ADIDAS SL2 - FIRST RUN (Nearly The Best DAILY TRAINER Of 2024!!) 

Once you grind the outsole a bit it’s a banger. Switch out those laces. The uk 11 is spot on true to size. Also rip out the insoles and put some others in. Makes a big difference.

Adidas have got the colourways of their shoes on point this year 😍

I have 85km on this shoe now. I was concerned when I first tried it on that the toes were too snug and that I should have half sized up but due to patience issues I didn't. (11.5uk). My second run was a 20km and after that the shoes opened up beautifully, I don't notice my toes at all. I live in Cape Town and it's rainy season, I haven't felt uneasy with the grip at all. My first 2 runs were in the dry so perhaps a layer came off and I'm confident int the wet now. Compared to my ice skate Novablast 3 that slide all over. The only issue I've had is the outside ankle collar that catches both left and right ankles, on my long run both were bleeding. So now I have to plaster up, hoping it will soften. My last run in them was 29km, extremely happy except for the painful ankle rubbing

Hi Andy! I'd say absolutely the best daily trainer! I've never been an Adidas fan but I literally fell in love with this shoe, it's pure fun to run in this one as it has a very wide range of use.

Took mine on holiday to Canada recently and ran in the snow in them grip fantastic so don’t understand the problems you’re having. I went half size up and fit perfect. As for your sizing problem do the same as your Pros cut a hole in them and get on with it! Fantastic shoe best of the year 👍😊

I had the same issue I thought it was the wrong size but it was just my big toe touching the top. Haven’t done many miles yet but I didn’t notice it too much when I got going. Apart from that it’s a great shoe at a good price. Adidas midsoles are spot on

Hi Andy. I love to follow all your talks and advice. We are quite the same build. I am 6’6 and a bit and wear a uk 13 (13.5 in Takumi sen). It s always good to hear your comments. However , I am a bit stuck at not having all the sizes available to me in South Africa. (So if ever you want to resell some shoes to me that you are not using give me a buzz. 😂) Keep up the good work. Niel

I agree with the grip on damp road/path surfaces, but it's not too bad. I did get a couple of blisters, but nothing major. The feel just walking is good, but running it is awesome, a good addition to a shoe rotation.

Thanks for an honest review. Like you, I am a UK size 13 in everything else other than ADIDAS and PUMA. Height = 6'4" and weight = 95kgs, so not quite as tall as you and a bit heavier, but similar build. Think I will pass on spending money on running shoes I would need to change so much personally.......even if they are decent

Great review. Ive ordered some vaporfly laces for mine, im half tempted to rip the insoles out and put something better in, the holes really annoy me

Good review. Interesting about the grip. Maybe there really is a quality difference between Continental and Adidas own in-house stuff. With the sizing I have never really had an issue with Adidas. I just get my usual size 40 EU and it works... But these are small feet of course, might be different in boat sizes.

Thanks for the review. I purchased a pair in the same colourway and completed first 10km run last night. In terms of sizing - they feel true to size to me. I would say they maybe run 1-2mm short, as I have a touch under the full thumb width at the front - which is what I usually have in my UK8. Compared to the Boston 12 (which I did not like at all!), they are less wide and shorter in the toebox. I see where you are coming from with the low volume toebox (my left big toe does stick up slightly, so it can be an issue!) - although it didn't affect me on the run. The minor faults I have are tongue slippage - which would be easily resolved if it was gusseted, and some outward flexing of the upper on the sides of the ankle collar. A runners knot could resolve - but probably not. On the whole - a great shoe for the money.

I also got severe big toe rub for shallow toebox. I used wet-stretching repeatedly w. small hard objtects inside shoe. (did not need heat-stretching). Also I grinded me some medial heel bewel. The heel is great otherwise. (I hate Adizero heelrub and that lateral bias on heel bewel. Ruins most Adizero shoes for me.) Had no grip problems myself. May get better grip after break-in?

