ADIDAS ADIZERO SL2: Does the good price mean it’s a good shoe?

[@karls8989]

It’s the best shoe for the price this year

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@karls8989 100%. The value is outstanding!

[@ThaCurbdog]

The SL2 is my favorite “non plated” daily trainer of 2024. It’s so versatile! I have the Boston 12 too and the SL2 is much, much softer. For longer runs, I’d use the Boston. For daily runs the SL2 is kinder to the feet, and falls right in between medium and max cushion in feel. To have that in a sleek, agile, light package, it’s a no brainer to pick up!

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@ThaCurbdog Nice! It’s always good to hear my thoughts are held by someone else! 😀

[@L_niel_1003]

I LOVE my SL2! I’m happy the research paid off. The laces untied the first time and then I double knitted them and has not happened since. I was having some minor plantar fasciitis issues with a 500+ mile Hyperion Max but since replacing with the SL2 it’s pretty much gone.

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@L_niel_1003 Flad to hear the PF issue disappeared with the new shoes and that you figured out how to stop the SL2s coming untied! (Mine still came untied with a double-knot!)

[@benstevens1718]

Have the B12. I want to love it but is a little firm. Tried on the SL2 & SNR in the shop & agree with you. SL2 feels the best overall. A Takumi/Boston type upper in the SL2 foam would be tops.

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@benstevens1718 That Takumi/Boston upper would make them crazy light, but the mesh upper is just so comfy!

[@scotthilton5406]

One of my favorite current shoes. I have the same issue with the laces, it is really the only negative. I bought a pair of Nathan no tie laces for 10 bucks and problem solved. As being someone who also has the SL 1's, this is a great update

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@scotthilton5406 I just replied to a previous comment that no one has had the same issue with the laces, and here you are! Thanks for the tip with the no-tie speed laces!

[@scotthilton5406]

@@its_Matt_B_ I mean double knots helped, but I have the same issue as you......Living in Houston my shoes are full of sweat at the end of my run, so would prefer the quick lace over trying to untie double knotted sweat messes lol

[@farulkalra]

Broke my 10K Pb in these today and yes these shoes disappear on your feet. Probably the best daily trainer i have ever bought. A must buy. Amazing Review once again.

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@farulkalra Wow!! Big congrats on the 10k PB! Impressive!

[@KijkMartinTube]

I really like my pair of SL2’s. But I also dislike the laces. Last week my shoes get soaking wet during a run and the laces came undone while I always do a double knot. So there is only one thing to improve for Adidas for the SL3 😂.

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@KijkMartinTube I’m glad to hear it wasn’t just me with the laces! Still, overall a great shoe (just don’t get them wet)!

[@jw_25]

I had to re-lace both shoes on my first run but really torquing down on a single knot or a double knot fixed that for me personally. Love the review, and love the SL2. It's my favorite daily trainer. Edit: I also like the SL2 much better than the Boston 12 because the shoe is too stiff for me unless I'm really pushing the pace, making the rods flex and do their magic.

[@its_Matt_B_]

Perhaps I just wasn't tightening my laces enough that day I had multiple issues!? I'm glad to hear there's someone else out there who likes the SL2 over the Boston 12! 👊🏽

[@michelberaud4454]

No problems with the laces slipping. Only with them being cheap and sometimes getting into a knot. Agree that it’s much more user friendly than the Boston 12, which is a pain to put on and has a more comfortable & much better heel lock. It is slightly « slower » though. Great shoe. It’s like a more dynamic Novablast 3 ☺️

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@michelberaud4454 Great comparison with the NB3! Yep, def. Not as fast-feeling as the B12, but comfort counts for a lot!

[@michelberaud4454]

Did 22k yesterday in the SL2 in 2h20min and they were fine for the 1st 12-15km. So B12 might have a slight edge on longer distances🤔😄

[@kuriosites]

SL2 is the best shoe I have right now. I'm thinking of pairing it with the Noosa Tri 16.

