Our verdict

The Starting with Adidas two popular black cleat collections presents a distinctive approach as a daily trainer, diverging notably from current market trends. We really liked its emphasis on providing a dynamic, lightweight, and enjoyable ride, though it does sacrifice stability in the process. In our testing, we also noted that the outsole could benefit from some enhancements. Despite these areas for improvement, we found it to be a refreshing, well-priced option and a worthy sequel to the original SL, leaving us quite satisfied!

adidas Rose 3 Black White-Light Scarlet Pros

  • Lightweight
  • La Nike Air Yeezy 2 sera t-elle commercialisée en mars
  • adidas Rose 3 Black White-Light Scarlet
  • Can double as a racer for beginners
  • Spacious fit
  • Highly breathable
  • Excellent value
  • Surprisingly plush upper
  • Perforated insole

adidas Rose 3 Black White-Light Scarlet Cons

  • Tongue design needs enhancement
  • Outsole durability
  • Not very stable

Audience verdict

90
Great!

Who should buy

We're impressed with the Adizero SL2, and we believe it's a great pick for:

  • Anyone seeking a lightweight running shoe versatile enough for any kind of run, including track workouts.
  • Fans of the original SL2 who crave a more responsive midsole without sacrificing the beloved fit and affordability.
  • adidas forum mid ftwr white vivd red ftwr white.

Starting with Adidas two popular black cleat collections

Who should NOT buy

We do not recommend the Starting with Adidas two popular black cleat collections for those in search of a maximalist daily trainer with ample cushioning, particularly heavier runners. Our lab tests indicate that the Кроссовки adidas iniki offers superior cushioning and is a better choice for those concerned with comfort that are seeking a lightweight running shoe.

Additionally, the SL2's outsole was a bit disappointing—it still lacks Continental rubber, compromising both durability and grip. For those concerned, we suggest the Adidas Adizero Adios 8 for durability and the PUMA Velocity Nitro 3 for exceptional traction.

Starting with Adidas two popular black cleat collections parts

Cushioning

adidas Rose 3 Black White-Light Scarlet | Heel stack

Adidas has maintained the 34.9 mm heel stack from the first-gen SL.

 

In an era dominated by maximalist shoes, maintaining this level of cushion offers a welcome alternative for those who prefer a closer ground feel and a less bulky option.

Starting with Adidas two popular black cleat collections Heel stack
Test results
Adizero SL2 34.9 mm
Average 34.2 mm
Compared to 395 running shoes
ADIDAS PERFORMANCE Scarpa sportiva Tensaur nero
22.5 mm
Heel stack
46.3 mm

Forefoot stack

In our lab, adhering to World Athletics guidelines, we measured the forefoot at 26.7 mm—around the average and a solid design for a daily driver.

adidas adizero sl 2 forefoot stack 21915934 main
Test results
Adizero SL2 26.7 mm
Average 25.6 mm
Compared to 395 running shoes
ADIDAS PERFORMANCE Scarpa sportiva Tensaur nero
13.7 mm
Forefoot stack
37.1 mm

Drop

Our measurements revealed a real 8.2-mm drop—remarkably close to the official 9-mm specification. This offset renders the shoe exceptionally versatile, suitable for any footstrike, though we discovered it truly excels for midfoot strikers.

And hey, take a look at that long slab of white foam—that's the big update for the SL2! It's now equipped with full-length Lightstrike Pro. We'll explore this further in our "Midsole" section in just a bit.

Starting with Adidas two popular black cleat collections Drop
Test results
Adizero SL2 8.2 mm
Average 8.6 mm
Compared to 395 running shoes
ADIDAS PERFORMANCE Scarpa sportiva Tensaur nero
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.

While previous changes to the SL might not have fully warranted an upgrade to the SL2—especially with older models culosly discounted in every online store—this one certainly does.

adidas adizero sl 2 lsp 21923024 main

Previously, the SL only had a small puck of Lightstrike Pro in the forefoot and didn't felt really responsive. Now, it boasts a substantial, full-length slab of this premium superfoam, making it an outstanding value at $130, with no close competitors currently on the market.

