Adidas EVO SL ATR Review (vs EVO SL Woven vs EVO SL)

The Adidas EVO SL has quickly become a favorite among many runners. So it’s fair to wonder what’s different about the Adidas EVO SL ATR (or the new woven model). Did the brand just add a few extra letters to the name, or is there actually something new going on here?And the bigger question is, will runners love this model just as much?

Our Adidas EVO SL review, like many others, received glowing feedback. It’s a pretty versatile shoe that many runners can grab for everyday training.

It’s not necessarily the shoe you’d lace up to chase a short-distance PR, but for longer runs and building toward a half or full marathon, that little extra pep underfoot can go a long way in keeping your legs feeling good.

The easiest way to describe the EVO SL ATR is that it’s the rugged sibling of the EVO SL.

This model is built to handle tough conditions, think rain, snow, cold weather, or wet gravel. You get the idea.

So let’s do a quick mini review to highlight what’s different about this shoe and how it compares to the other models in the Adidas EVO lineup (EVO SL, EVO SL ATR, EVO SL WOVEN)

Adidas EVO SL ATR Overview

My first impression when opening the box was that this shoe felt like a lot. Maybe it’s the all-black colorway or the thicker-looking upper material.

But don’t let the looks fool you.

Once you actually lace it up, the shoe still feels lightweight and keeps that sleek design you expect from the EVO lineup.

One of the biggest differences of the Adidas EVO SL ATR is the ripstop woven mesh upper. It’s water-repellent and gives the shoe a more locked-in feel, which is especially nice if you find yourself running in the rain or hopping onto a slippery trail or wet gravel.

Remember, water-repellent doesn’t mean waterproof. So don’t go puddle-jumping expecting your feet to stay dry.

Since the material is a little thicker, it may not be the best option for really hot days, but the jury’s still out on that one.

And one feature I always appreciate is the gussetted tongue. It helps create a snug, secure fit and keeps little rocks or pebbles from sneaking into your shoes. 

Not much has changed with the midsole. You’ll still find the full-length Lightstrike Pro foam, which gives the shoe that nice balance of cushion and a little pop underfoot.

I was shocked at how smooth the Adidas EVO SL ATR felt. I was never really an Adidas wearer, but this shoe has 100% changed my mind. I’m already thinking about adding the EVO SL to my rotation.

It also doesn’t feel stiff or crunchy like some road-to-trail shoes can. I think a lot of that comes down to the midsole, though.

Even though it’s Adidas’s top-of-the-line foam, the price still lands at a pretty reasonable $160.

Flip the shoe over, and you’ll immediately notice the outsole looks quite different from that of the EVO SL.

This model is designed to handle tougher conditions, from bad weather to mixed terrain routes and even light gravel or muddy sections.

The Continental rubber outsole features 1.5 mm multidirectional lugs that add extra grip when you hop off the smooth pavement and roads. I wouldn’t take these out on a super technical trail, but on my usual crushed gravel routes, especially when things get wet, they’re the perfect match.

As Adidas said, they wanted runners “to still be able to run in their favorite shoe when the weather gets bad, or the roads get slushy.” So far, I think they nailed it.

Adidas EVO SL ATR Fit

The fit is pretty much what you’d expect from a shoe designed to handle both roads and light trails.

It feels secure and locked in, which helps you feel confident running on different types of terrain.

That said, I did notice there was quite a bit of extra room in the toebox. In fact, there was so much space that I occasionally heard a slight clicking sound while walking or running because the mesh was folding.

Once you get past the toebox, though, the shoe tapers into a narrow midfoot, and the heel is nicely cupped so your foot doesn’t slide around.

Since I didn’t test the EVO SL, I can’t compare the fit with the thicker mesh of the EVO SL ATR. But based on other Adidas shoes I’ve tested, the fit can sometimes run a bit big in my usual women’s size 11, so that extra room in the toebox may be part of the story here.

Oddly enough, I didn’t notice the extra roomy toebox while running. My foot didn’t slip forward, and it didn’t feel like I was running around in clown shoes. The EVO SL ATR felt really good all around on the run.

Comparing Adidas EVO SL Models

If you’ve gone on the Adidas website, you may have noticed there are quite a few different shoes in the EVO SL lineup. If you’re confused about which one to pick, we’re going to break things down here for you.

When you put the shoes together to compare specs, there’s really not much that’s different. You’ll still get the same feel and support underfoot from the LIGHTSTRIKE PRO midsole.

The main differences will come down to the upper mesh and the outsole design.

EVO SL 

• Engineered mesh upper
• Clear rubber outsole with less grip

EVO SL ATR (ATR stands for all-terrain)

• Water-repellent upper, ripstop woven mesh material
• Reflective decals along the sides
• Continental rubber 1.5mm lugs
• Gussetted tongue

EVO SL WOVEN

• Thinner textile upper and lining to increase breathability
• This is basically the original model with an upper that took in runner feedback
• Many runners have said this version is the update they were looking for

There you have it, our Adidas EVO SL ATR review. It’s the same great feel, just with added features for when the weather turns or the terrain changes.

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