adidas Supernova Rise Shoe Review

Individual Thoughts

GraceOverall Score: 8/10

I enjoyed testing the adidas Supernova Rise thanks to the shoe's comfortable upper and lightweight feel. I liked them for daily walks and when completing my road runs. After putting it through the trials of testing, I think the Supernova Rise would be a great shoe for the runner who appreciates a more simplified daily trainer that delivers some ground feel. The Supernova Rise is also a suitable option for those looking for an inherently stable shoe to tackle a variety of shorter-distance runs or cross-training workouts.

While I do not see myself using the adidas Supernova Rise for everyday runs, I enjoyed the lightweight, nimble ride for faster efforts throughout the testing period. The Support Rod system helps provide an impressive amount of inherent stability, and even as I started to tire late in my run, the rods kept my foot in place, helping my stride remain smooth and efficient. That said, I wish the Supernova Rise provided more underfoot protection in the forefoot for longer daily runs.

JonOverall Score: 7/10

Anytime a shoe falls short of expectations, it is hard not to be a little disappointed, but to be fair, perhaps my expectations were unreasonably high.

I have had the good fortune to test out a lot of shoes, and the more I test, the harder it is for the next shoe to stand out. With the Supernova Rise, I could not find anything that really stood out on the run when it came to performance. The testing period did not go poorly, as the Supernova Rise got the job done, but it lacked the magical spark that the best shoes always seem to have.

That being said, I am reviewing these shoes through the lens of someone who highly values versatility, especially the ability to go fast or protect over distance. I am also a runner who does not necessarily seek out shoes like the Supernova Rise, a straightforward daily trainer that prioritizes comfort and durability over versatility. So, if you are a runner who appreciates a no-frills running shoe that is comfortable and stylish, then the adidas Supernova Rise is worth your consideration.

KalebOverall: 8/10

First off, I love the look of the Supernova Rise. It is sleek, sporty, and flawlessly accentuates my daily wardrobe. They felt fantastic when worn around the office, keeping my feet comfortable throughout the day.

The comfort continued on the run, as the upper fit my foot extremely well, but adidas shoes typically fit my feet very well. The upper was very secure with a comfortable level of padding in the collar, perfectly complementing the shoe's stable and agile performance. The Supernova Rise performed well on a wide range of runs and workouts throughout the testing period and especially shined on daily runs under the 5-mile mark, short tempo runs, and laps on the track. It was also a highly capable cross-training shoe, and I always felt confident in my footing while performing agilities and plyometrics.

Like the other testers, I wish the Supernova Rise offered a bit more protection in the midsole to provide runners with more comfort over longer distances. More responsiveness from the PEBA foam would have also been appreciated for faster training runs, but overall, with the shoe's comfortable upper and dynamic performance, I found various ways to enjoy the Supernova Rise, and I am sure many other runners will as well.

LizOverall Score: 7/10

The Supernova Rise is a daily trainer that offers a versatile and balanced ride. The Dreamstrike+ midsole is comfortable with a no-nonsense ride and a bit of ground feel, making it a good option for daily runs and gym workouts. The shoe feels lightweight and nimble on foot, and though it does not feel particularly bouncy, it has a firmer responsiveness that keeps the Rise from feeling sluggish when you pick up the pace. The mesh upper has a premium feel and a secure fit that should work for a wide variety of feet.

While I enjoyed the versatility of the shoe and found myself gravitating to it for my gym and HIIT workouts, I felt that the underfoot protection was lacking after about 4 miles into my runs, and I would prefer a more cushioned shoe for the majority of my daily runs. Despite not having a particularly bouncy ride or soft underfoot feel, I did enjoy the lightweight, no-fuss running experience for my shorter daily efforts, and with its stylish design, I continue to gravitate to it for all-day wear.

Our In-Depth Look

Upper

Grace: "The upper is made with a simple engineered mesh that feels durable and breathable. I appreciate the padded tongue and heel collar, as it provided a comfortable lockdown. The width is regular to snug, providing the perfect fit for my narrow feet to feel secure while still allowing for some toe splay.

I am a little confused by the sizing, as I typically wear an 8.5 in all of my running shoes, and when I received a size 7 for testing, I was not expecting them to work, but they did. I had a little less than a thumbnail's length of room in the forefoot, which gives me more of a race-day fit, and I would recommend sizing down a half or even full size."

