adidas Adizero Evo SL Review: Best UK Prices, Sizing & Comparisons

The adidas Adizero Evo SL has become one of the most talked-about running shoes in the UK, and for good reason. It takes Lightstrike Pro — the same super-foam adidas uses in its Adios Pro race shoes — and puts it in a lighter, more affordable shoe with no carbon plate. The result is a fast, bouncy trainer you can use for tempo runs, long runs and even race day.

This review covers how the Evo SL rides, how it fits, who it suits, how it compares with rivals, and — further down — today's live UK prices for every colourway with a good run of sizes in stock.

adidas Evo SL at a glance

• Midsole: full-length Lightstrike Pro foam
• Plate: none — no carbon plate and no energy rods
• Best for: tempo runs, long runs, parkrun and road races up to the marathon
• Fit: generally true to size, with a secure midfoot
• Range: men's and women's versions in a large number of colourways

How does the Evo SL feel to run in?

The first thing most runners notice is the bounce. Lightstrike Pro is soft underfoot but springs back quickly, so the Evo SL feels lively as soon as you pick up the pace. Because there is no plate, the shoe flexes more naturally than a carbon racer, which many runners find easier on the calves and Achilles over longer distances.

At easy paces it is comfortable but a little firmer and less stable than a dedicated cushioned trainer. It really comes alive at steady, tempo and race efforts — which is exactly why so many runners use it as their "fast day" shoe.

Sizing and fit

Most runners get on with their normal size. The upper is light and breathable, the midfoot locks down well, and the toe box is more forgiving than older Adizero racing shoes. If you have wide feet or sit between sizes, going up half a size is the safest choice. Every listing on RunningWiz shows the UK sizes currently in stock, so you can check your size before you click through to the retailer.

Who should buy the adidas Evo SL?

• Runners who want super-foam bounce without the stiffness of a carbon plate
• Anyone training for a 10K, half marathon or marathon who wants one shoe for workouts and race day
• Runners who find plated shoes too aggressive or unstable
• Anyone looking for a lighter, faster alternative to a traditional daily trainer

It is less suited to runners who need stability support, or who mainly run slow recovery miles and want maximum softness.

adidas Evo SL vs the alternatives

Evo SL vs adidas Adizero Boston

The Boston is firmer and more structured, with stiffening rods for a snappier toe-off. The Evo SL is lighter, softer and more flexible. Choose the Boston for a more traditional workout shoe; choose the Evo SL for a more fun, bouncy ride. Compare them on the adidas brand page.

Evo SL vs Nike Vomero

The Nike Vomero is a plush, highly cushioned trainer built for comfort over easy and long miles. The Evo SL is lighter and faster. Many runners own both: Vomero for easy days, Evo SL for quicker sessions.

Evo SL vs ASICS Novablast

The ASICS Novablast is a bouncy, versatile daily trainer with a bit more stack and stability for easy running. The Evo SL is the lighter, quicker option for tempo and race efforts.

Evo SL vs Nike Pegasus

The Nike Pegasus is a dependable all-rounder for everyday mileage. If you want a shoe that feels faster and more exciting when you pick up the pace, the Evo SL is the better pick.

Is the adidas Evo SL worth it?

For most runners who want one fast shoe for training and racing, yes. It delivers race-shoe foam at a much lower price than plated super shoes, and because there are so many colourways, retailers regularly discount older ones. Check the live prices below to find the cheapest colourway in your size, or browse every version in the adidas Evo SL collection.

Looking for something else? See our road running shoes, race day shoes or the best running shoes under £100.