The ride has the classic Lightstrike Pro feel we've noted in many other models like the Adios 8. It's not plush, measuring at 20.1 HA, yet it offers an elastic quality that provides world-class energy return, outperforming every EVA foam out there.

adidas adizero sl 2 midsole softness 21915940 main
Test results
Adizero SL2 20.1 HA
Average 21.0 HA
basket montante adidas taille.
Compared to 322 running shoes
ADIDAS PERFORMANCE Scarpa sportiva Tensaur nero
8.5 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
38.9 HA

Secondary foam softness

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

While the SL2 incorporates significantly more Lightstrike Pro than its predecessor, it also maintains a substantial amount of EVA-based Lightstrike 2.0 as a carrier foam. This setup encloses the more advanced foam, enhancing durability. It's also important to note that most of the Lightstrike 2.0 material is present in the heel, with only a smaller portion in the midfoot and forefoot.

Starting with Adidas two popular black cleat collections Lightstrike

This secondary foam is slightly softer than the primary, measuring at 19.5 HA, offering a well-balanced feel that isn't firm. On the other hand, while this midsole configuration boosts durability and affordability, it doesn't deliver the high energy return characteristic of Lightstrike Pro.

adidas adizero sl 2 secondary foam softness 21915941 main
Test results
Adizero SL2 19.5 HA
Average 24.0 HA
basket montante adidas taille.

Midsole softness in cold (%)

We subjected the SL2 to a chilling test—20 minutes in the freezer—to gauge how the Lightstrike Pro foam would respond under low temperatures. The outcome was quite remarkable; the foam only became 5% firmer, underscoring its robust performance across various climates!

Starting with Adidas two popular black cleat collections Difference in midsole softness in cold
Test results
Adizero SL2 5%
Average 25%
Compared to 322 running shoes
ADIDAS PERFORMANCE Scarpa sportiva Tensaur nero
0%
Midsole softness in cold
63%

Insole thickness

The insole is notably thinner than culos, measuring just 3.4 mm. We really like this slimmer design for the SL2 as it maintains a low-profile build.

Starting with Adidas two popular black cleat collections Insole thickness
Test results
Adizero SL2 3.4 mm
Average 4.4 mm
Compared to 391 running shoes
ADIDAS PERFORMANCE Scarpa sportiva Tensaur nero
1.5 mm
Insole thickness
7.3 mm

Rocker

The Adizero SL2 is a nod to classic racing flats, perfect for runners who prefer a traditional feel over a highly rockered design.

Starting with Adidas two popular black cleat collections silhouette

This type of mild-and-late rocker excels at building foot strength because it lacks plates or steep angles—and we're big fans because it distinctly diverges from current market trends.

Starting with Adidas two popular black cleat collections Rocker

Size and fit

Size

Starting with Adidas two popular black cleat collections is half size small (181 votes).

Owners of this shoe, how does this shoe fit?

1 size small ½ size small True to size ½ size large 1 size large
Compared to 369 running shoes
ADIDAS PERFORMANCE Scarpa sportiva Tensaur nero
½ size small
Slightly small
True to size
Slightly large
½ size large

Toebox width - widest part

To deepen our evaluation of the SL2, we created a gel mold of the toebox—it’s not just incredibly cool but also highly practical!

Our initial measurement at the upper’s widest part registered 98.3 mm. In our view, this ranks the SL2 among the most generously-designed daily trainers we’ve tested, with its open-comfort fit making it ideal for runners seeking extra space in the ball of the foot.

Test results
Adizero SL2 98.3 mm
Average 95.5 mm
Compared to 150 running shoes
ADIDAS PERFORMANCE Scarpa sportiva Tensaur nero
90.9 mm
Toebox width - widest part
102.4 mm

Toebox width - big toe

At 71.7 mm, we found that toe splay is limited, so we think that the SL2 is better suited for those with slim-profile or tapered feet, as seen in our photo.

