Article by John Tribbia, Ryan Eiler and Renee Krusemark
adidas Supernova Rise (€ 150 / $140)
Introduction
John: I'm excited to share my thoughts on the new Adidas Supernova Rise, a shoe that Adidas has reengineered from the ground up with the everyday runner in mind. This reimagined version promises unmatched comfort due to the innovative Dreamstrike+ midsole and a variety of other features.
What's New and Exciting?
Dreamstrike+ Midsole: This new supercritical cushioning material, inspired by the high-performance Lightstrike Pro, is said to offer exceptional comfort and energy return.
Support Rod System: This innovative technology, embedded just above the outsole, provides stability and a smooth transition throughout the gait cycle. It's a feature I haven't yet experienced in my testing thus far, so I'm curious to see how it impacts the overall feel.
Comfort Heel Fit: A combination of cushioning foam and soft textile promises maximum comfort and support in the heel area.
Who is it for?
Designed for everyday runners who want the utmost in comfort, the Adidas Supernova Rise is not a performance shoe per se. Rather, it prioritizes cushioning, support, and a smooth ride.
I have run in a few versions of the Supernova in the past, but I have never had the chance to put one through its paces. The Supernova Rise's focus on comfort and the inclusion of new technologies like Dreamstrike+ and the Support Rod System have me optimistic about this shoe.
Pros:
Exceptional Comfort: John / Ryan / Sally / Renee
Smooth Transition: John / Ryan/ Sally / Renee
Crowd-pleasing Dreamstrike+ midsole: Ryan / Sally
Supportive and stable: John
Secure Fit: John/ Sally
Outsole nice and grippy and also quiet: Sally
Cons:
Long laces: John / Sally
Question of durability: John
Lackluster materials/aesthetic: Ryan
Reluctant to turnover quickly: Ryan/ Sally / Renee
Stats
Sample Weight: men’s 9.6oz / 274g US9 , women’s 8.6 oz / 245 g US W8,
9.84oz / 279g US9.5
Stack Height: men’s 35.5 mm heel / 25.5 mm forefoot ( 10mm drop spec)
€ 150 / $140 Available
First Impressions, Fit and Upper
John: From the moment I unboxed the Supernova Rise, its plushness and inviting feel impressed me. The Dreamstrike+ midsole feels incredibly soft and cushioned underfoot, hinting at a comfortable journey ahead. The engineered sandwich mesh upper strikes a fantastic balance between breathability and support, offering a secure and adaptable fit that comfortably accommodates different foot shapes.
My slightly narrow foot feels secure and comfortable in the shoe. The shoe runs true to size, with ample room in the toe box for natural toe splay.
I particularly appreciate the Comfort Heel Fit feature, which lives up to its name by providing a snug and comfortable lockdown in the heel area, negating the possibility of slippage.
The emphasis on comfort in the Supernova Rise is undeniable from the first step in to the shoe. The engineered upper, with its seamless construction, minimizes any potential irritation and creates a smooth, sock-like fit. The breathability of the mesh material allows for optimal airflow, keeping your feet cool and comfortable throughout your run. Though, with winter knocking on the door, those 10*F mornings make for a very cold experience with such breathability.
My initial experience with the Supernova Rise has been overwhelmingly positive. I'm excited to log some longer runs in these shoes and truly put them through their paces, seeing how they perform over time.
Ryan: The black and white version I was sent wasn’t exactly a head-turning design, but the shoe’s initial step-in was plush and inviting. Both the tongue and heel collar are amply padded, and the shoe’s mesh is supple enough to provide comfort to most foot shapes.
As John alluded to, it’s a shoe targeted at everyday runners, which isn’t to say that Adidas have cut corners but rather to remember that this shoe focuses on comfort and delivering a pleasant experience over lockdown and performance.
The Supernova Rise’s mesh feels and looks fairly standard and unimpressive, but it works well in this type of shoe. As the inner layer of the sandwiched mesh is more densely woven than the outer, more perforated layer, I’d rate the breathability as medium. This also seems fairly appropriate given that you probably won’t be redlining your heart rate in these more casual trainers. They also work nicely this time of year in New England for those who tend to get cold toes. The upper’s foot containment abilities are appropriate for a trainer, but I wouldn’t go clipping off intervals given this amount of padding and its casual fit.
