SHOE(t) OUT: ADIDAS EVO SL vs. ADIDAS SL2

[@its_Matt_B_]

FYI, I realize my audio sucks in this video. It sounds like my mic wasn’t connected to the camera and the audio you hear was being picked up by the camera itself. Sorry, and thanks for watching!

[@jasonramlochan4910]

THIS is the comparison I wanted

[@its_Matt_B_]

I think loads of runners were wondering about this comparison! Adidas released two very similarly named shoes within a short time. It's a bit confusing!

[@sschwen8050]

I love the SL2! My Evo SLs are on the way now and I’m sure I’ll love those too. Adidas just work great for me. They’re really killing it right now.

[@its_Matt_B_]

They really are! I'm sure you're going to love the Evo SLs! 🙌🏽

[@dirtydan5140]

Please update when you get them in! Interested in the comparison

[@sschwen8050]

@@dirtydan5140They arrive tomorrow! Will run in them Wednesday morning.

[@sschwen8050]

I will. They arrive tomorrow and I’ll take them out for a spin Wednesday morning.

[@sschwen8050]

@@dirtydan5140 Ugh delayed one more day by fedex

[@Christian_Jara]

I have both shoes, love both for different reasons the SL 2s are lower to the ground and the EVO SLs are more confortable on longer runs, if these were my only two shoes, I would use the SL2 for 5k and 10ks and the EVO SL for Half and full marathons, both punch way above their price, both are great running shoes. Awesome comparison video, new subscriber.

[@its_Matt_B_]

Thanks, Christian! You describe the uses of each well and I love that you say both punch above their weight! This is exactly what I want runners to know!

[@vetzaaak]

Interesting. As a slow old guy, I can't justify super shoes. They're too pricey and less compatible with my orthotics. I recent ran a marathon PB in the SL2, they served me well. So if the Evo SL is even lighter AND more comfy...they almost seem too good to be true :p

[@its_Matt_B_]

@ Big congrats on your recent PB! It’s quite possible the Evo SLs would feel better at the marathon. They’re definitely worth try! 😉

[@AubreyRunning]

Great comparison boss man! Enjoyed this one

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@AubreyRunning Cheers, mate! Good shoes make for easy reviews!

[@PerfectlyFreedom]

Great comparison, Matt! Very thorough explanation of both shoes, and despite the mic unplugged, I did actually just enjoy the video til end. That being said, I've finally made up my mind to subscribe to you-cheers! :)

[@its_Matt_B_]

I appreciate your sub! It seems the vast majority of my video views come from peeps who aren't subscribed. I suppose I'm an acquired taste and the acquisition takes a while. 🤣 I was so bummed about me messing up the audio. I thought about re-recording the video, but there weren't enough hours in the day!

[@MyFatAdaptedLife]

Great shoe(t) out. You really took a deep, deep dive into these two shoes.

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@MyFatAdaptedLife This was a fun one to make! Two good shoes and I’m pretty sure people won’t be disappointed with either.

[@MyFatAdaptedLife]

@@its_Matt_B_ I bought the OG SL a year ago at the California State XC Championships for a song. I'm hoping they have the SL2 this year, for the same song.

[@its_Matt_B_]

@ Yes, I remember you mentioning you got the SLs. I’m keeping my 🤞they’re playing the same tune! 🎶

[@jeremydriggs-qb1ps]

You should have far more subscribers. Great reviews…very informative and unbiased! Others need to know - YOU are the “Go To” shoe-tuber! Nicely done.

[@its_Matt_B_]

Thanks, Jeremy! That’s kind of you to say! I appreciate you watching! 👊🏽

[@livegreatalways]

Yes, I have both now. Tested the Evo SL, you're spot on, the forefoot area is quite wide and I can feel my feet swimming and moving around inside which I didn’t like especially if I'm running fast in them. I decided to half size down and lacing them all the way vs the SL2. Awesome comparison video people are asking for ❤

[@its_Matt_B_]

Glad to hear you've got both and like them! Also, thanks for letting me (us) know you went down a 1/2 size in the Evo SL; a lot of people will find this useful especially, I imagine, if they have narrow feet.

[@antonyma9610]

Very comprehensive review. Thanks. Looking to buy EVO SL when it hits the shops here.

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@antonyma9610 The Evo SL is a treat to run in. I’m quite confident the vast majority of runners will love them! Thanks for watching!

[@silvermandavid]

I met you at the BITR Shakeout in Berlin. I've wanted to get my hands on the EVO SLs ever since then. Thanks for the side-by-side review.

