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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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"
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
- 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 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?
Believe in the Run on the Adidas Adizero Evo SL: Versatile do-it-all miles — easy cruising, long runs, workouts and tempo. The Run Testers on the Saucony Triumph 23: Runners wanting a max-cushion, soft, bouncy daily trainer for long runs and easy miles.
Per Believe in the Run, 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.