Since the upper ring around the heel collar is more padded than the area lower down in the heel cup, it essentially eliminates heel slippage in a fairly casual manner. At first, I thought the overly soft materials inside the heel would allow for too much play, but I was quickly proven wrong. This design works fairly well in practice, and gave me no achilles concerns thanks to its plush nature.
The Adidas logos on either side of the midfoot act as moderately effective overlays, and help to reinforce the mesh.
The sizing was true in my M9.5, and felt comfortable from heel to toe, with a slightly above average amount of room in the toe box.
Renee: As stated by the other reviewers, the Supernova Rise is a daily trainer best “everyday runs.” The upper is comfortable with decent security for its use. I’d say it feels roomy for those with narrow or low volume feet. Sizing is true-to-size.
Midsole & Platform
The all-new Dreamstrike+ midsole is a supercritical foam with a 20% bio-based foundation, and is similar to Lightstrike Pro foam found throughout the Adizero franchise.
Support Rod system
John: The Supernova Rise's standout feature is undoubtedly the Dreamstrike+ midsole. adidas has truly delivered on its promise of unparalleled comfort. Every stride feels luxuriously cushioned, effectively absorbing impact and minimizing fatigue throughout my runs. Whether I'm tackling long distances or shorter runs, the responsive cushioning provides a delightful bounce that seems to propel me forward effortlessly. It's like running on a soft, supportive cloud, a feeling my feet greatly appreciate.
The platform feels remarkably stable thanks to the Support Rod System embedded above the outsole and if you will, a more extended version of adidas Torsion System midfoot shank and a less aggressive take on their Adizero Energy Rods. This technology provides a smooth transition throughout the gait cycle, preventing any feeling of wobbling or instability.
However, if I had to pinpoint one area where the midsole could improve, it would be weight. While not excessively heavy at 9.6oz / 274g in my US9 and with a decent stack height of 35.5 mm heel / 25.5 mm forefoot ( 10mm drop spec),
Supernova Rise isn't the most featherlight shoe on the market for its stack height and high drop.
Additionally, some runners might find it slightly on the bulky side, particularly those who prioritize speed and agility but adidas has their adizero line shoes for that. Nevertheless, the trade-off between added weight and exceptional comfort is one I'm willing to accept, especially for my longer, more leisurely runs.
Ryan: I agree completely with John here – the midsole is definitely what makes the Supernova worth considering. I can feel the influence of the racier, more energetic Lightstrike Pro foam, but the new Dreamstrike+ compound here is outstanding for use in a training shoe. It’s exquisitely soft without being unruly, and it is very capable of devouring whatever the asphalt is serving.
I wouldn’t call it ‘bouncy’, but rather more marshmallow-y in its feeling underfoot. It won’t catapult you forward, but it will certainly reduce fatigue and injury risk given how well it attenuates impact. In conjunction with what Adidas is calling the ‘support rod system’, the Dreamstrike+ compound doesn’t get squirrely or out of line, and will be stable enough for all but the most ardent support-focused runners.
Also worth noting is that the ‘support rod system’ is definitely not anything like the rods in the other Adidas racing shoes. Instead, it consists of a relatively thin layer of a few strips of firmer, EVA-like hardened foam. This layer is noticeably thicker at the rear of the shoe, helping to stabilize the heel. Without it, this shoe may have been a little too unruly for its target market. John astutely notes above that there’s the ‘Adizero’ line for racing and uptempo training (for example Boston 12) , and this shoe is not intended to compete with that line.
While I love the Adizero line, and use it for most races, for everyday training this Dreamstrike+ is much more pleasant, approachable, and appropriate. This midsole is a big step forward for Adidas’s training-specific lineup.
Renee: Ryan and John have a good overview. The midsole is a good balance of comfort and performance. The transition is smooth and stable, but not exactly peppy. The shoe is not overly heavy, but as compared to other trainers (with a speed focus), the Supernova Rise weighs a bit more than I would like. The weight is not horrid for faster efforts, but the shoe leans more toward daily paces than speed or tempo paces. The midsole is not bouncy, but it is forgiving. The shoe is also stable for its 10mm drop.
