Adidas Adizero Evo SL vs Saucony Triumph 23
A side-by-side comparison grounded in verdicts from 5 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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Ed Bud rates the Evo SL as a strong, fast shoe that many treat as a tempo option rather than a daily trainer; he personally finds the SC Rebel a little more enjoyable and versatile overall, but says the Evo SL still has a lot going for it, especially at a discount.
Ride:Lightstrike Pro foam has historically softened with wear across versions; some runners find it less stable on camber or debris because of the plate's position, though the reviewer rates it as stable relative to the SC Rebel and better at faster paces.
Fit:Minimal upper similar to the SC Rebel with comparable heel padding, though with a lower heel profile; no lockdown issues.
In their words: "feels like a tempo shoe" · "better shoe at pace" · "not the most stable"
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The Run Testers consider the Adizero Evo SL the shoe that reset the price-to-performance bar for fast, versatile trainers, crediting it with reducing reliance on traditional dailies like the Pegasus, Ghost and Ride; after comparing it against nearly a dozen would-be rivals, none dethrone it as their default fast-training shoe.
Ride:Non-plated (nylon shank rather than a carbon plate), simple design with a genuine race-day-grade foam; very bouncy and energetic, naturally pushes pace faster, and is described as almost impossible to run slow in. Considered not the most stable shoe but very fun and fast, with an aggressive, high-rocker transition.
Fit:Upper tapers sharply around the little toe, which one reviewer found caused rubbing/a hot spot on a longer effort.
In their words: "a really good foam basically" · "really fun and it's fast" · "a lot of energy in it"
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Ben Parkes enjoys this shoe for speed work and calls it great fun with a strong turn of speed, but flags a lack of stability as its main downside.
Ride:Very lightweight and fun to run fast in, using Lightstrike Pro super foam and a shank (rather than a plate) for stability.
In their words: "really good fun to run in" · "lack of stability"
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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"
Saucony Triumph 23 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: high cushion , neutral stability .
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The Triumph 23 is back on track as a comfortable but not mushy max-cushion-leaning daily trainer; a reliable option, though the $170 price (up $10 from last year) feels a bit high.
Ride:Tall but doesn't feel its 37mm stack; cushioned but not mushy or marshmallowy. Moderate compression with more than moderate responsiveness gives a peppy, bouncy feel. Hint of stability with more foam on the medial heel that can kick the foot slightly outward — supinators should be cautious.
Fit:True to size with comfy fit; padded tongue and heel collar, full Achilles flare with extra puffiness — warm in cold weather but could feel like a sweat sponge in summer.
In their words: "comfortable but not mushy" · "doesn't feel anywhere near that tall" · "back on track as a max cushion shoe"
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Lighter than previous year with PWRRUN PB foam, but the 10mm drop felt too aggressive for EDDBUD's daily use and he didn't reach for it regularly.
In their words: "moving away from those 10 mil drops" · "just not one that I've been reaching for"
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A welcome update from the 22 (which TRT didn't like). Step in the right direction for Saucony.
In their words: "a step in the right direction" · "a welcome up update to the 22"
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
- Runners wanting a light, nimble, kick-car style ride at an attractive price — EDDBUD
- A fast, bouncy speed shoe that also works as an all-rounder for runners who don't need stability — The Run Testers
- Speed sessions — fartleks, tempos, and thresholds — sitting between a daily trainer and dedicated speed shoe. — Ben Parkes
- Runners wanting a versatile, bouncy trainer for tempo runs, speed work, and shorter-distance racing (5K-10K). — The Run Testers
- Runners with slightly wider feet and midfoot/forefoot strikers who want a responsive plateless super-foam up-tempo trainer — FORDY RUNS
- Runners looking for a fast, lightweight, versatile trainer that excels at track reps, intervals, tempo and cruisey workouts while still being comfortable for easy runs. — The Run Testers
Consider the Saucony Triumph 23 if
- Runners wanting a max-cushion, soft, bouncy daily trainer for long runs and easy miles. — The Run Testers
- Runners who want a more cushioned daily trainer that can still do daily training work, not just recovery runs. — Kofuzi
- Runners wanting a firmer, stable, well-protected cushioned daily trainer for easy miles up to marathon pace. — The Run Testers
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the Adidas Adizero Evo SL and the Saucony Triumph 23?
The Adidas Adizero Evo SL is a speed trainer and the Saucony Triumph 23 is a daily trainer. By the numbers, the Adidas Adizero Evo SL weighs 235g, has a 37mm heel stack and a 7mm drop, while the Saucony Triumph 23 weighs 275g, has a 42mm heel stack and a 10mm drop. The Adidas Adizero Evo SL has a Nylon midfoot torsion shank (top-loaded; stability only, not a propulsion plate); the Saucony Triumph 23 has none. MSRP is $150 for the Adidas Adizero Evo SL and $170 for the Saucony Triumph 23.
Should I buy the Adidas Adizero Evo SL or the Saucony Triumph 23?
EDDBUD on the Adidas Adizero Evo SL: Runners wanting a light, nimble, kick-car style ride at an attractive price. The Run Testers on the Saucony Triumph 23: Runners wanting a max-cushion, soft, bouncy daily trainer for long runs and easy miles.
Per EDDBUD, The Run Testers.
Which is lighter, the Adidas Adizero Evo SL or the Saucony Triumph 23?
The Adidas Adizero Evo SL is lighter, at 235g versus 275g (men's 9) — about 40g less.
Which is more cushioned, the Adidas Adizero Evo SL or the Saucony Triumph 23?
Measured by stack height, the Saucony Triumph 23 has more underfoot foam — 42mm at the heel versus 37mm.
Which is cheaper, the Adidas Adizero Evo SL or the Saucony Triumph 23?
The Adidas Adizero Evo SL is cheaper at $150 versus $170 MSRP — about $20 less.