Re sizing, you have got the right size (at least numerically) as don't forget adidas UK sizes are 0.5 more than say Nike or Saucony or Brooks but they are all US 14 or 32 cm shoes. I just slipped my same UK 13.5 ones back on to remind me and even without socks they do seem to be just a fraction shorter than the norm for us. As I recall your feet are about 3mm longer than me and wider too and so, according to the size chart, you are right on the cusp of a UK 13.5 and a UK 14 so a shoe like this (or the Adios Pro 3) would only need to be a fraction short to feel it is the wrong size. That sounds like it is the case here. I've not seen this for sale in anything bigger than a UK 13.5 however although oddly adidas UK list every 0.5 size up to about a 18 as greyed out. I didn't find the toebox excessively low in this one unlike the original SL which did feel like it was crushing my toes although did get a little better after the first run. Also is your midfoot secure as in those shots where you were demonstrating the outsole grip on wet roads you looked to be deliberately sliding forwards which is then bound to feel your toes are being crushed. I also tend to find in new shoes that the toes will "sit down" just a fraction after a few runs when they leave a slight depression in the insole. I wouldn't replace the insoles in these especially if you think the upper is too shallow. They are glued down and seem to be very thin and I suspect anything you try to slip in will make that worse and just lift you up. Other "tricks" I use are cutting and filing down my toes (especially my big ones) and wearing thin socks. Not sure if you can return adidas shoes after obviously (well if it is) wearing them - I thought not. So suggest either try and return them or make sure the midsole is secure and possibly try my "tricks". Otherwise seems daft to wear a shoe for some of your key training that does not fit you properly however much it feels like it would be good.

I got a couple of absolutely huge blisters after a 20k in them but with blister plasters covering them, I carried on using them! I've got about 120 miles done and I'm really impressed with them, light and responsive. Had enough in the legs and was comfortable enough to really kick on the final k of my 17 home from work yesterday which makes them an excellent daily trainer for me. Been lucky not to have the slipping issue, but I'm a midfoot runner so might that, ahem, impact? But: if the shoe is sliding and you're thinking of having to cut it to make it comfy AND you're having to buy new laces... I'd send them back.

Interesting, here in Taipei it is often wet. Constant wet in sub-tropical climates means moss and green slim on heavily shaded areas. I've had zero issues with grip with this shoe on wet or the green slime. I'm actually finding the AdiWear outsole a bit too grippy at time as I literally hear (and feel) it tearing into the road, wet or dry. On toebox volume, it's also odd. I am always careful about toenail trauma and fit on the toebox (the Alphafly 2 did a number on my big toenails years ago) and this one has given me no issues. The Peg41 I understand as I do get that Peg feel ontop of the big toe, but in the SL2, nothing. The thing with the upper is it won't stretch much at all. However, I am finding the midsole conforms to your foot rather fast and that may give you the room you need. So maybe a few more runs with some plasters (bandaids) to protect your toe and see where it goes.

The sizing is mental I’m a 9 and have to get a 10 a full size up. I don’t have the issue in the Boston so what last are they use in for the sl2

Hmm, I have the same issue with the Terrex Agravic Speeds - they felt too small (I did go 1/2 size down), but it's actually just the pressure on the big toe from above.

love that colorway, haven't seen it stateside. i have the classic black/white colorway. anyway, this is a killer, affordable daily trainer

I'm fine with, and actually kind of enjoy swapping out laces, but cutting a hole in a brand new pair of shoes isn't worth it if you can return them for full price.

I got it in 11 US and ran about 30k even though it was running small and hoping it would loosen. It didn't so I gave them away. 11 US is perfect for me in the Boston 12, ts8 and Prime X Strung 1. I then bought it again in 1/2 size up and still too tight, length ok but not enough space for the big toe. I've sent them back 😢 Probably wait for the SL 3 now. Hopefully they fix the fit. They should just copy the Rebel v4. I just got my second pair of the Boston 12 and will just use that instead. Fit is superb for me in that shoe and it isn't too aggressive. Also just ordered the ghost max 2 for easier runs and looking forward to that. Rebel v4, Boston 12 and ghost max 2 will be my main training rotation for now.

I have 2 pairs..white and carbon...no problems with the grip even on wet riverside boarding,sized up a half and the fit is perfect, but maybe many of your issues may be to your size of foot and weight, but average sized and lighter runners(size 9) as am I and 70 kilos would maybe get a different feel...all in all I think they're the best DT I've ran in and great value for money....laces though...hmmm.

