Adidas Supernova Solution 2 review

In our opinion, the Adidas Supernova Solution 2 works best for runners who:

• Land on the heel and need light stability, while looking for a daily trainer that delivers strong value for the price.
• Enjoy energetic PEBA foams and want that lively feel paired with moderate support at a reasonable price.
• Prefer non-maximalist shoes, with excellent flexibility and a bit more guidance than a neutral trainer offers.

We think the sharply angled heel flare of the Adidas Supernova Solution 2 can feel awkward underfoot. In our opinion, runners who prefer a more predictable ride should skip this one. Instead, the Saucony Tempus 2 delivers a more standard heel design with... even better energy return!

We also do not recommend this shoe for runners seeking a stability-focused option for long distances. However, there are alternatives, as we found in the lab that the ASICS Gel Kayano 32 or the HOKA Arahi 8 are far better for those Sunday long runs.

In our lab tests, the Supernova Solution 2 delivered average shock absorption, with 127 SA in the heel and 95 SA in the forefoot. These results are perfectly fine for daily runs, but they may feel a bit limiting for runners planning to use this shoe for long efforts.

When we reviewed the first generation of the Supernova Solution, we loved the Dreamstrike+ midsole. Thankfully, Adidas keeps the same foam compound and midsole design here, delivering lively bounce that we confirmed in the lab at 67.6% in the heel and 68.1% in the forefoot.

Getting a PEBA foam in a training shoe at such a reasonable price feels fantastic, and we really wish more brands would follow this path.

We can imagine that during the development of this second generation, Adidas considered pushing the stack height higher. Still, the Supernova line has always been appreciated for its moderate stack and approachable feel, far from tall and intimidating designs.

As a result, the Supernova Solution 2 stays clearly below the max-stack category. In the heel, we measured 32.4 mm of total cushioning.

With just 22.2 mm of cushioning in the forefoot, this shoe clearly targets runners who enjoy strong ground feel and a feedback-rich ride.

For this reason, if you prefer thick foam and maximum underfoot protection, the Supernova Solution 2 will likely feel underwhelming for your taste.

A defining trait of the long-running Supernova line is its high heel-to-toe drop, and it remains unchanged here. Adidas states 10 mm, and we measured 10.2 mm, which is almost identical.

This type of drop clearly benefits heel strikers by smoothing out landings and easing the load on the calves, while some midfoot and forefoot strikers may find it a bit steep.

Dreamstrike+ is a big leap forward for Adidas, delivering a smoother and more energetic feel underfoot. The foam has been softened slightly from last year, and we measured this version at 15.8 HA on our Shore A durometer, making it plusher than the original.

That softer tuning is a bold move and may push the limits for a stability shoe. We think that runners who prefer a firmer, more controlled feel underfoot may prefer the first version instead.

The shoe keeps the same setup as its predecessor, using EVA-based Support Rods that run from heel to toe to enhance stability.

This system places a firmer 24.1 HA foam layer between Dreamstrike+ and the ground, adding control to the ride and balancing out the softer, plusher midsole above.

Thanks to its moderate stack height and the absence of plates, the Adidas Supernova Solution 2 maintains a more traditional midsole profile without aggressive rockers, making it a great fit for runners who enjoy a natural, classic ride feel.

The Supernova Solution 2 felt roomy from the very first runs, but we still wanted to confirm that impression in the lab. To do so, we poured our gel solution into the shoe and waited for it to fully set.

Once ready, we began taking measurements. The first reading came in at 97.1 mm, which is wider than average.

Our second measurement focused on the toebox and came in at 77.1 mm on our digital callipers. This result matches the roomy feel we noticed on the run and makes the shoe a strong option for runners who need extra space up front.

When it comes to toebox height, it no longer stands out as much as earlier versions, but 26.6 mm still provides adequate vertical room for most runners.

One clear trade-off in the updated Supernova line is the move away from Continental rubber, which Adidas now reserves mostly for Adizero models. As a result, grip is solid with a 0.52 score, but it does not reach the standout traction that Continental typically delivers.

We observed during testing that the outsole blends rubber sections in the heel and forefoot for added protection where it matters most, paired with a translucent polyurethane midfoot piece that helps keep weight down.

The bright yellow Support Rods run from heel to toe, and although they do touch the ground at times, we do not expect any durability concerns.