[@its_Matt_B_]

Berlin was such a blast! It should be a lot easier to buy the Evo SLs very soon! There's been so much hype surrounding them that it must feel like you've been waiting forever!

[@gabr131s]

The shoe out the world has been waiting on!! Great stuff Matt B!

[@its_Matt_B_]

😂 The shoe(t) out heard around the world!

[@marga_asana2run]

Thank you for your review :) I have only the SL2, but I absolutely love that shoe! It is a super nimble daily trainer. I use it on asphalt, on the treadmill and the tartan track for speed sessions, such a versatile shoe. Having a slim foot, it fits me like a second skin.

[@its_Matt_B_]

Good to hear the SL2 is working so well for you! I'm not at all surprised to hear it!

[@marga_asana2run]

@ Yes, it‘s really fun to run in it :)

[@wenkrush]

Great information and breakdown. Both of these shoes are appealing to me. Unfortunately, so are many other models as well. It's a really good time to be a runner with all of these options. It really seems like it's hard to go wrong.

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@wenkrush I’m with you on it being hard to choose! We’re lucky to have so many good options out there!

[@1HappyBob]

Thanks Matt, really enjoyed that. 👍

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@1HappyBob Thank YOU for watching! 👊🏽

[@Thomlabe]

I’m using SL2 and Pro 3 a lot at the moment. Both are great, love the wider toe box. When my SL2 are getting worn out I’ll definitely try the Evo SL.

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@Thomlabe Good plan! You don’t need both but it’s always good to know what’s coming up!

[@surajtripathi3624]

I'm having sl2 which is good for easy run. I'm also having Boston12 which is good for tempo and threshold pace and I'm using for marathon training. Waiting for evo sl to purchase. Good comparison

[@IrishHawk824]

Boston 12 is such a winner for that purpose. I’ve gone through three pairs over the last year or so using them for marathon and HM training blocks. Even raced with a lightly broken in pair before scooping up Pro 3 on discount. Can’t wait to see what they do with the Boston 13.

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@surajtripathi3624 You’re all in with Adidas! I’m sure you’re going to love the Evo SLs!

[@surajtripathi3624]

@@its_Matt_B_ thanks for replying

[@Dansta965]

Yes looking forward to this 🎉

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@Dansta965 🙌🏽

[@jermainepostlethwaite7895]

Great review 💪🏾👏🏿

[@its_Matt_B_]

Cheers, mate! 🙌🏽

[@Iyengar7]

Bro, you are the absolute best reviewer out there. Fix the audio and maybe a bit of the video setup, you king 👑

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@Iyengar7 Thanks for the superbly kind comment! Sorry for the 💩 audio on this vid. I think it was as simple as the mic not being plugged in!

[@Iyengar7]

@ whatever you do, you will have my support for sure 👍🏻

[@suranperera4620]

Great comparison - thank you. Hoping to do a second marathon next year, think it will be the Evo SL as the daily shoe. Hoping for some Black Friday deals on the Adios Pro 3 - love that shoe. Thanks again!

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@suranperera4620 Cheers! Which marathon are you thinking about next hear? I bet we’re going to see some great AP3 deals coming up!

[@suranperera4620]

@its_Matt_B_ - Didn't get London, in the ballot for Berlin. Maybe Cologne or Málaga - looking for something nice and flat and also enough time to prepare. Do you have any races planned??

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@suranperera4620 Only Boston in April. I still have to figure something out for late next year!

[@suranperera4620]

@@its_Matt_B_ - all the best for the race and training!

[@TolunayOrkun]

I have SL2 and I think it is the best value this year. I actually bought mine with discount down to $102. So, at this moment with discounts available I think SL2 is a fantastic buy. I think EVO SL is a great shoe as well and I think $150 is a very competitive price point for what it offers. I think I will pick that one up sometime in the future.

[@its_Matt_B_]

I agree the SL2 is the best value this year, and that's at full price. Your $102 deal is fantastic!

[@justin3017]

Good stuff!

[@its_Matt_B_]

🙌🏽

[@vincenzoesposito9373]

The SL2 is a banger. I use it for my track reps and my intervals or tempo. It really picks up the pace. For easy runs I need something more cushioned because my strike is aggressive on the ground... But the foam is so good and still feels great after almost 500km. A banger of a shoe.

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@vincenzoesposito9373 Nice, and yes, I totally agree. What are you using for your easy runs?

[@vincenzoesposito9373]

@its_Matt_B_ I am using the Mizuno Wave Skyrise 4. Very soft and a little bit responsive.

