Sagasu Running Shoe Talk - January 2025

[@NeillyVille]

Love the shoe talk! Holding out on the Adios Pro 4 for the Elite 2 and/or the Vaporfly 4. Loving the EVO SL so far though, what a shoe indeed!

[@SagasuRunning]

Agree, what a shoe…but I’m already weening myself off of it. The VF4 should be exciting…I’ll be all over that as soon as I get a pair!

[@robin29991]

Totally understand what you mean by having a Nike Bias. They've always worked well for me as well and when there is a new one releasing, I am always interested. And that said, I did give in and order a Pegasus Premium now.

[@SagasuRunning]

Some things just work… or fit in this case… that is just how it is.

[@casino9240]

Just received my Adios 9’s in the mail today. Absolutely love them!

[@SagasuRunning]

They are amazing, right? It's a shoe I come back to and just think...'Wow...".

[@casino9240]

Absolutely!

[@MyFatAdaptedLife]

19:10 "February will be way more chill." Famous last words. As we've discussed, 2025 promises to be a big year for shoe releases, shoe talk, and my personal fave: your marathon shoe observations. Tokyo is in four weeks. Woo-hoo!

[@SagasuRunning]

Well… maybe catch my breath after Jan and before things get REALLY crazy from March onward….

[@MyFatAdaptedLife]

@SagasuRunning 👍

[@xander0901]

I’m really interested in your rotation videos. I have not really put much focus into my run training until recently, so I never understood the purpose of having a rotation of running shoes. I think I finally have enough base knowledge to start thinking about my own rotation.

[@SagasuRunning]

Here is a basic rotation overview video, the fundamental "why" and "how": kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6uXlIxnmcqEp7s That should get you started and in the coming months I'll have Adidas, Nike, Asics and a mixed brand rotation guide...starting with Adidas in Feb. 🤙🏻

[@CMDV8N3]

One last comment and unrelated 😂 - shoetubers rarely discuss the liners/insoles that come in these shoes and the huge role they play in the ride and cushion of the shoes. For example, I have a set of insoles from an old, retired pair of ASICs Cumulus that instantly eliminate hot spots, etc I sometimes experience in new shoes. Literally transformative, yet just a sliver of who knows what kind of material. Another example is the well reviewed On Cloudboom Strike, the insole (they call it bounce board) is super thick, maybe 20mm or so…

[@SagasuRunning]

I've actually talked about insoles in some reviews... where they are relevant (i.e Inov8 makes the ebst insoles BY FAR). I actually have bene considering a video about insoles at some point. Some brands do them better than others. Some brands depend on them more than others for cushion too. This feels like a VERY niche topic though...which is why I haven't really started any production on it. As for the On "insole"...look at that more a s a drop in midsole. Similar to what Tracksmith of Speedland do. Same idea.

[@luciannealbrecht190]

Thanks Chris - always enjoy your take on shoes and their place in a suitable rotation - great content 😊

[@SagasuRunning]

Thank you for watching. I appreciate it! 🤙🏻

[@LeonardoNascimentoMontreal]

I have been an adidas guy for the last year: Adios 8,TS10, B12, SL. Recently I've been to the shops and they did have both the Pro 4 and Evo SL available. After trying both I did ended up in the Evo SL for the reason you mentioned: The Pro 4 is too much of a departure from Lightstrike Pro Classic (LSPC) and a bit too "lively". Being a bit on the heavier side, I do appreciate the firmier LSPC and I hope that foam will continue to find its place in the Adidas lineup, or that a mix of foams like it is expected with the Boston 13, will "tame" the new LSP for the recreational runner.

[@SagasuRunning]

This is the other issue with the Evo SL…. It’s too good and a valid counter to the AP4 for many. Adidas never wanted that I’m sure… The shoe is literally too good.

[@placeborhizomes6708]

So excited about the VF4. Taking the AF geometry without the air pods sounds sublime.

[@SagasuRunning]

Agree… same. Though I think the VF4 may be a bit more… we shall see. I’ll be all over it as soon as I can get a pair.

[@13lars]

The new Adidas foam now feels like NB fuelcell-foam. A great upgrade 👍

[@SagasuRunning]

Hmmm, except it actually is resilient and performances (unlike NB foams). I see more ZoomX in it myself.