The SL always fits tight in the toes, however that changes after about 100 km and it adapts to your foot, but I insist try the Boston

An amazing shoe for me, at least in the conditions I use them. Greetings from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

I have the same toe issue with ASICS nimbus. I wanna try Adidas - love the look. But I can’t find any that fit right 😣

Just had to return my pair and get a half size up. My normal size 10 were too short.

Ran 8km in these and got 2 blisters just below the balls of my feet - perhaps the SL2 is too narrow for me or still needs to be broken in? Does removing the insole help with making the shoe less narrow?

As a cyclist from the days before non-euro gear, I had to learn my European shoe size for my cycling shoes from Italy. That is what I use for Adidas rather than the USA size on the box. I have noticed that the EU size doesn’t always correspond with the same USA size so that lends some credence to the different sizing/last ideas. I also couldn’t help thinking that your training block needs match the ASICS Superblast to a T. Hearing that the SB2 is as good as the SB1, that might be a good option for you, if they make them in your canal barge size 😂

Try replacing the insole to something thinner (e.g. those from Invincible Run 1) that should increase the volume of the shoe

Try streaching - either buy cheap streatcher or use cobbler service, dont have this one yet but from look of it upper is a bit plastic and it should streach up in toe box volume ... worth a shot - myself done streaching many times and it works 💪

This was my first try of Adidas running shoes and I liked the underfoot feel, the narrow fit, and how the shoe felt like a glove. But I did not think the upper was breathable and the insole felt very abrasive and made my feet feel hot. Lastly, the way Adidas layered the two foams created uncomfortable pressure on my arches, which are high and don’t usually have a problem. Sent mine back and wish there were other LS Pro/LS 2.0 shoes that didn’t have rods.

Interesting description, Andy. Another comparison: Kinvara14 - Adidas adizero SL 2, what do you think, please??. Here is my Like. Have a great day.

Loved the Clifton 1, enough to cut a hole for my pinky toe. Any thoughts on the Hyperion Max 2 yet?

I had same issue with Boston 10, not enough height for my big toe, but Adios pro 2 fit brilliant 👍

I've been enjoying the SL2 and I don't have the fit issues. Will you try the Hyperion 2? It seems like a mild improvement to the Hyperion Max.

How does it compare to the Mach 6? Which one would you pick?

These shoes felt way too narrow to me, and I don’t have wide feet.

Have you tried putting a shoe stretcher in them?

For those who pronates it does not have the stability component on this shoe as mentioned by other run bloggers in youtube. It's good for hill sprint and straight a way road and track.

So need to change laces, cut a hole for toes and grip is bad in wet. Maybe use them only on light trails?

Im glad you suffer from same sizing in consistencies as me. Adios 6 went half a size up, wish I didn't. Boston 10, half a size up, glad I did. SL2 went true to size, wish I had went half a size up. I don't own any of these shoes anymore cos sizing is all over the place.

I have no idea what cheese wire is but I assume it’s not good. The laces are fine for me. I didn’t find any slippage with the outsole but we also don’t get much rain during this time of year.

I'm one of the few humans who actually love the Adidas laces. They are the only laces that stay tied.

Try to stretch the material right at the end if you can

Hair dryer on them and stretch and dont get me started on adidas laces😂

Adidas sizing always gets me too. To the point of me not even bothering to try them. It's annoying because I like the look of the Adidas ones even just as a casual shoe

Ran into a similar thing to the point that ive stopped running in them. I love the midsole, dont mind the grip but I dont want to walk away from every run with banged up feet because of the upper being so bad

SL2 vs Boston 12 vs Supernova(s) which is the best daily trainer from Adidas??, thanks again

Agree a great shoe.

