Adidas Supernova Solution review

We believe the Supernova Solution is a solid choice for:  

• Runners with minor-to-moderate stability needs looking for a versatile, well-priced option.  
• Adidas fans seeking a supportive trainer for consistent, everyday mileage.  
• Those wanting a year-round daily trainer with top comfort and light stability, particularly if they dislike bulky, maximalist running shoes.

We think the Supernova Solution isn’t the best option for those who don’t need added stability. In that case, the Adidas Supernova Rise is the right choice—it still includes the Stability Support Rods, but the streamlined design works best for neutral runners.

Additionally, for runners seeking thick, protective cushioning, the Supernova Solution might feel underwhelming. Based on our findings, its midsole only offers an average stack height. In comparison, the ASICS Gel Kayano 31 delivers far superior cushioning for long-distance efforts while maintaining excellent stability.

The Supernova Solution captures the essence of a daily trainer, which we often define as the average running shoe. In our view, the 33.1 mm heel stack aligns perfectly with this category—well cushioned yet not maximalist.

With this stack height, it handles short to medium-distance runs effortlessly, and it can manage long runs if needed. However, if you're seeking a shoe exclusively for long runs, we recommend something more cushioned like the Saucony Hurricane 24.

The front of the shoe measures slightly below average at 23.1 mm, which might be an issue for midfoot and forefoot strikers. However, we believe the Solution isn’t ideal for them regardless, given its high heel-to-toe drop.

It's also worth noting that with this forefoot stack height, some runners will notice a touch of ground feel during their runs.

This isn’t the best shoe for forefoot strikers, as its high heel-to-toe drop measures exactly 10 mm. In our experience, such a drop favours heel strikers by promoting smoother landings and reducing strain on the calves.

Impressively, we found the 10-mm offset matched the brand’s claim—a rare feat that highlights its  build quality!

This shoe features Dreamstrike+, a new foam found in best-selling daily trainers from Adidas. It’s a PEBA-based compound, but as we noted in our guide about foams, it prioritises durability over energy return—which is indeed ideal for consistent mileage.

In terms of softness, it delivers a well-balanced feel at 20.8 HA, as if Adidas intentionally targeted an average cushioning level and hit the mark perfectly. This much-needed upgrade puts Adidas back in the game, matching the high-performance trainers offered by industry leaders like Nike, ASICS or Brooks.

Adidas combined the Dreamstrike+ foam with a firmer layer of yellow Lightstrike EVA (31.0 HA) to enhance stability, and in our view, it works perfectly for that purpose. This thoughtful trade-off prioritises support over plush comfort, as expected for mild-stability shoes.

We discovered that this firmer foam also forms the Stability Support Rods. In our view, it’s clear this dual-foam setup is the cornerstone of the shoe’s stability-focused design.

PEBA foams consistently deliver outstanding performance across a range of climates, particularly excelling in cold conditions—a fact we’ve emphasised in our guide on running shoes and temperatures.

To validate this, we tested the Supernova Solution by placing it in the freezer for 20 minutes. The results were remarkable—its foam became just 8.2% firmer, a minimal change!

Adidas kept it simple with the insole, opting for an average thickness of 4.8 mm.

While a flexible, non-maximalist daily trainer doesn't require a huge rocker, Adidas added a noticeable curve that rises up to 5 cm. Combined with its steep 10 mm drop, it delivers a smooth, rolling-forward sensation ideal for heel strikers.

We found the toebox to be broader than most daily trainers, measuring 100.5 mm. This spacious design is ideal for runners with average-sized feet seeking extra room or even those with wider feet. In our view, this result also explains why Adidas didn’t offer a wide size for this shoe.

In our experience testing running shoes, Adidas has traditionally designed slightly snug uppers, but the Supernova Solution takes a different approach. Its stretchy mesh and well-balanced vertical space ensure a accommodating fit with enough room to wiggle the toes in all directions.

We then tested the toebox’s fit with a second measurement focused on the big toe area. We found that, at 79.8 mm, it tapers only moderately—just an average narrowing—allowing for a balanced and foot-friendly fit that works well for most runners.

Adidas incorporated several clever solutions—no pun intended—to enhance stability in this shoe without adding unnecessary bulk or stiffness, and make it worthy of the "mild-stability" category. The angled heel bevel is a good example, but the standout features are the Stability Support Rods running through the outsole and the wider, non-tapered midfoot.

We found the Solution offers average rigidity, scoring 3 out of 5 in our lab tests. This moderate stiffness is lower than typical stability shoes, making it a great choice for those seeking flexible yet supportive performance.

On the other hand, the heel counter resembles that of stability-focused shoes, earning a 4/5 score that's well deserved, given how challenging it was to flex by hand during our testing.

We already hinted earlier how this shoe escapes from the maximalist, oversized designs seen in models like the Hoka Gaviota 5—and here’s the proof. The forefoot measured an average 114.0 mm, aligning more with neutral running shoes than traditional stability ones.

