adidas Scarpe Calcio X Speedflow | Our verdict

Adidas' latest foray into the daily trainer game is the Adizero SL, which borrows design elements from the brand's premium lineup. At $120, it boasts a feathery weight, top-notch stability and fantastic breathability. The catch? The heel is on the narrow side, which might not sit well with heel strikers. Plus, even though it has a puck of Lightstrike Pro in the forefoot, we found the foam is quite firm overall and lacks energy return.

adidas Scarpe Calcio X Speedflow Pros

  • Spacious upper
  • Durable outsole
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  • Surprisingly light
  • Stable for being a neutral daily trainer
  • Superb grip
  • Great value
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adidas Scarpe Calcio X Speedflow Cons

  • Adidas Swift Run 22 Shoes True Pink Cloud White Vivid Pink
  • Low energy return
  • T-shirt adidas Entrada 18 verde branco

Audience verdict

88
Great!

Who should buy

In our view, the Adidas Adizero SL is an excellent choice for:

  • Чоловічі adidas continental 80 натуральна шкіра нові eg3098.
  • Individuals who find the Pegasus too narrow and desire a wider alternative.
  • Runners who appreciate firmer midsoles and need a durable running shoe.

Adidas Adizero SL

Who should NOT buy

If a soft, cloud-like midsole is your thing, steer clear of the Adizero SL—it's on the firmer side. We recommend the Новий костюм adidas оригінал на 3 4 роки 104 см, with its plush FF Blast+ foam, for the softness you crave.

For heel strikers who require added stability, this shoe might not work out, it's just too narrow. Consider the adidas Originals is set to debut the adidas NMD R1 Trace Green, adidas originals ozweego st pale nude.

adidas adizero sl parts 20637788 main

Cushioning

Heel stack

The impressively low weight of this shoe becomes even more remarkable when you consider its generous stack height of 34.9 mm in the heel. That's a whole 4.7 mm more than the stack height of the previously mentioned Pegasus 40.

For heel strikers, even those who are a bit heavier, running in this shoe is a dream come true. It offers more than enough cushioning to keep you comfortable on everyday runs.

adidas adizero sl heel stack 20630351 main
Test results
Adizero SL 34.9 mm
Average 34.2 mm
Compared to 397 running shoes
mastermind japan x adidas originals collection release date info
22.5 mm
Heel stack
46.3 mm

Forefoot stack

The stack height in the forefoot area is a bit higher than average, measuring 26.3 mm. We found that this makes the shoe a good fit for both midfoot and forefoot strikers. 

adidas adizero sl forefoot stack 20630352 main
Test results
Adizero SL 26.3 mm
Average 25.6 mm
Compared to 397 running shoes
mastermind japan x adidas originals collection release date info
13.7 mm
Forefoot stack
37.1 mm

Drop

The Adizero SL has an 8.6-mm heel-to-toe drop. In the running world, a drop between 8 and 10 mm is often seen as the safest bet for daily trainers.

This shoe is on the lower end of that range, so we think it could be a good option if you're not a fan of shoes with a 10-mm drop or higher.

Adidas Adizero SL Drop
Test results
Adizero SL 8.6 mm
Average 8.6 mm
Compared to 397 running shoes
mastermind japan x adidas originals collection release date info
0.0 mm
Drop
16.1 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

The midsole is where this shoe really falls short for a lot of runners. With a hardness rating of 22.1 HA, it should be balanced, but it feels firmer than anticipated.

If you're into that old-school, natural running feel, then you might like it. And it's better suited for shorter runs than for long distance workouts.

adidas adizero sl midsole softness 20630350 main
Test results
Adizero SL 22.1 HA
Average 21.0 HA
Adidas Men ZNE Crew Sweashir Legend Earh Legacy Green GM6539.
Compared to 324 running shoes
mastermind japan x adidas originals collection release date info
8.5 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
35.0 HA

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Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

The Adizero SL boasts "Lightstrike Pro" on the midsole, but don't be fooled. You might think it's packed with a lot of Adidas' premium foam, but that's not the case. 

