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The Hindu
7 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- The Hindu
Adidas Adizero EVO SL Review: A shoe that works hard across contexts
There's been a noticeable shift in how we approach footwear, especially in a world where the lines between performance and lifestyle have never been blurrier. More people are choosing running shoes not just for workouts, but for daily commuting, travelling, and even casual hangouts. It makes sense: why settle for heavy, flat-soled sneakers when performance trainers offer better cushioning, lighter weight, and often, surprisingly better style? This demand for hybrid footwear has sparked innovation from brands trying to nail that perfect balance between speed and streetwear. Enter Adidas, a brand that's long been at the forefront of both performance and fashion. With its latest release — the Adizero EVO SL — Adidas is taking its racing heritage and packaging it into a shoe designed not just for elite athletes, but for anyone who wants to move quickly through their day without compromising on comfort or looks. Inspired by the high-performance Adizero Pro Evo 1, this version is meant to carry the same DNA, but with a more accessible build and broader appeal. It's got the tech, the style, and the credentials — but how does it actually hold up when put to the test in real life? Let's dig in. (For top technology news of the day, subscribe to our tech newsletter Today's Cache) Design First impressions? This shoe looks fast — and not in a flashy way. The Adizero EVO SL sticks to a clean, minimalist design that hints at its performance roots without shouting about it. My test pair came in the Cloud White — sleek, modern, and endlessly versatile. And, if you are a Delhi Metro Commuter, it does catch attention. The upper is made from a blend of synthetic and textile materials, delivering that race-ready structure without the stiffness. It's breathable, flexible, and subtly stylish. The streamlined silhouette is a clear nod to its racing lineage, yet it doesn't feel out of place in a more casual wardrobe. On the sole, Continental rubber covers the forefoot while clear rubber patches at the heel provide targeted grip and visual distinction. The entire build feels intentionally designed for both functionality and flair — you can tell Adidas didn't just tweak a race shoe; they thoughtfully reengineered it for real-world use. Comfort At just 224 grams, the EVO SL disappears on your feet in the best way possible. That low weight translates directly to comfort — this is a shoe you'll forget you're wearing until it starts making your day easier. Whether you're walking in the streets, sporting it for jogging, or hopping between metro platforms, it holds up with zero complaints. Internally, the textile lining is smooth and breathable, and the fit is true to size. There's a moderate 7mm drop (39mm heel, 32mm forefoot), which provides a gentle forward pitch without feeling unnatural. The upper offers a snug midfoot lockdown while maintaining enough room in the toe box to avoid hot spots or rubbing. The only thing we'd tweak? The non-gusseted tongue. It can drift slightly over time, especially if you're doing longer sessions or have narrower feet. It's not a dealbreaker, but it's one of the few reminders that this isn't Adidas' top-tier flagship — just an impressively close cousin. Running & Workout Performance During short-to-medium runs and everyday workouts, the Adizero EVO SL is an absolute treat. The LIGHTSTRIKE PRO foam brings real energy return — not the marketing kind, but the kind you feel in your calves after that third kilometer. It's especially great for tempo runs or mixed-pace workouts where you want lightness without sacrificing cushion. The grip is solid for treadmills, park loops, or even light gym sessions. That said, if you're a forefoot striker or plan to log serious weekly mileage, you might notice it doesn't have the same plated propulsion or long-distance structure. It's more of a responsive daily trainer than a hardcore long-distance workhorse — and that's totally fine, as long as your expectations are set accordingly. Tech Performance is where the EVO SL truly shines. At the heart of the shoe lies Adidas' LIGHTSTRIKE PRO foam, the same midsole compound used in its top-tier racing models. This foam is ultra-light and incredibly responsive, giving you a noticeable pop with every stride. What's interesting is how well this tech translates into non-running scenarios. That spring-loaded feel makes even casual walks easier and more dynamic. It's the kind of shoe that naturally encourages you to pick up the pace — not because you need to, but because it makes movement fun again. The outsole grip is another underrated win. Continental rubber in the forefoot offers fantastic traction, even on damp surfaces, while the clear rubber heel gives you just enough protection without sacrificing weight. And beyond the performance specs, it's worth noting that this shoe includes at least 20% recycled content, reinforcing Adidas' commitment to sustainability — a feature more buyers are actively looking for. Verdict The Adidas Adizero EVO SL isn't trying to be the flashiest shoe in the room — it's trying to be the smartest. And it largely succeeds. It brings a serious running pedigree, trims just enough of the race-day intensity to make it wearable for daily life, and wraps it all in a package that's light, modern, and versatile. At around ₹15,999, it falls into that mid-premium sweet spot. And for that price, you're getting flagship-level foam, smart design, and a shoe that works hard across contexts. It won't replace your carbon-plated super shoe if you're chasing podiums — but for everyone else? It's a no-brainer.