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@kuriosites Good pairing! Yep! Adidas did well with this one!

[@DeividasMusinskis]

I personally love the laces, lol.

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@DeividasMusinskis Good to hear! I’m quite sure my experience boiled down to user error. 🤣

[@karls8989]

The tying i do has never come undone 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@karls8989 I think I was just unlucky! I haven’t seen any other runners reporting the laces-untying issue…definitely user error in this case.

[@sunbros1807]

Just bought the boston 12. I've had 3 runs in them and everytime, the laces came undone atleast twice. All of my adidas running shoes had this problem.

[@its_Matt_B_]

Hmm. Curious! I wonder what they're putting in the laces?😄

[@1HappyBob]

Nice review! I have the SL2s and really like them. Haven’t been for a 20km+ run in them yet and wondering what you think of them as a long-run shoe? I think they will be good - so versatile.

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@1HappyBob I think it is more dependent on the runner who likes a shoe like this for long runs. Personally, I would have no problem running for hours in the SL2. I think it offers plenty of protection.

[@TolunayOrkun]

I am glad you got this. IMHO, it is the best value this year!!! I think it is more comparable to Mach 6 instead of Rincon 4.

[@TolunayOrkun]

BTW, I used to have issues with my shoelaces until I learned doing a secure-knot. It is not double-knot. It is better holding, one knot and requires less lace length than double knot.

[@its_Matt_B_]

I was happy to be able to test this! I agree about it beng the best value of the year; it just offers so much! Also yes, definitely closer to the Mach 6 than the Rincon 4.

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@TolunayOrkun Thanks for the tip. I'm looking up how to tie one now.

[@TolunayOrkun]

@@its_Matt_B_ The particular one I learned is at Ian Fieggen's site. Let me know if you need direct link, I'll send you via Strava. I don't want to put more detail as YT tends to auto delete these posts.

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@TolunayOrkun I found it on Ian’s site.

[@Deadbuck73]

Double knotted and coming untied?! Might have to also tuck the loops under the lacing. That’s crazy!

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@Deadbuck73 That was my thought! How can double knotted laces ever come untied….unless I’m doing it wrong! 😆

[@olli-perttikojo4424]

I am always 42,5, went 42 2/3. If buy again, would definitely go 43 1/3. I never had to size up in any other shoe. This is seriously narrow, and toebox height is VERY low. Also, the LSP stops being under big toe. So i would have gotten softer toe feeling also, by going up 2/3 in size.

[@its_Matt_B_]

I agree, it is on the narrow size and it's a great example of why we all need to be able to try shoes before we decide to keep them!

[@pandalife5543]

Hi mate love the SL2 non carbon best priced of the year......but......the laces are pathetic like adidas forgot to put in laces so at last minute put in school laces...😂 Love yr work..

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@pandalife5543 yes! This is exactly what it feels like. They dropped the ball with the laces!

[@i.p2088]

Only Adidas I have to size up half a size.. Upper very warm 😂. Excellent shoe but you do the work not some CF plate.. I am to old for this 😂

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@i.p2088 We used to call “doing the work” just running! 😂 You’re right though, there is a lot more effort involved with non-CF shoes!

[@erikalkema6252]

Did already 112km in them without any issue, always double knot my shoes, always...😅

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@erikalkema6252 Good to hear! Not double-knotting our shoes is a rookie move! 🤣

[@Needforspeed4]

Should I get these or the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23?

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@Needforspeed4 They’re not really comparable shoes. Do you need a stability trainer? If so, then the Adrenaline GTS are for you. If not, I think the SL2 will give you a much more fun running experience.

[@acherfun]

Minimal end of stuffed, like me!😂

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@acherfun 🤣 It’s a good condition for a tongue (and for life)!

[@vtru2743]

Curious, Why do you like it better than the Boston 12? My Boston’s have taken a while to break in but are solid.

