Adidas Adizero SL 2 vs Hoka Mach 6 Review

1. I have harsh mechanics
2. I am a neutral runner 
3. I have a standard to narrow, accommodating foot shape
4. My left foot turns out slightly (slight toe out), which leads to an awkward flow of my left heel and tends to rub the ground when my mechanics get tired.  This leads to outsoles dying quickly in combination with my harsh overall mechanics. 
5. I am a pro level sweat machine.  This is one of the reasons I have a good rotation of shoes, I like to let them air out. 
6. I started running at an older age, no proper training and my steady pace is in the mid 9 minute per mile range. 

In my experience, Hoka shoes rarely go on sale until the next version is coming out.  Adidas tends to do sales at a colorway level after they have been on the market for a bit.  There is only at 10 dollar difference between these shoes to start, but the Adidas sale factor could play a part for those (like me) who look for deals. 

Also a reminder, that you can earn points for discount vouches by using the Adidas app. 

Both shoes have a great step in feel.  I had no issues or apparent break in period with either shoe.  Bother uppers fit well, the midsole's were ready to go with both shoes. 

Surfaces ran on: Paved road, Paved trail, dirt trail, Crushed Limestone and track (impermeable polyurethane and synthetic rubber composite)
*The SL got a ride up the Manitou Incline, but the Mach got to run around Estes lake. 

Distances: Ran the SL up to 15 miles, the Mach up to 15.5 miles

Types of runs: I did speed work, intervals, steady pace, easy pace, walking and the shoe performed very well on all different kinds of runs/workouts.  The shoe felt really good on the track

I found both shoes to be very versatile.  Both shoes were protective on the feet, both shifted gears up and down very well.  Each pairing handled the long run well and that includes some interval/speed work done during the long run.  

From a lifestyle perspective, I probably wouldn't use the Mach 6 for a lifestyle shoe and really like the Design language of the Adidas, but also realize that is largely a personal preference. 

I will give a slight edge to the Mach 6 in speed work, but that is not saying the SL2 isn't good at it.  I think the mechanics of the Mach 6 is set up well for me to easily shift into a higher gear.   The SL2 also sifted into a high gear well, but I found myself doing it slightly easier and hitting a higher end in the Mach 6.  

Both shoes did very well on the long run. I had zero foot pain, leg pain or hot spots from the shoes.  I will give the slight edge to the SL2 on the long run however.  At the end of each 15 mile run, I felt like the foam in the SL2 was just slightly more "alive" than the foam in the Mach.  As in the speed work, I am not saying the Mach 6 was bad, just that I think the SL2 had more to offer at the end. 

The SL2 currently has 64 miles on it, the Mach 6 has 56 miles on it.  The uppers are both top notch.  The laces gave me issues on the SL2 with coming undone, which I fixed (https://www.weeviews.com/reviews/3656/nathan-elastic-no-tie-shoe-laces-for-running-and-active-sports).  The midsoles both feel like they will last well.  

That brings me to the outsole.  The SL2 is holding up very well so far, not showing signs of wear that I generally get.  The Mach 6 is showing those signs.  The durability will likely differ from runner to runner, but to this point it looks like I will get more miles out of the SL2.  

If I was forced to have "just one", I would probably lean to the SL2 for 2 reasons: Durability and the belief I will see them on discount sooner and for a better amount before the Hoka.  However, these shoes are very close in how they perform for me.  I don't think there is a true winner/loser in this comparison as they are both very good running shoes. 

After running in them both, I actually see them as a good rotational pairing.  The difference in stack and drop make them good companions to vary the stress on the legs from day to day.  They are both versatile shoes, which opens up what runs you can do each day while taking advantage of the drop difference.  Since I sweat a lot, it also allows me to give the shoes time to dry out and hopefully help the longevity of the foam. 

From a pure quality, pricing and versatility perspective you can't go wrong with either shoe.  We each have our own preferences and mechanics, but for me, both of these shoes work great for me.  

Thanks for reading my review, if you liked it feel free to give me a thumbs up!  Here are some pictures of some areas the shoes traveled on the trip to Colorado my wife and I took to celebrate 30 years.  Hope your day is well