adidas SL20

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78%
🏅 Highly Rated
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adidas SL20: Review

“A lightweight and breathable shoe for speed training and racing.”

Overview


The adidas SL20 is a running shoe designed to offer a lightweight and breathable experience for runners. This shoe is known for its use of Lightstrike foam, which provides a firm yet responsive cushioning.

Key Features:

  • Lightstrike Foam: Provides lightweight and firm cushioning for a responsive ride.
  • Engineered Mesh Upper: Ensures breathability and a snug fit.
  • Continental Rubber Outsole: Offers excellent grip on various surfaces.

The adidas SL20 is an ideal choice for runners who prioritize lightweight and breathable shoes for speed training and racing. Its engineered mesh upper offers comfort, while the Continental rubber outsole provides reliable traction.

With an average review score of 78%, it's in the lowest rated 30% of similar running shoes. Based on our monitoring of prices across the internet, it's currently in the cheapest 30% of running shoes today.

Verdict

The consensus on the adidas SL20


The adidas SL20 excels in providing a lightweight and breathable experience, making it a great choice for speed training and racing. The Lightstrike foam in the midsole offers a firm yet responsive cushioning, which is ideal for fast-paced runs. The engineered mesh upper ensures breathability, although some runners may find it too rough for sockless running. The Continental rubber outsole provides excellent grip, even on wet surfaces. However, the thin tongue and lack of support strips in the upper may require some adjustment for a secure fit. Overall, the SL20 is a solid option for runners looking for a lightweight and breathable shoe for fast runs. Its lightweight and breathable design makes it a top choice for speed training and racing.

Comparable Shoes


The Nike Zoom Fly 3 is a good alternative for runners looking for a lightweight and responsive shoe. It features a carbon plate for a quicker toe-off, making it ideal for racing. However, it is more expensive than the SL20 and offers a softer upper, which may be more comfortable for sockless running.

The adidas Adizero Pro is another option for runners seeking a lightweight and performance-oriented shoe. It features Lightstrike foam combined with Boost and a carbon plate, providing a softer and more responsive ride. The Adizero Pro is more expensive but offers additional benefits such as a softer upper and quicker toe-off.



The Nike Pegasus Turbo is a lightweight shoe that competes with the SL20. It offers more cushioning, making it suitable for longer runs. However, it is also more expensive and may not provide the same level of breathability as the SL20.

Special versions of adidas SL20




The adidas SL20 Summer.RDY is a special version of the SL20 designed specifically for hot weather running. It features an even more breathable upper to keep the foot cool during intense runs. The Summer.RDY version maintains the same lightweight and responsive characteristics of the original SL20, making it an excellent choice for runners looking to stay cool and comfortable in warm conditions.

8 adidas SL20 Pros & Cons


4 Pros

Lightweight design makes it ideal for speed training and racing.
Breathable engineered mesh upper keeps the foot cool during runs.
Continental rubber outsole provides excellent grip on various surfaces.
Lightstrike foam midsole offers firm yet responsive cushioning.

4 Cons

Rough texture of the upper may be uncomfortable for sockless running.
Thin tongue may require frequent adjustments for a secure fit.
Narrow fit may not be suitable for runners with wider feet.
Lack of support strips in the upper may not provide enough security for some runners.

In Depth


Upper

The upper of the adidas SL20 is made from engineered mesh, which ensures excellent breathability and a snug fit. This material allows for continuous airflow, keeping the foot cool during runs. However, the upper can feel rough, making it uncomfortable for sockless running. The traditional lace closure offers a personalized fit, but the thin tongue may require frequent adjustments to achieve the right balance of security and comfort.

Midsole

The midsole of the adidas SL20 features Lightstrike foam, which provides lightweight and firm cushioning. This material is designed to offer a responsive ride, making it ideal for speed training and racing. The midfoot torsion plate (a supportive structure in the midsole) adds a touch of stability without making the shoe feel stiff. The 10 mm heel-to-toe drop (the difference in height between the heel and the forefoot) is standard for performance-oriented running shoes, offering a balanced feel for various running styles.

