Our verdict

The Adidas Supernova Rise marks an exciting evolution in their daily trainer lineup, maintaining the series' core characteristics while introducing some notable enhancements. In our experience, it shines as a durable, comfortable, and stable shoe, particularly catering to heel strikers. It's lighter than ever, boasts a more generous toebox, and presents excellent value at $140. However, our tests revealed that the new PEBA foam didn't quite deliver the expected responsiveness, and the move away from Continental rubber in the outsole could be a big letdown for some enthusiasts.

Pros

  • Stable ride
  • Ideal for heel strikers
  • Smooth heel bevel
  • Plush, cozy upper
  • Breathable and durable
  • Finally new PEBA foam
  • Excellent value at $140

Cons

  • No Continental rubber
  • Tongue lacks gusset
  • Limited energy return

Audience verdict

90
Great!

Who should buy

The Supernova Rise is a standout daily trainer that's perfect for:

  • Heel strikers looking for a durable, stable, and reliable companion on their daily runs.
  • Beginners to the sport seeking a versatile and fairly-priced shoe that's as good on the run as it is for daily wear.
  • Supernova enthusiasts eager to experience the latest and greatest in the series, even with the lack of Continental rubber.

Adidas Supernova Rise

Who should NOT buy

While the Supernova Rise from Adidas stands out as a competent daily trainer, we do not recommend it for every runner. Specifically, if you're in pursuit of a modern, maximalist running shoe, the Rise falls short on cushioning. In such cases, we found the ASICS Novablast 4, within a similar price range, or the ASICS Superblast, if budget allows, to be better options.

Moreover, we believe the Supernova Rise is not the best fit for midfoot and forefoot strikers due to its drop and cushioning. For these runners, we think a more balanced shoe like the Saucony Ride 17 might offer an improved experience, catering more effectively to their needs.

Adidas Supernova Rise parts

Breathability

The Supernova Rise caught our attention with its abundant ventilation holes, leaving us eager to test their functionality beyond mere aesthetics.

Thankfully, our first test with the smoke-pumping machine confirmed that Adidas designed these holes with purpose—they effectively facilitate air and moisture evacuation, crucial for comfort during warm runs, earning a solid 4/5 from us.

Shining a light through the upper is a simple yet revealing test, showcasing a well-ventilated toebox and medial areas, contrasted by a denser, structured heel. Smart!

Adidas Supernova Rise microscope 1

Delving deeper with our microscope, we got an up-close look at the ventilation holes, which impressed us despite the sandwiched mesh slightly obstructing airflow.

Adidas Supernova Rise microscope 2

Yet, this isn't a drawback. In a daily trainer, a 4/5 ventilation score strikes a perfect balance, offering ample breathability for summer while retaining enough warmth for cooler runs.

Upon examining the sliced upper in detail, we were pleased to find exceptional padding in the tongue and heel, with quality that surpassed our expectations for a mid-tier, $140 shoe.

Test results
Supernova Rise 4
Average 3.8
Compared to 279 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Toebox durability

In our lab, we're often cautious about predicting durability scores for shoes with extensive ventilation holes. However, Adidas' reputation for creating long-lasting footwear gave us hope for a positive outcome here.

Putting the shoe to the test with our Dremel at 5K RPM and a force of 3.2N, we observed some damage, but it was less severe than anticipated. The result—a satisfactory 3/5—revealed the white layer beneath, previously shown in our microscopic analysis.

Adidas Supernova Rise Toebox durability
Test results
Supernova Rise 3
Average 2.5
Compared to 213 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Toebox durability
5

Heel padding durability

We then turned our attention to the heel padding of the shoe, maintaining the same Dremel settings.

Our findings awarded a robust 4/5 score, slightly outperforming the toebox and leaving us in the lab with no doubts—it would be a rare thing for a runner to wear through the heel of the Supernova Rise.

Adidas Supernova Rise Heel padding durability
Test results
Supernova Rise 4
Average 3.2
Compared to 209 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel padding durability
5

Outsole hardness

Turning our focus from the upper, we delved into the outsole's properties, starting with its hardness. A straightforward durometer test yielded a 76.1 HC reading, shedding light on the positive grip feedback we experienced with the shoe despite not being made by Continental.