Outsole
John: The Supernova Rise's outsole complements the plush midsole by providing reliable traction and grip across various terrains. The strategically placed rubber pods offer a confident grip on both dry and wet surfaces, minimizing the risk of slipping or sliding during unpredictable weather conditions. Even on loose gravel or uneven pavement, the outsole delivers a reassuring sense of stability. Overall, the outsole strikes a balanced compromise between stability, grip, and flexible movement. My runs have been characterized by confidence and a secure sense of footing regardless of road or gravel packed path terrain. While it might not be the most responsive design, it more than compensates by prioritizing stability and grip.
Ryan: Because of the shoe’s fairly flat profile underfoot, as well as an ample surface area of rubber in contact with the ground, traction remains high under any reasonable conditions. The outsole rubber is slightly ridged and segmented into three sections that sit on top of and adjacent to the ‘support rod system’.
My opinion is that this design works well to help stabilize the Dreamstrike+ midsole, without spoiling the shoe’s easygoing ride.
I also appreciated the design of the lateral side of the heel, which is swept up a bit more than average, creating an even smoother foot strike.
Renee: The outsole coverage is decent, which likely helps with the stability of the shoe despite its high 10mm drop. I ran on gravel and dirt and thought the outsole worked well for traction and durability.
Ride, Conclusions and Recommendations
John: The Adidas Supernova Rise lives up to its promise of redefining comfort for everyday runners. Its plush midsole, supportive platform, and accommodating upper create a seamless running experience that prioritizes comfort and confidence above all else. While not the lightest or most responsive shoe on the market, it excels in providing a luxuriously comfortable ride for a variety of running scenarios.
Overall, the Adidas Supernova Rise is a fantastic choice for runners seeking a comfortable and supportive shoe for everyday running. Its emphasis on comfort and a smooth ride makes it a reliable companion for long distances, casual jogs, and exploring new routes without sacrificing your enjoyment. However, it is not the best choice for runners who are focused on performance and speed training, or who prefer lightweight and minimalist shoes.
John’s Score: 9.1 / 10
Ride - 9.25 fun shoe for everyday runs
Fit - 9.5 Very comfortable upper that secures and locks down well
Value - 7.5 Jury is out on durability but otherwise great all-around shoe
Looks - Supernova style is so classic and this remains true for the Rise
Smiles - 😊😊😊😊 out of 5
Ryan: I’m in agreement with John here. The Supernova Rise won’t win any awards for looks, performance, or design, but for what it’s meant to do – casually and comfortably deliver low-drama mileage – it does it well.
I’d describe the ride as clean, neutral, and pleasant. It doesn’t make any efforts to snap you onto your toes, and it certainly doesn’t make you work the transition. The midsole’s Dreamstrike+ compound is happy to soften your initial impact, and allows you to flow and roll onto your toes without being overly eager to release its energy. In other words, it feels happy to match your pace, as long as that pace isn’t too steamy.
My bet would be that Dreamstrike+ is around for a while in the lineup of Adidas trainers. The Supernova Rise is a great no-frills option for everyday training, with a plush feel, plenty of room in the toe box, and a very modern and pleasant ride for casual paces.
Ryan’s Score: 9.0 / 10 (Deductions for quality of upper, lackluster aesthetic, lack of turnover, limited to casual running)
Smiles - 😊😊😊 out of 5
Renee: I fully agree with John and Ryan. The Supernova Rise is best for casual paces for daily training. The shoe is a bit heavier than other options, but it does run more stable and smooth as compared to other high drop shoes, especially those with bouncy or overly softer midsoles. While the ride is smooth (even on gravel, which is surprising given the drop), the turn over for faster paces is not the best. For runners needing a daily shoe, with a neutral ride and high drop, the shoe is a good option.
Renee’s Score: 9.0/10 (-.5 weight, -.5 casual paces only)
😊😊😊
5 Comparisons
Index to all RTR reviews: HERE
Nike Pegasus (RTR Review)
Renee: The Pegasus is also a high drop shoe for daily runs. The Pegasus is a bit unflexing for me under the midfoot, and can feel a bit clunky for daily use, especially on gravel. The Supernova Rise is more flexing underfoot and rides a bit more forgiving in with its 10mm drop. For a firmer, more controlled takeoff, some might prefer the Pegasus. For me, the Supernova Rise is a better option. Sizing is comparable.