[@mrne1433]

Adidas produces some of the best if not the best running shoes currently on the market, but they are the worst when it comes to marketing, sales and distribution. Asics is still more popular and the trendiest, go-to brand among younger runners at least here where I live, but I'm glad that Adidas manages to balance it out a bit with their current offerings. I'm excited for Nike's 2025 shoes particularly the Vomero lineup and also the Vaporfly 4.

[@SagasuRunning]

Adidas struggles with releasing actual products. No one at Adidas seems to know when their products release. Asics is always solid. I’m glad to see them do well. Nike does look strong for 2025… it’s a big year for the Swoosh.

[@minimumtrade]

Went to a 5km Parkrun last weekend 500+ runners. Think I was the only one rocking Adidas. Takumi Sen represent. Puma has definitely started to pick up in Oz running from nothing 18 months ago, it's doable.

[@scruti]

The EVO SL is so good that I keep using them over plated racers for speed intervals and 5/10k time trials. The shoes perform and my legs feel so much better after. If what you predict is true, I may stock multiple pairs if they get on offer any time.

[@tav4755]

i agree the evo SL is absolutely outstanding. almost at 150 miles in mine. but for that reason, perhaps adidas will milk it for a few years and just do subtle updates or variants like they did with OG ultraboost, and keep it around forever as maybe EVO DNA. additionally, the lift in sales they get from evo will more than offset any cannibalism it takes from the rest of the adizero line. plus it should keep adidas fans that dont like the new foam as much as the old lightstrike pro. im ok with that.

[@SagasuRunning]

It is just so frustrating. The ESL is absolutely outstanding, not perfect (that upper fit), but close. Adidas WILL milk it...but slowly turn down the performance and make it more lifestyle focused... that is why I already want to ween myself from falling to (much more) in love with the shoe. Adidas has already broken my heart once with a shoe... never again.

[@nnenad2003]

Nice job with background music, almost got me sleep 😀

[@SagasuRunning]

👍🏻 (Ambient and relaxing).

[@dickhead7348]

I agree with your EVO SL points. I’m in the same boat where I feel like they’re gonna do a Tempo Next% and just discontinue it and I’ll be left heartbroken again.

[@CMDV8N3]

Adidas Adizero series is a complete line of elite or near elite shoes at every price point. Design, ride, tech, durability, price, they’re all pretty great. Adidas branding also on point, as the style and brand/product positioning of these shoes are relatively consistent across the models in the Adizero range. Adidas isn’t entirely disciplined though, as a few oddball shoes outside the range carry the same styling, like Duramo Speed 2 (ridiculously good $100 shoe that looks like an SL2 knockoff). Nike’s been a mess in all these areas except performance/racing segment. I’d say that within their “performance” line, Zoomfly, Vaporfly, Alphafly, there’s consistency as all have similar style, branding and all are very competitive shoes in their segments. Forthcoming Vaporfly and Streakfly are also looking consistent with the existing line. The rest of the Nike lineup just looks like a bunch of random shoes thrown together. New Vomero, Peg, Peg Plus, Peg Premium, all relatively unique to themselves. Re: all these shoes and their supposed use cases, I can say personally that what is considered a racing shoe today can work just fine as a daily trainer. Adios 9 at $140 reminds me a lot (so far) of my old fave Peg Turbo 2. Similar stack, but even better foam, lighter weight, durable (again, so far), and $40 cheaper. Re Evo SL, I’m guessing that the incredible success, ensures that it will continue in the line as a running shoe. Really the biggest threat is how Evo SL affects the rest of the lineup. For real world people who don’t own a dozen pairs of running shoes, the Evo SL pretty much does the job (or close enough) of SL2, Adios 9 and Boston all by itself.😂 One of the reasons I follow you is you say what you like, you’re honest and detailed, and clearly you’re not influenced by the hype train like most others are. I’d point to Supernova Rise as an example, most reviewers say meh, you love it, so I’ll take another look. PS - I watched an interview yesterday that Believe in the Run did with an On product guy who was discussing 2025. He was a CMO’s dream as he succinctly discussed improvements and changes to the Cloudsurfer range, while describing how each delivers on On’s brand objective of “making running easier for everyone.” Behind him was signage with similar content. All very consistent and focused. I’ll be keeping an eye on On, looks like they’re showing some promise. I compare that to what I’ve seen from product reps from Saucony, UA, Nike, it’s embarrassing how unknowledgeable, unprepared and not “on brand” so many of these people are. Anyway, keep up the great work.