Jon: "The upper was my favorite part of adidas Supernova Rise. The fit is true to size and makes for a comfortable step-in feel. The tongue is very well cushioned, which I always appreciate in a shoe. I also enjoyed the nicely cushioned heel collar that offered comfort and protection for my Achilles. A comfortable, dependable upper is a must-have feature for a daily trainer, and the Supernova Rise nails it in that department."

Kaleb: "The adidas Supernova Rise's sandwiched mesh upper was excellent. It fits my foot very well, offering the comfort and security I expect from a daily trainer. I had no issue with hot spots or blisters on the run, and I could wear the shoe casually all day without any issues. In typical adidas fashion, the upper is very stylish and accented my sporty, athleisure wardrobe very well."

Liz: "I really liked the Rise's upper, and it was easily my favorite part of the shoe. The design felt premium and offered a comfortable yet secure hold of my foot. The upper is not the most breathable compared to other daily trainers, so those in hot, humid conditions might find the shoe a bit hot. That said, I had no issues with the breathability in moderate temperatures. I cannot forget to mention that I love the stylish aesthetic of these shoes, and I could easily pair them with my casual attire."

Midsole

Grace: "The all-new Dreamstrike+ compound is a PEBA-based foam that feels lightweight and has a somewhat dense underfoot feel. On the run, the midsole delivered a smooth and efficient ride that was enjoyable during my daily runs.

When I first received the Supernova Rise, I was tapering for a 100K race. However, a week away from the event, I was offered an entry to a local half marathon, so I decided to give the adidas Supernova Rise a shot on race day. What stood out to me during the race was the Support Rod system.

The Support Rods provided a highly stable, very secure underfoot sensation with consistently smooth transitions. Racing my first half marathon, I wanted to take things easy with the upcoming 100K. Throughout the race, the Supernova Rise felt light and snappy, and I finished at 1:30, which I was very happy with. Even more satisfying was how good my legs felt afterward. I would have preferred more underfoot protection, and although the Supernova Rise offers a connected-to-the-ground feel, especially through the forefoot, I see myself using the Rise for shorter training runs and some cross-training workouts. I typically prefer softer, more protective shoes for daily training and long runs."

Jon: "Man, when I saw that the Supernova Rise's Dreamstrike+ foam midsole was PEBA-based, I was excited to get these shoes on my feet. PEBA has quickly become one of the most popular, highest-performing midsole foams, so when I hear that a midsole contains PEBA, my expectations of how it will perform are high.

Unfortunately, the Supernova Rise's underfoot experience lacked the same magical feeling I have experienced while wearing other PEBA-based midsoles. Typically, PEBA foam feels light, highly responsive, and protective, and though the Supernova Rise felt relatively light on foot, the midsole lacked responsiveness. Furthermore, the Supernova Rise did not feel especially protective, particularly in the forefoot, where I experienced a fair amount of ground contact. That said, I felt very stable during my runs thanks to the Support Rods in the midsole, and heel-to-toe transitions were always very smooth.

Compared to adidas Lightstrike and Lightstrike Pro, Dreamstrike+ falls somewhere between the two compounds concerning midsole softness, but it is a step behind when evaluating responsiveness. As mentioned, the geometry of the Supernova Rise did encourage a smooth roll through the gait cycle, but overall, the midsole left a lot to be desired."

Kaleb: "The Rise's Dreamstrike+ midsole performed well throughout testing, and it paired well with short daily runs at moderate to easy paces, delivering consistently smooth transitions through the gait cycle.

The Supernova Rise would not be my preferred choice for longer or speedier efforts, given its level of protection and responsiveness, but I have no doubt runners will be able to rely on this shoe for a variety of daily runs. Additionally, the Rise offers a stable, connected-to-the-ground underfoot experience that is great for agility workouts, lifting, and crosstraining. It may not be your do-it-all shoe, but it provides the versatility to do many things well."

Liz: "The Supernova Rise's midsole offers a moderate level of cushioning, falling on the slightly denser side. I would not describe the ride as firm, but it provides a more bouncy-ball-like feel rather than a sink-in softness.

The underfoot experience is more traditional, with a no-nonsense ride that offers a touch more ground feel than other trending daily trainers like the ASICS Novablast or HOKA Clifton. The level of cushioning was comfortable for daily runs under 4 miles, but I prefer more protection for longer runs. I feel that this midsole prioritizes versatility over long-distance comfort, and it allows the shoe to work well for those who want a stylish daily trainer that can handle gym workouts and shorter runs."

