adidas Adizero Evo SL gets a comfort upgrade with a new woven-mesh upper

The platform is unchanged, and that’s good news

Before getting into the updates, it’s worth remembering why the Evo SL has been such a hit. The formula is simple, but remarkably effective: a full-length Lightstrike Pro midsole, adidas’ premium foam, delivering an excellent balance of cushioning, low weight and energy return. Its smooth geometry, with no carbon plate, encourages a natural stride. Most of all, it offers a level of versatility that few shoes can match. The Evo SL is the kind of shoe you pull on without overthinking it. For performance-minded runners, it can handle everything from an easy run to a speed session or tempo workout. Think of it as a more accessible, more forgiving take on carbon-plated racers such as the Adizero Adios Pro Evo 2 and Adios Pro 4, which clearly influenced its design.

A new upper for greater comfort

This is where the main update lies. adidas introduces a woven-mesh upper inspired by the brand’s Adizero racing shoes. Thinner, more flexible and more breathable, it is designed to improve overall comfort while delivering a more secure fit. It remains exceptionally light.

The new multi-stretch material provides targeted support, with reinforced areas where the foot needs them while preserving freedom of movement elsewhere. More importantly, the upper addresses two major weaknesses of the previous version. First, the tongue had a tendency to shift. adidas has now given it a more secure construction that stays in place throughout the run.

Overall foot lockdown is also improved, notably through the Lightlock band connecting the lacing system to the heel. The result is a more secure hold, especially when changing direction or picking up the pace.

© adidas

© adidas

Still built to move fast

Underfoot, nothing has changed. And that is the key point. The Evo SL still uses a full-length Lightstrike Pro midsole, with no plate or additional element. It’s an interesting choice that has become part of the shoe’s identity, allowing it to deliver a more natural, less demanding ride than carbon-plated shoes. The feel remains true to the Evo SL DNA: smooth, light and lively, with the versatility to adapt to different paces. The foam provides plenty of energy return without feeling overly aggressive, making the shoe accessible to a broad range of runners, from beginners to seasoned athletes. This is still a performance-focused model, though. That is the very essence of the Adizero line.

Reliable grip, as ever

Another strength carried over to this version is the outsole. adidas continues to rely on Continental™ rubber, a proven performer when it comes to traction. Grip is excellent on both dry and wet roads, giving you confidence whatever the conditions. That can make all the difference during fast workouts or rainy runs.

© adidas

Performance shoe, lifestyle staple

Beyond its performance credentials, the Evo SL remains something of an outlier in the running scene. Its new design, unveiled at Fashion Week and directly inspired by the carbon-plated models in the Adizero line, gives it a distinctive style. The modern, aggressive yet pared-back silhouette appeals as much to runners as it does to sneaker fans. That is also part of its success: it is a shoe you can run in, but one you increasingly see worn day to day.

adidas goes big at the Paris Marathon

To support the launch, adidas is thinking big. During the Paris Marathon, the brand is taking over the 11th arrondissement with adidas District, where several local businesses will be transformed into dedicated running hubs. Expect community runs, recovery spaces and product testing, including:
➜ ADICOFFEE: a place to meet up, top up on vitamins and soak up the pre-race buzz.
ADICARE: a massage studio focused on pre-race preparation and post-race recovery.
ADIGARDEN: a florist reimagined as a place to try the Adizero Evo SL, take on the neighborhood in a Strava challenge and collect your “Finish-flower” after the marathon.

For the German brand, the goal is to create a genuine hub for runners while showcasing its flagship products and turning the Evo SL into a symbol of today’s running culture.

© adidas

With this new version of the Adizero Evo SL, adidas is not reinventing the shoe, but it is refining it in all the right places. The updated upper brings greater comfort, more precise lockdown and improved breathability, while preserving everything that made the shoe successful: its versatility, low weight, natural ride and price. Still priced at €150, it is clearly one of the best value options on the market. adidas is confirming that the Evo SL is more than a passing trend. It is establishing itself as one of the most popular models of recent years.

✔ The adidas Adizero Evo SL is available at adidas.com for €150.