[@SagasuRunning]

I agree, Adizero 2025 is looking strong. However, so is Nike 2025 and Asics 2025. It's very early in the years and all brands still have some important updates to come out. I appreciate the kind words on my content. I have my baises, but i try to call them out when relevant and I will ALWAYS only cover what I AM interested in. Not whatever running shoe meta is out there in the shoetuber world. Sometimes it overlaps. Often it doesn't. As for On... I'll watch that interview (I love those PM interviews, very telling)... but as of yet I've not seen anything interesting from On (and I have a long history of running in the brand years ago). So far what I've seen is all slick marketing flash, on brand and message, but little substance.

[@CMDV8N3]

@ I’m less convinced about Nike. Performance line looks strong, Pegasus and Vomero lines not so much, at least to me.

[@jorgemedina9526]

How about the EVO SL as tempo training that works with AP3? Still have a fresh new AP3 I want to use in conjunction with EVO

[@SagasuRunning]

Ya, I think that is likely it's best use case. Also, another reason, why the ESL has a limited shelf life from Adidas's POV and will be pushed more lifestyle. It's a shoe about where Adizero has been, not where they are going.

[@MiracleWarriors]

I'm planning to get the Adizero Boston 13 , specially since it will not be that super hardcore ( very little middlesole stack height)shoes and it will last a very long time. But some runners will dislike the new Boston 13 for gaining some weight, padding and beginning less aggressive. The Adios ( non Pro) is starting to be sold in less countries since it is super hardcore and not everyone is interested in them. Plus not every city in the world have lots of public tracks to go flying with the Adios. And that is the focus of Adidas with this Adizero SL . It is easier for old and new runners to adapt and use a lot the SL over the Adios 9.

[@SagasuRunning]

The B13 has lost a little stack height and weight, from the current specs we have. We will see when we get the official press release...I'll be covering it. As for the Adios 9...I wouldn't call it hardcore, just more advanced in 2025. It is great on a track...but even better on the roads.

[@nolanparke765]

Boston 13 is my most anticipated shoe in a long long time. Doesn’t look like that big an update (great!) but it looks like they fixed the worst heel design of all time and improved the outsole. I personally hope whatever LSP is in there is not too soft

[@SagasuRunning]

It actually looks like a big update...if you look at the images. I'm shocked it still has LS2.0 though... the one unknown is what LSP is there, but it seems it's the new one.

[@LeonardoNascimentoMontreal]

If it's the new one I'd actually welcome a bit of LS(2/3).0. it would dull it down enough for training and it would make the B13 THE transition shoes into the new LSP.

[@SagasuRunning]

But LS2.0 is just… not goods I was half expect both LSP formulas… LSP(C) on the bottom and LSP under the foot.

[@LeonardoNascimentoMontreal]

We'll see how it goes, but maybe Adidas will throw a reverse new balance and put LS branding on what is effectively an LSPC. One can only hope. It is difficult right now for this is a new pairing and we don't know what it is going to feel like. Hopefully they will keep the upward momentum and deliver a great Boston.

[@SagasuRunning]

They wouldn’t do that for LSP…. They value it too much. But it would be nice if they did something better than LS2.0….

[@nicorivera8535]

I’m waiting for the Streakfly 2 to be released but saw the Takumi Sen 10s for a good deal and couldn’t pass on it. If the Streakfly 2s turn out to be a better 5K racer then I’ve just wasted my money. But then again as long as the TS10 fit me right, I don’t think they’re bad at all for races.

[@SagasuRunning]

The SF2 looks SOOO much better than the TS10/11 for actual racing. It's going to be a rocket... 🚀

[@nicorivera8535]

@ indeed it looks incredibly fast, let’s hope it actually performs fast. Could be a shoe of the year if all works well

[@SagasuRunning]

We shall see… I can’t wait to find out.

[@letitbleep2683]

Zoom Fly 6 looks very interesting. The only Nike that's interested me other than their top tier racers.

[@SagasuRunning]

It is quite good. A definite return to form for the Zoom Fly series.