[@markhill8590]

I bought the SL 2 before I even seen the SL.....and the 6.5 drop would be been the better choice, guess ill have to buy a pair 😂. Great comparison earned yourself a sub

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@markhill8590 Yep, there is definitely no other choice than to buy the Evo SL now. 🤣 Thanks for the sub, Mark! 👊🏽

[@markhill8590]

@@its_Matt_B_ unfortunately not available until February 2025 here in the UK but for now the SL2 is still a fantastic shoe.....safe to say 2025 will cost alot when it comes to buying shoes

[@its_Matt_B_]

@ Yeah, I don’t see the coming (running shoe) years getting any cheaper! Oh well. You can’t take it with you! 🤷🏻‍♂️😄

[@markhill8590]

@@its_Matt_B_ that's the attitude Pro 4s are due out very soon so i will be looking forward to trying them

[@edwardwilliammorris1340]

The SL was so bad I was dubious about trying the SL2 ,BUT they have nothing in common. The SL2 is a fantastic shoe so I'm glad I took the plunge . I might get to the Evo eventually but I have two pairs of pro3s and am in love with this shoe , it's perfect. 🏃‍♂️🏃🏃‍♂️🏃🏃‍♂️🏃 Excellent review as always thank you 👍

[@its_Matt_B_]

Thanks, Edward! Yeah, the SL2 was definitely one of those shoes where you don't get the previous version to save money! 🤣

[@jameshayes6834]

Sold first pair of SL2's as they were just too small in my normal Adidas size and gave me blisters after every run, but, they felt that good that I bought another pair half a size up. Will get the Evo's when I can get my hands on them (no luck in the UK draw (ridiculous way to issue initial batch of shoes btw)), so hopefully mid December over here according to the app!

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@jameshayes6834 I assume the 1/2 size up in the SL2 worked well for you? Yeah, I’m with you on the strange way to release a shoe, but mid December is just a few weeks away and the frustration of waiting will be a memory!

[@finproductions]

Did the half size up work well for you? I'm thinking of doing the same

[@LiveYoung0]

i have SL2, runs nice. snug around front but not enough to dislike it. Boston 12 i didn't like, too firm. Should be getting EVO SL next week to try it out.

[@its_Matt_B_]

I'm not the biggest fan of the Boston 12 either, but I love both the SL2 and Evo SL. I'm sure you'll like the Evo SL too!

[@MLHunt]

Question: if you already have SL2s and they work well for you, is there any reason to get the EVO SL? Is there any run it's more suited for by a margin sufficient to justify getting it to replace the SL2 for such runs? To complicate the question, I also have the AP3, and it seems that the SL2 and the AP3 completely overlap the EVO SL's use cases. So I'm probably going to pass on the EVO SL. Will I miss anything by passing on it?

[@its_Matt_B_]

No, I don't think you'll miss anything by passing on the Evo SL if you already have the SL2. They would be a "nice to have" but not a "need to have."

[@MLHunt]

@its_Matt_B_ Thanks! What I thought.

[@therangersinger]

I love the fit of the Sl2 but just wish it had more of an arch to help support my foot. Especially on longer runs. It tends to cave in under the midfoot.

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@therangersinger Yeah, I can see how this would be an issue for some. What’s your favorite long-run shoe?

[@therangersinger]

@its_Matt_B_ superblast for steady + speed mixed in, retired adios pro 3 for faster long runs, glycerin max for steady and easy long runs.

[@scotthilton5406]

I really enjoy the SL2, however I probably wouldn't go over 15 miles in it. My hope is the EVO SL has potential Marathon distance potential with the upgraded foam and a little more protection underneath. Not a fan of plates, so always looking for a potential nonplated shoe to go the distance. Have you ran far enough in the EVO SL to have thoughts on the long long distance?

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@scotthilton5406 I can’t speak from experience about long distance in the Evo SL as my longest run in them has only been 14 miles, but I’d have no problem running 20 mile training runs in them. I like plates on race-day so wouldn’t choose it for a marathon, but I’m sure it could handle the distance/time on feet well.

[@kuriosites]

I like the SL2 a lot. I'm hoping the EVO SL will be a little better for longer runs. Stack is almost equivalent to the AP3.

[@its_Matt_B_]

The Lightstrike Pro is a good foam, but I think its the fit of the Evo SL that makes it the better choice for longer runs.

[@kuriosites]

@@its_Matt_B_ Thanks. In hindsight, I might have gone 1/2 size up in the SL2.