The heel adopts a more streamlined design at just 88.8 mm. In our view, a slightly wider heel—5 or 6 mm more—would have been beneficial, especially since this shoe primarily caters to heel strikers.

This narrower heel highlights why this shoe is best suited for runners with low to moderate stability needs. For those requiring more support in the heel, we recommend looking at models with a broader base, like the one found in the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23.

In our experience, no other brand designs super-sized, aggressive heel bevels quite like Adidas—even in their neutral daily trainers.

We discovered a massive angle in the heel that directs the foot inward toward the medial side. This may feel slightly awkward for heel strikers unfamiliar with this brand, but in our experience, most runners adapt quickly.

The current trend in stability shoes focuses on delivering solid support without relying on intrusive methods common 5–10 years ago. This time, Adidas takes inspiration from the Energy Rods in the Adios Pro 3, reimagining them in EVA foam for a softer, slightly supportive design that stabilises the ride. 

They named it Stability Support Rods, and we believe it’s a clever idea that works effectively in this model, showcasing how advancements in supershoes and cutting-edge technology often benefit daily trainers—similar to how Formula 1 innovations, like paddle shifters, have become popular in modern cars.

A proper daily trainer should offer excellent longitudinal flexibility, and the Supernova Solution delivers brilliantly. We needed just 16.2N of force to bend it to the desired point. That's a super-flexible outcome that enhances its versatility and comfort. 

This level of flexibility, in our experience, makes the shoe perfect for relaxed walking and easy-paced runs. Therefore, we believe it’s a great choice for runners seeking a single, do-it-all shoe for daily use or even travel.

At 9.84 oz or 279g, we believe Adidas achieved a decent weight. However, this wasn’t a challenging feat—the Supernova Solution is not a maximalist shoe by any means, and its design meant we didn’t expect it to exceed 10 oz, which would have been disappointing.

The Supernova Solution features a double-layer engineered mesh—something we often see in daily trainers. However, Adidas took things up a notch by incorporating large ventilation holes, which significantly boosts breathability to 4/5 according to our scale.

When we tested it over an LED light, we were impressed to see that the toebox and midfoot offered exceptional airflow. This is rare for mild-stability shoes, where brands often sacrifice midfoot ventilation for structural support. We also discovered that the tongue—packed with thick, cushiony padding—lacks any breathability.

Afterward, we used the digital microscope to examine the ventilation holes up close.

The thinner mesh layer extends slightly beyond the thicker one, restricting some airflow but enhancing durability. Without this, the upper would likely wear out quickly from toe friction.

In our view, Adidas nailed the balance here. The upper delivers nice ventilation in key areas, and superb comfort around the instep and heel.

In our first durability test, we were surprised by the outcome. While it scored a lower-than-average 2/5, we found this surprisingly positive given the oversized ventilation holes—comparable shoes with similar airy designs often score just 1/5.

The heel area it's also really focused on comfort and made from a perforated lining, which likely impacts durability. We found a disappointing 1/5 score in our test, suggesting this shoe may not suit runners prone to wearing holes in this spot.

If you were hoping for Continental rubber, we’re sorry to disappoint—it seems that Adidas is keeping that partnership reserved for their premium models.

Adiwear feels like a balanced solution—nothing groundbreaking, but not underwhelming either. In our tests, the rubber showed near-average hardness at 80.3 HC, delivering decent grip that performs adequately without excelling. And it sounds like a fair deal at £140.

Adiwear delivered run-of-the-mill durability here in the lab, and it falls short of Continental rubber’s legendary resilience. We discovered a 1.2 mm tear—nothing alarming but far from impressive!

The outsole measures 2.4 mm, which we found strikes a smart balance between durability and weight. In our experience, other brands often add excessive rubber—making the ride too disconnected—while Adidas opted for a more streamlined approach. And we like it.

We believe Adidas has priced the Supernova Solution appropriately for a daily trainer. While it includes premium-like perks such as PEBA foam, it’s far from a high-end shoe and offers fair value for its features.

We believe brands should prioritize safety with reflective elements, and Adidas nailed it here. This design ensures you’re not just visible—you’re a dynamic, moving Adidas billboard!

The lacing system is a classic Adidas setup—flat laces, punched eyelets, and a centred tongue loop to keep it securely in place.

As for tongue padding, it’s ideal for those who prefer a plush, cushion-heavy feel. Measuring 11.2 mm with three layers of foam, the design felt pillow-like and substantial. For us, it was borderline bulky and heavy, but we know this cloud-soft style has its devoted fans.

The tongue is not gusseted, which, in our view, is a noticeable letdown. We found that even many budget-friendly options include side-fixed tongues, offering a more comfortable fit and secure lockdown.

As we've seen in other recent Adidas training shoes, like the Adistar 3, we found that Adidas opted not to include a heel tab, though the heel collar offers extra padding for enhanced comfort.

Removing the insole took no more than 5 seconds, but we advise against it unless absolutely necessary. The reason is that this shoe features a specially designed flared insole that enhances arch support.