Adidas Adizero SL2 vs ASICS Gel Pulse 16
On paper, compared with the Adidas Adizero SL2, the ASICS Gel Pulse 16 is ₹8,200 cheaper.
My take
Adizero SL for runs over 5 km and mixed slow/fast pace. Pulse 16 for slow, easy, cushioned runs.
 AdidasAdizero SL2 |  ASICSGel Pulse 16 | |
|---|---|---|
| Scores | ||
| Overall | 8.00 | 9.00 |
| Ride | 8.5 | 8.5 |
| Design & Comfort | 7.0 | 9.0 |
| Value | 8.5 | 9.5 |
| Price | ||
| Price | ₹12,000 | ₹3,779 |
| Specs | ||
| Category | Versatile trainer | Budget |
| Weight | 240 g | 240 g |
| Heel stack | 35 mm | 36.5 mm |
| Forefoot stack | 25 mm | 26.3 mm |
| Drop | 10 mm | 10.2 mm |
| Foam | Lightstrike Pro sandwiched in Lightstrike | – |
| Plate | – | – |
| Fit | ||
| Support | neutral | mild support |
| Fit | standard | narrow |
| Sizing | go up half | true to size |
| Recommended runner weight | Up to about 90 kg | 60–90 kg |
| Best for | ||
| Best for | Easy runsLong runsTempoRace day | Easy runsBeginnersWalkingRunners 90 kg+ |
| Pros | Full-length Lightstrike Pro core with real energy return · Softer than expected, fun and pushes the pace · Very light, about 240 g at US 9 · Highly breathable engineered mesh · Good traction, expected 500 to 800 km · Covers easy, long, tempo, track and race days · Excellent value at ₹6,000 to ₹8,000 | Soft, max-cushion midsole · Very comfortable |
| Cons | Narrow heel and midfoot cut-out reduce stability · Moderate heel lockdown and padding · Tongue not gusseted · Not for very slow running or heel strikers · Felt narrow at first, he went half a size up · Not worth ₹12,000 retail | Narrow forefoot · Little energy return |
| Avoid if | Avoid it if you are a heel striker, run very slowly, or need stability or ankle support. | You have a wide forefoot or want a bouncy, energetic ride. |
My verdicts
Adidas
Adizero SL2
If you want one shoe for all your training and racing from 5 km to the half marathon, the Adizero SL2 is highly recommended at ₹7,000 to ₹8,000. I would not buy it at the ₹12,000 retail price.
Avoid if: Avoid it if you are a heel striker, run very slowly, or need stability or ankle support.
Read reviewASICS
Gel Pulse 16
The best budget max-cushion shoe for beginners: soft and very comfortable.
Avoid if: You have a wide forefoot or want a bouncy, energetic ride.
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