Adizero Evo SL

I would say I generally have wide feet(maybe close to 2E but I’m not sure) I just did my first run in the EVO SL an hour ago. Came back with friction blisters on both my pinky toes. So I guess the more narrower toe box was an issue for me. I’ll probably try different lacing for a wider forefoot(hopefully), maybe get new socks or Vaseline my pinky toes. But in the mean time I’ll go back to the adidas supernova rise 2.

Gait analysis at Up and Running (UK running store) had them insisting I overpronated and needed stability shoes, so they happily sold me some Kayano 31s. What they failed to tell me is that I also have high arches, so the heavy stability elements ended up doing more harm than good and ruined my gait, forcing my feet to move horizontally in the shoes and caused me to have to stop every couple of km and readjust the insole. Had months of losing my mind and losing my will to run before I tried a run in some ancient, size too small Ultraboosts I bought as casual trainers and all of a sudden ran in complete comfort and beat my own PB on my first run. i took the Kayanos back to the shop and they made me feel like I was losing my mind and just tried to sell me some insoles and wouldn’t accept they’d sold me the wrong shoes. I eventually just sold them on Vinted at a loss, bought some Evo SLs based on nothing but hype and ran very happily after as they were neutral and flexible, exactly what I needed. Only when I went to a podiatrist recently did I find out I had high arches and it all made sense why the Kayanos were such a nightmare. Turns out I barely pronate at all as well, so I wasted £180 and months of hating running just because Up and Running can’t be bothered to actually fit shoes properly, they just wanted to sell me the most expensive shoe they had.

Despite all of the various sites like Rtings and RunRepeat seemingly measuring every metric and millimetre on every running shoe on sale, they’re absolutely worthless if you have a higher than usual instep as nobody seems to be able to measure it. It’s basically just pure luck what shoes fit in that case. Shoes that by the measurements should be perfect for wide footers like Adidas Supernova Rises and Mizuno Neo Zens wrap the dorsum so tight that they’re unwearable. “Narrower” shoes like Evo SLs and Puma Voyage Nitro 4s fit like a dream as they actually have enough upper space. Basically if you have a higher than instep, be prepared for a lot of trial and error, and a lot of orders and returns the same day.

The problem is, as Adidas Evo SL designer mentioned in the AMA a few months ago, this shoe was designed in the spirit of the Adios Pro Evo. It is a shoe designed for experienced runners that do not have stability issues. I do not have any stability issues, and I currently use mine as an easy run shoe. I know a large amount of people on this sub struggle to run in them due to heel striking on the soft heel and having weak ankles.

Check out my review where I compare the Boston 13 and Evo SL: [Here.](https://www.reddit.com/r/RunningShoeGeeks/comments/1lt3vo5/thoughts_on_the_boston_13_as_a_long_run_shoe_for/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button)

Oh difinitely the fabric on Evos is not stretchy. It is coarse and stiff like a tarpaulin. At least it is breathable.

Nimbus and Novablast seem too close for me to have both in the rotation. It wasn't always the case, but since Nimbus 26 and Novablast 4 it definitely is. If Novablast 5 loses their pop, they basically become Nimbus with not so high end upper. Maybe try Adidas Evo SL for extremely soft and bouncy midsole (though they are too unstable for me)? I personally preferred Saucony Endorphin Speed which have it all : durability, comfort, stability and some energy return. And they keep it lightweight and breathable. For Nimbus there are many alternatives. Mizuno Neo Vista (never tried it), Nike Vomero Plus (very plushy, but also unstable for me), New balance 1080 v14 (this is softness of Nimbus 25 with more Novablast bounce). Some where in the middle there is Hoka Clifton. In many ways it is like Novablast, but feels heavier and not as bouncy.

When you try EvoSL, you will know what people meant by instability. If you are not experienced runner with some strong legs, their chaotic squishiness may cause some issues. Also their upper, while being thin and breathable, clearly shows why they cost less than competitors. And speaking about the upper. Look at what runrepeat says about breathability of Saucony Endorphin Speed.

Go to your local running store and try on some pairs. I really like the Adidas EVO SL($150), ASICS Superblast 2 ($200), New Balance SC Trainer (forget how much but these are carbon plated so a bit more$$). My heaviest use is the Superblasts and EVO SLs. Trying to get my hands on the ASICS Megablasts

I rotate between 6-8 pairs, so I suggest getting at least two pairs. As far as what to suggest; running shoes are extremely personal. Everyone is different. I’ve been loving Adidas Adizero EVO SLs, ASICs Superblast 2s, Hoka Skyward X for those middle distance easy runs, Adidas Boston 13s for threshold work, Saucony Endorphin Speeds for threshold, and I also have a stable of race shoes (Nike Vaporflys, Alphaflys) for intervals and racing.

While I am not training for a full marathon, I am prepping for a half, and also run in the EVO SLs. I did get a pair of AP4s and do find them comfortable for my long runs (\~12mi) in prep for the half coming up. I would say to go with the AP4s *but be sure to run in them a few times before your race* and at similar/close to race pace/distance. The golden rule, as they say, nothing new for race day.

I’d go with the Adidas Evo SL. I use for all types of run and absolutely love them.

I returned to running this year after a long injury layoff and have tried a few pairs of shoes so far. Nike Pegasus 41 Nike Pegasus trail 4 Adidas Evo SL Nike Vaporfly 3 Nike Vomero 18 I’ve always been a Nike guy but out of all of those shoes the Evo is my favourite to run in. I have had no issues with stability, comfort or QC. They feel good when you’re running slow but probably at their best when you pick up the pace. I would def grab a pair and utilise that 30 day trial to see if they are for you!

I have a pair and they are a pretty good all rounder option. I got some Adidas Evo SL about 3 months ago which were cheaper and are a much nicer shoe to run in for the workouts you mentioned tho

I love them, I have a rotation of about 5 pairs but find myself wearing them for every run these days!!

I've only tried the original EVO SL and most of my complaints about the upper seem to be addresed in the woven version, although i hear a lot of good things about the upper on the AP4 so maybe adding something closer to that to the EVO SL 2 would be the way to go. The laces of course should be improved, ideally we'd get sawtooth laces. Aside from that there's not loads i'd change. I like pretty much everything about the fit, so I hope that doesn't change much. For me the only thing I'd really want is just a bit more stability to allow me to take them longer distances. Currently I don't like going much over \~12k in then and my ankles can feel it the next day if i do. I don't think anything radical is needed possibly just widening the midfoot/heel out a little. Just something to make them more long distance friendly.

*Question from:* u/Flat_Olive8498 *How will the hyperboost running lineup evolve and how will hyperboost, lightstrike pro and dreamstrike + coexist? Will hyperboost replace dreamstrike?* Love this question. Adizero is built for speed, to break pbs , be fast and feel fast- to equip you for raceday or get ready for it, featured by Lightstrike Pro foam and energy rods. Hyperboost is built for max cushioning, high energy return resulting in a (non-plated) lightweight supertrainer- featured by Hyperboost Pro foam. Supernova is your daily trainer, with more supportive comfort , featured by Dreamstrike +. All can coexist in a shoe rotation or be used individually for their distinct purpose. I personally use Adizero Adios Pro for race day, Adizero Evo SL for fast training runs , and Supernova for easy runs, Hyperboost Pro ( I run a testing pair) became a staple for me in my rotation for various use cases, from short to long runs- the great thing it has that “hidden” gas pedal insight that you can always hit. If you need only one shoe Hyperboost Edge is a great choice.

Adidas Evo SL.  It’s just been perfect.  Super slow, easy runs or sub-thresholds.