The Adidas Adizero Evo SL Woven joins the Adizero Evo SL ATR as another version of the Adidas Adizero Evo SL. This version introduces a new upper to help make one of the best running shoes a much better-fitting one.
Those upper changes promise to add structure while a new tongue aims to improve lockdown. That’s all while sticking to the same midsole and outsole setup as the first Evo SL, promising a bouncy and springy ride that can work across a mixture of paces.
If you found the original Evo SL upper problematic, or like the idea of a version with a more secure and reliable fit, the Evo SL Woven is a great fit for daily runs and can certainly handle some faster time too.
Design & Key Stats
- Price: £130/$150
- Weight: 223g/7.9oz (men’s UK 8 / US 8.5)
- Drop: 6mm
- Upper: Woven mesh with gusseted tongue
- Midsole: Lightstrike Pro foam with nylon shank
- Outsole: Continental rubber forefoot and clear rubber at heel
Adidas Adizero Evo SL Woven Review
How’s The Fit
Mike tested the Adidas Evo SL Woven for our review and found that it fit well in their normal running shoe size with no discomfort or cramping in the toe box or issues achieving a good lockdown. Mike has also tested the standard Evo SL in a half a size bigger than his usual size and the Evo SL ATR in his usual running shoe size.
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The Run Test: Likes
The new woven mesh upper does the required job of adding structure to the Evo SL, particularly at the middle and the front of the shoe where you’ll notice some more reinforced areas on the upper. What’s more noticeable on the run is the new gusseted tongue. It does a much better job of staying in place, despite Adidas sticking to the no so great laces included on the first version.
It definitely takes a few runs before the Evo SL Woven starts to provide that familiar, dynamic feel underfoot. That LightStrike Pro foam then softens up and provides plenty of bounce and a nice rebound. This is still a shoe that can handle faster paces making it a good fit for speed workouts and tempo sessions.
It does feel like there’s a small weight gain, which gives the Woven a slightly more stable and controlled feel during faster runs compared to the original. It’s one that remains forgiving and not too harsh feeling to cope with longer runs. We also found it comfortable to ease off in without springy midsole feeling too wobbly.
The Run Test: Dislikes
One negative with the upper changes is that the toe box volume does feel lower when compared with the first Evo SL. That could make the original a slightly better fit for those who like an overall roomier toe box.
There is some added weight due to that new upper, though not to the extent of the weight gain on the Evo SL ATR. It might just make the Woven feel a little less spritely at faster paces for some.
The outsole combination of Continental rubber and Clear rubber is a good fit for pavements and roads, but not so much if it’s very rainy or you’re hitting some muddy sections on your run. That’s why the Evo SL ATR exists, giving you an outsole that’s a better match for mainly wetter running conditions.
Verdict And Alternatives
The Adidas Evo SL Woven fits the bill of being a running shoe that looks good enough to wear outside of running and delivers when it’s time to get running. If you like a bouncy, fun versatile shoe, you’ll like the Evo Sl Woven.
If you shop around, you can find the original Evo SL for less, making it still a great buy for many runners that won’t find the upper too problematic. The Evo SL ATR gives you a better outsole for rainy runs, but does it by adding more weight and eating a little into the great Evo SL ride when picking the pace up.
If you’re looking to spend roughly the same amount of money, you can also look at shoes like the Saucony Endorphin Azura, which will feel like a more stable shoe for a lot of runners. The Hoka Mach 7 sits at a similar price and offers a firmer yet more snappy feel for faster runs as well as being comfortable enough for more moderate paced runs.
The Puma Velocity Nitro 4 is cheaper, offers a very versatile ride and has a much gripper outsole than the Evo SL Woven. The New Balance Rebel V5 is also worth considering if you want something with strong comfort over longer runs and does that in a more stable fashion.