Outsole

Grace: "Adiwear rubber covers almost the entirety of the outsole, and the Supernova Rise does not lack grip or durability. This brand has always delivered a high-performing outsole, especially in the durability compartment, and I felt confident running on all road surfaces while wearing the Supernova Rise, rain or shine."

Jon: "The outsole is composed of strategically placed layers of rubber that cover the entirety of the outsole, with a small area in the midfoot where the midsole foam and Support Rods are exposed. The Rise's traction was dependable on all my runs, even when the roads were damp, and though it is not Continental rubber (one of my favorites), it certainly gets the job done."

Kaleb: "For a daily trainer like this, a reliable outsole is paramount, and the Supernova Rise's Adiwear outsole delivered. I had no issues with traction on the roads, even when injecting pace into the run, but the outsole shined brightest during my agility workouts.

The grip was always consistent, and I could cut confidently while performing explosive exercises. Also, durability will not be an issue, as I have seen no abnormal signs of wear throughout testing."

Liz: "In typical adidas fashion, the Rise's outsole seems very durable and designed in a fashion that does not compromise the shoe's smooth ride. I have seen almost no wear throughout the testing period, and the Supernova Rise should have a longer than average lifespan thanks to the resilient PEBA-based midsole and durable outsole combination."

Comparable Models

New Balance Propel v4 vs. adidas Supernova Rise

Jon: "In terms of specs and underfoot feel, the Supernova Rise reminded me of the New Balance FuelCell Propel v4, a value-oriented daily trainer with some high-end technology. Both shoes have similar stack heights, but the Propel has a 6-mm drop versus the Supernova Rise's 10-mm drop, so the Propel has more cushioning in the forefoot, which I prefer.

With that, the Propel v4 feels more cushioned overall and has a more comfortable step-in feel. The FuelCell foam in the Propel also feels more responsive on the run, and with its TPU plate embedded in the midsole, it is better suited to pick up pace. And it's very worth mentioning that the Propel v4 retails at $30 less than the Supernova Rise. Overall, given the fact that I enjoyed the underfoot experience in the Propel v4 more than the Supernova Rise and that it is a more versatile shoe over distance, I would recommend the New Balance Propel v4 over the Supernova Rise."

adidas Ultraboost Light vs. adidas Supernova Rise

Liz: "While these are very different shoes, I couldn't help but be reminded of the Ultraboost when testing the Supernova Rise. The Ultraboost has a much bouncier feel that becomes even bouncier as you run, while the Rise has a bit more of a dampening cushioning with a snappier and firmer responsiveness when you want to pick up the page. Additionally, the Rise feels lighter, nimbler, and more minimal on foot."

adidas Adizero SL vs. adidas Supernova Rise

Kaleb: "I think the Supernova Rise and adidas Adizero SL are very similar shoes. They both offer comfort and security with an inherently stable underfoot feel. Neither overly wow on the run and could offer more protection and responsiveness, but both are excellent crosstraining shoes that perform well over shorter distances. My preference only goes to the SL because it is a cheaper option, though the Supernova takes the edge in the style department."

ASICS Novablast 4 vs. adidas Supernova Rise

Jon: "The next comparison has more to do with the fact that these shoes are being released on the same day and come in at the same price as opposed to how they feel underfoot. The Supernova Rise is a true daily trainer that is meant to be the shoe that you put most of your miles in throughout the week whereas the Novablast 4 is a daily trainer that is a little more speed-oriented, so it may be too aggressive for some to use as their primary everyday shoe. The Novablast 4 has a much higher stack than the Supernova Rise and feels very well cushioned underfoot, both in the heel and forefoot. The FF Blast+ Eco foam in the midsole of the Novablast is very responsive and energetic — characteristics that are conducive to fast runs. Moreover, the Novablast weighs almost an ounce less than the Supernova Rise, which only adds to its ability to pick up the pace with ease.

Since these shoes are so different, it is hard to definitely say the Novablast 4 is better than the Supernova Rise for everyone. It is for me, but my personal preference is to have a daily trainer that is highly versatile, and the Novablast 4 certainly fits the bill. However, runners who are seeking a daily trainer that is not max cushioned and handles easy runs three or four times a week would be happy with a shoe like the Supernova Rise."