Outsole

The outsole of the adidas SL20 is made from Continental rubber, known for its durability and excellent grip. This material ensures superior traction on various surfaces, including wet pavement. The outsole design allows for quick turns and stable footing, making it suitable for fast-paced runs. The added rubber in the forefoot enhances grip, providing confidence during speed workouts.

Size/fit

The adidas SL20 offers a narrow fit, particularly in the toe box, which may not be suitable for runners with wider feet. The length is true-to-size, but some runners may find it slightly long. The traditional lace closure allows for a personalized fit, but the thin tongue may require frequent adjustments to achieve the right balance of security and comfort. Overall, the fit is snug and supportive, ideal for fast-paced runs.

Comfort

The adidas SL20 provides a comfortable ride, especially for fast-paced runs. The Lightstrike foam in the midsole offers firm yet responsive cushioning, while the engineered mesh upper ensures breathability. However, the rough texture of the upper may require runners to wear socks for added comfort. The thin tongue and narrow fit may also require some adjustments to achieve the right balance of security and comfort.

Cushioning

The Lightstrike foam in the midsole of the adidas SL20 provides lightweight and firm cushioning. This material is designed to offer a responsive ride, making it ideal for speed training and racing. The cushioning is not as soft as some other foams, but it provides a good balance of comfort and responsiveness. The thicker medial heel helps guard against early pronation (excessive inward rolling of the foot), adding a touch of stability to the shoe.

Breathability

The engineered mesh upper of the adidas SL20 ensures excellent breathability, making it a great choice for hot summer days. The material allows for continuous airflow, keeping the foot cool during runs. However, the rough texture of the upper may require runners to wear socks for added comfort. Overall, the breathability of the SL20 is one of its standout features, making it suitable for warm weather running.

Stability

The adidas SL20 offers a touch of stability thanks to its midfoot torsion plate and thicker medial heel. The torsion plate provides some resistance to unwanted motion, while the thicker medial heel helps guard against early pronation. However, the shoe is primarily designed for neutral runners and may not provide enough support for those with significant stability needs. The overall design focuses on lightweight and responsive performance.

Durability

The adidas SL20 is built to last, with its durable Continental rubber outsole and resilient Lightstrike foam midsole. The outsole provides excellent grip and shows minimal wear even after extended use. The midsole maintains its cushioning and responsiveness over time, making the SL20 a reliable choice for high-mileage runners. The engineered mesh upper is also durable, although its rough texture may require runners to wear socks for added comfort.

Grip

The Continental rubber outsole of the adidas SL20 offers excellent grip on various surfaces, including wet pavement. This material ensures superior traction, making it suitable for fast-paced runs and quick turns. The added rubber in the forefoot enhances grip, providing confidence during speed workouts. Overall, the grip of the SL20 is one of its standout features, making it a reliable choice for runners who need stable footing.

Flex

The adidas SL20 offers a good balance of flexibility and support, thanks to its engineered mesh upper and midfoot torsion plate. The upper provides a snug fit while allowing for natural foot movement, and the torsion plate adds a touch of stability without making the shoe feel stiff. The overall design allows for a responsive and flexible ride, making it suitable for speed training and racing.

Who should buy the adidas SL20?


The adidas SL20 is ideal for runners who prioritize lightweight and breathable shoes for speed training and racing. Its Lightstrike foam midsole offers firm yet responsive cushioning, making it suitable for fast-paced runs. The engineered mesh upper ensures breathability, while the Continental rubber outsole provides excellent grip on various surfaces. Runners looking for a shoe that performs well in warm weather and offers a snug fit will find the SL20 to be a great choice.

Who should not buy the adidas SL20?