[@gw4550]

Get the R&R in sir. It's getting mad! Nike on the verge of a major comeback. Adidas totally solid. Asian brands on the rise. What a time. Cheers sir 🥂

[@SagasuRunning]

2025 is going to be an amazing year for running shoe… crazy good. 🙏🏻 🤙🏻

[@gw4550]

@SagasuRunning let's hope my legs can keep up! Have a great afternoon sir.

[@SagasuRunning]

They will…I get into why in my review out today. Stay tuned.

[@gw4550]

@@SagasuRunning Great!

[@pstltv]

I was very inspired by your reviews of the Adidas EVO SL, and even thought about buying myself a pair in the future. But recently I saw a review from a man who ran 300 km in them. It's a sad sight. The rubber of the sole is very fragile and has already worn heavily for 300 km. The sneakers lost their wonderful continental grip and running in them quickly became very uncomfortable. Here's the news. =(

[@SagasuRunning]

I saw that review. Honestly, for a performance tempo shoe...300km is fine durability for me. His shoes look especially rough though.

[@timobrien256]

I have been a Nike runner for many years, but lately rotate Nike/adidas in training

[@SagasuRunning]

As I said, I find they are a good counter to one another and balance each other out. Switching between them always makes me appreciate the other more.

[@DennisBreunig]

Is it true that the new streakfly will be a negative drop shoe. My grandson likes the original streaks. But i am not sure that the negative drop will work for him because he is more of a heel striker

[@SagasuRunning]

I actually don't think it's a negative drop. It is just the midsole geometry (giant toe spring) and the photos we have seen. That being said...they are a speed shoe and likely not a great option for a heel striker. We will know for sure once we have the official release info. Once I have a pair I'll be all over them with coverage.

[@macoyupadoodle]

I saw pics of the boston and i was surprised to see dual density (heel looks like normal LS) and looked heavy. I was hoping evo SL design simplicity, dual density LSP with rods ........but that might cannibalise the pro4

[@CMDV8N3]

I get your point, but Evo SL throws a wrench in the lineup. It’s a standout shoe for just $150, pretty much does what SL2, Adios 9, Boston can do while also looking great, and at a good price. Yes it’s not an “exact” replacement for those shoes, but it’s easily close enough. Especially since the vast majority of runners (US) are fitness runners, doing

[@SagasuRunning]

According to the specs we have of the B13 it lost about 5g in weight and a few MM in stack. I am also shocked to see LS2.0 back... Once we have an official press release from Adidas I'll do a technical overview video of the shoe. It is an important one.

[@SagasuRunning]

..and that is why it's day are numbered. Old tech. Old feel. Not where Adizero is headed, more where it has been....

[@seishun9611]

The Streakfly 2 is looking pretty fly

[@SagasuRunning]

No doubt. As soon as I can get a pair I'll be ALL over them.

[@klipk7296]

Do you find that the new adidas uppers can kind of "fish line" your achilles? I'm usually not sensitive to achilles issues, but the adios 9 knocked me out for about a week

[@theghostofpcs2391]

I initially had issues with the Pro 4 scraping my achilles, but not anymore. Never had that with any other shoe.

[@SagasuRunning]

Not the “new” Adizero uppers… just Adizero uppers in general. Honestly the 2025 shoes have been the ones that have been the least problematic.

[@tkwasik]

Was really hopeing that Adidas will keep older light strike pro "clasic" alive as second sub line of adizero. Not everyone likes super soft ride and foams, i do understand most do and for Adidas it make sense to tap in that market but it will be sad if in the proces will lose all those who been choosing adidas for its light strike pro clasic properties....

[@SagasuRunning]

I don't think that is going to happen. It seems LSP(C) is going down market like Boost did once it's time had passed. Into the lifestyle realm. I actually feel like that is why the Evo SL got the dumb lifestyle marketing campaign.

[@01lsw]

It's a bit sad to see that you're not in love with Evo SL anymore as it feels like an odd family member among the Adizero lineup. Btw, I will wear Evo SL for my threshold workout tomorrow.

[@SagasuRunning]

Oh… I am still in love with it. That’s why I’m trying to ween myself off of it while still can. It really is that good. Too good…

[@claytonhall2777]

Peg Plus or Adios 9 for hard and fast track reps? I have the Peg Plus and enjoy it for daily training

[@SagasuRunning]

A9 is a proper flat. For a track workout, morning spikes, it is the one. Will pair with the PP as a trainer.