[@hfurbano]

Which of this you pick for a long run?

[@its_Matt_B_]

Both would do the job without any issue.

[@Jhanke999]

Suggestion: You need to do a favorite things video like in 2022. Also something like the Academy Awards. Call them the Matty B’s or the Matty’s. Categories like best shoe, best update, most versatile shoe, best shoe for the price, best apparel, best sock etc. Go crazy.

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@Jhanke999 I have my favorite shoe video dropping in a couple weeks, but as far as my favorite things, I don’t think enough has changed. Still, perhaps a update is in order! Thanks for the idea!

[@IrishHawk824]

Thank God the Evo SL is a little wider through the midfoot. I really wanted to love the SL2, but my right foot kept getting blisters pronating outside of the footprint of the shoe. Complete deal killer and I had to give away two new pairs I couldn’t return. Did not have this problem on the original SL.

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@IrishHawk824 Sorry to hear you had such an issue with the SL2s. Have other Adidas shoes fit you well?

[@IrishHawk824]

@ Boston 12 and Adios Pro 3 fit me perfectly in a size 12. Have done workouts, long runs and races in each. They have just enough width for my size 12 foot. Definitely a stark contrast from SL2.

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@IrishHawk824 I thought the Adios Pro 3 fit a bit narrow. Not too narrow, but it was noticable. I just figured it was a race-day shoe so it's supposed to fit that way.

[@IrishHawk824]

@@its_Matt_B_ I would agree. Unrelated, do you know if Road Runner Sports plans to sell the Evo SL? I know you do some work with them from time to time.

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@IrishHawk824 Yes, RRS will be selling the Evo SL. They had mentioned a December 1st launch, but I don't know if that's a pre-order date or if you'll actually be able to buy them then.

[@saldinife]

Which one is more stable?

[@its_Matt_B_]

I don't think there is any difference.

[@LiveYoung0]

Matt, audio wise little bit of hall echo. but still have it a like bc of EVO SL. Just keep making video on EVO SL comparing to other shoes and you will get 20k subscribers in no time. You can thank me later.😂 But seriously more EVO SL comparisons, or just do another video on EVO SL again.. it's hot 🔥. Adidas nailed it, performance, price, & prettiness. 😂

[@its_Matt_B_]

Thanks for the audio feedback (pun?). I'll tweak my settings and see what I can do. You may be on to something with just repeating Evo SL videos! 😂

[@m1a3vega]

How is the evo sl compared to the rebel v4?

[@its_Matt_B_]

They're definitely comparable. I prefer the Evo SL, but perhaps the Rebel/Evo SL needs its own video.

[@m1a3vega]

@@its_Matt_B_ awesome! Will be camping here for the video. :)

[@ticodatte]

I bought SL2 this year and i love it, the question is should i upgrade to evo SL?? will it feel a big upgrade??

[@its_Matt_B_]

No, If your eyes were closed I don't think you'll feel that big of a difference, other than the fit of the shoe. I still think the Evo SL is an upgrade, it's just not as big as it looks (based off appearance).

[@ticodatte]

@@its_Matt_B_ thank you!!

[@bailey_bateman]

Awesome video! How would you say the fit of the evo sl compares to that of the sl2? I’ve had 2 pairs of the sl2 in a 10.5M, and they fit ever so slightly big. I’m interested in getting a pair of the evo sl, and I want to make sure I get a really solid fit.

[@its_Matt_B_]

The Evo SL fits a little wider in the toe box and mid foot than the SL2. It's not much, but it is noticeable!

[@zakiebrahimi5428]

How it compares to ses4?

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@zakiebrahimi5428 I’m not sure it’s really comparable to a plated shoe.

[@chriskay5320]

Great review. Just bought the SL2 as my new daily trainer. However I want to buy the EVO SL when they are released for my more tempo runs/half marathon distance. Would you say, you could run even longer distances in them and as I sized up half a size in the SL2, would you also size half up in the EVO SL?

[@its_Matt_B_]

Yes, I would say that the Evo SL feels better at speedier efforts than the SL2. Fwiw, I wear the same size in both the Evo SL and the SL2, so i'd recommend that to anyone else!

[@wasifali1326]

Which one is more cushioned?

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@wasifali1326 They’re very similar, but I would give it to the Evo SL.

[@wasifali1326]

@@its_Matt_B_i mean softer feel for slow runs?

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@wasifali1326 The Evo SL feels softer at slower paces. They start to feel similar when you run a bit faster.

