Adidas Adizero Evo SL vs ASICS Magic Speed 4
A side-by-side comparison grounded in verdicts from 6 reviewers with every source linked. We don't invent quotes; every claim below is attributed.
Specs at a glance
Adidas Adizero Evo SL — what reviewers say
Ride profile: high cushion , soft_plush feel , high energy return , neutral stability , aggressive rocker.
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The Run Testers call the Adizero Evo SL an outstanding value pick even a year and a half after launch — a springy Lightstrike Pro ride that's soft enough for easy days and lively enough to finish fast, though it's not the most stable option for long runs.
In their words: "gets better the more you run in it" · "hard to find better value for money" · "kicks off the current trend"
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A light, nimble, versatile daily trainer with speed-work capability for half-marathon training, though the narrow heel may not suit heel strikers.
In their words: "really great versatility" · "it feels like a faster shoe"
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The reviewer strongly prefers the Evo SL over the Clifton Pro for most running, citing its much lighter weight and more energetic, responsive ride, only conceding the Hoka's edge in stability and long runs over 2 hours.
Ride:Much lighter and more responsive than the Clifton Pro with an energetic, bouncy, poppy ride; less stable and probably not as good for runs over about 2 hours.
In their words: "so much more responsive to running" · "energetic, bouncy, poppy ride"
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Ben calls this one of the best shoes on the market right now — Light Strike Pro midsole with no plate makes it an outstanding speed and tempo option, though the soft, bouncy midsole may not suit runners needing stability.
In their words: "by far one of the best shoes on the market" · "midsole in this one is a little bit soft and bouncy"
ASICS Magic Speed 4 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: high cushion , neutral stability .
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Matt frames the Magic Speed 4 as the firmer, snappier, more racing-leaning sibling to the Endorphin Speed 4 — better for short-to-moderate fast efforts but less suited to long runs.
Ride:Carbon plate plus an aggressive rocker make it noticeably snappier and firmer than the Endorphin Speed 4; excellent for short-to-moderate fast efforts but struggles on long runs because of firmness and stack height.
Fit:Snug, more racing-esque fit with a touch more vertical volume than the Endorphin Speed 4; stiff but padded heel counter.
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Kofuzi calls it the best Magic Speed ASICS has made and the training companion he has been waiting for, but notes the tempo-shoe market is crowded and the Deviate Nitro 2 still edges it for him at $10 less.
Ride:Feels firm at warm-up paces but the firmness translates into a snappy compression-decompression at threshold and 10K-half-marathon efforts; reminiscent of a more mellowed-out Metaspeed Sky Plus.
Fit:Switched from a scratchy motion-wrap upper to a more traditional flexible, breathable mesh with a minimal tongue and a fairly floppy heel cup with light padding.
Who should buy which
Use cases the reviewers above actually call out — one bullet per distinct take, attributed. Where reviewers converge (e.g. "5K to half marathon" appearing across multiple takes) the agreement is a stronger buying signal than any single voice.
Consider the Adidas Adizero Evo SL if
- Versatile do-it-all miles — easy cruising, long runs, workouts and tempo — Believe in the Run
- Runners wanting a versatile, bouncy trainer for tempo runs, speed work, and shorter-distance racing (5K-10K). — The Run Testers
- Speed work, intervals, track sessions, and tempo runs for runners who want a high-performance non-plated trainer at an affordable price. — The Run Testers
- Runners wanting a much lighter, more responsive daily/tempo shoe than the Clifton Pro, though the Hoka may be preferable for very long runs over 2 hours. — Ben Parkes
- Snappy, simple daily trainer at a lower price than the plated racer sibling — The Running Channel
- Top value marathon pick — well below RRP now, performance close to a race shoe. — The Run Testers
Consider the ASICS Magic Speed 4 if
- Shorter, faster workouts and 10K-to-half-marathon racing; works for marathon training when you want a snappier tempo shoe. — Doctors of Running
- Tempo and threshold workouts, mile repeats, half- and full-marathon training blocks; suits Metaspeed Sky-leaning runners and bigger/taller runners who want extra firmness across paces. — Kofuzi
- Plated performance trainer for tempo, half-marathon training/racing, and even some easy runs once broken in. — Doctors of Running
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the Adidas Adizero Evo SL and the ASICS Magic Speed 4?
The Adidas Adizero Evo SL is a speed trainer and the ASICS Magic Speed 4 is a speed trainer. By the numbers, the Adidas Adizero Evo SL weighs 235g, has a 37mm heel stack and a 7mm drop, while the ASICS Magic Speed 4 weighs 241g, has a 44mm heel stack and an 8mm drop. MSRP is $150 for the Adidas Adizero Evo SL and $170 for the ASICS Magic Speed 4.
Should I buy the Adidas Adizero Evo SL or the ASICS Magic Speed 4?
Believe in the Run on the Adidas Adizero Evo SL: Versatile do-it-all miles — easy cruising, long runs, workouts and tempo. Doctors of Running on the ASICS Magic Speed 4: Shorter, faster workouts and 10K-to-half-marathon racing; works for marathon training when you want a snappier tempo shoe.
Per Believe in the Run, Doctors of Running.
Which is more cushioned, the Adidas Adizero Evo SL or the ASICS Magic Speed 4?
Measured by stack height, the ASICS Magic Speed 4 has more underfoot foam — 44mm at the heel versus 37mm.
Which is cheaper, the Adidas Adizero Evo SL or the ASICS Magic Speed 4?
The Adidas Adizero Evo SL is cheaper at $150 versus $170 MSRP — about $20 less.