[@paulcargill]

I’ve built a three shoe rotation that I think I can do everything in. SL2, Evo SL and Metaspeed Edge Paris. I might add a max cushion shoe soon but at the moment I think I can do everything in those 3.

[@SagasuRunning]

There is a range of geometries and foam there for sure. 👍🏻

[@Ben-yw8be]

The Evo SL could be the non-plated tempo trainer offering for Adidas. I’m not going to get the Boston 13. The Boston 12 was ok for me. The upper sucked. 😂 After 100 miles, I sold it for a discount.

[@SagasuRunning]

It can be used like that but I don't think it's officially part of the product lineup and rotation. I'll explain in my Adidas rotation guide.

[@Ben-yw8be]

I tried in the Adios Pro 4. Too soft for me to the point I feel the rods a bit. Not a fan. The Pro 3 I like except the upper. I’m going to wait for the Vaporfly 4. I can’t wait to try the Zoom Fly 6. The ZF 4 and ZF 5 were bottom heavy. The Zoom 5 especially. Clunker. But it is a cruiser.

[@SagasuRunning]

2025 Nike shoes have really great balance, not bottom heavy at all (even for shoes that should be due to the materials). Nike engineering it doing wonderful things right now with shoe construction.

[@boryahL]

Thanks for the video! Great stuff like always. I wanted to ask your opinion on a topic that I'm very curious about. You talked about adios pro 4 durability compared to the pro 3. I run in the pro 3 600-700k and the shoe looks almost like new if ill wash them (obviously I will not) but what I want to say is how would you say the shoe is done? If there is absolutely no wear and tear on the sole or the upper from the outside. It's hard to judge the "pop" compared to new shoe. Obviously it's my running stride that is wear and tear resistant me being fore foot striker and light weight runner. I have the pro 4 and I believe I will not see tear on them as well very big mileage. Any tips on when to shelf shoe?

[@SagasuRunning]

Two things... I think the AP4 will be more like a ZoomX shoes 150mi (240km) of good performance for racing and another 200mi+ (320km+) of training. Which wouldn't be a bad thing. As far as when to tell if a super shoe is past it's prime. I use when I start feeling aches or pains from running in them that weren't there before. This is true of any shoe actually, but especially important with super shoes and performance foams.

[@boryahL]

@SagasuRunning Thank you!

[@yiann1sk]

I went from Adidas shop again today. I was amazed by how good this Adios Pro 4 is. Plus there is a new SICK colorway yellow with blue stripes, limited edition unfortunately, sold out in China already for my size. There was the EVO 1 as well, but trying is not allowed for that one, can you believe that?

[@SagasuRunning]

I can. They had the same rule here in Taipei after the first few days the second batch of Evo 1s was available…. To many people just wanted to try them on.

[@yiann1sk]

@@SagasuRunning Ah so the rule was a result of adaptation to reality not just a marketing gimmick again. That's a bit better.

[@Leme994]

Chris, I'm really looking forward to the adios 9 but still no word for when it will come. Do you think Adidas is playing some kind of 4d chess with when to release those shoes or do you think the reason for them to have this shoe ready for so long and still not announcing it is just bad planning?

[@TimGrose]

Why are you ? They came out in the UK just before Xmas.

[@Leme994]

@@TimGrose I'm from Brasil, we still didn't have it in here, tbh we didn't even get the A8... besides that, they "showed" the shoes such a long time ago, but only released them recently, why would they take so long?

[@SagasuRunning]

Adidas currently has absolutely no idea when and where they products will actually launch. Like zero... it's beyond baffling.

[@SagasuRunning]

Some markets still don't have them, actually many don't.

[@SagasuRunning]

Brazil has all sorts of odd rules and bans. Did Brazil ever get the Adios 8? I know it don't get a few Adizero models ever...

[@theghostofpcs2391]

But does the Evo SL work as a casual shoe? I just love how it looks, but I don't really need it as a running shoe.

