc of how fast they are
Interesting you ask. That type of travel is called 'One bag" travel, something I was (am) a huge proponent of. I don't normally wear my active running shoes casually, but if i was going to look for a one-bag option for travel, casual wear and running...this would be one of the top 3 candidates (the Mount to Coast R1 and Nike Peg 41 are the other two). It really depends on your style and type of running planned.
As a "weekend" shoe, a shoe to throw in a bag for running only, your casual shoes worn on the feet, the Evo SL is a top choice too.
Good info here. Nice to hear this.
@SagasuRunning would love to see some of your ideal pace charts on how they compare with other Adizero shoes.
Performance matrixes coming... the next 4-5 videos are "vs" videos on this shoe... lots to cover.
@@SagasuRunning thanks! Those matrixes are my favourite part of your videos. They're always on point!
@scruti I’ve got a mega matrix coming out tomorrow… stay tuned.
Another great review, I especially like the length comparison. I found the Boston 12 voluminous and a touch long, but okay for width. So if this shoe is equally as voluminous (I just like typing that word) I’ll definitely try a half size down myself. I love Lightstrike foam (AP3 and TS10) so I’m sure I’ll love this. Now, if I can only find a matching tote bag 😉
The Evo SL is more voluminous than the B12 and longer... now you know. 🫡
Do you think the Evo SL is also good for heavier runners (i.e. >190 lbs)?
I weigh 195 lbs and they are perfect for me. The foam is firm initially but softens up over the first 30 miles and becomes the perfect balance of firm when you need the speed and soft for those slower paces.
They are the best Adizero option right now. LSP Classic is known to withstand heavier runners force well. Given there are not rods in the Evo SL to give additional structure, like the AP3 had, I don't expect it to last as long as the AP3 did... but you'll get quite a bit of good running out of them.
Great review! Thank you. Interesting to know which one, superblast2 or EVO SL, will be your choice for long run?
That "vs" video will be coming....
Probably putting the cart ahead of the horse (and your planned video releases)... but really wanting to see how this compares across other tempo trainers (and possibly the Superblast?) on your ride characteristics comparison & performance matrix.
🛒 🐴... basically I have about a week of "vs" videos coming on this shoe... then more indepth content in Feb on rotation building and pairings. Stay tuned.
Such a high praise for such a hype shoe..I wonder how it compares with Adios 9 and Takumi Sen 10..for now, I use the TS10 as my tempo trainer..I wonder does adding one or both of them in the rotation could be useful or an overkill..I’m not training for any race for a moment..my current HM racer is the Metaspeed edge paris, and I’m sticking to that for now..for a context my 10K PB is 48 min ish, and HM is 1:51 ish both in Metaspeed, and if my Achilles permit, I hope I can break 45 min 10K this year
The ESL compliments the A9 well and is a much faster road shoe than the TS10. The ESL will be much nicer to your achilles than the Metapseed, both foam and geometry.
@ great..now I gotta shoe hunting to do..lol
Never a bad thing. 💪🏻
so should I get the shoes or not...? your last two videos put me in the polarizing state of mind 😂
Ignore the awful marketing and release and get the shoe... it's easy to ignore the noise when you are running in them.
That shoe equation was wild, very different, and still spot on.. 😅
Chris, you mentioned this being the one shoe to do everything on and that one could even race a marathon on them.
That's incredible, but as someone who's not really going to run even a half marathon this year, do you think the Adios 9 could be the shoe?
Also, I'm fairly light, I'm 182cm and 80kg, and I ran 5k in under 20m last year before I kinda stopped running for the last couple of months. I'm coming back now and idk if i can justify buying 2 pairs in the near future.
So...you REALLY should have at least 2 pairs of running shoes to rotate, just for foot and leg health. A ESL + A9 combo would be ideal. We are similar weights,I'm shorter and a light lighter...but even i wouldn't depend on the A9 alone. I'd pair it with something else.
Here is a video on the importance of running shoe rotations: ua-cam.com/video/5z4cY1deQqY/v-deo.html
@@SagasuRunning yeah, i remember that one video and I'm gonna go back to it when it comes to buying time..
Right now, I'm only running on my SL1 and it's my second pair, so it's still kinda new at about 300km I think. I occasionally pick up a pair of invincible 3 that i got in 2023 for a half marathon build and sometimes I finish a run barefoot on grass while cooling down.
I don't see myself running anything longer than a 10k, so when the A9 comes to Brazil I might get it and the rotation is gonna be A9 + SL1.
