Still, the outsole durability is let down by the Adiwear rubber in the rearfoot which is wearing down extremely fast. And this feeling of being fast, it is for EVERYONE. That said, while everything about this shoe is good, it just doesnt quite stack up to the firepower of the competing lightweight trainers coming from the likes of Nike, Hoka, and Skechers. The benefit is that you get dependable lightweight cushioning and excellent durability, though it doesnt have the same snap on toe-off that you get with a thin layer of Boost, like in the Boston or Adios. If I loosened it too much, the crease in the forefoot poked into my foot, so I had to adjust it just right so that it was tight but not unbearably tight. Jeremy may disagree, but hes younger and still fast. The store will not work correctly in the case when cookies are disabled. TEST: ASICS GEL-Kayano 29 The lightest and most fun Kayano ever! Lightstrike is the new TPU foam from Adidas designed to compete with the modern super foams of today. The rearfoot is made from Adiwear, which is softer and not as durable as the forefoot. I would say that it feels like a cross between a Brooks Launch and a Saucony Kinvara. But that premium ingredient is slowly disappearing. So even though its not an uptempo or a race day shoe, Im still pulling it on occasion, and I did so this morning. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. So, where does the SL20 fit into the Adidas running shoe lineup? So we see less Boost now. The three running shoes all belong to the lightweight category, and they weigh almost the same. There is no lean bias. I have tested the shoe on both dry and wet surfaces, and it offers very satisfactory performance on both. The SL20 has the most spacious fit of the three, and I perceive it as less straining for the body to run in. The RW Takeaway: The midsole feels firm and less bouncy than a Boost shoe, but the SL20 is still light enough for long tempo runs and short races. Heel Lock: Locked and loaded with no slippage. For shoes like the SL20, that means a return to EVA. The SL20 has a nice step in feel to it, and it wraps the foot well for a daily trainer. The colours and the silhouette are just screaming fast. The Boston 9 has a more accommodating, better upper and has a softer midsole due to the Boost. That said, it still falls into the lightweight performance category, If youre looking for a lightweight trainer that could be used for every kind of run, this is your shoe. The rubber mixture feels very "sticky". It also offers enough comfort to avoid that feet and lower legs feel tired or particularly sore when I get back from a long run. Both shoes are great value for money, but the Rival Fly 2 is more comfortable and has a more robust build. And that gives you this added "protection". The midsole is made from TPU so it shouldn't lose much cushioning over the lifespan of the shoe. For a shoe to be effective for me (or really for anyone for that matter) it needs to fit well. The SL20 has a snappy forefoot, which flexes up in the front of the shoe. SL is short for "Super Light", and with the SL20, ADIDAS designed a fast running shoe which caters to all runners and all speeds. Of the three shoes, Boston is the one which offers the most "bouncy" and "springy" feel under your foot. It has a thin tongue which is not gusseted, but it is attached at the bottom half of the tongue, so it doesn't move around at all. When I tried a fast finish two weeks ago on a long run, it got stuck a bit below 6:00 pace. Like anyone whos had a few too many drinks during a night out, these babies like to settle. The fit of the SL20 is very narrow. They unleashed quite often, so I would definitely consider this to be a disadvantage of the shoe. Its weight is nice, it cruises along at moderate speeds, and it fits well. But compared to Adios and Boston, it just feels softer, with more cushioning and as a more "forgiving" shoe. It is softer and more comfortable than Adios, but also feels firmer/harder than the SL20. While a neutral running shoe, it has a reasonable amount of stability. However, in terms of pure comfort, the SL20 is the most comfortable of the three in my opinion. To most people, it is a training shoe for shorter runs or a fast shoe for pace runs, intervals or competitions. We Tried The Asics Actibreeze 3D Sandal: Worth The Hype? Saucony Mens Endorphin Speed Running Shoe, Very lightweight running shoes perfect for fast runs. Our Running Warehouse Picks of The Week (7/29/2022), Asics Novablast 3 Review: Watch the Throne, Hoka Bondi 8 Review: The Thiccest Boi is Back, Article One Drops Five Classic Sunglasses For Runners, Nike Air Zoom Alphafly Next% 2 Review: Give Us Back Our Bounce, Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 Review: Yeah, Its Even Better, Mizuno Wave Horizon 6 Review: Wavy to the (Enerzy) Core, Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 | Video Review. The BOOST material is extremely effective in reverting to its original shape after being compressed, and therefore returns a lot of energy to the runner. Even so, it lacked some of the pop I like in faster offerings. A couple of testers reported that the tongue was too tall, but thats likely just because the pull tab is overly stiff and sticks up. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. It was tricky getting the lacing right without it feeling uncomfortable. And that certainly is a nice characteristic. The upper is a simple design thats breathable but also snug enough to keep your foot locked down and in place. Swap out for some taller socks and youve got an easy fix, fortunately.. Including you, who do not normally think of yourself as particularly fast. There isn't a single reason to choose the SL20 over the Boston Boost. In all seriousness, if I was forced to train in just one pair of shoes every day this would make the shortlist for me, alongside options like the Pegasus Turbo 2 or the Hoka Clifton (I know, totally different shoes in terms of cushion). You can try interval training, stretching, fartlek or simply take very light running shoes. Heel-to-toe drop is 10 mm, so you cannot say this is a minimalist running shoe at all. And this feeling of being fast, it is for EVERYONE. Overall, its a great running shoe. My recommendation: Cut it off. I even did heel lacing but didnt feel secure after a few miles., Heartbreak for Grant Fisher as Medals Elude Him, Better Breathing Can Improve Your Performance, 2022 World Athletics Championships Results, Ashton Kutcher Takes on NYC Marathon for a Cause, NYC Triathlon Shortened for Athlete Safety. I used it more for shorter-length runs because I was craving a little more cushion by the end of 5 miles or so.. You will receive mails that contain promotions of our products and issues related to RunningXpert.coms range of products. Lightstrike is a relatively new material from ADIDAS, which is significantly lighter and more rapid in its response than BOOST. The SL20 has a nice step in feel to it, and it wraps the foot well for a daily trainer. In a size UK 8 1/2, the three shoes weigh as follows: And how do the shoes differ when you put them on your feet? So if you prefer a more cushioned bounce, Id look somewhere else because these are probably not the best choice for you.. ADIDAS ADIZERO ADIOS 5 = Approx. I tend to enjoy lightweight shoes, even for easy days, so I really appreciated the feel of these. The shoe is lightly padded and has a relatively rigid heel counter in the back. The transition time became much more forced. I was getting some painful irritation of my skin just from the repeated rubbing against it. The midsole is firm, so the SL20 is a stable shoe. DAVE: Fit: I have a narrow foot and a high arch. I.e. There was a time that almost all of Adidass performance running shoes had Boost midsole material. We found it has an excellent fitsnug through the midfoot and over the instep, without being uncomfortable. So for shorter distances and fast-tempo runs, its the one that you should pick! Boston is more of an all-round running shoe. It bothered me despite Band-Aids and trying different socks., Sign up for Runners World+ to get the latest reviews from our expert test team . The disadvantage of BOOST, however, is that it is relatively heavy. Perfect. Adidas calls the SL20s midsole Lightstrike, but simply put, its compression-molded EVA. It also makes use of the new adidas Lightstrike midsole compound. They want a break with the idea that speed is about distance and time. And it really performs quite brilliantly! ADIDAS Solar Control - Running shoes with comfort and control! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I have a running shoe obsession and addiction. Finally, while these shoes are lightweight, I wouldnt describe them as an extra fast shoe (they would not be my choice for race day). So dont expect a great performance from this running shoe on longer distances. The heel counter is traditional and doesn't flare out like other Adidas shoes such as the Ultraboost and Solar Boost. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. As such, the shoe caters to a much broader audience of runners than Boston and, in particular, Adios. I run +-50km per week, and one of my favourite past times is going into shoe stores and testing salesmen on their knowledge of running shoes. But once laced, the SL20 doesnt get wiggly with it and thats a huge plus. Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. The SL20 is a competent tempo running shoe for distances less than 10km, but it suffers from a very narrow fitting upper and manufacturing defects where the upper separates from the midsole. Like, literally, as in the laces themselves. So, for the general consumer, it can be extremely difficult to see why you would choose one over the other. Copyright Believe In The Run / Big Run Media 2018. Grips like gravy on those Southern California sidewalks full of doobie roaches and human urine. It gives you a feeling of lightness. How we test gear. The SL in SL20 stands for super light, and while not much lighter than other tempo running shoes, it is much lighter than Adidas Boost shoes which is a step in the right direction. Its missing the powerful toe-off of an Adios 4 or a Boston and it doesnt have their rockin Boost foam either.. I choose the Zoom Rival Fly 2. The Razor 3 is better for long runs, but the SL20 is better for short runs. Learn how your comment data is processed. Before there was anything called Nike Vaporfly, half marathon and marathon world records were set in ADIDAS Adizero Adios, which underlines how this is an extremely fast shoe! With the launch of the SL20, ADIDAS now offers three running shoes which bear an uncanny resemblance to each other: is ADIDAS' well-known midsole material, known (and loved) for its springy and "bouncy" feeling under the foot. For many, the adidas SL20 will be the missing piece of the puzzle that completes the Boston series and the Ultraboost lineup. The forefoot opens to be wide but not overly roomy. 70% say it's true to size. Not only is the ADIDAS SL20 light and fast. Test: Altra Timp 4 - a versatile trail shoe. I am normally a size 11.5 and that fit well in the SL20s for me. The midfoot around the Torsion shank is exposed. Seven years ago, when Adidas introduced their Boost foam, it was a marvel. With the launch of the SL20, ADIDAS now offers three running shoes which bear an uncanny resemblance to each other: ADIDAS SL20,ADIDAS Adizero Boston 8andADIDAS Adizero Adios 5. So if you want to use this as a Tempo shoe, or even race in it, Id tell you there are plenty of better speedsters out there (even from Adi). This happened having run less than 100km, which should not happen with a company as big as Adidas to a shoe they have spent millions marketing. And you really do, once you get it on your feet. Not completely, but you do have to toe-off a bit harder in it and give it a honk to get it up to speed. It offers a completely new midsole, called Lightstrike. lightstrike sl20 The prototypical Adi foot. The torsion shank helps to keep the shoe rigid through the midfoot and provides structure. What do you get if you take an Adidas Boston, swap out the Boost foam, and knock $20 off the price tag? Like the other two running shoes, the ADIDAS SL20 was created for the fast runs. Generally, everything just works as it should. For a shoe marketed to be a stouter Boston, its very light on the foot. The upper is what I would call a classic mesh upper. As runners, sometimes I think we get a little midsole happy and forget the importance of a good lockdown. One thing I have zero tolerance for is manufacturing defects because returning shoes back is a chore. When I was first introduced to SL20, I really struggled to see how I should position the SL20 relative to the Boston and Adios. Its not going to the graveyard, but it does have its place. Yes, the SL20 is firmer and faster, but then the Adios Boost is the better choice. For fast days, including this weeks 14 x 70-second hill rep session, my Adios 4 was still as good as gold. Before there was anything called Nike Vaporfly, half marathon and marathon world records were set in ADIDAS Adizero Adios, which underlines how this is an extremely fast shoe! Built on the Adizero last, it has a snug, secure fit. Jeremy may disagree, but hes younger and still fast. The Adidas SL20 Delivers Speed on a Budget. DAVE: Lets cut right to the chase. It is for anyone who wants to feel fast! I know Im guilty! This tempo trainer has a firm, responsive EVA midsole and a snug, race-ready fit. ADIDAS ADIZERO BOSTON 8 = Approx. 