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Adidas Adizero EVO SL are redefining a tech infused flagship running sneaker
In the past couple of years, Adidas has taken what is for all intents and purposes, an unassailable lead with deploying cutting-edge tech, in their sneakers. The Adidas Switch FWD and the Supernova Rise are some fine examples. There was a time when one of their closest rivals, the ones well known for the swoosh logo, leveraged tech well. No longer is that the case. Adidas is widening its tech infused advantage even further, considering what the new Adizero EVO SL, delivers in terms of potential and performance. Nike and Asics, in particular, must feel they have a drawing board to get back to. For starters, it is important to point out the versatility of Adidas' new ₹15,999 — they are being marketed as a fast running shoe, but in our experience, they're equally adept as a training shoe too. That may be the sort of convenience that adds value for some buyers. Think of the Adizero EVO SL as an iteration of another of the Adizero sneakers, the Adios Pro 3 from 2023 and the Adios Pro 4 from 2024, but without the carbon-infused energy rods that run the length of the midsole. And there's a definitive familial hint of the Adidas Pro Evo 1 too. The combination of the midsole foam called Lightstrike Pro, coupled with the lightweight mesh upper and comparable stack heights, lend credence to that comparison. The lack of additional stiffness from the energy rods does give the Adizero EVO SL a wider, perhaps different user base to appeal to — the ones that'd prefer a softer cushioning feel. Both schools of thought co-exist with runners, and comfort is as subjective as things get. Speaking of which, the upper's structuring and spacing is ideal for a spacious toe box. The Lightstrike Pro composition, density and indeed how it responds, is simply top notch. It is comfortable for the most part, but there is equally a very perceptible energy return as you run. For some strange reason, the laces tend to come undone somewhat too easily — maybe a material or construction tweak is needed. That's a little more profound on harder running surfaces, but it's working nonetheless. Instead of carbon rods, Adidas has optimised this well for the bounce to work in the favour of the runner. The bounce slowly evolves into a definite energy return as you pick up pace — think of this as the running sneaker equivalent of a well-tuned car's steering stiffening up slightly as you pick up speed, for better road hold and feedback as you'd corner then. It is this versatility that helps the Adizero EVO SL buck the one-direction trend that fast sneakers tend to struggle with — they're not as comfortable at slower speeds. That's why I pointed out early on, this is as good a running shoe as it is a trainer. And that'd include jogging too. There is also the rocker-esque shaping (look at the Adizero EVO SL from side on, and it becomes perceptible) which is just about there — not enough to alienate someone looking for a more conventional design, and yet enough to assist with transitions. Unlike similar midsole propositions that tend to have a mid foot depression kick in at some point, the Lightstrike Pro seems to have done enough to work around that, without having to reduce the stack height (that would have compromised overall comfort, a bit). Adidas does leave some room for argument with the outsole contours, and doesn't have as many ridges or grooves as the Adios Pro over the years. That said, there is never a shortage of grip, across surfaces and moisture levels. The Continental rubber remains a fixture in the forefoot area extending a bit to under the mid foot. In my experience with other Adidas sneakers over the years, Continental rubber holds up well over time. Would that be the case this time too? It is not at all surprising that the Adidas Adizero EVO SL has immediately found a place among the sneakers I wear most often, and the all-round abilities help in that regard. It is around the ₹15,000 price point where most tech infused running sneaker flagships sit. For instance, the Nike Vomero 18 (the Vomero family has grown in price stature) and the Asics Gel-Kayano 31. Adidas' Lightstrike Pro is matching the ZoomX midsole composition and bettering the response in some respects. But it is perhaps the closer to conventional design that gives the Adidas Adizero EVO SL its biggest advantage. Not everyone may find Nike's pods on the outsole palatable to their running needs. And at 224 grams for a men's size 10, the Adizero EVO SL has a massive advantage over the 305 grams weight of the Gel-Kayano 31.
