Adidas has consistently pushed the boundaries of running shoe design, and their latest addition to the Supernova franchise – the Supernova Rise 2 – stands as a testament to their commitment to innovation.
The Supernova Rise 2 brings together cutting-edge technology, refined design elements, and performance-focused features that cater to both casual joggers and serious runners.
This review dives deep into what makes these shoes worth your consideration in 2025, exploring everything from the responsive Dreamstrike+ midsole to the breathable engineered mesh upper that sets it apart from its predecessor and competitors.
Key Takeaways
- Improved Lightweight Design: The Adidas Supernova Rise 2 is 4% lighter than its predecessor while maintaining excellent cushioning and support, making it more comfortable for long-distance runs.
- Enhanced Breathability: The newly refined sandwich mesh upper provides superior airflow and comfort, preventing overheating during intense training sessions.
- Responsive Cushioning: Featuring Dreamstrike+ foam technology that delivers a perfect balance between softness and responsiveness, offering excellent energy return without feeling mushy.
- Stability Features: The integrated Support Rod system helps guide your foot from heel strike to toe-off for smoother transitions and added stability without restricting natural movement.
- Versatile Performance: While excelling as a daily trainer, the shoe demonstrates impressive versatility across various paces and distances, making it suitable for everything from recovery runs to tempo workouts.
Midsole Technology: The Heart of Comfort
The foundation of any quality running shoe starts with its midsole, and the Adidas Supernova Rise 2 excels in this department. The full-length Dreamstrike+ midsole represents a significant advancement in cushioning technology. This PEBA-based foam delivers an impressive balance between softness and responsiveness that many runners seek.
Dreamstrike+ takes inspiration from the Lightstrike Pro foam found in Adidas’s high-performance Adizero lineup but features a modified formula specifically designed for daily training. The result is a midsole that feels slightly firmer than the original Supernova Rise but offers more resilience and energy return with each stride. This creates a more engaging running experience that remains comfortable even on longer runs.
One standout feature of the Dreamstrike+ foam is its remarkable resistance to temperature changes. Unlike traditional EVA foams that become noticeably firmer in cold weather, testing shows the Supernova Rise 2 midsole maintains nearly identical performance characteristics across various temperatures. This means consistent cushioning year-round, whether you’re running on hot summer days or frigid winter mornings.
The midsole also incorporates Adidas’s Support Rod system – dense foam pieces strategically placed to guide your foot through the gait cycle. These provide subtle stability without feeling intrusive, creating a smoother heel-to-toe transition that benefits both heel strikers and midfoot runners alike.
Upper Construction: Breathability Meets Security
Adidas has made significant improvements to the upper of the Supernova Rise 2. The newly engineered sandwich mesh construction represents a thoughtful evolution that addresses key aspects of comfort, fit, and performance.
The updated mesh material creates an upper that balances breathability with structure. Air flows freely through the material, preventing the buildup of heat and moisture during longer runs. Despite this excellent ventilation, the upper maintains a secure feel that keeps your foot properly positioned throughout your stride. The material also demonstrates good stretch properties, accommodating different foot shapes without creating pressure points.
The heel construction has been completely refined, featuring a premium foam collar that cradles your ankle with plush comfort. This design reduces the risk of heel slippage while preventing irritation around the Achilles tendon. The heel counter provides moderate structure – firm enough to support the rear of your foot but with sufficient padding to prevent discomfort for most runners.
Throughout the midfoot, the lacing system allows for customized tension adjustment, though some runners might notice the non-gusseted tongue can slide slightly during runs. The toe box offers a balanced fit with adequate room for natural toe splay without feeling sloppy or unstructured. This creates a secure but accommodating environment for your foot that works well across various distances.
Outsole Durability: Built for the Long Haul
The Supernova Rise 2 features an ADIWEAR rubber outsole that prioritizes durability without adding unnecessary weight. The layout combines traditional rubber in high-wear areas with strategic crystal rubber placement in the midfoot to optimize the balance between grip and longevity.
Traction performs admirably on standard road surfaces, providing reliable grip in most dry conditions. The outsole design includes flex grooves that align with the natural bending points of your foot, enhancing the shoe’s flexibility without compromising structure. This thoughtful approach to outsole construction contributes to the shoe’s smooth ride quality.
While not specifically designed for trail running, the outsole handles light gravel and packed dirt paths adequately, though traction diminishes somewhat on wet or slippery surfaces. For dedicated road runners, the outsole configuration strikes an excellent balance between durability and performance.