However, I will most definitely watch all the ESL comparison videos
Thanks for the review. Why would you need a shoe like this? It seems like a nice looking shoe but I find I need 2 types of shoes. A Superblast 2 for easy or long runs or old carbon racer for intervals of all types (eg: old pair of vaporfly 3 or 4).
The Evo SL is a replacement (or alternative) for the Superblast for those of us who want a shoe that is capable for more than just long runs with marathon pace. Like the SB2 is claimed to be, the Evo SL is actually a shoe that can do it all… including race.
Otherwise it s tempo shoe to slot in between a daily trainer and a race shoe.
Love the Superblast 2 and will happily buy this… if Adidas just sell the damned thing 😂
I’d say March 2025… but with Adidas and launches… not even they seem to know right now when their own shoes are coming out. 🤷🏼♂️
Incase you can’t tell from the video… it will be worth the wait.
@ I’ll wait for a re launch. I see on the UK app there is another Feb Evo SL drop. This is strange but I guess prevents too much dumb reseller activity. Though, after multiple cycles, they might lose the momentum and other shoes will be out. Nike can prob bring out previous versions of super shoes that would sell well. Like vaporfly or AF OG. VF2. They’ve brought out older Kobe Mamba bball shoes for example.
@@SagasuRunning depending on how people are training, I find I do so little marathon pace training on long runs during a cycle that it’s not worth buying such specific shoes. Your comparison as a lifestyle runner is interesting. That city runner is looking good and I think adidas is on to something there. Running culture has exploded. Younger folks seem to be way more engaged and marathons are becoming social media hype events. Lot different than when I started doing this stuff 20+ years ago.
Fantastic video, the best review of EVO SL. Query: How do you compare it to Pro 3? I use an old pair for long and mid runs. Thanks.
I also used a pair of AP3s for long runs...the ESL is better, smoother, faster more fun and more enjoyable. An upgrade across the board...
What is your prediction of the foam in the upcoming Boston 13. Will it be the "classic" or the 2025 formula.
Still working through it and will have a video on it in early Feb… I’m a bit undecided at the moment but will go through the options… as well as the Takumi Sen 11.
What do you think of this rotation?
Daily/Interval trainer: Adios 9
Tempo/long run trainer: Evo SL
Race Day: Sky Paris
I love Lightstrike Pro classic. I respond well to it. The formulation of the FF Turbo+ is a winner. Fast rebounding yet a bit softer.
You may need a little more shoe for a true daily trainer… but the ESL MSEP combo would work well…. The MSS4 might be even better…
@@SagasuRunningWhat is MSS4?
@Ben-yw8be Metaspeed 4 (2025 models)
This shoe sounds like a lot of fun! I currently have the SL2 and AP3 and even in the SL2 I often run faster than I wanted to. I can't imagine the EVO SL. SL2's have 600+ km on them and they are almost like new, when I finally retire them I will probably switch to the EVO SL.
The ESL is so much better than the SL2, but also a very different shoe. They both have their place. When you finally try the ESL your mind will be blown.
@ Hahaha I can’t wait now. Thank you for the reviews!
Thank you for watching and being here. 🤙🏻
It is really quite remarkable, the Evo SL makes the Alphafly 3 feel dull in steady runs, I am beyond happy with this shoe!
I wouldn’t say it makes the AF3 dull… but the ESL is very dynamic and definitely does more with less.
How is the fit compared to Boston 12? I went half size down for Boston 12 (US11 Boston12 and US11,5 Pro3) and I use Boston 12 for fartleks/long run with mix of paces. Would it be better to go with US11 like Boston 12?
I just tried them both on. My US9 B12 fits similar to my US8.5 ESL...my US9 ESL is much longer than my US9 B12. The upper on both the ESLs has much more volume. Heel hold in the ESLs is better. The ESL is much more comfortable on foot.
@@SagasuRunning Even with EvoSL half size smaller, it still has more room than the B12? Then I will try to go full size down to 10,5. My feet is a bit narrower than average
Yes…. Though length may be an issue a full size down. The upper volume, especially I the forefoot, is higher overall in the ESL over the B12, regardless of the size.
I'm currently training in the SL2 and absolutely love it; I'm running my first half marathon in May, so I'm looking for a longer distance shoe. My pace will probably be around 5min/km. I just ordered the B12, but looking at your reviews I should probably wait for the release of the ESL?
The ESL is a much better option in 2025. The B12 will be fine, but the ESL is more comfortable, faster and more fun. See my "Evo SL vs Adizero" video for more on the two and why.