20% BOOST, 80% Lightstrike. BESTSELLER RUNNING SHOES | We've made it easy for you - all your favourites in one place | SHOP NOW. It has the wording "Lightstrike" on it just in case you forget that the midsole is made from it. And that just clashes a bit with making fast running shoes that are as light as possible. It works for a lot of things, but it doesnt really excel at any of themlike a jack of all trades, but a master of none. If, however, youre better accustomed to lightly built shoes and dont experience a lot of heel movement, youll like the breathable mesh covering the forefoot and the thin, airy tongue. Integrated in the sole, there is a Torsion System (the red plate in the picture), which gives the shoe some structure and control. Another run where the speed of these shoes was apparent to me was a hilly tempo run I did, averaging around 5:15/mile and feeling pretty comfortable! Some shoes such as the Adios Boost and the Boston Boost have a combination of Boost foam and Lightstrike foam but the SL20 and its sister shoe, the RC2.0 have a full Lightstrike midsole. Based on your reviews, I cant tell. I rock a ton of adidas Originals as well (shoutout to Ian Brown of The Stone Roses), so most of the run lineup fits like a glove. But did Lightstrike make me want to drop the hammer? Its going to land here for now. I am mentioning these models because I had them on my trainings and this model of Adidas SL20 comes out the best. He currently coaches Believe in the Run founder, Thomas. Boost was revolutionary, but Lightstrike just doesn't have that sparkle or wow factor. The tongue of the shoe is abrasive and extends up too far for low-cut socks (everyone knows too much tongue is never a good thing). Winner of the 2019 Baltimore Marathon, he is currently running way too many miles and road racing with a focus on the marathon. Lightstrike was first used by Adidas in their basketball shoes and has been filtered through to the running sector. Jeff is Runner-in-Chief for Runner's World, guiding the brand's shoes and gear coverage. It doesn't. On the other hand, it is also the shoe that offers the least in terms of comfort. Obviously, it is not as comfortable as the daily training shoes Solar Boost or Ultra Boost. In all seriousness, if I was forced to train in just one pair of shoes every day this would make the shortlist for me, alongside options like the Pegasus Turbo 2 or the, That said, while everything about this shoe is. 2020 is the year of Lightstrike. The fit is perfect for keeping your foot snug and secure with everything in place. Under the foot, we find a new material called "Lightstrike" that is significantly lighter than BOOST, which most people know about. It would be a good option on long tempo days if it had a little more cushioning underfootit does not have the responsiveness I want. I know Im guilty! ADIDAS SL20 is for anyone who wants the feeling of being fast, without the shift from "comfortable daily running shoe" to "fast lightweight running shoe" becoming too extreme. Like Dave said, the Continental rubber outsole had zero issues gripping and keeping traction on the rainiest days. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. The ADIDAS SL20 was designed for the days when you want to go faster. Heres the deal: Its smooth for my easy days and some of my medium-long runs, and I could definitely run 20+ miles in it as well. The lighter weight means that, in their new SL20, ADIDAS has been able to get MORE material (more foam) under the foot compared to Adios and Boston without making the shoe heavier. Anything longer and the firm midsole is too harsh on the feet. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, RW+ Exclusive: Try This Bib Hack at Your Next Race, Altra Provision 6: Stability for Every Runner, The Best Reflective Bands for Safer Running, Article One Launches Active Eyewear Collection, The 8 Best Sport Watches for Outdoor Athletes. Not only is the ADIDAS SL20 light and fast. It may be the most narrow shoe I've ever tried on. The ADIDAS SL20 was designed for the days when you want to go faster. And, as youd expect from go-fast kicks, the fit has to be dialed so theres no wasted energy from your foot moving around inside the shoe. primegreen sl20 As runners, sometimes I think we get a little midsole happy and forget the importance of a good lockdown. This is confusing because the Boston Boost has got Lightstrike in its midsole combined with Boost. In addition to easy days, I took these shoes out for a progression long run and honestly they felt light in the first half and cushioned enough for the back half where I progressed down to marathon pace to finish out a 20-miler. The Adidas shoe is cheaper than the Skechers, but I'd still choose the Razor 3 for the bouncy, smoother ride. See size guide. JEREMY: Theres a lot to like about this shoe. As for weight, Adidas SL20 is very comparable to Nike Zoom Pegasus Turbo 2, Saucony Guide 13, Nike Free RN Flyknit 2018 or less known ON Cloudswift. Required fields are marked *. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. is a relatively new material from ADIDAS, which is significantly lighter and more rapid in its response than BOOST. Theyre not only tough to work with, but theyre also a tad on the thicker side, meaning it takes a few tries to get the damn thing perfect. Dave Ames is the Owner and Founder of Ame For It Run Coaching, a worldwide run coaching service working with runners of all abilities one-on-one to help them achieve their goals and dreams. It works for a lot of things, but it doesnt really excel at any of themlike a jack of all trades, but a master of none. JEREMY: The tongue of the shoe is abrasive and extends up too far for low-cut socks (everyone knows too much tongue is never a good thing). Asics Gel-Kayano 29 Review: No, Really, Stability is Sexy. Still, I experience a level of protection and comfort rarely seen in a shoe this light and fast. Particularly if you are looking for your first "fast running shoe". Except for the unleashing shoelaces, I found Adidas SL 20 to be a fast, high quality model, perfectly working for shorter runs and other workouts. This content is imported from {embed-name}. That one performs well for long runs, it is more protective for your knees while Adidas SL 20 is lighter. The disadvantage of BOOST, however, is that it is relatively heavy. Compare the popularity of another shoe to Adidas SL20: Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes. It is free and non-binding to subscribe to RunningXpert.coms newsletter. Adidas SL20 is a great example of lightweight running shoes that comes in at only around 220 grams (7.76 oz). But once laced, the SL20 doesnt get wiggly with it and thats a huge plus. The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. You definitely need to go up a half size. I found the SL20 to be best suited at 6:50-7:45. Theyre not only tough to work with, but theyre also a tad on the thicker side, meaning it takes a few tries to get the damn thing perfect. However, after running in all three shoes, I have become a little wiser. The Torsion shank provides midfoot stability and helps the forefoot snap back into its original position when it flexes. Read the review of the new, fast running shoes from ADIDAS! The Nike shoe has a better, more accommodating upper. JEREMY: The SL20 is advertised as a lightweight shoe for fast running and racingsimilar, but slightly heavier than the Adios 5. Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. DAVE: Look, its a pretty decent shoe. Id recommend the SL20 for the runner looking for a quick easy day shoe with the option to put in some marathon pace work. An EVA midsole provides firm, protective cushioning. Id say it runs best for the narrow to average foot type, but there is some wiggle room in the toe box. Longtime wearers of the Boston line will feel at home from the second they slip their foot in and experience the traditional fit from Adidass fastest shoes. You can pick up the adidas SL20 at Running Warehouse (featuring free 2-day shipping and 90-day returns) for $120 by using the shop link below. Ill be completely honest. Outsole: Continental Rubber. The SL20 is a fast, tempo running shoe, so it competes with the Nike Zoom Rival Fly, the New Balance 1400, Skechers Razor 3 and even Adidas' own Boston Boost. I fully admit that I need to be more open-minded, but given the way the game is being played right now, you better bring your best foam. Overall the shoe was comfortable enough, says one female tester who regularly logs 7:00 miles and is a past winner of the Runners World Half-Marathon. Anybody accustomed to a cushier, beefier daily trainer will like the lightweight pop the SL20 delivers for uptempo sessions. The Boston beats the SL20 in every department and is the far superior shoe. I spend hours a day on websites and on review sites reading about the latest tech and upcoming releases. Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a157ba2bc2fb5d9dc5111791a5fd2cfd" );document.getElementById("g78b0a0064").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. And there's the difference in price, of course. Adidas fell asleep and didn't innovate for many years, so now they have to play catch up. It feels stiff and too firm to be a super foam that competes with the ZoomX and Floatride foams of the world. The midsole is not as cushioned and returning energy as in the case of Adidas Ultraboost 20. For me, it simply works with my stride and provides effortless miles. The lacing doesnt feel overly secure. It feels like a traditional EVA midsole but with some slight rebound. The collar was too hard and stiff, and continually gave me blisters, reported one tester. The Boston has a more durable outsole due to having more Continental rubber. It has a soft fabric material glued on top of it that gathers sock material after a while. For fast days, including this weeks 14 x 70-second hill rep session, my. I was getting some painful irritation of my skin just from the repeated rubbing against it. Fit: I have a narrow foot and a high arch. With the SL20 on my