It’s no secret that adidas is one of the most recognizable brands in the world. Having been around since the 1940s, the brand knows a thing or two about delivering comfortable shoes and sportswear. Today, adidas’s three-stripe logo is one of the most prevalent logos in running, basketball, soccer, daily lifestyle shoes, and so much more.
The brand may have a rich history, but it doesn’t mean it rests on its laurels. In recent years, adidas has released a wide range of new running shoes and innovative technologies. One of the newest additions to its lineup is the Supernova Rise series.
adidas first released the Supernova Rise back in 2024. Now on the 3rd iteration, the brand took even more steps to improve the comfort and ride in this neutral, everyday training shoe. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at the adidas Supernova Rise 3 to see what changed and improved, as well as what areas could still use some work.
If you’re wondering if the newest Supernova Rise is the perfect shoe for you, you’re in the right place. Keep reading for an in-depth look at the newest Supernova Rise update, a summary of our extensive road testing, and how the Supernova Rise compares in a crowded daily training market.
Our Review Process
At Marathon Sports, we know there’s a lot of competition in the running shoe world. And with each new shoe release, we can’t wait to see how the shoe stacks up against its competitors. We also want to help answer all your questions about each new update to help you make the most informed decision for your running shoes.
With this purpose in mind, we took the Supernova Rise 3 through rigorous testing to truly understand all the features and how they feel and perform throughout every type of run. We dove into all the details, analyzed all the new and improved features, and most importantly, tested them out on a variety of different runs and terrains for the best possible understanding of who would enjoy the Supernova Rise 3 - and who may want to look elsewhere.
Throughout this review, we’ll dive into our findings so you’ll know exactly what to expect when you slide this shoe on for the first time.
adidas Supernova Rise 3: Specs and Highlights
Before we take a look at how the Supernova Rise 3 performs, here’s a quick overview of the specs and features you can expect to find:
- Designed as a neutral daily trainer
- 36/28 mm stack height
- 8 mm drop (down from 10 in the Supernova Rise 2)
- Men’s shoes weigh 9.3 oz, women’s weigh 8.4 oz
- Midsole made of reformulated Dreamstrike+ foam for a softer, plusher ride
- New upper construction is made with soft and breathable Primeweave material
- Full-coverage Lighttraxion outsole improves grip and durability
- Subtle support rods are sculpted into the midsole for stable transitions
- Price: $139.95
Supernova Rise 3: The Nitty-Gritty Details
Now that you know the key features, it’s time to take a closer look at how they all come together in the newest adidas daily trainer.
Re-engineered Midsole
adidas first introduced Dreamstrike+ foam in the original Supernova Rise. This PEBA-based foam was designed to feel soft underfoot without sacrificing responsiveness and energy return.
The Supernova Rise 3 maintains this balance with a new, re-formulated Dreamstrike+ foam. This re-engineered formula is softer than in previous models, driving plush landings and maximum comfort throughout daily mileage. And despite feeling softer underfoot, this Dreamstrike+ foam still ensures plenty of bounce and energy return with each landing.
In a time when maximalist running shoes are all the rage, our reviewers really appreciated the sleek, grounded feel in the midsole. adidas did add some more cushioning in the 3rd iteration of the shoe - bringing the stack height to 36 mm/28 mm - but the balanced midsole design and strategic cutouts make the Supernova Rise 3 a versatile option for runners who prefer a more responsive daily trainer.
New and Improved Woven Upper
The Supernova Rise 3 does away with the traditional sandwich mesh upper used in its predecessors. Instead, it features an engineered Primeweave design for maximum breathability and comfort.
This Primeweave mesh is remarkably flexible and soft around the foot, all while offering a secure lockdown. The perforations throughout this luxurious upper and tongue also optimize breathability for maximum comfort in any climate or conditions.
The midsole isn’t the only place where adidas increased the amount of cushioning. The heel and tongue feature some strategically placed padding for extra comfort and security during everyday mileage and long runs.
Integrated Support Rods
Another big change from previous Supernova Rise iterations is in the construction and design of the support rods. While every version of the Supernova Rise features adidas’s signature support rods, the 3rd version re-imagines the design for a more refined, integrated construction.
In other adidas shoes, dense EVA rods provide some extra stability and support throughout each stride and transition. Instead of the more prevalent support rods found in previous versions, the Supernova Rise 3 incorporates this dense foam into the Dreamstrike+ midsole foam.
The sculpted, more integrated rod construction seamlessly blends the foam and support, giving the support rods a less stiff and obtrusive feel. The dense support rods offer some neutral support and stable landings and toe-offs, all without sacrificing the soft, natural underfoot feel.
Shoe Geometry
The newest Supernova Rise features a reshaped midsole with strategic cutouts to reduce weight and improve stability and performance. While the shoe itself is neutral, the wider, flared base offers some inherent stability with each landing.
One key change from previous iterations is the shoe’s heel-to-toe offset, which dropped from 10mm to 8mm in the newest edition. This moderate 8mm drop results in a more grounded, natural feel for mid and forefoot strikers while still offering extra protection for heel strikers.
Overall Fit
adidas running shoes have a reputation for fitting long and narrow, and the newest Supernova Rise isn’t breaking from this standard fit. The woven upper is soft and forgiving, but tends to fit a bit more snug around the forefoot.
Runners with wide feet or who prefer a more accommodating fit may want to consider sizing up for the extra width in the Supernova Rise 3.
