Adidas Adios 5 vs. SL20

[@bruceblumberg1480]

I’d love to hear your thoughts on SL 20 vs. the Boston 9.

[@runningwithmarc]

You and Seth are killing me, I was going to review this also 😂, can't do as many miles as quickly as rehabbing an injury. This was great and interesting Mike!

[@David-1216]

The music really elevates the intros to the point where I never skip them lol

[@kofuzi]

Thanks! The intros are my favorite part

[@runningbreakdown4040]

I really liked the SL20, I did a 1:25 half after work in them and 1:22 being my best in (4%). I did want for more forefoot cushion by mile 12 though so I would suggest a half is its peak distance. I also got them for 60pounds and 100RRP being the listed price I think I got a steal. I think they work great for intervals, fast fartlek, hills and progression runs.

[@mothafucka465]

Are they good for casual walking?

[@Tiggz70]

After your initial review of the SL20 I went and bought a pair. I was initially sceptical seeing the price point but I absolutely adore the shoe. Good mix of rebound and cushioning and so light.

[@toddpollock9234]

Mark Hawkins This is great to hear. I did as well. Ordered yesterday online.

[@kofuzi]

I’m glad they’re working out for you!

[@Martha-fluterunner]

And the Boston 9 falls right in the sweet spot in between the two in many ways, including stack height. To me it is the best!

[@MiracleWarriors]

Do you think that the SL20 might be more comfortable, more cushioning then the Boston ? I got both SL20 and Boston 8 but I can't figure out witch one feels more cushioning or stable. Anyways the Adizero winner for me is the Adios 5 of I could only pick one shoe from Adidas. Thanks.

[@Martha-fluterunner]

MiracleWarriors Hi! I do think the SL20 had more cushion than the Boston 8. The Boston 9 is closer because it has the same Lightstrike midsole and only Boost in the heel. I happen to like the snugness of the Boston 8; it just hugs my foot in a good way. The 9 is a little less snug in the midfoot and toebox and that will probably be an improvement for most people. They both work for me right out of the box! I loved the SL20 at first and thought I would prefer it for longer runs. I was training for Boston Marathon at the time and it was right before the virus crisis so I was doing around 16-18 mi long runs in the SL20 out of the box, and had little niggles each time so it just may not be as great for my mechanics so I switched back to the Boston 8 to be on the safe side; then Boston Marathon got postponed anyway. Nevertheless I guess the SL20 is less stable just for me because I have more ground-feel with the Boston model and it feels like less shoe in a good way. It’s probably an individual thing that should become clear after you’ve run in them both enough.

[@nickm133]

Best running shoe I’ve ever had 👍

[@macau.friend]

I have a friend who helps Adidas with their marketing and PR, and even she is confused by all the different releases and their purposes, haha

[@kaishunider4110]

Your intros are killing me!!!! It's one of the main reason I'm looking forward to see your reviews

[@andreasmaher8749]

Love your Adidas reviews. I have both shoes and the Adios 5 feels more like a traditional racing flat and although the SL20 looks pretty chunky in comparison it still is a rather nimble shoe.

[@ajmartinez1906]

Super Awesome Review, looking forward to seeing the review on the Adios Pro

[@earlaverilla9250]

Great shootout vid, Kofuzi! Just had a 2nd run in my adi SL20's and they're an absolute joy for faster pace. Got them because of a good deal. Compliments my stacked/cushioned NB 1080v10's for slower runs well.

[@kofuzi]

That’s a good combo

[@shiguek]

Thanks Ko. This was great, was thinking of getting both, but will go for the SL20. BTW after this morning's chat had to have pizza for dinner!

[@kofuzi]

Good call! 🍕

[@MiracleWarriors]

Thanks for Great Video! Finally a comparison video between those two shoes on KZbin !

[@ryandixon9212]

Have just purchased a pair of SL20's can't wait to use them! Definitely good sales to be had at the moment!

[@kofuzi]

It’s a very good price for the shoe

[@ShinetsuYuki]

took the sl20 for my first run this morning. took me a little bit to get used to the shoe being close to the ground. overall enjoyed the ride when i started to pick up the pace.

