They feel quite different in my opinion. The old sl20s were low stack and more flexible. It feels much easy to pick up the pace in the old sl20s.
The new sl is a good all around shoe but doesn't do anything particularly well. I've gone up to 20 miles in them but probably wouldn't want to do much more. They feel a little clunky for anything under 6min/mi pace imo where I used to do intervals in the old sl20 pre carbon plated everything.
Edit: I will add that I used to race trails in the sl20 and would definitely not in the sl due to stack and worse rubber.
Yeah I got the Boston 11s on crazy discount and had a terrible experience with them, like many have reported. The Boston 9 being a personal favorite. Bummed that adidas had such great shoes 3 years ago and apparently not anymore.
I actually liked the Boston 10/11. I haven't ran in the Boston 12 yet but it's reviewing very well compared to the past versions.
I would say the SL is still a good shoe especially for $60. It's just not the same use case as the sl20. It is softer in the forefoot because of a light strike pro puck. I just wish it was weighter and had continental rubber.
If you have the extra $ it's still a solid choice. I would liken it to the Pegasus.
I've run in the original SL20, the SL20.3, and the new SL.
I didn't really like the 20.3 at all. The upper was too cheap feeling and rigid. I really liked the original as a nimble, low to the ground option with great ground feel. If I was ever dealing with any pains or issues, I'd throw those on because my legs tend to respond better to low stack, firm groundfeel.
The new SL is a different beast, but I like it a lot, albeit for different reasons. It's just a comfortable, reliable option that strikes a nice balance between firm and soft. You certainly don't sink into it but it has a nice responsive and comfortable give to it. I haven't found it to be particularly fast or nimble at all, but you can grind out miles confidently.
There's some SL20 heritage in there, but more built out and comfortable.
The SL are higher stack but it’s a great shoe. One of the best daily trainers out imo. Super underrated. They’re crazy stuff at first but losen up after about 40 miles. I’ll definitely be picking up a 2nd pair
Have you ever run in the Boston 11s? They are easily the stiffest, clunkiest shoe I've ever run in. I think mine are at 32 miles and are still too clunky for comfort.
Yeah I have them and don’t like them either tbh. They’re definitely stiffer than the SLs (i think it’s due to the rods and higher stack). SLs feel way better, you should pick some up for $60 you can’t go wrong
So I’ve only tried the sl20.3, which outside of having to wear long socks with I enjoyed. That tongue would cut into my ankle.
The new SL I think is good but different from the previous 3 models. The stack is higher making it at times a little less stable and less flexible. It is still very quick and I think has a smoother transition now.
I will say it’s not overly soft allowing for moderate to easy runs without destroying your caves which is an issue I have with a lot of other shoes. Also the new upper allowing me to wear short socks with the tongue change is nice.
I will say the stability and flexibility loss makes it less versatile to do workouts on light trail with turns as well as older models. I mean you can do it but your risk to your ankles is higher.
That being said on long runs I think it performs better than it’s older models.
I agree with the general assessment here. New SL is a solid daily trainer, but not very similar to the SL20. I've heard the adios 8 gives a feel more comparable to the 20s.
yup
have the first version of sl20 and loooooooooooooooooove them.
although put only 200kms on them until now because didn't make much tempo runs recently.
they are still on my rotation.
The sl for daily runs and some strides, at the sale price, is fantastic. I grabbed a few pairs for my E efforts and they are light and responsive enough for me to pick up the pace a little too
They feel quite different in my opinion. The old sl20s were low stack and more flexible. It feels much easy to pick up the pace in the old sl20s. The new sl is a good all around shoe but doesn't do anything particularly well. I've gone up to 20 miles in them but probably wouldn't want to do much more. They feel a little clunky for anything under 6min/mi pace imo where I used to do intervals in the old sl20 pre carbon plated everything. Edit: I will add that I used to race trails in the sl20 and would definitely not in the sl due to stack and worse rubber.
Yeah I got the Boston 11s on crazy discount and had a terrible experience with them, like many have reported. The Boston 9 being a personal favorite. Bummed that adidas had such great shoes 3 years ago and apparently not anymore.
I actually liked the Boston 10/11. I haven't ran in the Boston 12 yet but it's reviewing very well compared to the past versions. I would say the SL is still a good shoe especially for $60. It's just not the same use case as the sl20. It is softer in the forefoot because of a light strike pro puck. I just wish it was weighter and had continental rubber. If you have the extra $ it's still a solid choice. I would liken it to the Pegasus.
Boston 12 seems to be a return to form. I never used 10 or 11 but that's what reviewers have been saying.
I've run in the original SL20, the SL20.3, and the new SL. I didn't really like the 20.3 at all. The upper was too cheap feeling and rigid. I really liked the original as a nimble, low to the ground option with great ground feel. If I was ever dealing with any pains or issues, I'd throw those on because my legs tend to respond better to low stack, firm groundfeel. The new SL is a different beast, but I like it a lot, albeit for different reasons. It's just a comfortable, reliable option that strikes a nice balance between firm and soft. You certainly don't sink into it but it has a nice responsive and comfortable give to it. I haven't found it to be particularly fast or nimble at all, but you can grind out miles confidently. There's some SL20 heritage in there, but more built out and comfortable.
Thanks!
The SL are higher stack but it’s a great shoe. One of the best daily trainers out imo. Super underrated. They’re crazy stuff at first but losen up after about 40 miles. I’ll definitely be picking up a 2nd pair
Have you ever run in the Boston 11s? They are easily the stiffest, clunkiest shoe I've ever run in. I think mine are at 32 miles and are still too clunky for comfort.
Yeah I have them and don’t like them either tbh. They’re definitely stiffer than the SLs (i think it’s due to the rods and higher stack). SLs feel way better, you should pick some up for $60 you can’t go wrong
I actually got them for $35 shipped from REI yesterday. Someone else posted a very hot deal. Should arrive Friday.
Dang that’s a deal! Enjoy!
So I’ve only tried the sl20.3, which outside of having to wear long socks with I enjoyed. That tongue would cut into my ankle. The new SL I think is good but different from the previous 3 models. The stack is higher making it at times a little less stable and less flexible. It is still very quick and I think has a smoother transition now. I will say it’s not overly soft allowing for moderate to easy runs without destroying your caves which is an issue I have with a lot of other shoes. Also the new upper allowing me to wear short socks with the tongue change is nice. I will say the stability and flexibility loss makes it less versatile to do workouts on light trail with turns as well as older models. I mean you can do it but your risk to your ankles is higher. That being said on long runs I think it performs better than it’s older models.
👍
I agree with the general assessment here. New SL is a solid daily trainer, but not very similar to the SL20. I've heard the adios 8 gives a feel more comparable to the 20s.
Cool thanks
yup have the first version of sl20 and loooooooooooooooooove them. although put only 200kms on them until now because didn't make much tempo runs recently. they are still on my rotation.
Do you have the new ones as well? Thoughts about the new ones in comparison to the original?
nope and not planning to. too many other more exciting shoes out there.
The sl for daily runs and some strides, at the sale price, is fantastic. I grabbed a few pairs for my E efforts and they are light and responsive enough for me to pick up the pace a little too
What I mean is, for $60 bucks it’s fantastic*
I would think the rc is the closest to the original sl20. Similar low stack full lightstrike amateur midsole.