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Adidas Evil Eye Evo glasses are very large and provide a lot of coverage (Image credit: Russell Eich / Immediate Media)
The vision and clarity of the polarized lenses was impressive(Image credit: Russell Eich / Immediate Media)
Big nosed or regular sized, the nose pad is adjustable for a narrow or wide fit(Image credit: Russell Eich / Immediate Media)
The lenses are secure yet super easy to pop in and out (Image credit: Russell Eich / Immediate Media)
A hard case and microfiber lens cloth bag is included(Image credit: Russell Eich / Immediate Media)
There are two vents over each lens to exhaust moisture and hot air (Image credit: Russell Eich / Immediate Media)
A single vent on the bottom of the frame isn't enough to suck in cool, defogging air on humid days(Image credit: Russell Eich / Immediate Media)
In addition to two sizes, the Evil Eyes have loads of colors and lens tints to choose from(Image credit: Courtesy)
To say that Adidas is a huge company is an understatement. The German company is the second largest sportswear manufacturer in the world, just behind Nike. Why is that important to cycling eyewear? It allows research and innovation from other sport markets and gives Adidas the capital to make some very impressive products, like the Evil Eye Evo sunglasses.
Highs: Huge field of view; terrain-enhancing optics; loads of colors; stay-put fit
Lows: Could use more venting; tight ear pieces
Buy if: You appreciate large, protective sunglasses and don't ride in humidity
Adidas Evil Eye Evo L sunglasses features
Light Stabilizing Technology
Hydrophobic lens
Climacool dynamic ventilation
Lens Lock system
Compatible with prescription lenses
Small and Large (tested) sizes available
Size: Eye 72 / Bridge 10 / Temple 130
The vision and clarity is impressive
Large size delivers protection and brilliant optics
First things first, the Evil Eye Evos in the large size are very big and feel protective when on. The lenses span a huge 144mm and the small version of the Evil Eyes still spread a rangy 134mm. For comparison, Oakley's standard Jawbreaker measures 131mm and Smith's Attack Max occupy 125mm.
That mega size is definitely interesting, with the feeling of safety reminding me of wearing goggles at first.
Despite the large dimensions, the frames stayed out of my field of vision both on the road and on the trails. It was only when torquing my eyes to some odd angle could I notice the frame, which isn't at all common when riding.
I tested the Evil Eyes with LST polarized silver lenses and the details they brought out were incredible. In spite of the silver description, the lenses had more of rose-colored tint. In addition to intensifying most colors, the reddish hue also provided rocks, roots and other trail features with more depth and more contrast, and therefore made them easier to judge.
The lenses are secure yet super easy to pop in and out
The Evil Eye lenses included Light Stabilizing Technology, which Adidas claims: "works like a color equalizer, enhancing the perception of pure primary colors." That tech combined with the lenses' polarization did offer impressive clarity in both sunny and shaded areas. The typical few moments of eye adjustment when diving into a tight wooded section from full sunlight was greatly reduced.
It didn't take long before I forgot that the mega-size Evil Eyes were on. It was only when I took them off, then it was kind of a letdown. The letdown had nothing to do with the glasses, but rather that my natural, un-enhanced eyes weren't that sharp and that colors weren't as enchanting.
Prone to fogging and a snug fit
In contrast to our typical arid, almost desert-like climate, I rode with the Evil Eyes on numerous rainy, humid days. Both on road and on the trail, they had a tendency to fog up when climbing slowly and working hard. Like almost all glasses, that was amplified when coming to a stop and trying to compose my breathing.
There are two vents over each lens to exhaust moisture and hot air
But on the flipside, once moving again the little vents at the top and bottom of the frame allowed enough air in to defog the lenses and restore clear vision.
The only other quibble I noticed was that the arms were tight above my ears. The fit, especially with the adjustable nose piece, was very secure however.
Adidas Evil Eye Evos L bottom line
These are unique sunglasses in that they provide a distinct visual boost combined with high levels of protection. If your riding takes you through overgrown, bushy trails or dirt and dust are common annoyances, the Evil Eyes provide a layer of protection that bridges the gap between regular sunglasses and full-on goggles.
A hard case and microfiber lens cloth bag is included