Adidas Supernova Rise outsole
Adidas has incorporated multiple cutouts to enhance flexibility and trim down the weight, adding to the shoe's overall efficiency.

This result, however, raises a question—might this affect the outsole's longevity?

Adidas Supernova Rise Outsole hardness
Test results
Supernova Rise 76.1 HC
Average 80.0 HC
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 330 running shoes
Number of shoes
52.1 HC
Outsole hardness
93.0 HC

Outsole durability

Concerned that a softer rubber might wear out too quickly, we put it to the test with our third Dremel examination.

To our delight, the rubber Adidas developed, though not the renowned Continental, performed really well. We observed a minimal 0.7-mm indentation, which stands as a testament to its durability.

Adidas Supernova Rise Outsole durability
Test results
Supernova Rise 0.7 mm
Average 1.0 mm
Compared to 191 running shoes
Number of shoes
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

Adidas was confident in their choice, and it showed in our findings—the outsole featured a mere 2.1 mm of rubber, thinner than that of many racing shoes.

This decision not only underscores the quality of the material but also plays a crucial role in managing the shoe's weight, as you'll see next.

Adidas Supernova Rise Outsole thickness
Test results
Supernova Rise 2.1 mm
Average 3.2 mm
Compared to 349 running shoes
Number of shoes
0.0 mm
Outsole thickness
6.6 mm

Weight

Remarkably, the Supernova Rise tips the scales at just 9.8 oz (278g), an nice figure for an Adidas daily trainer that comfortably keeps it under the 10-oz mark.

The secret to its lightness primarily lies in the midsole. Adidas transitioned from the once-revolutionary Boost—by 2013 a real game-changer but now dated and notably heavy—to Dreamstrike+, a featherlight PEBA foam. This shift is key to achieving a more nimble construction.

Yet, despite these advancements, it doesn't quite reach the featherweight status of some other daily trainers like the Hoka Clifton 9. The shoe just strikes a balance, not feeling overly heavy nor particularly light.

Adidas Supernova Rise Weight
Test results
Supernova Rise 9.81 oz (278g)
Average 9.35 oz (265g)
Compared to 350 running shoes
Number of shoes
5.26 oz (149g)
Weight
12.56 oz (356g)

Cushioning

Heel stack

The Supernova series remains steadfast as a non-maximalist trainer, a trend it proudly continues despite most brands going higher and higher.

We measured the heel at 32.5 mm—ample cushioning for heel strikers, particularly since the foam isn't overly soft, a detail we'll delve into shortly.

Adidas Supernova Rise Heel stack
Test results
Supernova Rise 32.5 mm
Average 34.0 mm
Compared to 349 running shoes
Number of shoes
7.6 mm
Heel stack
46.3 mm

Forefoot stack

In the forefoot, we measured a modest 22.8 mm of foam, which might not sound like much—and it feels just as lean.

From our experience, the Supernova Rise performs admirably for midfoot and forefoot strikers on anything less than 10 miles. However, we'd hesitate to recommend it for long runs if you're a forefoot striker. For such distances, a shoe with more cushioning, like the Brooks Ghost Max, might be a more suitable option.

Adidas Supernova Rise Forefoot stack
Test results
Supernova Rise 22.8 mm
Average 25.4 mm
Compared to 349 running shoes
Number of shoes
7.6 mm
Forefoot stack
37.1 mm

Drop

Adidas has a reputation for creating daily trainers with a significant heel-to-toe drop, and the stated 10 mm drop of this model seemed to confirm that. Our own measurements revealed a real drop of 9.7 mm, remarkably close to the official figure.

This pronounced drop, especially when paired with the thin cushioning in the forefoot, unmistakably makes the shoe a choice for heel strikers above all.

Adidas Supernova Rise Drop
Test results
Supernova Rise 9.7 mm
Average 8.6 mm
Compared to 349 running shoes
Number of shoes
-0.8 mm
Drop
16.1 mm

Insole thickness

The 5.0 mm insole of the Supernova Rise significantly enhances the shoe's overall comfort.

