Adidas Adizero SL Review: The Daily Trainer Adidas Fans Have Been Waiting For

Introduction

For years, Adidas has produced some of the best racing shoes on the market, but its daily trainer lineup has had an obvious gap. Several recent attempts felt heavy and uninspired. The Adizero SL changes that. It takes the spirit of the older SL20, a budget-friendly Lightstrike trainer, and elevates the idea by adding a Lightstrike Pro insert in the forefoot. The result is a daily trainer that leans a little speedy, handles easy runs and long runs comfortably, and can even step up for strides or a workout. At $120, it is also one of the better value propositions in its class.

Specs and Design

The midsole combines a Lightstrike carrier, Adidas’s updated EVA-blend foam, with a puck of Lightstrike Pro, the brand’s premier racing foam, embedded in the forefoot. Stack height is 35 mm at the heel with an 8.5 mm drop, leaving about 26.5 mm under the forefoot where the two foams work together.

The upper is a mesh made from at least 50% recycled materials, with generous padding around the heel and tongue. Adidas markets it as an overtly padded shoe, and while there is slightly more padding than strictly necessary, it helps the ankle and heel feel comfortably locked in. Sizing runs true to size, which is a welcome change from recent Adidas shoes that fit a little long.

Notably, this shoe does not use the Continental rubber outsole found on most other Adizero models. The rubber here feels denser and harder, reminiscent of the Adizero Boston 10 outsole. Weight comes in at 8.6 oz (243 g) for a US men’s size 9, which is refreshingly light for an Adidas daily trainer after years of models tipping well over 10 oz.

Ride Impressions

On the run, the Lightstrike carrier feels a touch softer than in firmer shoes like the Boston 10, and the Lightstrike Pro insert genuinely registers rather than getting lost in the midsole. It absorbs impact at footstrike, then decompresses quickly to give a pleasant snap at push-off.

The overall sensation is familiar and Pegasus-like at everyday paces, but the shoe stays light and nimble enough to pick up the pace for strides or workouts. Long easy runs work well too. In many ways it recaptures the beloved Boston 9 experience: one shoe for daily training, some workouts, and possibly even a marathon depending on what you want from a race-day shoe.

Alternative: Nike Pegasus 39

The Nike Pegasus 39 is the most natural comparison, and a popular one. Its React foam carrier pairs with a Zoom Air pocket in the forefoot, much like the Adizero SL’s dual-foam approach.

In direct comparison, the React foam in the Pegasus 39 comes across as a little too stiff, and the Zoom Air pocket in the front does not contribute as much as the Lightstrike Pro insert does in the Adizero SL. For the everyday trainer role the Pegasus aims at, the Adizero SL simply does the job better.

Alternative: New Balance Rebel v3

The New Balance Rebel v3 may be an even better alternative for some buyers. It is very light and very springy, built entirely from a single premium foam: FuelCell, New Balance’s racing foam.

Anyone drawn to the Adizero SL’s light, springy character will likely enjoy the Rebel v3 as well. Choosing between the two is genuinely a tough call, and either would make a strong daily trainer purchase.

Pairing Option: Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3

For a racing partner, the Adizero Adios Pro 3 makes a potent one-two punch. It is built entirely from Lightstrike Pro with carbon rods in the outsole for extra snap, and it ranks among the best marathon racing shoes available.

Use the Adizero SL for easy days and some workouts, then move to the Adios Pro 3 for harder sessions, longer runs, and races. Staying within the same family keeps the ride dynamic consistent across your lineup.

Buying Advice

This is year one of the Adizero SL, so there is no previous version to buy at a discount. The shoe starts at $120, which is a strong price for the performance on offer given how expensive running shoes have become.

There is one practical consideration: Adidas is unpredictable with pricing, and even excellent, relatively new shoes sometimes go on deep discount. If you can stretch your current shoes a little longer, waiting for a sale or promo might save you money. That said, buying at full price is still a good deal at $120.

Conclusion

The Adizero SL fills the gap in Adidas’s lineup with a genuinely appealing daily trainer: true-to-size fit, reasonable weight, a balanced dual-foam ride, and everyday-versatile performance at a fair price. The Pegasus 39 and Rebel v3 are worth a look, and the Adios Pro 3 is the ideal racing companion. For most runners seeking one shoe to cover easy days, long runs, and light speedwork, the Adizero SL is an easy recommendation.