Article by John Tribbia
adidas Supernova Rise (€ 150 / $140)
Update: John is joined by two other testers in the Supernova Rise Multi Tester Review HERE
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 Supernova promises comfort due to the innovative supercritical foam Dreamstrike+ midsole and a variety of other features. It also signals a departure from the long running Boost foam in Supernovas, innovative in its time, but now a heavy and dated foam for everyday running trainers. So does this Supernova really rise above its recent dull past? Let's find out!
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| Sally Reiley's women's Supernova Rise colorway |
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 really 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
Smooth Transition: John
Supportive and stable: John
Secure Fit John
Cons:
Long laces: John
Durability questions: John
While sub 10 oz / 283g US9 somewhat on the heavy side for its stack height: John
Stats
Sample Weight: men’s 9.6oz / 274g US9 , women’s 8.6 oz / 245 g US W8
Stack Height: men’s 35.5 mm heel / 25.5 mm forefoot ( 10mm drop spec)
€ 150 / $140 Available now including at our partners at the end of the review.
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.
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 which are 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, Supernova Rise isn't the most featherlight everyday trainer now 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.
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.
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 focus ed 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
Our Multi Tester version of the review is coming soon and will include more comparisons
Comparisons
Index to all RTR reviews: HERE
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 Asics 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.
Tester Profile
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.
Update: John is joined by two other testers in the Supernova Rise Multi Tester Review HERE
The Supernova Rise is available at our partners below
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