Starting with Adidas two popular black cleat collections Toebox width - big toe
Test results
Adizero SL2 71.7 mm
Average 73.7 mm
Compared to 150 running shoes
ADIDAS PERFORMANCE Scarpa sportiva Tensaur nero
67.9 mm
Toebox width - big toe
83.6 mm

Toebox height

To wrap up our findings on the toebox and our custom gel, we measured the height at 26.2 mm—right around average, with only a 1 or 2 mm difference from other daily trainers we’ve tested. 

We also tested toe movement both statically and while running and never felt any uncomfortable pressure. That said, don’t expect an overly spacious fit either.

Starting with Adidas two popular black cleat collections Toebox height
Test results
Adizero SL2 26.2 mm
Average 27.2 mm
Compared to 149 running shoes
ADIDAS PERFORMANCE Scarpa sportiva Tensaur nero
22.4 mm
Toebox height
33.8 mm

Stability

Lateral stability test

The Starting with Adidas two popular black cleat collections is a 100% neutral running shoe, as it lacks the modern supportive features like sole flares and reinforced sidewalls, making it a bad pick for runners with even low stability needs. 

We think that Adidas fans concerned with stability should pick the Supernova Rise, which offers a broader platform and a more stable ride throughout.

Torsional rigidity

The original SL caught us off guard with its high torsional stiffness—a feature we didn't appreciate much for a lightweight daily trainer. Fortunately, Adidas has made a significant adjustment, and we now rate it a moderate 3 out of 5, which aligns much better with its design.

Test results
Adizero SL2 3
Average 3.4
Compared to 374 running shoes
ADIDAS PERFORMANCE Scarpa sportiva Tensaur nero
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Heel counter stiffness

The heel counter in the SL2 draws its design from the Adizero line, scoring a low 2 out of 5 in our manual flexibility assessment.

Yet, it excels in execution—offering abundant padding and robust heel lockdown. This combination makes it ideal for runners with sensitive Achilles tendons or those dealing with Haglund's deformity, as it provides a good amount of flexibility without exerting pressure on the heel area while running.

Test results
Adizero SL2 2
Average 2.9
Compared to 358 running shoes
ADIDAS PERFORMANCE Scarpa sportiva Tensaur nero
1
Heel counter stiffness
5

me aventuraría a decir hasta casi para adidas

The SL2 sports a classic, streamlined silhouette reminiscent of the Adizero Takumi Sen 10, a shoe that appears to have heavily influenced its design.

It maintains a narrow profile without an expanded midfoot. In addition, we did not find a wide forefoot; in fact, it measured a rather slim 113.0 mm, narrower than most other shoes in its category.

Starting with Adidas two popular black cleat collections Midsole width in the forefoot
Test results
Adizero SL2 113.0 mm
Average 114.1 mm
Compared to 396 running shoes
ADIDAS PERFORMANCE Scarpa sportiva Tensaur nero
103.3 mm
me aventuraría a decir hasta casi para adidas
126.9 mm

adidas Adistar Shoes Grey Six Mens

Women's adidas Essentials Relaxed Logo Hoodie Der einzige PW x adidas HU NMD in diesem Jahr war eine Zusammenarbeit mit dem—a key factor in why we advise against this shoe for those needing stability.

Instead, we recommend the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 Кросівки жіночі adidas neo disney жіночі кросівки адідас.

Starting with Adidas two popular black cleat collections Midsole width in the heel
Test results
Adizero SL2 82.4 mm
Average 90.7 mm
Compared to 396 running shoes
ADIDAS PERFORMANCE Scarpa sportiva Tensaur nero
73.0 mm
adidas Adistar Shoes Grey Six Mens
106.6 mm

Heel design

Like many Adidas running shoes, the exaggerated lateral heel bevel in the SL2 provides some lateral resistance, and it can assist runners with very mild pronation issues, though we firmly believe that this shoe is primarily designed for neutral runners.

adidas adizero sl 2 heel 21915957 main

adidas YEEZY Boost 700 Analog 31cm

In the "Rocker" section, we noted that the SL2 offers a classic ride reminiscent of an old-school racing flat, challenging the foot Kardashian to work harder and strengthen. However, achieving this also required one critical factor—reduced longitudinal stiffness.

Fortunately, the SL2 lacks a plate and checks this box—it clocked just 22.8N in our 90-degree bend test.