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@vtru2743 I think it’s mainly about comfort. The SL2 are more padded and just feel better on foot. I’m sure the Boston 12s are quicker, but for me the difference isn’t enough to prefer the B12s.

[@hommefield9612]

The Hyperion Max and SL2 are on sale right now. At the $80ish price point, which do you think is the the better buy for easy runs, workouts, and thresholds runs?

[@its_Matt_B_]

Ooh, this is actually a tricky choice. They're both excellent. I think I like how the Hyperion Max rides a little better than the SL2, but I would say the SL2 feels like it could be a bit faster!

[@hommefield9612]

@@its_Matt_B_ Out of their main purpose, would you say that the Hyperion Max can handle easy runs better than how SL2 can be used for workout runs?

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@hommefield9612 The Hyperion Max handles running easy very well. The foam is a tad firm, but I found it pleasant. The highest praise I can give it is that I brought it on two holidays as my only shoe (because I wanted a shoe to do anything/everything).

[@Wings_nut]

I picked up the SL at the CA State XC Championship expo for $35. It's been fine. Adidas is known for sales. Perhaps, by the time this year's CA State XC Championships come around in November, the SL2 will be on sale.

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@Wings_nut we can only hope! Adidas is constantly running big sales, so it’s worth waiting a bit to pick them up!

[@Wings_nut]

@@its_Matt_B_ Cheers, Matt. How's NY?

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@Wings_nut It’s been a lovely couple days! The weather has been perfect (at least compared with the relentless heat of FL). Heading home today!

[@Wings_nut]

@@its_Matt_B_ Nice

[@mfcc1084]

When I fitted this one I felt an annoying pinching on my pinky toe on the right foot. It was not painful but it was bothering me. Maybe it's because of the narrow fit .

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@mfcc1084 Yes, it’s definitely the narrow fit! That’s exactly where I feel shoes that are a bit narrow for me.

[@robertoflores2786]

Sl2 vs Velocity nitro 3

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@robertoflores2786 Solid video request! In a nutshell, the SL2 feel faster.

[@chinitopogi7511]

Is there a tendency that it gets stiffer when the shoes have reached 150km? do you think it has a firm component? I'm worried that an overpronator like me, might experience discomfort upon landing the heel part since I am a mid foot striker. I had an asics novablast 4, but when you go beyond 220km the cushion or comfort on the heel started to fade away gradually.

[@its_Matt_B_]

I'm sorry to say I don't know what it will feel like after that distance as I haven't run that far in them. While I wouldn't describe the shoe as firm, it's also not super soft.

[@mikehimes4833]

I don’t understand how u can say this is the cheapest ? What about the duramo?

[@nickwalker8975]

Cheapest Adizero shoes, not cheapest Adidas shoes.

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@mikehimes4833 See Nick’s comment! Of course there are cheaper shoes, but a lot of times we get what we pay for!

[@Jhanke999]

Shoe-out, shoe-out, shoe-out!

[@its_Matt_B_]

This is a good one for a shoe(t) out! What do you think it should be compared with?

[@Jhanke999]

@@its_Matt_B_ Maybe the Hyperion 2 as per the video? Maybe both you mentioned. It seems like the Hyperion 2 is in the running for shoe of the year based on your reaction.

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@Jhanke999 Yeah, that’s definitely worth a shoe(t) out.

[@jefreywith1f924]

How many miles do you have in the Boston 12?

[@its_Matt_B_]

Around 50. Maybe a few more. I haven't worn them much after I tested them as they didn't seem to agree with my feet.

[@jefreywith1f924]

@@its_Matt_B_ Ok. The reason I asked is the first 30 mi. I ran in them, they were just alright. Nothing spectacular. Then soon after, it transformed into a totally different shoe. The midsole became more responsive and bouncer and the upper became stretchier and more conforming to the shape of my foot. This shoe should come with the disclaimer- Break in period required for best results.

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@jefreywith1f924 Ahh, yes! I see what you mean. I did notice the improvement after just my first few runs!