[@SagasuRunning]

Only if you want to live in fast culture…

[@theghostofpcs2391]

@@SagasuRunning I'm way too old for that, and I usually don't even like white shoes, but the Evo SL is gorgeous! 🤣

[@SagasuRunning]

It is gorgeous… I agree. Honestly, wear what you like… personally I find the forefoot rocker and foam too much for casual wear.

[@r_unner_G]

I have it in black and I'm reaching for it more than anything else. It's a fantastic shoe can genuinely 'do it all".

[@horstbeham5756]

Anyone else having trouble with Adidas laces? I recently got a pair of Boston 12 and Takumi Sen 10 and these are the only shoes out of my 10 pair where the laces untie themselves within 1-3mins every time despite double knots.

[@SagasuRunning]

Adizero laces are meme level now. They have bene the same for years and Adidas doesn't seem to care. Honestly, I'll take Adizero laces over the stretchy oens many other brands seem to use now.

[@riden905]

Will the zoom fly 6 kipchoge colorway restock?

[@SagasuRunning]

I doubt it. usually those type of color ways are one and done.

[@MidLifeRunner]

Adidas YODA as well. Maybe just a Jedi all around

[@SagasuRunning]

🤣 👌🏻

[@profrecs]

Can u please do Rebel V4 v Evo Sl 🙏 i heard they very alike and i think u might like the rebel a lot for daily maybe ull think they should go together

[@SagasuRunning]

Nope… I’ve made my thoughts on the Rv4 very clear. If the Rv5 is what they promise then I might compare those….

[@nolanparke765]

@@SagasuRunninghave you heard any time line on rebel v5 drop?

[@brockdalton8641]

I don’t mean this to be disrespectful, but I think the Adios 9 has a very limited appeal. For runners like yourself that have very strong feet and strike on the forefoot, this shoe should perform at or near a top-flight level. But I don’t believe this shoe will perform very well for anyone that falls into the more “normal” runner profile. This is a very well designed shoe for a specific group of runners.

[@SagasuRunning]

I agree actually. The A9 is not a mainstream shoe. I do think more runners would benefit from running a a shoe like that occasionally...but such are trends in running shoes that nearly the exact opposite is the norm. I'm glad Adidas still pays attention the the Adios and gives us what they do.

[@gijssmets]

I find the adidas line up very confusing right now. A mix of their older tech and their newer direction and the Evo Sl, which doesnt fit anywhere. I hope they streamline everything once the whole adizero range is up to date.

[@SagasuRunning]

That is because it’s currently mixed between old shed and new. By the spring the rest of the 2025 shoes will be out to replace the older models. Everything will be moved over to the new design language, materials and geometries. The Evo SL will remain the odd one out still.

[@alb.1911]

Did you said Boston 13… ?

[@SagasuRunning]

April... I'll talk about in my my upcoming Adidas rotation video (we have full leaks images and specs now). Once we get an official press release from Adidas I'll do a technical overview...some important details and implications on it to discuss.

[@rumblerumble2276]

Any shoe you’re planning to review that we wouldn’t expect? For example, we’d all be surprised if you reviewed a New Balance.

[@SagasuRunning]

I’m hearing that the Rv5 has a “revised fit & new improved foam”…. If that is the case I will cover it. There are a couple Brooks I want to try as well… maybe a few more things as we get more info.

[@rumblerumble2276]

@ I look forward to these reviews. While I can understand why the upper isn’t enjoyed by all, the NB SC Trainer 3 had the perfect upper for my foot- I loved of it felt. That said, it was the worst shoe I’ve ever ran in. The foam was terrible- mushy. I quit part way through my run and walked home.

[@SagasuRunning]

@rumblerumble2276 Ugh, I had that “quit mid run and walk home” experience last year in a shoe… never again.

[@soltour87]

So you don’t want to use the EVO SL because you’re worried it might change in the future? Isn’t that the case with every shoe? Sounds like a load of nonsense to me

[@SagasuRunning]

I’m worried the shoe won’t exist after this generation and it’s TOO good… Adidas broken my heart before with a shoe… I don’t rent they to happen again.

[@soltour87]

The EVO SL will be one of the best running shoes of 2025 and Adidas will make a fortune. I don’t see any reason why they won’t want to continue making this shoe. If this was a Nike shoe you wouldn’t be saying these things. Also if Nike were selling this type of shoe it would be twice the price and people like you would be praising them for it