Adidas Adizero EVO SL

The Adidas Adizero EVO SL is, without exaggeration, one of the shoes that has caused the biggest stir lately, and rightly so. With a full Lightstrike Pro midsole (the same foam as the Adizero Adios Pro 4 racer), this shoe offers a bouncy, addictive rebound that works at easy paces as well as in demanding intervals. At 224 g for men (US 9 / EU 42.5) and with its price, it is one of the best-value shoes on the market. To put it in context: simpler shoes such as the Cumulus 27 or the Pegasus 41 cost only a little less. The EVO SL, with its racing foam, is a bargain when you compare. Rivals such as the Hoka Mach 7 or the FuelCell Rebel v5 do not match the versatility of this Adidas. On top of that, it also looks great, and the huge range of colours means it is worn in plenty of situations other than running.

The EVO SL is essentially an Adios Pro 3 without the carbon Energy Rods, and sits a more accessible step below the current Adizero Adios Pro 4. Same Lightstrike Pro density, same Continental outsole, almost identical midsole stack heights (39 mm heel / 33 mm forefoot for men). Without the stiff rods its appeal widens: it works for heel and midfoot strikers, and needs no adaptation period. The engineered mesh upper breathes wonderfully and the toe box is surprisingly roomy for an Adidas, although the ungusseted tongue can slide. A nylon shank in the midfoot adds torsional rigidity without sacrificing forefoot flexibility, letting the rocker do its job at each transition.

What makes the EVO SL special is its real versatility. At easy paces, the Lightstrike Pro foam cushions generously without bottoming out; even 90 kg runners feel supported. When the pace drops below 4 min/km, the rubbery bounce rewards every stride. The Continental outsole in the forefoot and the clear rubber in the heel offer reliable traction in the dry, although in the wet... it is not its strong point. Ideal for daily training, intervals, fartleks, races from 5K to the half marathon and even long runs. Durability is solid: more than 700 km without noticeable loss of energy return. With a 6 mm heel-to-toe drop and a true-to-size fit (or half a size down if you prefer a snugger fit), it is a shoe you invite into your rotation and that stays there.