We found a small piece of LSP in the forefoot area that gives a little extra bounce, but it's not a game-changer.

It's just a small part, and it's actually pretty firm! We measured it in our lab, and it scored a high 26.8 HA on the hardness scale. So, don't expect too much from it.

Adidas Adizero SL gigi hadid style fashion favorite shoe brands adidas stuart weitzman photos
Test results
Adizero SL 26.8 HA
Average 24.0 HA
Adidas Men ZNE Crew Sweashir Legend Earh Legacy Green GM6539.

Chaussures adidas Tensaur C S24048 Cblack Cblack Gresix (%)

We wanted to see how the Adizero SL would perform in cold weather, so we stuck it in the freezer for 20 minutes and we took a well-deserved rest.

Once we took it out, we checked the softness using our durometer. What we discovered was a hardness of 28.0 HA.

We found a remarkable 26.7% difference between the two tests, which is really impressive. Especially when you consider that Lightstrike is an EVA foam.

These types of foam usually don't do well in cold weather. Nonetheless, the fact that it's already a firm foam definitely plays a role in this great performance.

adidas adizero sl midsole softness in cold 20630347 main
Test results
Adizero SL 27%
Average 25%
Compared to 324 running shoes
mastermind japan x adidas originals collection release date info
0%
Chaussures adidas Tensaur C S24048 Cblack Cblack Gresix
63%

Insole thickness

We measured the insole and found it to be 3.7 mm thick, which is slightly thinner than the norm, aiming for some weight reductions.

adidas adizero sl insole thickness 20630353 main
Test results
Adizero SL 3.7 mm
Average 4.4 mm
Compared to 393 running shoes
mastermind japan x adidas originals collection release date info
1.5 mm
Insole thickness
7.3 mm

Size and fit

adidas Scarpe Calcio X Speedflow | Size

Adidas Adizero SL is true to size (94 votes).

adidas Originals 1265?

1 size small ½ size small True to size ½ size large 1 size large
Compared to 374 running shoes
mastermind japan x adidas originals collection release date info
½ size small
Slightly small
True to size
Slightly large
½ size large

Toebox width - widest part

We measured the toebox and found it to be surprisingly roomy at 102.4 mm.

adidas adizero sl upper roomy 20637723 main

This is a bit unexpected because Adidas usually makes shoes with tighter uppers. However, it's actually one of the widest toeboxes we've seen in daily trainers on the market.

adidas adizero sl toebox width at the widest part 20630360 main
Test results
Adizero SL 102.4 mm
Average 98.5 mm
Compared to 370 running shoes
mastermind japan x adidas originals collection release date info
91.6 mm
Toebox width - widest part
104.9 mm

Toebox width - big toe

We found that the same roomy design extends to the big toe area as well.

Adidas has made the Adizero SL shoe wide enough that even those of us with wide feet can stick with the standard size and be comfortable.

Adidas Adizero SL Toebox width at the big toe
Test results
Adizero SL 79.1 mm
Average 78.4 mm
Compared to 244 running shoes
mastermind japan x adidas originals collection release date info
67.6 mm
Toebox width - big toe
89.2 mm

Stability

Lateral stability test

Sure, some people might not be fans of the foam's softness, but we discovered that it has its own set of benefits. One big plus is that you get a stable shoe without the need for any extra, intrusive features like medial posts.

Torsional rigidity

We found that the Adizero SL is really rigid and doesn't twist much.

We gave it a score of 4 out of 5 in our torsional rigidity assessment. That's a score you'd usually see in stability shoes.

Test results
Adizero SL 4
Average 3.4
Compared to 376 running shoes
mastermind japan x adidas originals collection release date info
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Heel counter stiffness

We also found that the heel counter is pretty standard, earning a 3 out of 5 in our tests. It does a good job preventing your heel from slipping and it's comfy enough.