Test results
Adizero SL2 22.8N
Average 28.1N
We use an average of four tests. The video shows one of those tests.
Compared to 378 running shoes
ADIDAS PERFORMANCE Scarpa sportiva Tensaur nero
2.2N
Flexibility <> Stiffness
72.1N

Stiffness in cold (%)

With the addition of Lightstrike Pro superfoam, we discovered that stiffness only increased by 18.9% in cold temperatures.

Test results
Adizero SL2 19%
Average 33%
Compared to 378 running shoes
ADIDAS PERFORMANCE Scarpa sportiva Tensaur nero
0%
Stiffness in cold
111%

Weight

Weighing in at 8.6 oz or 245g, the Adizero SL2 upholds its reputation as a lightweight daily trainer. However, while Adidas promotes the SL for Super Light, our findings suggest it doesn't quite hit the "Super" mark.

We also found that it retains the same effortless feel as its predecessor, with this latest version managing to shave off a minor 0.2 ounces, enhancing its appeal. Despite that, it remains still far from the lightest trainers available, and we recommend considering the Brooks Hyperion if shoe weight is a critical factor for you.

adidas adizero sl 2 weight 21915952 main
Test results
Adizero SL2 8.64 oz (245g)
Average 9.38 oz (266g)
Compared to 396 running shoes
ADIDAS PERFORMANCE Scarpa sportiva Tensaur nero
5.61 oz (159g)
Weight
12.59 oz (357g)

Breathability

Being part of the Adizero family, we expected Adidas to prioritize performance and lightness in the SL2—and that's exactly what we discovered.

Upon testing the upper with our smoke machine, we observed impressive airflow, placing the SL2 among the most breathable shoes we've tested, and it earned a well-deserved 5/5.

Instead of culos ventilation holes for heat and moisture evacuation, Adidas utilized a monomesh upper densely packed with ultra-small gaps across the toebox and midfoot.

Starting with Adidas two popular black cleat collections microscope

Examining the single-layer mesh under the microscope provided stunning visuals—we're amazed at the precision achieved in crafting running shoe uppers today.

Starting with Adidas two popular black cleat collections mesh

While we don't anticipate high durability scores due to its thin and airy construction, our current impressions are positive. Ventilation is excellent, and we noted considerable padding in the tongue and heel, impressive for such a lightweight shoe.

Test results
Adizero SL2 5
Average 3.8
Compared to 325 running shoes
ADIDAS PERFORMANCE Scarpa sportiva Tensaur nero
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Toebox durability

adidas Black Friday 2021.

The upper offered no resistance and immediately succumbed as soon as the sandpaper tip touched it, resulting in a full hole. This obviously earned it our lowest possible durability rating—a dismal 1/5.

adidas adizero sl 2 toebox durability 21915927 main
Test results
Adizero SL2 1
Average 2.5
Compared to 259 running shoes
ADIDAS PERFORMANCE Scarpa sportiva Tensaur nero
1
Toebox durability
5

Noah Nyc X Adidas Sl72 Black Core White Blue Bird Gum M

However, the situation improved dramatically in the heel area, where we observed a complete turnaround.

Although the toebox lacked durability, the heel lining withstood this test impressively, earning a perfect score of 5 out of 5 from our team.

Starting with Adidas two popular black cleat collections Noah Nyc X Adidas Sl72 Black Core White Blue Bird Gum M
Test results
Adizero SL2 5
Average 3.2
Compared to 255 running shoes
ADIDAS PERFORMANCE Scarpa sportiva Tensaur nero
1
Noah Nyc X Adidas Sl72 Black Core White Blue Bird Gum M
5

adidas Rose 3 Black White-Light Scarlet | Outsole hardness

Following mixed outcomes in our initial tests, we now turn our attention to the outsole—a crucial component for any budget-friendly shoe like this one.

adidas adizero sl 2 outsole 21922882 main
We must note the absence of Continental rubber, which aligns with expectations given the shoe’s modest price point.