Runners who need significant stability or have wider feet may not find the adidas SL20 to be the best option. The narrow fit and lack of support strips in the upper may not provide enough security for those with stability needs. Additionally, the rough texture of the upper may be uncomfortable for runners who prefer to run sockless. Those looking for a more cushioned ride may want to consider other models with softer foam.

adidas SL20: What's it good for?


The adidas SL20 is well-suited for speed training and racing on road surfaces. Its lightweight and breathable design makes it ideal for speed workouts and fast-paced runs. The Continental rubber outsole provides excellent grip, making it reliable for quick turns and stable footing. Overall, the SL20 is a great choice for runners looking to improve their speed and performance.

5 adidas SL20 FAQs


Is the adidas SL20 suitable for speed training?

Yes, the adidas SL20 is designed for speed training and racing. Its lightweight and responsive Lightstrike foam midsole makes it ideal for fast-paced runs.

Can I run sockless in the adidas SL20?

Running sockless in the adidas SL20 may not be comfortable due to the rough texture of the engineered mesh upper. It is recommended to wear thin socks for added comfort.

How does the adidas SL20 compare to the Nike Zoom Fly 3?

The adidas SL20 is lighter and more breathable, while the Nike Zoom Fly 3 features a carbon plate for a quicker toe-off. The Zoom Fly 3 is more expensive and offers a softer upper, which may be more comfortable for sockless running.

Is the adidas SL20 good for long-distance running?

The adidas SL20 is best suited for speed training and racing rather than long-distance running. Its lightweight and firm cushioning may not provide enough comfort for extended runs.

What is the weight of the adidas SL20?

The adidas SL20 weighs 230 g for men and 201 g for women, making it one of the lightest running shoes from adidas.

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productAthletes
Pro athlete users

+10
Aaron BienenfeldSam Long

+3
Moritz auf der HeideAaron Bienenfeld

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Weight
Weight
M: 230 g
W: 201 g
227 g
198 g
M: 247 g
W: 193 g
M: 232 g
W: 193 g
M: 227 g
W: 218 g
Forefoot
Forefoot
14 mm
12 mm
14 mm
19 mm
M: 21 mm
W: 20 mm
Heel to toe drop
Heel to toe drop
10 mm
9 mm
6 mm
6 mm
5 mm
8 mm
Heel
Heel
24 mm
21 mm
20 mm
25 mm
M: 26 mm
W: 25 mm
Brand
Brand
adidas
adidasSalomonSalmingASICSZoot
0

adidas SL20: what the experts say (1 review)

adidas SL20: 8 Expert video reviews

adidas SL20 characteristics and specifications

Characteristics
SportsRunning (+2049)
TerrainRoad (+1362)
UsagesRacing (+183)Speed training (+302)
Brandadidas (+292)
Support TypeNeutral (+1603)
Pronation TypeNeutral pronation (+1578)
Strike TypeFore/Midfoot strike (+1116)Heel strike (+1097)
Arch TypeHigh arch (+1525)
Shoe TypeLightweight (+409)
FitNarrow toe box (+222)
MaterialsMesh (+942)
ColorwaysBlack / Blue, Black / Grey, Black / Pink, Black / White / Red, Black / Yellow, Blue, Glory Pink, Grey / Grey / Black, Grey / Pink, Pink / White
Specificationsvs Average
Released
Feb 2020
Measurements
Weight
M: 230 g
W: 201 g
Heel to toe drop
10 mm
Heel
24 mm
Forefoot
14 mm

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AuthorTom Green
Tom is the founder of geerly. Based in West London, he found his passion for running in his mid-30s. He’s best at longer distances, and is a regular at the London Marathon, where he's edging closer to sub-2.40. He started geerly because he found it frustrating when shopping for running shoes spending ages trying to find the best deal in his size, and wading through verbose, waffling reviews clearly designed to appeal to search engines rather than be helpful to users. For geerly he's passionate about writing reviews that get straight to the point, and helping runners find the right gear at the best price.
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