With Adidas recently announcing the new Adizero Pacer, available now for only $100, have they dropped their own “EVO SL Killer”? Or is this a whole new thing entirely.When Adidas dropped the EVO SL the running world took notice. What were they thinking, putting their top-flight race foam in an affordable and versatile shoe? 

Shortly thereafter other brands started putting out their own versions of lightweight and versatile uptempo trainers with their race foams making up the midsole, often without a carbon or plastic plate. Runners and industry insiders even started calling shoes such as the Saucony Endorphin Azura a potential “EVO SL Killer”.

*Note we didn’t find that to be true! But now we’re wondering what’s up with this $100 version of one of the most popular running shoes released recently.

If you think it looks like the same shoe, you aren’t alone. It’s very similar, except where it’s not.

Adidas EVO SL Vs Adidas Pacer

Let’s take a look at these two shoes side by side to see if it’s worth a savings of $50.

Adizero Pacer Specs

EVO SL Specs

Taking it from the Top

The EVO SL wraps your foot in an engineered mesh upper. The Pacer uses a traditional mesh upper. What does that mean?

Engineered mesh uppers often have different “zones” of stretch and breathability. Fibers of varying densities are woven into the mesh and strategically placed to achieve this effect. This allows for structure in some places and more breathability and stretch in others. Traditional mesh upper will often use overlays such as logos or firmer panels around the lacing system or the heel to add structure and hold.

The upper of the EVO SL has its detractors. While some find it serviceable, others have remarked on the lack of comfort and less than stellar lockdown. The upper of the Adizero Pacer, when looking closely at it, more closely resembles the upper of the Adizero SL 2.

The Midsole

Lightstrike Pro, a supercritical TPEE based foam sits underfoot in the EVO SL. While having a high level of softness and bounce, it remains sturdy enough for faster efforts and durable enough for hundreds of miles.

The Adizero Pacer utilizes Adidas’ older tech foam, Lightstrike. Lightstrike has been out of use in most of Adidas’ Adizero line since the inception of Lightstrike 2.0 in 2023. Lightstrike 2.0 marked a significant improvement over the original Lightstrike. While it was the same EVA/TPU blend, it had a softer feel and more life to it.

Adidas did not specify which formulation of Lightstrike will be used in the Adizero Pacer, but the stamping on the midsole specifically omits the “2.0”.

The Outsole

When taking down mileage in the EVO SL you can be confident in your footing. With a thin but durable covering of Continental outsole rubber, you’re riding on one of the most reliable, grippy outsoles in running.

Adiwear, the outsole rubber in the Adizero Pacer, is less known and is more geared towards durability, but at the expense of traction. Adiwear is reported to be a carbon-infused rubber compound.

So Is It Worth Saving $50?

While I would strongly hesitate to call the Adizero Pacer and EVO SL Killer, I would be more than happy to call it the EVO SL Little Sibling. At first glance the Adizero Pacer looks like a dead ringer for the EVO SL. While it costs two thirds the price of the EVO SL, you’re getting significantly less tech and significantly less potential under foot.

  • EVO SL is one of our go to marathon shoe recommendations
  • Pacer would be more like a casual runner shoe
  • EVO SL is going to feel bouncier and lighter
  • Pacer is going to feel more like a standard daily trainer

It is still to be determined if the upper will offer improved comfort and lockdown over the oft-maligned upper of the EVO SL. Plus, we’ve already seen they started to address this in updates with the ATR version. 

What you are getting is a great option for novice runners who don’t want to shell out $150 or more for a pair of running shoes that might not offer the support and stability required of beginners.

The Adizero Pacer could also be a good running shoe for hybrid athletes looking for a reliable short mileage option for two or three runs per week.

Whatever it is, it looks to be at the very least, a budget-friendly option and an accessible entry point into a great sport.

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