I have the same issue on one foot. I’ve done two runs now, the first was just 7 km and it was fine, but on my second run of 14 km I got a blister. They are also slightly too narrow so my foot slightly extends past the edge of the insole which also cased a blister on my longer run. I’m already up half a size and I’ve tried other Adidas going up a full size, but found that makes the narrow forefoot problem into an even worse narrow arch-forefoot that rendered them completely unrunable. However, with some Adidas the fit has been perfect for me. The Adios 8 is probably the best I’ve found. I would be interested if there’s a quick fix like switching insoles because it does seem almost a brilliant shoe

What's that color way? I like it

Once you get your size right, this is a very enjoyable shoe (sort of Endorphin Speed 1/2). Hopefully the upper will losen a bit to give you a bit more space. There are some shoe stretchers that you might try to increase the volume. Based on US sizing, it is TTS for me (US10). Adidas tends to put those cheese wire laces in Adizero lineup. They work but slightly wider laces would have been better which wouldn't add more than 1 or 2g weight but after all this is a training shoe so it is acceptable that weight increase.

I don't know why they supply trainers with laces as people have so many old ones already, their old shoes wear out so they chuck them but they could keep the laces.

Andy, you and T. grose i believe were quoted "if you buy cheap, you buy twice" for me Adi doesnt stock US 13.5 &theres all the other issues...so if you buy compromised theres no value I believe Brooks keeps this in mind with bigger runners/mass market whereas this Adizero SL2 is for a smaller euro lower foot volume/length. So the new Hyperion tempo/max should be the go to. Yes they're more $ but then are they if there is no issues?

Could try cutting the big toe area away from the insole to give you a little more room rather than cutting the upper, at least you can try that with an old insole and not damage the shoe in any way.

I think you should try the Boston 12, it is the most durable shoe from Adidas, as I understand mine has 1100 kms and is long and wide in the toes, I am sure it will suit you. Like it and it will be perfect.

Cut a toe-shaped piece from the insole. You won't notice it and it might give you a bit more room.

Interesting you are thinking of going with a trainer that has a slippery outsole (when we are currently living with year long April conditions in the UK ) that does not fit properly 🤔.. Perhaps you are thinking with your heart and not your head on this one.. Especially with the Brooks hyperion max 2 .. just about released. I always enjoy your reviews and content even if I do not like the shoe or it is not for me .. but a couple of red flags here .

I’ve bought them because they have many very good reviews. But I like the brooks glycerin 21 (I know it’s a very different shoe) much better 😅 for me it’s kinda wobbly. That said I run in a low pace. I have the same big toe issue with many shoes especially Nike peg trails. Why they make it so shallow 😢

I’m the same. Sizing a nightmare. I just avoid adidas. Which is a real shame.

I'd pay an extra 20 quid for the continental rubber! Please take note adidas hehe thanks

No one should EVER have to slice the top of the shoe..that’s crazy

Ankle colar is too high. Forced me to send it back. It is very similar to velicity 3, which is way chipper and has better build quality.

The shoe for you has 3 strikes against it: 1: grip; 2: fit; 3: laces. You should send it back and get a refund.

Have you ever tried a shoe expander ? Maybe you could make a bit more room for your toe this way

This shoe will become a GOAT 🐐

too bad this also have the issue I have with adios pro 3, hate that shoe, blisters on my first run straight out of the box, adidas sizing is just not for me bad heel lockdown as well, bad lacing it's my 2nd most expensive shoe and it's a friggin let down, it's also quite firm.

I vote to break out the scissors ✂️.

They will break in. Both upper and midsole. You end up with more room in the toe box.

very unfortunate, you got those sizing problems, i am one of the lucky runners, with no problems in that regard. My suggestion is, cut it open and see how it goes. Unless you try it, you never will know....

I recon this company wants you to conform...🙀 Cut your big toe off, I mean you only need it to balance, so restricting it is not gonna give you any issues, is it?

With all due respect, I don't understand the hype about this shoe. From my experience is just a regular shoe. Bounce feels okay but you don't have that rollover experience. I think overall the Rebel V4 is a more interesting shoe, but that's just my opinion.

why not just cut the shoe if you're not going to use the shoe otherwise? you don't have anything to lose if you're not going to use it without the slit.

Sounds like a hammer toe

Cut your toenails mate

Cut a hole!

I had the same issue I thought it was the wrong size but it was just my big toe touching the top. Haven’t done many miles yet but I didn’t notice it too much when I got going. Apart from that it’s a great shoe at a good price. Adidas midsoles are spot on