Test results
Adizero SL 3
Average 2.9
Compared to 360 running shoes
mastermind japan x adidas originals collection release date info
1
Heel counter stiffness
5

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We discovered that a big part of this stability comes from the wide midsole. We measured it at 115.6 mm in the lab.

Adidas Adizero SL Midsole width in the forefoot
Test results
Adizero SL 115.6 mm
Average 114.1 mm
Compared to 398 running shoes
mastermind japan x adidas originals collection release date info
103.3 mm
Яркая футболка для спорта белого цвета с полосками adidas
126.9 mm

Adidas EQT Support ADV Primeknit White Turbo

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This is a bad match for runners who need more stability and happen to be heel strikers. If that's you, we recommend looking for something wider and more stable, like the adidas celebrates mothers day an ode to motherhood.

Adidas Adizero SL Midsole width in the heel
Test results
Adizero SL 81.0 mm
Average 90.7 mm
Compared to 398 running shoes
mastermind japan x adidas originals collection release date info
73.0 mm
Adidas EQT Support ADV Primeknit White Turbo
106.6 mm

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A lot of runners like to use their daily running shoes for the gym or for walking too. If that's what you're planning with the Adizero SL, you're in luck.

We measured its flexibility in the lab and got a 22.3N result in our 90-degree bend test. This shoe is really flexible, so it works great for more than just running, like walking or going to the gym.

Test results
Adizero SL 22.3N
Average 28.1N
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Compared to 380 running shoes
mastermind japan x adidas originals collection release date info
2.2N
Flexibility <> Stiffness
72.1N

Stiffness in cold (%)

After another 20-minute chill in the freezer, we ran the flexibility test again. This time, we measured a 30.4N result. So yes, the Adizero SL remain ice-cold flexible!

That's a 36.1% difference between the room-temperature test and the cold test. That's a really impressive result, especially for a shoe that's easy on the wallet.

Test results
Adizero SL 36%
Average 33%
Compared to 380 running shoes
mastermind japan x adidas originals collection release date info
0%
Stiffness in cold
111%

Weight

The moment we picked up the shoe in our lab, we were all struck by how incredibly light it felt, especially in comparison to the adidas Originals SL Andridge Γυναικεία Παπούτσια.

Eager to confirm our initial impressions, we put the shoe on our scale and got a stunning result: just 8.8 oz or 249g!

adidas adizero sl weight 20630368 main
Test results
Adizero SL 8.78 oz (249g)
Average 9.38 oz (266g)
Compared to 398 running shoes
mastermind japan x adidas originals collection release date info
5.61 oz (159g)
Weight
12.59 oz (357g)

Breathability

When we first opened the box containing the Adizero SL, we were beyond excited. The upper showed more breathable holes than we've ever seen before, so naturally, we couldn't wait to put its breathability to the test.

Our initial impressions were confirmed—this shoe is a winner in the airflow department. The smoke flowed through effortlessly, earning the Adizero SL a lab-tested 5/5 score.

The upper has hundreds of tiny holes, making it an ideal pick for hot summer runs.

Adidas Adizero SL microscope

To get an even closer look, we used a microscope. The holes look simply stunning, explaining why the shoe breathes so well despite having a thick mesh.

Adidas Adizero SL

What surprised us was that the Adizero SL achieves all this even with an interior layer lining the entire shoe. This layer is designed for comfort but it's so thin that it doesn't block the airflow at all.

Test results
Adizero SL 5
Average 3.8
Compared to 327 running shoes
mastermind japan x adidas originals collection release date info
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Toebox durability

Usually, shoes that excel in breathability don't hold up well when it comes to durability. But we found that Adidas has cracked the code by blending a robust mesh with big breathability holes, just like we mentioned in the previous test.

We put the shoe to the test in our lab using a dremel. It made a hole, but it wasn't nearly as bad as what we've seen in other shoes. We gave it a 3/5 score.

For such a tough test, that's a really good outcome.