During our rocker evaluation, we already highlighted this shoe as a strong option for runners who want a more classic, less assisted ride—and this is the clearest proof. With just 7.1 N of stiffness, it bends with ease and reinforces a smooth, natural feel while running.

Thanks to the lightweight Dreamstrike+ foam and moderate stack height, the Supernova Solution 2 keeps weight in check for a stability shoe. On our scale, it came in at 9.2 oz (261g), a good result and a minor improvement over the previous version, which tipped the scales at 9.8 oz (279g).

One area that feels like a step back is the upper. The new dual-layer construction does not look as good as before, and the overall material quality also seems slightly lower.

Ventilation takes a hit, dropping to a 3/5 score. It still works fine for most of the year, but it now favours cooler conditions and feels less comfortable during hot summer runs.

That said, given that this is a stability shoe, we understand Adidas opting for a more structured upper to better manage lateral forces and improve containment.

Under the microscope, the mesh looks very similar to what we often see in much cheaper shoes, suggesting that Adidas maybe saved a few bucks per shoe here.

In our view, runners coming from version 1 can feel that the upper represents a small downgrade, although we think it's still solid for the price of the shoe.

Adidas is well known for its generous use of heel flare, and it is easy to spot here just by looking at the shoe. This geometry works very well for some heel strikers, while others may find it a bit intrusive or awkward. Midfoot and forefoot strikers, however, are unlikely to notice it at all.

When it comes to stability, this shoe suits runners who want mild support without feeling guided, and on our runs it felt closer to a stable neutral shoe than a true stability model, especially for midfoot and forefoot landings.

Despite its high longitudinal flexibility, the Support Rods add enough torsional structure to earn a 3 out of 5 rating. Even so, this still sits clearly below the level of torsional rigidity we usually see in most stability shoes.

Adidas clearly went all-in with the heel counter, using a very stiff internal piece that earned a 5 out of 5 score. Since the padding back there is not ultra thick, runners with sensitive Achilles tendons should keep this in mind.

We mentioned earlier that this shoe feels closer to a neutral design, and our midsole measurements fully backed that up. Rather than using an extra-wide platform like many stability shoes, Adidas kept it at only 114.3 mm in the forefoot.

The benefit is a more agile and enjoyable ride, far from the bulky feel of many stability models. The trade-off, of course, is reduced built-in stability.

The heel measured 89.2 mm, which sits very close to the average for running shoes. While that may seem narrow by current standards, it makes sense given this model’s moderate stack height.

The main benefit of the dense engineered mesh is its improved resistance to abrasion. In our Dremel test, the Supernova Solution delivered a solid 3/5 result, improving the result of its predecessor.

The heel padding also scored 3 out of 5, which is acceptable, but slightly below the higher results we usually see in this test and a bit lower than we expected.

To wrap up our Dremel testing, we turned to the Supernova Solution 2’s non-Continental rubber. It performed well, as our tire tread gauge showed just 0.9 mm of wear before reaching the rubber again.

With 2.3 mm of outsole rubber, Adidas sticks to the same design as the previous version, which showed no major durability concerns. That said, runners with strong overpronation might prefer a bit more protection, although this model is likely not the ideal match for that group anyway.

The stock insole in the Supernova Solution 2 measures 3.8 mm in thickness, which comes in slightly below our average lab reading.

Swapping the insole for added support is an option, and for runners with narrow feet, it can also help fine-tune the fit, as this shoe feels slightly roomier than many competitors.

Thanks to its PEBA-based formulation, the Dreamstrike+ foam stayed almost unchanged after 20 minutes in our lab freezer, showing only a minimal 5% change.

We’re always happy to see large reflective details, and Adidas delivered here by making the three stripes clearly light up when hit by direct light.

We found flat laces paired with simple punched eyelets, while a central loop with the shoe’s name helps anchor the tongue and keeps everything well aligned and secure.

When it comes to padding, Adidas clearly chose comfort over shaving grammes. With 7.4 mm of cushioning, the instep feels well protected, and pressure points are very unlikely unless you seriously overtighten the laces.

Another cost-saving choice in the Supernova Solution 2 is the absence of a gusseted tongue. It’s a small drawback, but we really hope Adidas addresses it in version 3.

One of the biggest strengths of the Supernova Solution 2 is its outstanding value. Very few shoes on the market combine this level of energy return, stability, and a reasonable price in one package.

The heel skips a pull tab and instead uses a thick, padded collar that hugs the Achilles area. This design improves comfort and reduces pressure points while keeping the heel clean and stable.