tldr; Budget speedwork shoe. Lightstrike 2.0, 8mm drop, 250g. Great value for faster runs.
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Best praise vs top criticism for Adidas Adizero SL2
“I had something written, but it didn't get posted so I will add it here as a comment. As a background I am 40M, 6'4" and 240lbs. So definitely a larger runner. The first run was 3.3mi at my normal easy pace of \~11min/mi. It felt pretty good to me. They definitely have that ZoomX bounce. To me the felt like a lower stack and much more nimble version of the Invincible 3. They fit right in my sweet spot. I like a little bit of ground feel of lower stack shoes. I also have the Adidas SL2, and those are the shoes I have been running most of my base building miles after injury in. These are similar, but definitely have more pop to them and propel you around a little bit more. All in all I am very happy with them as they are exactly what I am looking for in an everyday type of shoe. The fit is true to size. I got a 12 like I do in every Nike since 9th grade, and have no complaints. The upper is great and step in feel is sublime. If you like the higher stack, plated options you will obviously be disappointed with this. For what it is though this is a great shoe. Not to mention this colorway just gives me the nostalgic feels from my original Peg 35 Turbo that were my favorite shoe (maybe ever). Can't wait to get more miles in them.”
“If you’re a beginner, I would pass on the EVO and pull the trigger on the SL2. I have a pair of the EVOs and they’re “unkind” to beginner paces in my experience, though they really come alive when getting up in speed. Advanced and elite runners can manage them for “easier” paces which would be remarkable race paces for most beginners, hence why I suggest they be avoided unless you’re already a decently trained athlete. For reference, I run my thresholds at around a 6:40/mi pace (4:09/km) which is where I find the EVOs to really start coming alive.”
1,761 Reddit opinions analyzed • Last updated 2/24/2026