[@wasifali1326]

​@@its_Matt_B_thanks dear

[@wasifali1326]

How is the sizing as compared to Pegasus 39? I’m confused about sizing. I’m US 13 in pegasus with narrow feet.

[@HoopNicely]

Pls invest in a better mic setup. We need more reviews like this with a better audio quality

[@its_Matt_B_]

Thanks for the feedback. I'm looking into my options.

[@alangray8952]

How's the fit on the Adios Pro 4? Seen a few reviews recommending to go half a size up as they run short

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@alangray8952 My review of the AP4 will drop next Friday, but unfortunately my review sample was 1/2 size small. I think people with feet on the bigger end of their size would benefit from going 1/2 size up, but I’m pretty sure TTS would work for me.

[@alangray8952]

@its_Matt_B_ cool, thanks Matt. Looking forward to your review 🤟

[@carlosrc4145]

great shoe review!!! thanks mate! I've been running with the SL2 after some years (more than 10, I admit) using Brooks Adrenaline. still adapting to all the diferences but the SL2 are a killer daily trainer. so light and fresh. I'm still struggling with the lack of stability, but that's normal. Brooks are a beast in that department. but I'll definitly buy those Evo SL... they're the most beautiful shoes launched in these last years. what's your thoughts about the stability in the Evo SL, btw?

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@carlosrc4145 Thanks, Carlos! Yeah, coming from the Adrenaline I can see how everything just feels a little unstable. The Evo SL don’t feel unstable to me. I wouldn’t change too much about them.

[@devanteross2838]

Flat footer. 6 mm drop is all I needed to hear lol.

[@its_Matt_B_]

🤣 You're in for a treat!

[@gunnersgogogo4882]

I am looking for a daily trainer and currently wearing Boston 12 but find the midsole is a bit hard and the upper can’t cover my foot securely. Do u think SL2 midsole is softer than Boston12?

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@gunnersgogogo4882 No, I don’t think it’s soft enough where you’ll notice a difference from the B12.

[@Aron-t6m]

SL2 its softer than Boston 12

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@Aron-t6m Maybe very slightly. They really are quite similar in softness.

[@SantaCruzRunner]

Haven’t run in either 😢.

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@SantaCruzRunner You’ve got time!

[@DaviCupra]

Hi Matt, i just got the Top Specter 2, are the Evo sl the same as my Topo? Should i get Evo sl? They seem the same! Thanks

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@DaviCupra I think they’re too similar to need both. I can see why you’d want both, but it’s not needed.

[@DaviCupra]

@@its_Matt_B_ thanks!

[@KP-ox5yo]

How is EVO SL stability compared to AP3 given lack of plate? Any better companion alternative to AP3 if some stability is sought?

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@KP-ox5yo for me, the Evo SL rides a little more stable than the AP3, but if you wanted something even more stable you could try the Superniva Rise (v2 is coming soon).

[@dfcx1]

Been mulling over this, EVO SL looks better but SL2 is on sale and EVO SL isn't even widely available yet... but I'm not going to be running on ice in the SL2s either so I'll probably hold out for the EVO.

[@its_Matt_B_]

The SL2 is an excellent shoe, but if price isn't an issue and you've waited this long, the Evo SL is the way to go!

[@AuDHDRunner]

Decision was easy for me. $50 for SL2 and Evo SL no where to be found. I wish the SL2 was lower drop but oh well.

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@AuDHDRunner $50 for the SL2 would have been a no-brainer even if the Evo SLs were available! Good score!

[@hangsu6261]

Got 2 pairs of SL2 for slightly below 110$ at my local adidas outlet. Official web buying is for suckers. Great video btw.

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@hangsu6261 wow! What a deal! 🤣 @ the “suckers” comment because it’s true!

[@anuraghazarika7464]

Evo sl vs rebel v4

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@anuraghazarika7464 coming soon.

[@mandomandorukot]

you need to invest in a decent mic or maybe reduce some reverb in your room. I am having a hard time understanding what you are saying because of the bad audio quality

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@mandomandorukot Thabk you. Yes, I am aware that I messed something up. See the pinned comment! 👊🏽

[@Stickybutton]

TBH nobody in the right mind would buy the SL2 with EVO SL around

[@its_Matt_B_]

Yeah, I can see how a lot of people may think this, but when Adidas drops the price of the SL2 a little more, it's going to make the decision a little more difficult for price-conscious runners!

[@anuraghazarika7464]

Evo sl vs rebel v4

[@its_Matt_B_]

@@anuraghazarika7464 I plan to make that video next week!