[@KevHutch]

I own both. I like the Adios 5 for the reactive springy Boost, but I gotta say that the SL20 has a nice ground feel to it, and kinda feels softer with the extra stack height. I just ran my fastest mile in the SL20 - and that surprised me. I feel I could run a whole marathon in the SL20 whereas the Adios 5 is more of a half marathon shoe for me.

[@TheRollingBacon]

Great comparison! I think another thing worth noting is the noticeably different sizing and fit in both shoes. The SL20 feels more true to size, but the Adios 5 is more narrow and a little longer in the same size. Maybe just me tho.

[@TimGrose]

yes in a UK 12.5 I thought there was a fraction more length in the adios. Ideally could do with a 13 in both but they don't go any bigger.

[@josephrodgers5169]

There are so many Adidas racing shoes right now, with the Boston, the RC and the Adizero Pro coming out soon. It's crazy trying to understand the lineup.

[@Chicago_Jayhawk]

I would say the full Lightstrike models RC and SL are "budget", Adios is still their minimalistic faster pace shoe and Boston both daily and speed combined. Pro is just Adidas answer to Nike's carbon plate.

[@Karlm01]

Comparison betwenn sl20 and Boston 9 which one would you pick?

[@bhky]

This head-to-head review has answered so many questions! Thanks!

[@nathaliec7330]

lately my sl20 are my go to shoe for tempo or relax and kinvara 11 also is big for my longer runs but sl20 im getting another pair so im loving it thanks for the comparaison i dont have the adios 5 just boston 8

[@manuelevangelista479]

Love my boston8 definitely I will get sl20 thanks for the review

[@Gfilbeckpa]

Really enjoyed this video! Great content as usual!

[@kofuzi]

Thanks so much!

[@ifonly2675]

I'm confused about Lightstrike. At first i found out it was TPU based but Adidas are now saying it is EVA based so i'm a bit doubtful about its longevity

[@emmanueleng1160]

I usually don't care about the colourway of the shoes because with the mileage I run, I buy shoes every 3-4 months, maybe 6 months if I rotate shoes. I usually go for the colourway that is in excess supply for a cheaper price. But I gotta admit the SL 20 looks dope (maybe even worth the extra dollars).

[@prod1gy305]

Great review. I can’t begin to express how much I love that colourway of the SL20.... it straight up looks like fire, makes me want to buy the shoe for that reason alone.

[@kofuzi]

It almost makes me bashful to take it out for just a regular run day.

[@hannuliljemark3119]

Two easy runs with SL20 under my belt. Both times it feels like such a fast shoe the first 10 minutes. Then I start to notice how I have hotspots on my arches and they'll develop blisters after the run for sure. Dang! It's my slightly overpronating feet, I guess. I used to love Adidas years ago and no doubt these are good shoes. I'll continue my tests with Kinvara 11, and keep my two pairs of Hoka Tracer 2s in the rotation...

[@christophersanguino7828]

I almost got that colorway for the SL20 but I ended up getting the original black/orange/ white since it was cheaper, great video!!

[@kofuzi]

solid choice. what's weird is that the adios 5 does not come in black at all for men

[@reidmorris7976]

I did the exact same thing

[@amithsingh7790]

Looking forward to this have being eying the sl

[@kofuzi]

a real bargain at the moment

[@ethanennis8]

It’s a fantastic shoe

[@ksteege]

But the SL is way cooler looking... haha Honestly looks like a great show though for sure

[@TheRollingBacon]

Try searching for the Adios 5 Evergreen version (Japan exclusive). Look equally good if not better 😉

[@Trailrunner1978]

I love the SL-20. It was the shoe of the year for me. I do not have Adios 5. But I do have the Boston 8, the first version. The SL-20 feels like a sturdy, stabile, well cushioned shoe with that extra springiness, that could go as far as a marathon. The Boston 8 feels like flimsy sandals compared to it. But the Boston 8 do have a little faster top speed. But I wouldnt take Boston 8 further than a 20 K I think, and 10 K feels like it is it's correct distance. I would take the SL-20 over it any day, for any run over 10 K, any pace.