Adidas Supernova Rise Insole thickness
Test results
Supernova Rise 5.0 mm
Average 4.5 mm
Compared to 345 running shoes
Number of shoes
1.5 mm
Insole thickness
7.3 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

The midsole introduces a significant update with the new Dreamstrike+ foam. While crafted from PEBA, we found it doesn't match the energy return seen in other PEBA-based foams like Nike's ZoomX or Saucony's PWRRUN HG. 

Think of it as a low-tier PEBA variant in terms of bounce, offering a medium level of softness—we recorded 20.1 HA on the durometer. This results in a ride that's both balanced and comfortable, though not overly plush.

Adidas Supernova Rise foam

Additionally, the shoe incorporates what Adidas dubs "Support Rods," akin to the Energy Rods in their premium racers like the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3.

Adidas Supernova Rise rods

These rods, made from an EVA carrier foam, enhance both stability and durability, safeguarding the PEBA foam.

Adidas Supernova Rise Midsole softness
Test results
Supernova Rise 20.1 HA
Average 20.9 HA
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 277 running shoes
Number of shoes
8.5 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
41.5 HA

Midsole softness in cold (%)

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

Opting for a PEBA-based foam brings a notable side benefit—enhanced performance in cold conditions, a clear leap over the standard EVA foam used in many daily trainers.

The Supernova Rise excelled in our 20-minute freezer test, hardening by just 12.4%, showcasing its superior cold-weather adaptability.

Adidas Supernova Rise Difference in midsole softness in cold
Test results
Supernova Rise 12.4%
Average 25.5%
Compared to 276 running shoes
Number of shoes
0%
Midsole softness in cold
100%

Rocker

We didn't anticipate Adidas introducing a pronounced rocker design in the Supernova series, yet they have in the Rise. It appears to us that a significant number of runners today prefer a nice rocker in their running shoes, prompting Adidas to adopt this trend even in their everyday trainers.

Compared to previous models, the ride features a mild rocker in the forefoot, yet marking it for us as a notably rockered Supernova. This design enhances transitions for heel strikers, offering a considerable advantage to those who often find themselves restricted by flatter geometries.

Adidas Supernova Rise Rocker

Stability

Lateral stability test

Regarding stability, although designed as a neutral shoe, this shoe impressed us with exceptional support during our test runs.

This stability likely stems from a harmonious blend of balanced foam, a significant heel bevel, and the Support Rods.

Adidas Supernova Rise heel bevel
That's a massive heel bevel!

Yet, there seems to be more contributing to its solid performance—let's delve deeper to uncover the reasons.

Torsional rigidity

The Supernova series is known for its exceptional torsional flexibility, rendering this shoe perfectly suitable for a wide range of activities—from walking the dog to attending gym classes.

This versatility remains evident in our hands-on evaluation, where it achieved a solid 2/5 rating.

Test results
Supernova Rise 2
Average 3.3
Compared to 328 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Heel counter stiffness

Adidas truly focused on stability, as previously mentioned, by engineering an exceptionally rigid heel counter, which we awarded a max 5/5 rating.

The rationale behind this design choice is straightforward—the shoe is tailored for heel strikers, aiming to enhance their running experience with superior stability despite being a neutral shoe.

Thus, it seems that the guys from Herzo deemed it worthwhile to slightly compromise heel comfort, particularly for those with Achilles issues, in exchange for significant gains in stability.

Test results
Supernova Rise 5
Average 2.8
Compared to 312 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel counter stiffness
5

Midsole width - forefoot

Upon measuring the actual dimensions of the shoe, we were taken aback—the shoe presents and feels larger than our measurements suggest, especially given its stability.

In the forefoot, it measures just 112.8 mm, which is fairly standard.

Adidas Supernova Rise Midsole width in the forefoot
Test results
Supernova Rise 112.8 mm
Average 114.1 mm
Compared to 350 running shoes
Number of shoes
100.5 mm
Midsole width - forefoot
127.9 mm

Midsole width - heel

In the heel, our surprise deepened when we discovered a width of merely 86.4 mm—quite narrow indeed.

We believe that Adidas could enhance even more the shoe's stability in future iterations by modestly widening the heel, while still maintaining its agility by not overdoing it.

