adidas Duramo SL 2 Review: Cheap, Solid, and Not Built for Big Miles

By Editorial Team | April 2026

The adidas Duramo SL 2 is the sensible cheap shoe in the room. At £29.30, it gives you a workable daily trainer for short road runs, gym sessions, and walking without feeling like a disposable bargain-bin buy. The catch is simple: it is firm, basic, and best kept away from longer runs.

Our pick: adidas Duramo SL 2

adidas Duramo SL 2 — £29.30

This is the right buy if you want an inexpensive running shoe that covers the boring but useful stuff: easy miles, treadmill sessions, errands, and general gym wear. Our score for it is 6.8/10, which is about right — it does the job, but it does not pretend to be a cushioned or fast trainer.

Why it works:

• The LIGHTMOTION midsole gives you a firm, dependable ride that suits everyday running better than cheap foam that collapses fast.
• The Adiwear outsole is the strongest part of the deal: it should hold up better than most budget trainers when you start racking up regular miles.
• The synthetic and textile mesh upper keeps the shoe breathable and light enough for daily wear, while the regular fit should suit most standard feet.

The honest trade-off: It is not soft, springy, or especially exciting, and you will outgrow it quickly if you want longer runs or anything remotely tempo-focused.

If you want a no-drama cheap trainer, buy the adidas Duramo SL 2.

Best upgrade: Nike Downshifter 13

Nike Downshifter 13 — from £44.99

If you can spend more, the obvious upgrade is a more comfortable all-round entry-level runner with a bit more polish underfoot. The extra money makes sense if you want something you can wear for longer easy runs and not just short, occasional sessions.

Worth it if: you run several times a week and want a budget shoe that feels a touch less bare-bones than the Duramo SL 2.

Best budget pick: adidas Duramo SL 2

adidas Duramo SL 2 — £29.30

This is already the budget pick, and that is exactly why it wins here. At this price, you get real outsole durability, breathable mesh, and a simple fit that covers the basics without embarrassing itself.

Worth it if: you want the cheapest decent road-running shoe you can buy and you are happy to keep your expectations in check.

How we chose

We looked at the parts that matter for a low-cost running shoe: midsole feel, outsole durability, upper breathability, fit, and whether it can handle daily use without feeling flimsy. We also checked current UK availability and pricing, then compared the subject shoe against real alternatives currently on sale.

Frequently asked questions

Is the adidas Duramo SL 2 good for beginners? Yes. It is a straightforward beginner shoe for short road runs, walking, and gym work, especially if you care more about value than plush cushioning.

Is £29.30 good value for this shoe? Yes — that is the whole point of it. At this price, it beats a lot of no-name budget trainers on durability and consistency.

How long will it last? The Adiwear outsole should help it last better than the cheapest budget options, but the shoe is still better suited to short-to-medium daily use than heavy mileage.