Value and Durability
At $139.95, the Supernova Rise 3 is one of the more affordable daily trainers on the market today. So if you’re looking for a comfortable and cushioned shoe without a hefty price tag, the Supernova Rise 3 is a great choice.
Along with the affordable price point, adidas also takes steps to increase the Supernova Rise’s 3 durability so you can get the most value for your money. The LIGHTTRAXION outsole features unique, rod-like sculpting to protect high-wear areas and enhance durability. This springy outsole also adds grip and traction on different surfaces for maximum versatility across all types of runs.
Road Test Results
Specs and tech features all play a key role in understanding how a shoe should feel and perform when you put it on your feet. But the true test comes when you hit the road and actually start logging some miles. That’s why our review team couldn’t wait to lace up the newest Adidas Supernova Rise 3 and try out these new and improved features for ourselves.
When it came to out-of-the-box feel, one immediate standout was the new PRIMEWEAVE upper. While the sandwich mesh material in previous iterations was still soft and flexible, this upgraded upper took this comfort to the next level. It securely wraps the foot from the moment you put it on, and continues to feel soft, cushiony, and breathable throughout our various runs in the shoe.
Another new feature our review team couldn’t wait to experience for themselves was the reformulated Dreamstrike+ midsole foam. adidas claims this new version of the Dreamstrike+ foam is 20% bouncier and 20% softer than in previous iterations of the Rise, and we’re happy to report that our reviewers definitely felt the difference. The shoe felt softer underfoot, with plenty of protection and shock absorption for everything from short uptempo workouts to long slow runs.
The Supernova Rise 3 definitely felt more plush than previous versions of the shoe, but we also found that even with this softer ride, the shoe maintained a well-balanced, slightly firm feel that makes it a versatile option for nearly any type of run. There was plenty of foam to keep our feet comfortable and happy on long runs, but it didn’t feel overly soft and pillowy. Runners who appreciate a firm, responsive feel underfoot will likely enjoy this well-balanced, moderate-cushion trainer option.
adidas dropped the heel-to-toe offset from 10 to 8 mm in the Supernova Rise 3, which is good news for anyone who prefers a moderate drop on runs. Paired with a relatively stiff foam and stable sculpted support rods, this lowered drop ensures you can feel the ground under your feet with every step.
Even with the lower drop, this 8 mm offset is still on the higher end for daily trainers. Runners who tend to land on their forefoot or midfoot may find this drop slightly unnatural, while heel strikers will likely appreciate the extra cushioning and protection in the rearfoot.
Snowy New England Winters also gave our review team the chance to really put the LIGHTTRAXION outsole to the test. While we would recommend a grippier shoe for tackling icy, slippery trails, this outsole provided plenty of traction on wet pavement and snow, keeping us feeling safe and confident throughout each stride.
Overall, our review team found that the Supernova Rise 3’s versatility is what really sets it apart as a daily trainer. The cushioning is softer and more comfortable than in previous iterations, but the shoe manages to maintain a springy, bouncy, and energetic feel that thrives on both longer runs and uptempo workouts. If you’re looking for an efficient daily trainer that can handle any type of run you throw at it, you can’t go wrong with the newest Supernova Rise.
Pros and Cons
After taking the Supernova Rise 3 for a variety of test runs, our team uncovered several pros and cons of the shoe. Here are some of the highlights - as well as some downsides - you might encounter when trying out this daily trainer.
How Does the Supernova Rise 3 Compare to Similar Shoes?
It’s no secret that there is a constantly growing number of options for neutral daily trainers in the running shoe world. So how does the Supernova Rise 3 stack up in this saturated market?
If you’re looking for the best value for your money, the Supernova Rise 3 is definitely at the top of the game. At $139.95, it’s one of the more affordable daily trainers you can find today. And with fantastic versatility, adaptability, and durability, this neutral trainer is one of the best choices if you’re looking for a high-quality shoe without the steep price tag.
However, the Supernova Rise 3 isn’t adidas’s only quality training option. Brand-loyal runners looking for a higher-performance training option should consider the adidas Adizero Evo SL. This supertrainer offers a lighter, more energetic alternative to the Supernova Rise 3 for runners focused on speed and performance.
Those who appreciate the Supernova Rise 3’s versatility, comfort, and groundfeel may also want to try out the Experience Flow 2 from Altra. With a moderate stack height and responsive feel, this lower drop shoe is another fantastic choice for runners who prefer to feel the ground throughout their runs. Runners who find the Supernova Rise a bit snug will also appreciate the Experience Flow’s roomy, foot-shaped toe box.
The adidas Supernova Rise 3: Final Thoughts
Adidas has truly made a name for itself in the running shoe world, and with the Supernova Rise 3, they continue to cement the brand’s reputation for comfortable, versatile, and supportive running shoes.
Runners looking for an all-around, cost-efficient daily trainer that can do it all may not need to look much farther than the Supernova Rise 3. With a soft yet responsive midsole, new and improved upper, and versatile design, this daily trainer can tackle anything you throw at it.
However, the best way to decide if the Supernova Rise 3 is the right shoe for you is to stop by your nearest Marathon Sports. Our footwear experts will use the Right Fit process to narrow down your options and help you find the right running shoe for you. Whether that’s the Supernova Rise or any of our other top running shoe models, our team is committed to keeping you comfortable, healthy, and happy throughout your runs.
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