Wear testing suggests exceptional outsole longevity, with minimal visible wear after significant mileage. This durability factor adds value to the Supernova Rise 2, making it a cost-effective option for runners who put in consistent weekly mileage and expect their footwear to last.
Ride Experience: Smooth and Versatile
The Supernova Rise 2 delivers a running experience that feels notably different from its predecessor. The slightly firmer yet more responsive midsole creates a ride that works well across various paces and distances. The 9.5mm heel-to-toe drop provides a traditional feel that many runners will find familiar and comfortable.
At easy and recovery paces, the cushioning absorbs impact effectively without feeling overly soft or unstable. The Support Rod system shines during these relaxed efforts, guiding the foot through a natural transition without forcing your stride into an unnatural pattern. The overall effect is one of plush comfort that remains stable enough for longer runs.
When picking up the pace for tempo runs or intervals, the more resilient Dreamstrike+ foam reveals its versatility. The midsole returns energy more efficiently than typical daily trainers, allowing the shoe to handle faster paces without feeling sluggish or unresponsive. While not marketed as a speed day shoe, the Supernova Rise 2 demonstrates impressive versatility that makes it suitable for most training scenarios.
The shoe’s flexibility also contributes positively to the overall ride. With a forefoot that bends naturally with your foot and a midfoot that provides adequate stability, the Supernova Rise 2 allows your foot to move through its normal range of motion without restriction. This creates a more natural feel that reduces fatigue during longer runs.
Fit and Sizing: Finding Your Perfect Match
The Supernova Rise 2 offers a fit that accommodates a wide range of foot shapes while maintaining security where it matters most. The shoe runs true to size for most runners, though those between sizes might consider their specific preferences regarding toe box space.
Width-wise, the Supernova Rise 2 provides a moderately roomy forefoot that allows natural toe splay without excessive movement. The midfoot holds securely thanks to the well-designed lacing system, though some runners might need to experiment with different lacing techniques to achieve their ideal fit. The heel area offers reliable lockdown that prevents unwanted movement during your run.
The shoe also comes in a dedicated wide version for those who need additional space. This size inclusivity demonstrates Adidas’s commitment to accommodating diverse foot shapes and anatomical needs. The wide version maintains the same performance characteristics while providing additional room throughout the shoe.
For runners transitioning from other models, the Supernova Rise 2 offers a familiar fit profile that most will adapt to quickly. The toe box height provides adequate vertical space for those who need it without creating a baggy feeling that can lead to instability.
Performance for Different Runner Types
The Supernova Rise 2 serves as an excellent daily trainer for a broad spectrum of runners. New runners will appreciate the forgiving cushioning and stable platform that makes those first miles more comfortable. The durability factor also means beginners can focus on building their running habit without worrying about premature shoe deterioration.
Intermediate runners will find the Supernova Rise 2 strikes an excellent balance between comfort and performance. The responsive midsole provides enough feedback for progression runs and tempo efforts while remaining cushioned enough for recovery days. This versatility makes it an excellent option for runners looking to minimize their shoe rotation.
Even experienced runners will find value in the Supernova Rise 2 as a reliable daily trainer or recovery shoe. While serious competitors might prefer something more specialized for race day, the Supernova Rise 2 handles training runs of all varieties with aplomb. The consistent performance and impressive durability make it a workhorse that can form the backbone of any serious training plan.
Heavier runners will particularly appreciate the stability features and durable construction, as the shoe maintains its cushioning integrity even under additional weight. The Support Rod system provides subtle guidance without feeling corrective, benefiting those who need a touch of stability without moving into structured support territory.
Weight and Responsiveness Balance
At 9.1 oz (257g) for a men’s size 9, the Supernova Rise 2 achieves a 4% weight reduction compared to its predecessor. This places it slightly below the average weight for daily trainers in its category, creating a lighter feel that benefits longer runs without sacrificing protection or durability.
The weight reduction primarily comes from the refined upper materials and streamlined heel design. These changes maintain the shoe’s protective qualities while eliminating unnecessary bulk. The result is a more nimble feel that belies the shoe’s cushioning capabilities.
This weight class puts the Supernova Rise 2 in the sweet spot for versatility. Heavy enough to provide reliable protection for daily mileage but light enough to handle uptempo efforts when needed. The balanced approach to weight management contributes significantly to the shoe’s all-around performance capabilities.
The weight distribution also deserves mention, as Adidas has created a shoe that feels balanced underfoot rather than heel-heavy or front-loaded. This even distribution contributes to the natural feel during the running cycle and helps prevent fatigue during longer efforts.
Visual Design and Colorway Options
The Supernova Rise 2 features a clean, modern aesthetic that balances performance cues with everyday wearability. The silhouette presents a streamlined profile that avoids the chunky appearance of some maximalist competitors while still clearly communicating its cushioning capabilities.