feet, I really do feel fast. The lighter weight means that, in their new SL20, ADIDAS has been able to get MORE material (more foam) under the foot compared to Adios and Boston without making the shoe heavier. ADIDAS Adizero Boston 8 with BOOST (bottom) and Lightstrike (top) in the midsole. For a shoe to be effective for me (or really for anyone for that matter) it needs to fit well. The numbers are my own estimates, so should be taken with a pinch of salt. The downside is that its a heavy material, and in todays foam wars, there are lighter options that deliver similar properties. Anything else and youll get left behind. The forefoot is made from durable Continental rubber which grips well and has a soft underfoot feel. It sits comfortably on the foot, but there is nothing fancy about it. I testedADIDAS SL20 for the past few weeks, doing runs at varying speeds at distances between 5 km and 17 km. Adios has the tightest fit and feels more aggressive, faster and more "race-like" than the other two. The SL20 reminds me of a firmer Nike Pegasus Turbo, sans some of the bouncy fun. Dave is originally from Central New York, worked and coached in the running mecca of Boston, Mass., and now lives with his beautiful wife, Gregoria in Long Beach, Calif. @jeremy, Im use a size 14 for one size up from my true size, these shoes would be my exact size, however, they dont seem to make them bigger than 13. It is also low to the ground, so you feel planted when running in them. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. The insole is flat and doesn't add much cushioning. The SL20 has one big problem: the midsole separates from the upper on both sides. After two long runs and a good amount of weekly mileage, it woke up a bit. Find reviews, guides and more inspiring content right here: NEWSLETTERDont miss out on great offers and inspiring content from our team of running experts. When putting the shoe on, the tongue feels like it's a centimetre too short but you forget about it during the run. In addition, you may receive other kinds of sales- and service-related mails. The SL20. Your email address will not be published. In the midfoot, theres a torsion system designed to create a springy toe-off, while also reducing any unwanted movement. Jeremy is a Microbiology and Immunology PhD candidate working in a Baltimore-based lab. The heel unit is also pretty stiff and supportive and, overall, I find ADIDAS SL20 to be in the stable end of the spectrum, compared to many other lightweight running shoes. Whats your opinion on the fit? You can unsubscribe the newsletter at any time by following the link at the bottom of the newsletter. Its not going to the graveyard, but it does have its place. The outsole of the ADIDAS SL20 has been produced in cooperation with the tyre manufacturer Continental. To most people, it is a training shoe for shorter runs or a fast shoe for pace runs, intervals or competitions. Lightstrike was supposed to be Adidas' next big thing, but it falls short. For me, this shoe is more like a trusty Swiss army knife: Its versatility makes it usable for everything from easy days to speed workouts to long runs. I felt it was a good balance for every run, up to 10 km. The Lightstrike midsole is firm. With this shoe on your feet, it is hard to keep the speed down. Garmin Fenix 6/6S/6X Read all about the watches here! The Continental rubber in the forefoot is showing no signs of wear. Moving onto the midsole. If you want to do pace runs, intervals or set personal bests. The SL20 is not a shoe worth getting excited about and not a shoe that I look forward to running in with so many better options out there to choose from in the tempo running shoe category. And if you have not previously tried a lightweight running shoe, it will be like a whole new world opening up to you SL20 from ADIDAS should be seen as a "running shoe number 2". While some may enjoy the firm feel of these shoes, theyre a bit old school (like Daves references) especially with lightweight cushioned trainers and racers selling like hotcakes right now. So, which is the superior Adidas shoe, and how does the SL20 fit in the Adidas running shoe range? It may not be quite as fast and explosive as Adios, or as bouncy as Boston. Youre not going anywhere. Hi, I'm Brandon. Yeah, welcome to sunny SoCal. The SL20 comes in at 7.8 ounces (222 grams) for a US M9. I went for tempo runs, long runs and daily runs in the SL20 and the shoe felt best for those 5km speed workouts which last less than 30 minutes. The Adizero line is essentially Adidass stable of race-ready shoes. ADIDAS SL20is part of ADIDAS' "Faster Than" campaign, where they want to do away with the notion that being fast is something reserved for elite runners.