ASICS Novablast 4 (RTR Review)
Renee: The stack of the Supernova Rise is more like the Novablast 3 than the Novablast 4. For either version, the Novablast has a bouncier midsole, and the ride is more fun. The shoe is also lighter in weight. The Supernova Rise has better ground feel and is more stable and controllable on gravel. I enjoy the Novablast 3 and 4, but I don’t use it for walking or really slow paces because the heel feels clunky. The Supernova Rise works better for casual use in that capacity. Sizing is comparable.
Saucony Ride (RTR Review)
Renee: The Ride 17 and Ride 16 are very different shoes. The Ride 17 is 8mm drop and feels much lower as compared to the 10mm of the Supernova. The stack and comfort underfoot are better too, and the midsole/ride is more dynamic at any pace. For runners who like a lower stack and higher drop, the Supernova might be better, but the Ride 17 is a better shoe in my opinion.
Puma Velocity Nitro (RTR Review)
Renee: Very similar shoes here. Both have a 10mm drop. The midsole of Velocity Nitro is a bit more dynamic and better for a variety of faster paces, while the Supernova Rise feels softer and better for casual paces. The Velocity Nitro felt a bit controlling to me, while the Supernova Rise has more flex.
ASICS EvoRide (RTR Review)
John: The Adidas Supernova Rise is the ideal choice for runners seeking maximum comfort and smooth transitions, especially for long distances and slower paces. The EvoRide, while still comfortable, is better suited for runners who prefer a lighter and more responsive shoe for faster runs and require moderate stability.
The Dreamstrike+ midsole in the Rise provides exceptional plushness and impact absorption, making it the more comfortable option for long runs and those seeking maximum cushioning. While comfortable, the EvoRide midsole offers a firmer and more responsive feel, ideal for runners who prefer a snappy and energetic ride.
The Supernova Rise is available at our US and European partners below
Tester Profiles
John Tribbia (5' 6", 130lbs) is a former sponsored mountain/trail runner who has run with La Sportiva, Brooks/Fleet Feet, Pearl Izumi, and Salomon. Even though he competes less frequently these days, you can still find John enjoying the daily grind of running on any surface, though his favorite terrain is 30-40% grade climbs. He has won races such as America's Uphill, Imogene Pass Run, and the US Skyrunner Vertical Kilometer Series; and he's held several FKTs on several iconic mountains in Boulder, Colorado and Salt Lake City, Utah. If you follow him on Strava, you'll notice he runs at varying paces between 5 minutes/mile to 12 minutes/mile before the break of dawn almost every day.
Ryan Eller A hopeless soccer career led Ryan to take up running, and after taking a decade-long break from competing, he is back racking up mileage whenever he can. He calls the 2018 Boston Marathon the hardest race of his life, where he finished in 2:40, barely remembering his name at the finish line. More recently he solo time trialed the 2020-2021 super shoes, often sub 15 minutes for 5K. Ryan has a PR of 2:17:16 Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier from the 2023 Philadelphia Marathon.
Renee is a former U.S.Marine journalist, which is when her enjoyment of running and writing started. She isn’t that awesome of a runner, but she tries really hard. Most of her weekly 50-60 miles take place on rural country roads in Nebraska, meaning mud, gravel, dirt, hills, and the occasional field. She has PR’s of 1:30:59 for the half marathon and 3:26:45 for the marathon.
Comments and Questions Welcome Below! Please let us know mileage, paces, race distances, and current preferred shoes
The Supernova Rise is available at our partners below
1 comment:
For many years I feel there's been a misplaces sense of importance on the need for ultra light weight "everyday" training shoes. The fact of the matter is that there just aren't too many really heavy shoes out there anymore. people just won't put up with them any longer. There's nothing out like the older Ariel or Beast(Brook) and similar shoes from other companies have either been discontinued or greatly updated and bear no resemblance to more ancient versions(e.g., Kayano). Foe very lightweight advancement there seems to be a corresponding increase in price and decrease in durability. Plus, most runner are that "everyday runner" and frequently want nothing more than a good value. They have no clue what a tempo run is and a 5K event is a social occasion not a race. They understandably cringe with every update because few purchase as frequently as their shoes are updated and just groan when incremental updates add up to more noticeable changes.
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