Adidas Supernova Rise Midsole width in the heel
Test results
Supernova Rise 86.4 mm
Average 90.7 mm
Compared to 350 running shoes
Number of shoes
74.9 mm
Midsole width - heel
106.6 mm

Flexibility

Stiffness

We've already established that the torsional rigidity of the Supernova Rise is quite minimal. So, how does it fare in terms of torsional stiffness?

In our bending test, where we flexed the shoe to 90 degrees, it demonstrated remarkable flexibility, requiring only 14.9N of force. This is fantastic for those who value a natural feel underfoot, and for everyday wear. And given its design, we'd say it's definitely airport-approved!

Test results
Supernova Rise 14.9N
Average 28.6N
We use an average of four tests. The video shows one of those tests.
Compared to 332 running shoes
Number of shoes
2.2N
Stiffness
94.4N

Stiffness in cold (%)

The foam's performance post the initial freezer test was impressive, but the outcome of the second test didn't quite meet our expectations.

Upon re-evaluating the stiffness, we observed a 26.7% increase—a significant uptick for a PEBA foam. While this isn't necessarily poor performance, it fell short of our hopes.

Test results
Supernova Rise 26.7%
Average 34.1%
Compared to 332 running shoes
Number of shoes
0%
Stiffness in cold
148%

Size and fit

Toebox width - widest part

From the get-go, the shoe felt spacious, sparking our curiosity. Despite initial impressions suggesting a narrower fit, our measurements told a different story. Eager for clarity, we embarked on a series of tests.

Our calipers confirmed a generously roomy upper at 101.3 mm, making it an excellent choice for those with slightly wider feet.

Adidas Supernova Rise Toebox width at the widest part
Test results
Supernova Rise 101.3 mm
Average 98.4 mm
Compared to 350 running shoes
Number of shoes
89.5 mm
Toebox width - widest part
109.1 mm

Toebox width - big toe

The big toe area truly reveals the essence of this wide toebox, highlighting why taking two measurements instead of just one is crucial. We found it to be a spacious 83.3 mm, which is remarkably roomy.

Adidas Supernova Rise upper

For those with square-shaped feet, this shoe is a godsend. The toebox offers ample space up front, ensuring that no matter the heat or how much your feet might swell, there will always be enough room to accommodate them comfortably.

Adidas Supernova Rise Toebox width at the big toe
Test results
Supernova Rise 83.3 mm
Average 78.3 mm
Compared to 224 running shoes
Number of shoes
60.4 mm
Toebox width - big toe
92.5 mm

Tongue: gusset type

The tongue isn't gusseted, leaving it free to move around, which is particularly troublesome in a shoe with a wide upper.

This tendency for the tongue to shift, especially at higher speeds, is quite disappointing in an otherwise solid shoe. It's a straightforward issue to address, so perhaps we'll see it gusseted in version 2?

Adidas Supernova Rise Tongue: gusset type
Test results
Supernova Rise None

Comfort

Tongue padding

While the tongue's lack of gusseting was a letdown, its generous thickness—measuring at 9.9 mm with layers of foam—offers a redeeming quality.

Adidas Supernova Rise tongue
The laces are good, but considering this is an Adidas shoe, they're quite impressive!

This design ensures there's no discomfort, making it one of the most luxuriously plush and comfortable tongues we've encountered in our recent tests.

Adidas Supernova Rise Tongue padding
Test results
Supernova Rise 9.9 mm
Average 5.8 mm
Compared to 347 running shoes
Number of shoes
0.5 mm
Tongue padding
14.2 mm

Heel tab

We noticed the absence of a heel tab, consistent with Adidas' recent trends in their training line designs. Conversely, the Adizero line typically includes a pull tab.

Adidas Supernova Rise Heel tab
Test results
Supernova Rise None

Removable insole

The insole is not glued, and with its standard dimensions and thickness, we anticipate that swapping in custom orthotics or sockliners from other shoes should be hassle-free for everyone.

Adidas Supernova Rise Removable insole
Test results
Supernova Rise Yes

Misc

Reflective elements

It would have been disappointing for the Supernova Rise, excelling in areas like value and stability, to lack reflective details. Fortunately, we're pleased to report that it includes them, enhancing visibility and safety at night.

Test results
Supernova Rise Yes