[@jpod]

hmmm, new and or diff camera, watching on a diff computer, great footage

[@mnakano89]

Great running footage as always! Any thoughts on the Adizero RC 2.0? It seems to me that the RC is more of a "brother" to the Adios5 than the SL (at least in looks).

[@voltsantillan]

I have had the SL20 for about a year now. I do have a query though, does the torsion plate have the same action as the carbon rods in the thicker adios pro? I used the SL 20 several times whilst trail running in high altitude and I noticed a slight push going uphill. I do not recommend the SL20 for mountain running though since it has a thinner lightstrike midsole which does not absorb the impact of my footstrike.

[@zvihirsh6517]

Not performance related but: I own the same colorway, and it doesn't come across in videos and pictures how good looking the sl20 are!

[@michaeladams1521]

I like the sound of the SL20, but I'm worried that it is narrow. When I ran in the Zoomfly Flyknit and the Adidas Boston 8, I would get a pain in the ball of my foot after about 10km (I think you had a similar issue with the zoomfly.). In my mind I put it down to the shoes being to narrow upfront. Ended up not being able to use either of them. Wouldn't want that again. Interested to hear what you thought.

[@RileyRunTheCity]

I had the same issue with the Zoom Fly FK. I thought it was the carbon fiber plate that was causing the pain. I only managed to get 48miles before I shelved them. The pain in my foot stayed with me for about a month or so after wearing them. Been wanting to try the SL20 so I'm hoping I don't get the same results.

[@TimGrose]

The adidas adizero line up has always been narrow which is good for me as I have narrow feet. I did not get the Boston 8 but had all the previous ones and the SL20 felt very similar. As such they might not work for you. What shoes do/did you get on OK with?

[@michaeladams1521]

@@RileyRunTheCity thanks. If you do try them out, would be good to hear how they work for you.

[@michaeladams1521]

@@TimGrose I'm currently going with NB Beacons and Fuelcel Rebels. No issues with them. I don't have particularly wide feet, but just with those others something seems to be pinching in the ball of my foot.

[@RunTommy123]

Adidas needs to up their game. After running in my Zoom Flys with React Foam for a year, switching back to Boost makes my legs feel trashed. Boost just isn't good enough anymore.

[@kofuzi]

Let me introduce you to a shoe called the SL20

[@epicspeedster2344]

Nike Pegasus Turbo 2s are just way better then any boost shoes

[@gudboyngdisyerto]

now that there are no marathon races, i am training for a mile. i could do time trial more often without the need for long recovery and also to improve my speed that i almost neglect when marathon training. do you think there is significant difference between adios5 and sl20 when doing a mile time trial? sl20 is much cheaper so would go adios only if there is noticeable difference.

[@michaelkoondel5585]

I loved the comparison, Mike...thanks! I'm really enjoying both shoes, but I also fit the Boston 8 (and the Pegasus 35 Turbo) into my rotation. I'd be curious to know your opinion about how the Boston 8 or 9 might complement the Adios 5 and SL20 training combo. As for the Peg 35T, what can I say? It's still a great, strangely nostalgic shoe that pairs well with the Adidas Adizero line-up in my rotation.

[@AGC828]

Is the 5 discontinued?? Not listed on the Adidas Canada website but you CAN still find it sold at shops. Adidas should make more "Flats"....there is a group out there that likes to go old school...preferably....e.g. Adios Pro 3.5F :) LOW stack height version 25mm heel...carbon plate...

[@kofuzi]

They’re on the 6 now with the 7 on the way any minute

[@vishalchadha1837]

Hi wanted to check how is the spacing between Adios 5 vs SL20 in the Toe Area as for me there is always a fight between UK 8 vs UK8.5 for adios 5 I have UK 8.5 whereas for Adizero PRO UK 8 fits good so confused for SL20 what would fit in

[@guillermomunoz5531]

Hey Mike, how would you compare the SL20 to the Boston 8 and 9 in terms of forgiveness and comforts?

