The adidas Adizero Evo SL Gets an Exoskeleton Upgrade in 2026

The arms race in the performance running world has been exciting to watch from the sidelines. Footwear brands across the globe are adding massive stack heights, ultra-responsive PEBA foams, shank plates, and innovative engineered mesh to help runners shave seconds and minutes off their times. While these “super shoes” have crept upwards of $500, like adidas’ Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1, there are plenty of more affordable alternatives. In the case of The Three Stripes, they offered the Adizero Evo SL as a readily available runner for the masses. The sleeper hit model will be getting an upgrade in 2026 as Sole Retriever can share exclusive images of the Adizero Evo SL Exo.

In this rendering, we can see that adidas has upgraded the Adizero Evo SL with an exoskeleton-like cage overlay applied across the engineered mesh upper. Not only have they reinforced the sneaker in this way, but they’ve also addressed an issue that many have experienced with the model: breathability. The original Evo SL isn’t the most breathable sneaker, but with the addition of perforations on the toebox and collar, there is more opportunity for air to pass through the sneaker. Another change is to the lacing setup, with the Evo SL Exo featuring new eyestay placement. Outside of these changes to the upper, the sneaker looks to be using the same Lightstrike Pro midsole that made the OG a fan favorite.

After dropping the Adizero Evo SL in limited quantities at the end of 2024, the sneaker has taken over 2025. Runner's World magazine labeled it as one of the best training shoes of the year after comparing it with over 100 other performance sneakers, and outside of the critics, the response by those on social media is overwhelmingly positive. This has also translated to sales, as according to CEO Bjørn Gulden, the Evo SL is the best-selling running shoe for the brand.

The adidas Adizero Evo SL Exo will be released sometime in 2026 through adidas and select retailers online and in-store. The retail price has not yet been unveiled for the sneaker, but expect it to hover around the $150 mark that the OG carries. Check below for an exclusive first look at the upgraded Evo SL Exo, and download the Sole Retriever mobile app for updates on the latest releases, raffles, and restocks in sneakers.

Nicholas Vlahos

Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. When not writing for Sole Retriever, I enjoy attending concerts and catching the latest movies. Email: nick@soleretriever.com