Hi Sagasu
Thank you for your reply to my query. The positive side of social media. I’m on the other side of the world 🇮🇪☘️
Thank you for being here and supporting. I appreciate it greatly! Also...not totally the other side of the world, I am based out of Taiwan... 🤙🏻
I was torn between the Evo SL or Zoom Fly 6. I really want a firmer tempo trainer without a plate. Looks like Evo SL will be my top pick. 2025 Rotation:
Daily trainer: Brooks Launch 11
Tempo trainer: Evo SL
5k: Adios 9? Streakfly 2?
10k-21k: Sky Paris
42k: Vaporfly 4? Adios Pro 4?
I'll have that "vs" video out next week.
Interesting rotation...a lot of range and mixing there.
I’m giving it another chance today. I’m 3 tempo runs and a long run in, and I’m not convinced.
Yes! Please resist the hype and give honest feedback!
Not that it becomes another huge disappointment for me like the SL2.
Ya, whats not working? I'm curious. This shoe feels like a crowd pleaser on all counts...
The ESL is not the SL2...very different shoe with a much more clear use case. Night and day difference.
@@SagasuRunning thank god the Evo SL seems classes better than the SL2.
You really want me to rant about the SL2? 😜
There is not a single piece of the shoe which is not aweful. The shoe lives off of the Lightstrike Pro marketing.
The rest is a 30 Dollar noname trash sold for 100€ because of Lightstrike Pro marketing.
But slowly:
1.) The toe box is rediculous! The toenails of my fat big toes press against the upper like there is no tomorrow!
Also pulling out the insoles doesn't help, since they are so thin anyway, that it basically doesn't matter.
2.) the upper is probably the only thing which isn't a total catastrophe. A normal, super basic, cheap one. Ok.
3.) the laces. Are you kidding me? This is a hardcore pricepoint shoe, i understand, but just put together the worst and cheapest trash just to be able to print Lightstrike Pro on the shoe?
4.) my feet are ultra low volume and narrow, normal arches, everything normal and healthy. But even me on one foot the insole pressed into my foot in the middle on the medial side (arch)
5.) foam: what is that? You are standing on hard ground. Or the floor, i don't know. It is just a hard piece of crap.
6.) the outsole “rubber" is no rubber, it is cheap plastic! I was sliding at home on my wooden floor that much, that i didn't even want to take the shoe out the door. UA-camrs confirmed: grip is bad. I know that my indoor floor says nothing about "real world performance", but i never had a shoe slipping THAT bad!
7.) I am sure i forgot something, but the important stuff is here.
Conclusio: THIS (the SL2) is by far the worst shoe I've ever put my feet inside! Ever!
As far as me is concerned, as i said: this "shoe" is a 30 Dollar noname trash with Lightstrike Pro marketing, sold for 100.
So, what to do when having a bad product or want to get red of some spare parts? Piece together something, put a little bit of something good in it and pump up the marketing. Tadaaa, super high profit margin and you sell a ton of these.
@ Well for me it's seeming like I'm working a little harder for the same return on tempo runs.
I wear SB2's as my daily (have done for 2 years), race in VF2's and use my 'older' VF2's for track work and anything faster than Tempo pace - which is around 3:40min/km for me.
First couple runs they felt over squishy (which i know is the point of these), almost like ZoomX on VF2's but with no plate. Like the shoe is absorbing my efforts and not giving me anything back.
Today was a little better tbh, but lots of variables at play with me atm though, so i'll do next weeks T runs back in my SB's and see how i feel again. Not completely writing them off. Just not completely sold yet.
Great video. Random question: what’s the sizing/volume like compared to the Adios 8?
Adios 8 feels wider around the ball of the foot and lower volume in the forefoot. Better midfoot lockdown but the heel hold is better in the ESL.
@ great info thanks. 👌🏻
Hi Chris, should I get this if I already have the zf6? Do they do the same thing?
I’ll have a “vs” video cover this in the next week… there are some things to consider.
I am also deciding if i should return NB5 and Zoomfly 6 I have currently at home to try and get the Evo SL in march/april/whenever it is available.
Because i have a ton of good daily trainers and also a DN2 and the-shoe-you-shall-not-name + DNE2 as plated tempo shoes.
Also coming 2nd hand: Speed 2, Speed 3, Saucony Pro 3 (this has the best days behind).
Man, i want the teal colourway of the NB5 and after trying at home i want to run in the ZF6 Ekiden :)
Help 🥲
@philipppuchner1115 NB5 and Evo SL make for a great daily/tempo trainer combo… they work well together.
