At first glance the SL 20 looks like a cheaper almost “bargain”version of the Adizero Boston. Typically, I wouldn’t mention two shoe models in the same review, but as with many shoe brands Adidas does a terrible job of explaining the subtle differences in each model. Everything gets bundled as Neutralor by tech rather than explaining the use cases.
The SL20 is part of the Adidas’ “Faster Than” campaign, where they want to do away with the notion that being fast is something reserved for elite runners. They want a break with the idea that speed is about distance and time. SL is short for “Super Light”, and with the SL20, ADIDAS designed a fast running shoe which caters to all runners and all speeds. It is for anyone who wants to feel fast! Its also comes in at a very afordable €85.
Whilst the shoes look great. What does it feel like to run in a pair? As someone who has worn the various itterations of the Boston for almost 8 years I felt the toe box of the SL20 to be a little tight in the same size show. On my first run I was tempted top turn back and take them off.
The SL20 should be seen as a “running shoe number 2”. I.e. a running shoe that supplements the daily running shoe you take most of your runs in or as the pair you wear for that second easy run. I would’nt compare it to shoes like the Solar Boost or Boost, these models focus on comfort but its also not really a comparable to the Adizero line in my opinion. The SL20 feels light but I couldn’t help but feel that the materials used were a little cheap compared to the Boston or Adios. It also seemed to make a really harsh ground imact noise compared to the Boston 9 or Adios 5. I’m not sure but maybe this is because of the extra light strike foam?
The heel unit is also pretty stiff and supportive and, overall, I found the SL20 to be in the stable end of the spectrum, compared to many more expensive lightweight running shoes. While a neutral running shoe, it has a reasonable amount of stability and not enough give.
This shoe is smooth for my easy days and some of my medium-long runs, and I ran a decent paced 18 miles effort in it as well. But did Lightstrike help me drop the hammer? No. It’s missing the powerful toe-off of an Adios 5 or a Boston 8/9 and it doesn’t have their rockin’ Boost foam either. It also lacks the end of run cushioning you find in a shoe like the NB 1080.
Lightstrike is a lighter material than Boost , Adidas has been able to get more material under the foot in the SL20, compared to Boston and Adios. And that gives you this added “protection”. By doing this I think Adidas has signaled its intent to go after a more mainstream audience than with the well regarded Adizero range. For those long term Boston and Adios fans this seems like a bad move as the company is already quite far behind in shoe tech at the elite end.