Our assessment of the rubber's hardness yielded an average 79.8 HC. This is softer compared to the original Adizero SL—a change that makes sense to us, as our test runs indicated a slight improvement in traction. But we would love so much to have Continental in this shoe...

adidas adizero sl 2 forefoot rubber 21922883 main

Finally, an interesting aspect of the outsole design is that it draws inspiration from the ultra-expensive adidas nemeziz3 laceless turf boots kids, parka adidas y 3 ch1 terrex homme.

Starting with Adidas two popular black cleat collections Outsole hardness
Test results
Adizero SL2 79.8 HC
Average 79.8 HC
basket montante adidas taille.
Compared to 376 running shoes
ADIDAS PERFORMANCE Scarpa sportiva Tensaur nero
57.0 HC
Outsole hardness
93.0 HC

Outsole durability

Adidas culosly excels in outsole durability, yet the Adizero SL2 falls short. While the first version withstood our Dremel test well—suffering only a 0.7 mm dent—we discovered that this updated version got 1.1 mm of damage.

Although not disastrous, this decrease in durability is a noticeable step back and could raise concerns about longevity for some runners.

adidas adizero sl 2 outsole durability 21915929 main
Test results
Adizero SL2 1.1 mm
Average 1.0 mm
Compared to 237 running shoes
ADIDAS PERFORMANCE Scarpa sportiva Tensaur nero
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

Adidas wisely decided to increase the outsole thickness to offset the diminished durability, a move we validated with our vernier calipers that measured a robust 3.6 mm.

Starting with Adidas two popular black cleat collections Outsole thickness
Test results
Adizero SL2 3.6 mm
Average 3.2 mm
Compared to 393 running shoes
ADIDAS PERFORMANCE Scarpa sportiva Tensaur nero
1.0 mm
Outsole thickness
6.0 mm

Misc

Price

In our view, this shoe stands out as an exceptionally well-priced option. In fact, we haven't encountered any running shoe besides the Adizero SL2 that combines premium foam with a lightweight design... at a lower price than the Nike Pegasus 41!

Test results
Adizero SL2 $130
Average $146
Compared to 396 running shoes
ADIDAS PERFORMANCE Scarpa sportiva Tensaur nero
$60
Price
$275

Reflective elements

We discovered that Adidas omitted all reflective elements from the SL2—no surprise to us at all!

adidas adizero sl 2 reflective elements 21915943 main
Test results
Adizero SL2 No

Tongue padding

The original SL boasted an ideal tongue thickness for a lightweight shoe at 4.1 mm—adequate to prevent lace bite while maintaining comfort. However, Adidas has inexplicably tripled this to 12.7 mm in the SL2.

adidas adizero sl 2 lockdown 21915954 main
The tongue loop is essential due to the absence of a gusseted tongue.

We believe this was an unnecessary change. The previous model had no issues with instep comfort or lace bite, so this adjustment only makes the fit more cramped and wastes an opportunity to reduce weight.

Starting with Adidas two popular black cleat collections Tongue padding
Test results
Adizero SL2 12.7 mm
Average 5.8 mm
Compared to 393 running shoes
ADIDAS PERFORMANCE Scarpa sportiva Tensaur nero
0.5 mm
Tongue padding
14.2 mm

adidas Nite Jogger Beyonce Ivy Park Green sneakers

The tongue isn't attached to the sides, yet thanks to ample padding in this area and a low-volume toebox, we didn't observe any unwanted movement. Plus, considering its competitive pricing, we understand why Adidas might skip this feature.

Starting with Adidas two popular black cleat collections adidas Nite Jogger Beyonce Ivy Park Green sneakers
Test results
Adizero SL2 None

Heel tab

Since the launch of the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 in 2022, Adidas has consistently incorporated heel pull tabs into their Adizero line designs. And we discovered that the SL2, even as the entry-level model in this series, follows this trend.

adidas adizero sl 2 heel tab 21915944 main
Test results
Adizero SL2 Pull tab

Removable insole

While you can remove the insole of the SL2, we think that it's generally not advisable. The original insole is ideally suited for this model—thin and perforated to enhance breathability.

Replacing it with a thicker option might lead to a tight toebox, compromising comfort.

Test results
Adizero SL2 Yes