@@SagasuRunning soooo... Get rid of the ZF6? 😢
This would be the only shoe i would have for fun and bounce - the motivation to lace up and go out the door even if you initially don't feel to.
I also tried the Skyward X because it is called the most bouncy shoe ever. Holy sh*t, that thing is unrunable! It is like having half a meter styropor under your feet 😱
Zoomfly 6... SH*T!
I have to keep all of she shoes are and hide it in the cellar, that nobody thinks i have lost my mind by having this much running shoes - or have won the lottery or something. 🙈
@@SagasuRunning I was afraid you saying exactly what you just said! 😆
The question is, is it sufficiently that different to the SL2 in feel and use to warrant buying it. I love my SL2!
Without a doubt…. Yes… it will pair nicely with the SL2, but is an altogether better and faster shoe.
@@SagasuRunningcan it be a race day shoe for slower runner ?
I mean the 6hour range
Another highly detailed review, kudos! You bring up a curious point about sizing that echoes my experience with the AP3, as I run in a pair that's half a size down from my usual US 10.5 without issue. I'm intrigued by your ride equation to describe the ride as I haven't run in the Invincible, but an AP3 without rods sounds like an appealing proposition to me, more so if it works well for mild pronators. I am however slightly confused as to why Adidas didn't use the new formulation of LSP in the Evo SL (price?). It shouldn't encroach on Adios 9 territory as that one has considerably less foam. Will the Evo SL 2 go with the softer foam that's on the AP4 and Adios 9?🤔 Looking forward to your comparisons.👍
Price and availability. Also, as I pointed out in my marketing video, I think the ESL is a transitional shoe, given those that found the jump to the AP4 too far something to bridge the gap from the AP3. It really does that.
If we see a ESL2, I do think it will have the new foam, though I also think it will stay one foam generation behind the Adios Pro.
When we see what foams are in the Boston 13 and Takumi Sen 11...we will know more. I'll be covering that in detail.
Hi, thanks for this comprehensive review! I wanted to ask if this would be a good shoe for a marathon of around 4 hours, on a low-weight runner (50kg), who supinates. I have used the Endorphin Pro and Speed 4, and I cannot handle the plate; after 2 hours, it is very painful for my feet :(. I was thinking this might be a good plateless option. Thanks!
I definitely think it would be and is worth a try. I honestly see no disadvantage for a light weight runner in the marathon… other than maybe the weight. However it’s negligible.
If you do try it, let me know how it works out. I’m curious.
@SagasuRunning thanks for your answer. I will give it a try! I am scared that some other shoes, like the Superblast, are too thick and stiff for me. And then I'm scared of the plates haha. That's why this option seems promising😀
It was definitely a disastrous introduction to this shoe but I could care less about marketing. #fastculture 😂 I just want to experience the shoe. I can’t wait for its release.
This shoe lives up to the hype and overcomes the marketing and disastrous launch. Jsut wait until you try them… 🤙🏻
I think it is a mix of an old and new gen style of a tempo trainer and what most ppl want in a non plated tempo trainer
Again, like the peg plus i mentioned in like every evo sl vid you made lol
I'll have a deep dive into the Peg Plus and Evo SL in February... they are the two most important shoes in running right now.
@SagasuRunning I think that you should compare them to other shoes like the Boston 12 Endorphin speed 4 and such cuz they have a thin line connecting between em
Especially the boston 12 since they both got lightstrike pro
B12 comparison coming, in a way. Won’t be doing and ES4 comparison though, no longer have those shoes (my 2024 shoe purge happened already, I have very little storage where I live so I only keep what I’m running in or currently working on for the channel).
Would you recommend them for traveling? Like the all-in-one shoe for walking and running just as it's advertised per your video before this haha. I really like how this looks so I'm considering it for that use case. Another option being the Pegasus Plus which I know you really liked.
Interesting you ask. That type of travel is called 'One bag" travel, something I was (am) a huge proponent of. I don't normally wear my active running shoes casually, but if i was going to look for a one-bag option for travel, casual wear and running...this would be one of the top 3 candidates (the Mount to Coast R1 and Nike Peg 41 are the other two). It really depends on your style and type of running planned.
As a "weekend" shoe, a shoe to throw in a bag for running only, your casual shoes worn on the feet, the Evo SL is a top choice too.
Funny you’re asking, that’s exactly what I did; bought two pair, one strictly for running, another for casual wear and running / gym while traveling.
