Looking at the running shoe market with an objective eye, it’s clear that adidas has long been a target for innovation in the running shoe world. Whether it’s for the fastest products or the most comfortable ones, the brand with the “three stripes” has consistently pushed the market towards ever-improving outcomes.
In this context, the new Supernova Rise 2 enters the scene, the latest addition to the Supernova family, promising to elevate the everyday running experience to a new level. With a series of technological updates (found here) and a focus on versatility, this shoe aims to be a benchmark for everyday runners who seek both comfort and performance.
First Contact
As soon as you slip them on, the Supernova Rise 2s immediately make their presence felt—in a good way. You know that sense of relief you get when you lie down in bed after a taxing day? That “ohhhhhh finally!” feeling? I admit, I said it too the moment my foot slid inside.
They are welcoming and enveloping; you immediately feel the comfort and get that sense of newness we all appreciate—without the heaviness and structure that many shoes in this category bring. It’s as if they’re saying, “welcome, ready to go for a run?” And from the first fitting, the answer can only be “yes, can’t wait!”
Upper
The first major leap in quality is evident—or rather, felt—in the upper. Made with engineered mesh, it’s not only lighter than the previous model but also significantly more breathable. The fit is secure and—as I mentioned earlier—enveloping, allowing the foot to move naturally. The comfort is tangible, thanks in part to a smart distribution of support that wraps around the foot without oppressing it, especially around the heel: firm but unconfined.
The padding in the tongue, collar, and heel is exactly what you’d expect from a daily running shoe: comfortable but not excessive; designed to be cozy without losing the dynamic response of the shoe.
Midsole
Here lies the real strength of the Supernova Rise 2: the midsole with Dreamstrike+ (inspired by the Lightstrike Pro from the Adizero line), a supercritical compound that delivers a great balance between responsiveness and cushioning. The result is a smooth ride that doesn’t sacrifice ground feedback, maintaining excellent “bounce” that you can really feel with every step. Even the 10 mm drop is reassuring: it supports a natural stride, facilitating a fluid roll that feels like a natural amplification of the movement.
Sole
We often refer to running shoes as “rubbers,” overlooking the fact that they are also our shock absorbers. In the case of the sole, however, the analogy holds up well: coated with Adiwear rubber, it ensures excellent durability and reliable grip on various types of surfaces. In these spring days that alternate sun with almost equatorial rains, I’ve really been able to test it under all conditions, and it’s as secure in the wet as it offers little resistance on the dry.
Road Performance
The running experience is like running with a friend: you don’t notice the miles passing by, as if they shorten the road. It’s comfortable at relaxed paces and doesn’t shy away when you decide to pick up the speed.
Sure, it’s not a threshold training shoe; for that, there’s the entire Adizero line. But for the usage we ordinary people put them through, they are truly balanced and satisfying.
If I had to guess the process that led to the creation of this shoe, I’d say adidas took the Adizero package and said, “we’ve made a super-fast shoe, now let’s interpret it in a more comfortable and everyday-use friendly way.” Think about it, the Dreamstrike+ at the midsole takes inspiration from the Lightstrike Pro and the Support Rod system, with its shape mimicking the bone structure of the foot, is clearly inspired by the Energy Rods from the Adizero.
And it’s precisely the Support Rod that I really appreciate, especially on longer runs when your foot is tired because it provides the stability you need, without being too invasive at all other times.
Final Thoughts
The adidas Supernova Rise 2 is not just a shoe; it’s a statement of intent from adidas: to continuously improve technologies to offer runners an experience you want to repeat every day and, very importantly, to make it accessible to everyone.
At €150, it offers an excellent price-performance ratio for those looking for a performant but accessible shoe, capable of adapting to all needs. Whether you’re doing casual runs in the park to stay fit or preparing for a marathon, the Rise 2 is suited for any runner, from beginners to the more experienced.