Adidas Supernova Rise 3 review

Our lab testing and running experience show that the Supernova Rise 3 is ideal for:

• Runners who enjoyed earlier versions but wanted more cushioning and a softer underfoot feel.
• Anyone seeking a reliable daily trainer that blends comfort, grip, and strong overall value.
• Marathoners who need a durable, cost-effective option for building mileage on short to mid-distance runs.

We found in the lab that the new Dreamstrike+ foam feels less lively, and runners chasing a springy feel underfoot may be disappointed. In our view, there are better choices for that energetic feel, like the Adidas Adizero EVO SL or the PUMA Velocity Nitro 4.

We also think the added stiffness and bulkier build move it away from the smooth-flex, natural ride some loved before. In our experience, if you value a more flexible trainer, we do not recommend this version—consider the Altra Experience Flow 2 instead.

A quick glance at the Supernova Rise 3 makes it clear that it packs more foam than its predecessor, moving away from the classic profile toward a more substantial look. That increase translates into improved shock absorption in our lab, reaching 140 SA in the heel and 112 SA in the forefoot. For reference, the Supernova Rise 2 recorded 127 SA and 96 SA in the same test.

While the higher shock absorption will likely please most runners, energy return takes a noticeable step back. The Dreamstrike+ foam in the Rise 1 and 2 delivered surprisingly strong results, but here it drops to more average figures, measuring 58.8% in the heel and 62.8% in the forefoot.

These are still respectable numbers for a daily trainer, yet they fall well short of the impressive 69.5% achieved by its predecessor.

We clearly felt more foam under the heel, and our caliper measurements confirmed it in the lab. That said, the increase from 33.5 mm to 35.0 mm isn’t dramatic, so it’s worth shifting our focus to the forefoot.

Here we see a meaningful change, as the Rise 3 increases to 27.2 mm, adding 3.2 mm over version 2. As a result, midfoot and forefoot strikers will notice a more pronounced difference when upgrading from either of the previous versions.

For newcomers to the Rise series, the shoe now feels more in line with what runners expect from a modern daily trainer.

Adidas lists the drop at 8 mm, and our measurements came in at 7.8 mm. That level of precision reinforces the Rise 3 as a reliable option for runners of all footstrike patterns.

The PEBA-based Dreamstrike+ foam registered 28.6 AC on our Asker C durometer, landing clearly below our lab average and delivering a distinctly soft sensation underfoot.

This might surprise longtime Adidas fans, as the brand has rarely ventured into plush territory. However, that approach is clearly evolving in the Supernova line.

The modest increase in stack height results in a slightly more noticeable rocker, yet the ride never feels overly assisted or forced. In our view, it remains well balanced and just as versatile as before.

Few daily trainers manage to support heel strikers while still offering generous forefoot space, yet this remains one of them, something we noticed clearly from our first run.

Back in the lab, we created a gel mold of the shoe’s interior to capture three measurements. The first reading came in well above average at 97.6 mm.

The second measurement, at 74.5 mm, further confirms that this isn’t a shoe that squeezes or restricts the toes.

It's fair to say that one concern we had before taking measurements was whether the roomy fit would change. Fortunately, we proved it remains a solid option for runners with high-volume feet.

Even the toebox height is generous, measuring 29.0 mm.

If there’s one aspect that made us cringe a little in the first two generations of the Supernova Rise, it was traction. Adidas is widely respected in the industry for grip, so seeing below-average results was disappointing.

Now the outsole features the new LIGHTTRAXION compound from Adidas, which is gradually appearing in more affordable models besides super shoes like the Adios Pro 4, and it performs impressively. In our wet-concrete test, it scored 0.85—an outstanding result that delivers extremely strong grip.

The outsole has been fully redesigned, with Adidas clearly focusing on meaningful improvements. It combines generous rubber coverage with well-placed grooves to preserve torsional flexibility, and we consider it the standout upgrade in this version.

One trait that clearly separated the first two Supernova Rise models from most competitors was their remarkably low stiffness. They were highly flexible, but that changes with the taller stack and redesigned outsole.

The Supernova Rise 3 now measures 16.6N in our bend test, more than double the previous result, so you’ll need to be comfortable with a firmer feel underfoot if upgrading to v3.

While some updates may divide opinions without being true downgrades, added weight is rarely welcome. However, with the extra midsole foam and upgraded outsole, the modest 3% increase to 9.3 oz / 264g feels justified and nearly impossible to notice on the run.