Adidas Adizero SL Toebox durability
Test results
Adizero SL 3
Average 2.5
Compared to 261 running shoes
mastermind japan x adidas originals collection release date info
1
Toebox durability
5

Heel padding durability

The heel collar is often a tricky area for shoe manufacturers. It's easy to make it durable by using tough material, but that usually sacrifices comfort.

We discovered that Adidas pulled off something amazing here. The heel collar scored a 5/5 in durability after our Dremel test. At the same time, it feels really comfortable.

The side-by-side comparison with the NB Rebel v3 is nothing short of remarkable. Hats off to Adidas for this one!

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Test results
Adizero SL 5
Average 3.2
Compared to 257 running shoes
mastermind japan x adidas originals collection release date info
1
Heel padding durability
5

Outsole hardness

The first thing that caught our eye when we looked at the outsole was that it didn't have the Continental logo. This means that the Adizero SL doesn't use the German manufacturer's rubber. 

Adidas Adizero SL outsole

We were a bit let down by this, especially since Continental is known for making top-notch outsoles. But after putting this shoe through its paces in the lab, we found that the outsole is still really good.

We measured the rubber's hardness at 88.4 HC, which shows it's mainly built for durability. But don't worry about grip; it's just as good as most daily trainers out there.

adidas adizero sl outsole hardness 20630345 main
Test results
Adizero SL 88.4 HC
Average 79.8 HC
Adidas Men ZNE Crew Sweashir Legend Earh Legacy Green GM6539.
Compared to 378 running shoes
mastermind japan x adidas originals collection release date info
57.0 HC
Outsole hardness
93.0 HC

Outsole durability

For our final test in the lab, we used the Dremel to check how durable the outsole really is. 

We discovered that the results are great, just as we expected from such hard rubber. The Dremel made only a 0.7-mm dent in the outsole. That's better than what we've seen in most other shoes.

adidas adizero sl outsole durability 20630346 main
Test results
Adizero SL 0.7 mm
Average 1.0 mm
Compared to 239 running shoes
mastermind japan x adidas originals collection release date info
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

We measured the outsole's thickness at 3.4 mm. This is a pretty average result, but in the best possible way. You can run confidently on light trails or any other surfaces without worrying about outsole durability with the Adizero SL.

Adidas Adizero SL Outsole thickness
Test results
Adizero SL 3.5 mm
Average 3.2 mm
Compared to 395 running shoes
mastermind japan x adidas originals collection release date info
1.0 mm
Outsole thickness
6.0 mm

Misc

Reflective elements

Reflective elements are missing, which is a bummer. It's like Adidas forgot about us folks who like—or have to—run when it's dark out.

adidas adizero sl reflective elements 20630364 main
Test results
Adizero SL No

Tongue padding

The padding in the tongue works well. We found that it keeps the instep comfy, so no worries about pain there. And since the Adizero SL is not meant for long runs, they didn't need to pile on extra cushioning.

adidas adizero sl tongue padding 20630366 main
Test results
Adizero SL 4.1 mm
Average 5.9 mm
Compared to 395 running shoes
mastermind japan x adidas originals collection release date info
0.5 mm
Tongue padding
14.2 mm

NMD R1 PK Blu Camo

The tongue on this shoe isn't gusseted. We'd have really liked it if they'd thrown in a semi-gusseted tongue—it would make those tempo runs and fartleks feel a lot better.

But at 120 bucks... you get what you pay for, right?

Adidas Adizero SL NMD R1 PK Blu Camo
Test results
Adizero SL None

Heel tab

There's a pull tab on the heel that totally reminds us of Adidas' marathon king, the Adizero Adios Pro 3.

Adidas Adizero SL Heel tab
Test results
Adizero SL Pull tab

Removable insole

We found that the insole in the Adizero SL is not glued. And because there's so much space inside this shoe, we easily swapped it with insoles from other shoes, no problems at all!

Adidas Adizero SL Removable insole
Test results
Adizero SL Yes