The EVO SL is a speed trainer which is designed to give you a similar feel to the Adidas racing shoes. It has a racing midsole foam and it is super lightweight for its tall stack height. It only costs $150.
The Adios Pro EVO 1 is a feather-light hyper shoe designed to be fast and lightweight. It has a brand new upper, midsole and outsole which are all cutting edge. It costs a whopping $500.
This comparison will tell you which shoe is better suited to you.
Verdict
The Adidas Adizero EVO SL is an excellent lightweight, speed trainer and one of the most exceptional training shoes of recent years. Its standout feature is the incorporation of a full-length, Lightstrike Pro midsole that provides a remarkable blend of cushioning and energetic responsiveness- this racing foam elevates the shoe’s performance, making it particularly well-suited to uptempo runs. The EVO SL also offers exceptional value, being priced at an affordable $150 however, it isn’t as durable as other speed trainers with tougher midsoles.
The Adidas Adios Pro Evo 1 is a game-changing, lightweight, marathon racer which is friendly enough to handle any pace and any distance. While it doesn’t offer as much speed assistance as other firmer, more rockered racers, its featherweight build makes it feel faster than any other shoe on the market. Adidas says that it can only perform optimally for 1 marathon, but for most runners, it will be more than that as it largely depends on your body’s build and your running form.
Recommended for
Racing, speedwork, daily training
Long distance racing
Cushioning type
Balanced
Balanced/plush
Cushioning amount
Highly cushioned
Highly cushioned
Stability
not particularly stable
not particularly stable
Sizing
true to size
true to size
Retail price
US$149.95
US$499.95
The EVO SL has a midsole made of Lightstrike Pro foam. This is the same midsole foam as the one in the Adios Pro 3. It has an incredibly high level of energy return while being light at the same time.
The Adios Pro EVO 1 has a midsole made of Lightstrike Pro EVO foam. This foam is much lighter than the one in the EVO SL and softer. It has less energy return and doesn’t feel as springy as the older Lightstrike Pro.
Inside the midsoles, the EVO SL has a midfoot shank to provide some structure and support. The EVO 1 has stiff, carbon Energy Rods which prevent the sole from flexing. The EVO SL has a flexible forefoot.
The EVO SL is better suited to slower runs at relaxed paces while the EVO 1 is better suited to faster paced runs and racing. They both provide speed assistance but the EVO 1 provides a lot more thanks to its stiff midsole and super lightweight build.
When it comes to stability, the EVO SL is a lot more stable. Its midsole provides more support as it is firmer and it has more structure. The EVO 1’s soft midsole and paper-thin upper provide very little support.
The EVO SL is a trainer and it is built to handle more mileage. It has a more durable outsole as well as a more durable midsole foam which will remain cushioned for longer. The EVO 1 is designed to perform optimally for only 1 race. The more you use the EVO 1, the more unstable it becomes.
Traction is better in the EVO SL. It has Continental rubber which is hard-wearing and it has decent grip in wet conditions. The EVO 1’s outsole is very slippery in wet weather.
The EVO SL upper is thicker and more durable than the EVO 1’s upper. It’s made from traditional engineered mesh and it has more comfort with a more accommodating fit.
The EVO 1’s upper is thin and built to be light. It’s made from thin, plastic-like material. It has superb breathability and very good lockdown with a snug, racing fit.
Both uppers fit true to size but the EVO SL is more suited to wide, high volume feet than the EVO 1. The EVO 1 is only suitable for narrow feet.
If you’re looking for a durable training shoe with good energy return, the EVO SL is the better shoe for you. It can handle slower paces, it has better outsole traction and it has a more comfortable upper. It also costs much less, coming in at only $150.
If you’re looking for a really fast racer for only racing, the EVO 1 is the better shoe for you. It has a featherweight build, an extremely breathable upper and a stiff midsole which provides plenty of speed assistance. It does however costs a lot more at $500 and it has a very short lifespan.
adizero Evo SL
adizero Adios Pro Evo 1