[@shane4077]

Great reviews Kofuzi! I'm getting an adios 5 soon and already have an ultraboost for recovery/longer runs/casual daily wear. I mainly do track sprinting (200m - 800m) and some fast short runs on the road (3-7km max). Is there any other shoe I should be looking at from Adidas? I like the look of the Takumi Sen but would that be too harsh on my feet for regular use? I play a multi sprint team sport

[@kofuzi]

I can’t seem to find a takuki sen to purchase, but I’ve also been enjoying the SL20

[@ThatRunningGuy]

SL20’s 👌😍

[@johndoe-gh2or]

Finally someone made a comparison video

[@TimGrose]

I did one a while ago too :)

[@andreaskowarschik4621]

Thanks for the review. Interesting how you are seeing it. I can't help it. Really do not like lightstrike. I get the feeling (with both shoes) it's not vivid and has low energy return. Anybody else out there not happy with the new foam?

[@kofuzi]

It’s very different than fuelcell or fresh foam x. That is for sure.

[@andreaskowarschik4621]

I so much do love the Adios 4 and to me the lightstrike material changed the feeling of the shoe a lot in a bad way. Fuelcell is great. Love the TC and the rebel. Didn’t try fresh foam x. Thanks for your good work! And commenting back (:

[@ericchevalley]

I have had my eyes on both the Lightstrike's SL 20 and The fuelcell's TC. If stores were open, I would try them both and compare but can't. How would you describe the difference between the 2 shoes? Thanks. Great channel. Love how thoughtful you are in your reviews.

[@andreaskowarschik4621]

@@ericchevalley you could check out his review of the tc here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qnyYfJloib-nmKM I'd say one wouldn't really know where to start when talking about the differences. Did run them both and completely different shoes in my opinion.

[@robbristle5642]

I find the lightstrike to be slightly lighter than boost with slightly more energy return. But there is still something mesmerizing about Boost I just can’t put my finger on it.

[@msalvs]

What about the adizero rc 2? they're even closer to the adios 5

[@Reggy9]

Amazing shoe! Got the RC2 for like 55 bucks here in Europe! Just a no brainer!

[@manashbarman3490]

Hi Kofuzi, so excluding the solarboost, ultraboost, solarglide, which shoe do you suggest for long runs mostly easy pace longer mileage from Adidas neutral shoe though?

[@amuzamentsepulcral4042]

will we see a sl20 vs RC 2.0? Anyways, thanks for this comparison video

[@NatasaM]

What, no music at the end? It's my favorite, don't miss it next time 😁

[@kofuzi]

argh!! totally forgot. it's been a while since i've forgotten.

[@cnsmooth]

Hello hope you are keeping well.i was just wondering if you would be making a video on the pegasus 37 as your review is conspicuously absent

[@TimGrose]

Very interesting as I have both and did a similar video myself. Largely similar conclusion. SL20 bit softer and bit more "everyday" but not ideal for slower days, adios 5 bit more racy but in a speed test, I got identical times. In my rather large UK 12.5 the SL20 at 268g comes in slightly lighter than the adios at 275g. I figured Boost is a bit heavier. Is the adios 5 actually lighter with your pairs?

[@kofuzi]

I’ve not measured them on a scale. But in hand they feel about identical.

[@TimGrose]

@@kofuzi yeah as good as the same...

[@mitchyruns7818]

Hey man. I’ve got the sl20s and love them, got the adios 5 on the way too. Question, if you was to run a 10k road race, would you go for a flat like these or something like a vaporfly?

[@normamurray5245]

Great review kofuzi, Q... Have you any idea when Adidas will release the adizero pro... Thanks

[@kofuzi]

I thought it was supposed to be June 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@minishoko]

Hello Kofuzi. Thanks for this comparison. I use the Adios 3 for more than 2 years, I find it hard to part with it despite their 900kms and more. I love them. When I come out of injury, I put back the Adios 3 because they are the only ones with which I can start running again. I tried the Adios 4 in store but I was not convinced by the fit. I haven't been able to try the Adios 5 yet because of the quarantine, but the SL20 excites my curiosity. I'm looking for lightness, nimble and the snug fit of the Adios 3, and the ground feeling. In your opinion, which of these 2 could come closest? Thanks.

[@kofuzi]

Why not get another A3? They might be a bit more difficult to find, but I’ve seen them around on the internet here and there.

