Which is better for a first marathon?

The Ultraboost Light. Its softer cushioning and durable outsole hold up over long training miles. The SL2 is better saved for race day and speed sessions.

The Ultraboost Light. Its Continental rubber outsole and denser Light BOOST foam resist wear better than the SL2's lighter setup.

Is the SL2 worth stepping up to from the Ultraboost?

Yes, if you want speed. The SL2 is roughly 90 g lighter and has a springier Lightstrike Pro midsole, which makes tempo runs and races feel easier.

Which is better for walking or standing all day?

The Ultraboost Light. Its plush foam and stretchy knit upper are more comfortable for hours on your feet. The SL2 is firm and built for running.

Do both fit the same?

Both use a regular fit and lace closure. The Ultraboost's PRIMEKNIT+ upper stretches more, so it hugs wider feet better; the SL2's mesh fits more snugly.

Which handles wet roads better?

The Ultraboost Light. Its Continental Better Rubber outsole grips wet pavement more reliably than the SL2's standard rubber.

adidas Adizero SL2 Running Shoes vs adidas Ultraboost Light

The Adizero SL2 is the faster, lighter shoe: 206 g, a 9 mm drop and a full-length Lightstrike Pro drop-in that gives springy energy return. The Ultraboost Light is the comfort and durability pick: a stretchy PRIMEKNIT+ upper, plush Light BOOST foam and a Continental rubber outsole that grips wet pavement. Reviewers rate the SL2 highly for tempo runs and race day, while Ultraboost owners praise all-day comfort and long outsole life but call it heavy and warm. Pick the SL2 for speed work and fast training; pick the Ultraboost Light for daily easy miles and standing around.

Choose the Adizero SL2 if you want a light, neutral trainer for tempo runs, intervals and race day.
Choose the Ultraboost Light if you want a cushioned, durable daily trainer for easy miles and all-day wear.

Prices

adidas Adizero SL2 Running Shoes: $49.95 at Shoebacca (checked today)
adidas Ultraboost Light: $49.95 at Amazon (checked today)
Difference: both cost the same today

	adidas Adizero SL2 Running Shoes	adidas Ultraboost Light
Weight	About 206 g, very light	About 299 g, noticeably heavier
Midsole foam	Lightstrike Pro drop-in inside a Lightstrike carrier, firm and springy	Light BOOST, soft and bouncy but denser
Upper	Breathable engineered mesh with targeted support	Stretchy PRIMEKNIT+ textile that hugs the foot
Outsole	Rubber outsole, adequate grip	Continental Better Rubber, strong wet-road grip
Drop	9 mm (35 mm heel, 26 mm forefoot)	10 mm (30 mm heel, 20 mm forefoot)
Ride feel	Firm, fast, ground-feel underfoot	Soft, plush, stable underfoot
Durability	Lighter foam and thinner outsole wear faster	Heavier build and Continental rubber last longer
Best use	Tempo runs, intervals, racing	Easy runs, long days on feet, walking

Spec	adidas Adizero SL2 Running Shoes	adidas Ultraboost Light
Outsole	Rubber	Continental™ Better Rubber outsole
Lining	Textile, Rubber	Textile lining
Midsole	Foam	Light BOOST
Numeric Size	10.5	—
Fit Width	Regular	—
Gender Size	Men's 11, Men's 10, Men's 10.5, Men's 11.5, Men…	—
Men'S Size	10.5	—
Age Group Size	Adult size	—
Occasion	Athletic	—
Safety Features	Slip resistant	—
Weightlifting Shoes	No	—
Fashion Sneaker	No	—

Spec	adidas Adizero SL2 Running Shoes	adidas Ultraboost Light
Flats	No	—
Heels	No	—
Mules	No	—
Heel-to-Toe Drop	9 mm	—
Gore-Tex	No	—
Running Style	Neutral	—
Manufacturer Color	Core Black/Cloud White/Grey Five	—
Color	White, Gray, Black	—
Gender	Unisex	—
Heel Height (")	1.4	—

adidas Adizero SL2 Running Shoes vs adidas Ultraboost Light

Prices

adidas Adizero SL2 Running Shoes vs adidas Ultraboost Light

Prices

adidas Ultraboost Light

What separates them

Price history

Prices at every store