The upper has improved. It now feels more premium to the touch and looks like a clear step forward, although we had some concerns about ventilation when examining it in the lab.

After testing the Supernova Rise 3 with our smoke machine, we observed slightly restricted airflow and rated it 3/5 for breathability.

It’s evident that Adidas prioritized comfort and durability, as the ventilation holes are limited in number and relatively small.

To inspect them closely, we used our digital microscope and confirmed that the perforations are among the smallest we’ve seen recently.

Even so, without a secondary layer blocking airflow, the shoe still provides acceptable ventilation.

Although increased airflow would have been preferable, this upper surpasses the previous two Supernova Rise models and feels more comfortable on foot than many daily trainer competitors. We think that it marks another meaningful improvement for the Rise 3.

From a stability standpoint, the Supernova Rise 3 feels noticeably different from its predecessors. It now delivers a more planted ride thanks to increased stiffness, a wider base, and a firmer heel counter.

While this added stability will appeal to many runners, we think that those who favored the more natural and flexible feel of earlier versions may find it less aligned with their preference.

The shift in torsional rigidity is evident, with the shoe now scoring 4/5. For a neutral daily trainer with a moderate stack, this feels close to the upper limit, and we believe pushing it further would be a mistake.

Adidas has also increased the heel counter rigidity, which now earns a 5/5, a score more often seen in stability models. To balance that extreme firmness, we found generous plush padding around the heel area.

The footprint is noticeably wider than before, giving the Supernova Rise 3 a more contemporary daily trainer feel underfoot. Using our calipers for a precise measurement, we recorded a forefoot width of 116.4 mm.

The heel width is where we noticed the most significant change, both on the run and when comparing it to its predecessor. At 93.3 mm, it sits above average and adds a substantial 7.3 mm over version 2.

Switching to a thicker upper with the upgraded Primeweave woven material not only elevates the premium feel but also enhances durability. Scoring 4/5 in our abrasion test is no small achievement, and the Rise 3 delivered with confidence.

On the other hand, the heel padding durability is disappointing, earning just 1 out of 5 in our test.

That’s a concern for runners who tend to wear through this area, although it didn’t come as a surprise. Keep in mind it achieved the highest score for heel counter stiffness, and Adidas added super-plush foam to offset that rigidity and maintain comfort. The trade-off between luxurious softness and durability is clearly connected.

The new LIGHTTRAXION rubber performs exceptionally well, wearing down just 0.8 mm in our demanding durability test. We’re genuinely impressed with the outsole upgrades.

Thanks to the strong performance we observed before, Adidas was able to use less rubber than is common in running shoes (and slightly less than in its predecessor too) likely to offset the added weight from the extra foam.

We measured the Supernova Rise 3’s insole at 4.6 mm thick, which aligns with the standard thickness found in most running shoes.

The insole features a subtle contour that adds a touch of stability, but we don’t see any issue if you prefer swapping it for a third-party option.

After 20 minutes in our freezer, the Dreamstrike+ foam became 26% firmer. That’s not a poor outcome, but we were hoping for a stronger performance in cold conditions.

We weren’t able to find any reflective elements in the Rise 3, which came as a slight disappointment. Adidas has previously used the iconic three stripes for reflectivity, and we think that would have been the ideal solution here.

The lacing system keeps things simple, using a standard setup with punched eyelets and properly sized laces. Considering Adidas’ inconsistent track record with laces, we’re satisfied as long as there are no issues here!

The tongue has been fully redesigned with a cleaner look and more straightforward construction. It now features a single layer of soft foam measuring 6.6 mm thick. We find it noticeably improved over version 2 in both comfort and material quality, and it also comes in lighter.

The semi-gusseted tongue adds meaningful value, especially given the generous space in the midfoot and forefoot. Skipping this feature to cut costs would have compromised the overall fit and performance.

The heel maintains a clean and functional design, omitting a pull tab to preserve a streamlined silhouette. Subtle adidas branding and soft padding deliver a comfortable, no-frills finish that aligns seamlessly with adidas’ identity.

While many brands are pushing prices upward in some categories, best-selling daily trainers have remained reassuringly consistent for consumers. The Rise 3 luckily follows that trend, holding its MSRP steady for this third iteration instead of introducing an increase.