[@minishoko]

@@kofuzi Indeed I thought about it. But in France it's very difficult to find them, also with the right size. I also run with Asics but we often return to his first love.

[@christopherpeltzer2155]

That SL20 color way is awesome. Wish they had a similar design in the adios 5 I just ordered. haha

[@manashbarman3490]

So for daily trainer- SL20 vs Boston, which one do u suggest?

[@stuarthys9879]

Manash Barman Boston has more cushion, so better as a daily trainer. SL20 is better at speed

[@dylanc6171]

Thanks for the detailed comparison! I was wondering how the volume toeboxes of the shoes compare to the adios 4? I love how speedy my Adios 4 feel but if I go half marathon distance my toes get cramped and beat up from the race fit. Thanks!!

[@Martha-fluterunner]

Dylan C I have tried both and the Adios had plenty of volume in the forefoot for my medium width foot (female). In fact it had too much which is why I preferred the SL20 and Boston 9. Martha

[@TimGrose]

I thought the adios 5 has a bit more room in the toebox than the 4. Both narrow though which personally suits me.

[@karlbadde7435]

@kofuzi that cap looks reflective. Is that a strip of 3M on the strap? What is it called and who does them?

[@kofuzi]

it is reflective. It's from Path Projects. wonderful running hats.

[@ziadirida]

Your kofuzing the hell out of me! :) So which one should I buy for my next race? I ran my last marathon in Boston 7, training now in Adios 4 (ok but not a wow like the 7)

[@kofuzi]

I’d look at the SL20 or the Boston 9

[@Carlosediaz543]

Wait so just recapping the adidas adios 5 is more for race day/faster workouts. And the SL20 is more of a tempo day/training tool? If I have the Boston 9 would you suggest getting the adios 5? For track work or the RC?

[@kofuzi]

If you have the B9, either the a5 or the SL20 would be good choices for faster work. But if that speed work is in the track, I’d probably give the edge to the a5

[@johnnyspeedy1344]

I love the SL20 design In shoe size I’m a size US 10 Would you say these are nice true to size or would you recommend going half size bigger?

[@GeneMarston]

I'm US10 as well, went with 10.5, fits perfectly

[@DrMarceloMadeira]

Great review

[@Curly_Captures]

Really intriguing review. Really curious about the SL20. Almost seems to good to be true at that price point. The Boston 6 was my go to race shoe but the last two versions didn't work for me (no sign of the Boston 9 in the UK yet). Do you think you could run a marathon in the SL20's?

[@kofuzi]

I’m not sure. I think so. I’d feel pretty good about trying it though

[@Curly_Captures]

@@kofuzi thanks mate!

[@robbristle5642]

The Adios 4’s were and still is according to some a great marathon running shoe. I own both the Adios 4’s and the SL 20’s and I can say this much / the SL 20’s give a more cushioned and slightly better energy returning ride than the 4’s. So the answer to your question CT would be a resounding ABSOLUTELY.

[@t.b.3511]

SL 20 is good for daily walk cushoning? and Durable?

[@williamlunn-pigula7029]

Yo, what's going on kofuzi? Where was the outro music?

[@piercekapustka6984]

How would you compare the nb tempo to the boston 9?

[@sunny19886]

What do you guys think of SL 20.2?

[@debbytsang5640]

Haha have just ordered my SL20 🔥🔥

[@alexp8280]

How many miles would you put on the SL20?

[@LDLefebvre]

Great content!

[@kofuzi]

Thanks Laurent!

[@CarlosStorms]

I am guessing the Boston 9 stand in the very middle of these, why is Adidas making almost the same shoe?

[@kofuzi]

I think Adidas has two different product lines this year. A lot of overlap. I don’t know anyone who thinks it’s a cohesive product line this year.

[@Noctis198]

How are these for wide-footers?

[@hufemeve]

Once you go Adidas, you never look back BTW - just got a pair of SL20 for $65 bucks - what a bargain!!!

[@robbristle5642]

Good video Jr.

[@laganjr.9076]

What about adios 4 vs sl20 @kofuzi?

[@kofuzi]

I don't have the adios 4 or the original sl20 anymore

[@johnchen1724]

is the SL20 good for long distance slow run ?