@@SagasuRunning appreciate that. Definitely see Peg 41 for this use case but the Evo SL fits my style better so i might go with them.
😎
I always separate running shoes and casual shoes… those uses never cross unless a running shoe is retired.
Coming from someone who was a sneakerhead for years, the marketing strategy is working every time someone complains about the release of this shoe. That’s actually building the hype, which is exactly what adidas wants.
See... for sneakerhead/hypebeast stuff, limited collabs that should be exclusive....these games are fine for that. However, for performance shoes, for athletes (like what Adizero is), these games are just dumb. At the very elast have a basic color way available for athletes always...then play the games with the exclusive color ways, whatever.
In this case though, I don't feel like this is Adidas playing games. I feel like it is just inept management. Even Adidas doesn't seem to have any idea when Adidas shoes are actually launching right now.
@ you explained that well on your last video. I completely agree that there is some ineptness going on, probably because the people at the top are putting greed over need.
Ya… it’s shocking regardless.
Hi , Thanks for the review, excellent. Does it have a removeable Insole ?
Technically it's a glued in non-removable insole, but it is easy enough to remove. Though if you need to put an orthotic in you'll need a very minimal low profile one in the shoe as it's not really designed for that. While there is extra volume in the upper, the footbed is very flat and can take a thick orthotic or 3rd party insole.
Appreciate the review! I have a pair on the way and also have a backlog of Prime X Strung 1’s. How would you compare the two shoes? I would love to not have to try and hunt down reasonably priced PXS1’s any more, haha
I never ran in the PX1S, only tried on the PX2S (and immediately took them off with a firm "nope")... so I can't really say, sorry. There was someone that commented in this video that ran in both and compare the ESL to a "cheaper" PX. 🤷🏼♂️
How does the Evo SL hold up in long runs? Does it feel like it begins to bottom out or is the amount of foam adequate? Also, it would be great to have a Evo SL vs Superblast 2 comparison video. Thanks!
Longest run i did was 17k...it's LSP Classic... I don't think I've ever heard anyone mention that foam "bottoming out" (to be honest I've also never felt that in any shoe period?)... for 15 k of the 17k I did I was in at Tempo pace that was silky smooth. I would have no issue taking this shoe much further (which I have no reason too at the moment as I am focused on 5k and short distances).
ESL vs SB2 video coming soon...🤙🏻
What I mean by bottoming or is that after a while, it feels like the foam in the shoe isn’t enough to be protective. That used to happen with me with lower stack shoes like the NB Rebel v3. It would start out feeling ok, but then after about 7-8 miles, it would feel like the foam was no longer doing its job.
I know what you mean. I’ve never felt it. I especially have never felt it, or heard anyone mention it, with LSP. It’s a very resilient and durable foam.
Comparing LSP to any foam New Balance has used in the past 10 years isn’t fair either. NB foams leave alot to be desired. I ran a lot in the Rv1 and Rv2… the durability of the shoe overall and the materials were the issue there. Current NB foams are even worst.
Have only had it briefly but it already seems like I might have finally found a shoe that surpasses my beloved Pegasus Turbo (Plus). Just wow.
If there is one shoe to do that... this is a prime candidate (and the Peg Plus).
Please compare it with Boston 12 if possible. thanks ! ❤😊
I'll do it in passing in a larger video... but will do a more indepth "vs" between the ESL and B13 later this year.
Adidas uppers are so horrible for me (Boston 12, Pro 3, Takumi Sen9) that Im really scared to try out new Adidas shoes.
And, as usual, since we are like fire and water... I LOVE SOCK LIKE UPPERS
We really are. If you are scared of Adidas uppers...the new Microfit uppers on the AP4 and A9 are very good and not scary at all. The upper on the ESL is more of the same, though the best one yet, of what they have been doing the past few years.
I'm a fan of RunRepeat as well and you may see us working together on some things in the future... they are a great team over there.
I currently have Novablast 4 and Boston 12’s in my rotation. I’m considering the supernova rise or the peg plus, would both fit? Or maybe the evo SL instead? So many choices.
SNR replaces NB4
ESL replaces B12
PP is something that could go either way, especially if you like low stack shoes.
@@SagasuRunningI went for both the SNR and PP, hoping they don’t overlap too much. My B12’s have a lot of runs left in them. Thanks for answering!
@christiansl0506 SNR is a better cruiser, the PP is a better tempo shoe. They will work great together as a wonderful low stack rotation… a massive counter to the B12.
