Duramo SL 2

I criticised the first Duramo SL heavily, so my expectations were low. Its Lightmotion foam was too firm, and 10 km in it would leave your legs sore the next day. In this version Adidas made the foam softer, so you can comfortably run 10 km and 20 to 30 km a week. The foam is not very soft or squishy. It is balanced, and to me it is a very good foam. This is a low-drop shoe, so the load goes to your ankles and calves. If you are a beginner, walk in it first, then slowly start jogging, or you risk pain and discomfort. The upper was my biggest frustration on the first version. Now it is very light and very breathable, like a racing upper, similar to the first Duramo Speed. I liked everything: laces, tongue and the removable OrthoLite insole. The design and colourways with the Adidas stripes are eye-catching for a budget shoe. The Adiwear outsole is not the best, but it is average and highly durable. It suits beginners running 20 to 30 km a week with long runs up to 10 km, at any pace from 5:00 to 12:00/km, without overpronation, plantar fasciitis, Achilles problems or wide feet. My one concern is that the Adidas site and India-made versions of the Duramo Speed 2 and SL 2 use a different design. Mine is made in Vietnam.