[@kofuzi]

It can do that, but I’m not sure I would pick this shoe if that is what you are looking for.

[@johnchen1724]

@@kofuzi ok thank you

[@imdoc7872]

The adidas sl20 is so light. I use them for my tempo and sprint runs. I own them in coral color.

[@daffaputraharwanto]

How about longrun with this shoe?

[@imdoc7872]

@@daffaputraharwanto I wouldn’t recommend that. Virtually no cushion

[@daffaputraharwanto]

@@imdoc7872 hmm, which better sl20 or adios 5?

[@khaizulazuanjafar890]

Gonna get my sl20 tomorrow..

[@photopawn37]

What's that music in the Intro? I gotta have it please. :^D

[@rikidonquixote]

Oke. I will buy SL20 right now.

[@kevexclusive327]

Razor 3 is so good!

[@thekillionaire117]

Hey Kofuzi, I would definitely not trust the stack height and drop info posted on the Adidas website. It is often wrong. For example, they have the stack height for the UB20 listed as 23/13 which is clearly wrong. It would be better to get your own measuring device like what SJD does.

[@kofuzi]

I know how to use calipers. And high precision calipers aren’t really that expensive. But I feel like that’s a rabbit hole I’m not prepared to go down. I also don’t weight my shoes. And I won’t be buying a durometer. Ultimately, I want to know how the shoe feels to run in for slow paces and fast paces. And I don’t need tools for that. But I will agree that there seem to be a lot of times where stated heel drops and stack heights and weight are hard to believe.

[@sneakersxsosa1492]

Did you ever try running in the Adidas sub 2?

[@mervinw]

Curious to know this too. I have the Sub2. It’s amazing.

[@sneakersxsosa1492]

Mervin Wong I liked the sub 2, but the shock absorption seemed to have gone complete after 60 miles. They look like new, but my legs are sore in them afterwards.

[@mervinw]

@@sneakersxsosa1492 i have not ran in my Sub2 in months (no races and switched to VF4% for racing). Let me try. According to my Garmin Connect i have 216km in them, and i capped it at 300, i remember the outsole Continental was wearing thin, fast.

[@adamwarski7585]

Hi Kofuzi I love your videos! I also make running videos!

[@bobington2032]

Running With Adam I subscribed and watched your video it was actually kind of funny😂😂😂

[@saltyjo7514]

Adios 5 is very noisy. The plastic plate scrapes the road at every step…heralding your presence to everyone. I hate to run on them late in the evening when it is quiet. They can hear me from 100 yards away.

[@kofuzi]

interesting

[@mikowhy9608]

...and there's still that Boston 9! All so closely matched make a difficult choice of just 1 pair (to buy & be happy;) Thanks for the comparison - I was waiting for it. Still unsure but if want a snappy ride - I should say Adios. 😎

[@muamt2001]

Who win?

[@slodogg]

Am I the only one who thinks the cut / shaping detail of many of this years Adidas midsole makes them look a touch like they have a dress shoe heel? (Where the “split” of the heel boost meets the lightstrike and cuts inward to the thinnest width of the midsole) Or if you want to compare it to a really terrible “heeled” shoe, the Air Jordan 2009. Overall both shoes look pretty decent but I can’t unsee the heel. I’m a weirdo for this stuff, I know! 😂

[@edwinpepito1498]

SL20 or Pegasus37

[@randomting9964]

sl69

[@gabrielsetti8797]

Kofusi sell me the sl20 in this color on the video please,i need so much him 😟,i'm Brazilian,in my country it's over this color :(((. I need the size 41 :( here only has the size 40 in this color,sell me please ? Can you help me ? kk

[@bobington2032]

Hi

[@sebastienbarahona257]

FIrst!!!!

[@kofuzi]

yo!

[@sebastienbarahona257]

@@kofuzi yooooo! lol nice review btw!

[@MegaHb2]

What a beast

[@robbristle5642]

Bought a pair of the SL20’s. People ask my how do they feel and I tell them it gives the sensation of running in your SOCKS ON A RUBBER MAT.

[@eternalne2327]

Are they good for slow pace (8-9/km) runners?