Anyone knows where to get these in the US😢 I’m sold by this great video, but the wide release of this pair isn’t until march right? I could only find them on some reseller websites like flight club and stockx, but I want to try them on before buying. Anyone has any advice?
March 2025... but with Adidas as of late that could mean they appear on their website tomorrow. They really don't seem to know. Frustrating for sure.
I wonder if Adidas intents to merge current Adizero SL and EVO SL in the future. 🤔 About sizing, I personally would 1/2 size up AP4 based on my experience and since you prefer 1/2 down I think I would be fine with TTS in ESL.
I don't know what the future holds for the SL but Adizero needs a neutral stable daily trainer, that is NOT the Evo SL.
Which felt faster--this one or the Adios 9? Where would you see each fitting in?
Different uses. For tempo and threshold efforts the Evo SL... for proper speed work the A9. The two shoes compliment one another quite well as they do what the other doesn't do well...
@@SagasuRunning That's helpful--happy I got the Adios 9 for now. Compliment and complement.
I guess we had to wait for the "plated shoe" hype cycle to run its course before this could happen. It's been about 5 years I have been waiting for a light, neutral performance flat to fill the Streak 7 void but built with the breakthrough new materials that created the "supershoe" shakeup. I still have some months to wait, apparently, but it looks good.
The adios 8 was decent but the outboard torsion system shank has always sucked, IMO. The experience of the adios 8, though, tells me that a large continuous forefoot slab of Continental rubber is a structural element in addition to the shank. That's a bit different than the omnidirectional flexibility of the Streak blown rubber hexagons but the midsole of Lightstrike Pro is stretchier than Phylon. It seems likely to me that the just right outsole coverage is a key part of the apparent success with this minimalist design.
(Count me in on the don't-care-about-gusset club.)
Right? I will have a video exploring this topic "viable non-plated modern race shoes" in early February.
I feel strongly that the Evo SL should have come out two years ago and have been called the Boston 12 (I'll discuss this somewhere too)... if that would have happened then, as the tempo trainer partner to the AP3, alot of the insanity of the "super trianer" thing wouldn't have happened as Adidas would have shown a better way. Super trainers would have still happened, but the templated would have been different.
However, I agree with your point that the "plated shoe" hype cycle need to run it's course. Two years ago it was near the peak, especially for Adidas who was struggling to get their rods working right (EnergyRods 2.0 was a massive breakthrough for them).
Again, I'll have a video on this somewhere in Feb...I've bene writing it for a few days now.
I haven’t tried it but I just realized that Adidas Terrex has a similar shoe out last year: the agravic speed. It’s similar to the ASU but without the energy rods. It’s just lightstrike pro with a full coverage continental rubber outsole. In retrospect I kind of regret not trying them out but they seemed too similar to the Kjerag that I already had.
@@brianreiter5572 I remember you mentioning them. I’ll be in Japan in March and am going to keep an eye out for them.
Excellent as always. Makes you wonder how the Boston 13 is going to fit in.
That is the question. It all depends on the foams in the shoe... the big unknown right now.
Wondering the same. I'm in between getting the SL or the Boston 13. So odd that there aren't even any images of the Boston 13 yet. The image or two that came out are not of the Boston 13 I'm pretty sure as the design language is old.
There are multiple B13 images… of multiple generations. We have seen it from all angles. It does look to be Indians still… the question is what two foams. That will determine if the shoe is useful. However, the ESL is going to be hard to beat. It’s a better “Boston” all together.
Great Video!
when it does hard release (idk if i used that right) i'ma try to get one for my rotation because i don't have a good shoe for faster runs that aren't tempo or easy like progressions or steady state or even long runs
I've been in boston 10's and ghost 16's
Oh man, coming from those shoes the ESL is going to 🤯
so spot on on the sizing...i tried both as well and they both work but it depends on what you are using it for! this video will save lots of time and hassle for people, thank you
Now that I have two pairs in different sizes I feel like I have a good opportunity to experiment with something. Not sure what though!?
@@SagasuRunningsocks? 😂
Is it ok for easy runs?
21:15 🤙🏻
Man these things are good looking
Agree... I'm a sucker for white shoes and Adidas's brutalist design language.
@@SagasuRunningthey are on a roll 😎
@shamewizard3187 they are.
Wanted to move on from adidas for a bit, but now im hooked again LOL.
Hahaha… honestly, the ESL is worth hanging onto the 3-stripes a little longer.
@SagasuRunning please do a B12 comparison.
@ it’s in my ESL vs Adizero video…
@@SagasuRunning can't wait to watch it. Thanks.