Adidas offers the shoe in multiple colorways, ranging from understated monochromatic options to more vibrant combinations. The launch colorways include Orbit Grey for men and Wonder Quartz for women, with additional options scheduled throughout 2025. This variety ensures most runners can find a style that matches their personal preferences.
Reflective elements integrated into the three-stripe branding enhance visibility during low-light conditions, adding a practical safety feature that doesn’t compromise the shoe’s clean lines. These subtle reflective details remain visible from multiple angles, increasing your visibility to motorists during early morning or evening runs.
The branding remains tasteful and proportionate, with the distinctive three stripes serving as both a style element and a functional component of the shoe’s structure. The overall design language maintains continuity with the broader Adidas running lineup while establishing the Supernova Rise 2 as a distinct model with its own identity.
Value Proposition and Longevity
Priced at $140, the Supernova Rise 2 positions itself competitively within the daily trainer market. When considering the premium materials, advanced cushioning technology, and exceptional durability, the shoe represents excellent value for serious runners.
The durability testing suggests the Supernova Rise 2 will easily handle 400-500 miles for most runners before showing significant performance degradation. This extended lifespan effectively lowers the per-mile cost compared to less durable alternatives, even those with lower initial price points.
The PEBA-based Dreamstrike+ midsole also maintains its performance characteristics longer than traditional EVA foams. This consistent feel throughout the shoe’s life cycle means you’ll enjoy essentially the same running experience at mile 300 as you did during your first few runs – a significant advantage over competitors whose cushioning compresses and firms up more quickly.
Beyond running performance, the versatile design and comfortable fit make the Supernova Rise 2 suitable for all-day wear. This crossover capability further enhances the value proposition for those seeking a shoe that can transition seamlessly between running sessions and daily activities.
Comparison to Key Competitors
The Adidas Supernova Rise 2 competes directly with several established daily trainers. Compared to the Nike Pegasus 41, the Supernova Rise 2 offers a more resilient midsole feel with similar versatility but slightly superior breathability in the upper. The Pegasus provides a bit more structure, while the Supernova Rise 2 delivers a more natural feeling ride.
Against the Brooks Ghost 16, the Supernova Rise 2 brings more energy return and responsiveness while maintaining comparable comfort levels. The Ghost offers a softer overall feel, whereas the Supernova Rise 2 delivers better performance at faster paces. Both shoes demonstrate excellent durability, though the Supernova Rise 2’s PEBA midsole maintains its characteristics longer than the Ghost’s DNA Loft foam.
The Saucony Ride 18 presents perhaps the closest comparison, with both shoes offering balanced cushioning and versatility. The Supernova Rise 2 edges ahead in breathability and weight, while the Ride provides a more structured upper fit. The choice between these two excellent daily trainers might come down to individual fit preferences and brand loyalty.
Within Adidas’s own lineup, the Supernova Rise 2 occupies a sweet spot between the more budget-friendly Supernova Stride and the maximalist Supernova Prima. It provides more cushioning and premium features than the Stride while remaining more versatile and lighter than the Prima, making it the goldilocks option for many runners seeking an everyday trainer.
FAQs
Is the Adidas Supernova Rise 2 good for beginners?
Yes. The balanced cushioning, stable ride, and forgiving fit make it an excellent choice for new runners.
Does the Supernova Rise 2 run true to size?
Yes. Most runners find it fits true to their normal running shoe size.
How durable is the Supernova Rise 2?
Very durable. Testing suggests 400-500 miles of consistent performance for most runners.
Is the Supernova Rise 2 suitable for wide feet?
Yes. It comes in a dedicated wide version and the standard width accommodates most foot shapes comfortably.
Can the Supernova Rise 2 handle faster paces?
Yes. While primarily a daily trainer, the responsive midsole performs well during tempo runs and intervals.
How does the Supernova Rise 2 compare to the original version?
It’s 4% lighter with an improved upper, more responsive midsole feel, and better breathability.
Is the Supernova Rise 2 waterproof?
No. The breathable upper prioritizes airflow over water resistance.
Can I use the Supernova Rise 2 for marathon training?
Absolutely. Its cushioning, durability, and versatility make it ideal for marathon training programs.
Does the Supernova Rise 2 provide stability for overpronation?
It offers mild guidance through the Support Rod system but isn’t a dedicated stability shoe for significant overpronation.
How often should I replace my Supernova Rise 2 shoes?
Most runners should consider replacement after 400-500 miles, though this varies based on running style and body weight.
