Adidas Supernova Solution running shoes

The Adidas Supernova Solution running shoe is a stable, everyday running shoe for low-intensity runs. On the face of it, it looks very similar to the Adidas Supernova Rise running shoe we reviewed earlier, and that’s no coincidence, the Solution is basically a stable version of the Rise running shoe with a similar upper and sole, but the reinforcements and stability make the Supernova Solution 15 grams heavier. The Supernova Solution also features Adidas’ new foam, Dreamstrike+ foam in the midsole, which is a soft but dynamic foam. This foam is reinforced and made more stable by the Stability Rods system, made of harder EVA foam. The stability of the shoe is unobtrusive, and the Stability Rods system does its job almost imperceptibly. The effect is most noticeable on longer runs, when the foot is tired and the running motion and ground contact is irregular.

Adidas Supernova Solution upper

Adidas Supernova Solution upper

The upper of the Adidas Supernova Solution running shoe is made from a double-layer mesh fabric that has moderate breathability, which can be too warm on summer days. The double mesh layer is soft comfortable, as a stable running shoe you would expect a slightly stiffer upper to better support the proper positioning of the foot. The tongue of the shoe is cushioned, comfortable and well protected from the pressure of laces. As the upper has a wider design, the tongue is not fixed, so it is not worth tightening the laces. The heel collar is stiff, firmly holds the foot and is comfortable due to its high cushioning.

Adidas Supernova Solution midsole

Adidas Supernova Solution midsole

The majority of the midsole of the Adidas Supernova Solution running shoe is made up of the same Dreamstrike+ foam as the midsole of the Supernova Rise running shoe. This foam is a Peba foam blend, which is foam soft, moderately dynamic, has very good shock absorption, and is comfortable. You can run faster stretches in it but the Adidas Supernova Solution running shoe is designed more for shorter and longer runs, aided by its stability. The stability support is provided by a layer of EVA foam, which is also present in the Rise but is much thicker in the Solution. You can clearly see that the harder (blue) foam is thicker at the heel. In the middle of the sole, you can clearly see the continuation of the harder EVA, which go in multiple lines towards the front of the shoe to provide support there as well. The midsole is wider, and the geometry is also better at guiding the foot to be centered and perpendicular to the ground. As is common in stable running shoes, the Supernova Solution midsole is stiffer than average, but the Dreamstrike+ allows for a soft, comfortable landing.

Adidas Supernova Solution outsole

Adidas Supernova Solution outsole

The Adidas Supernova Solution running shoe outsole is made from Adidas’ proprietary rubber compound called Adiwear. The Adiwear rubber compound has good abrasion resistance, and the outsole’s durability is further enhanced by the thickness of the outsole. The outsole covers a large area of the midsole and has a deep pattern for good grip. Unusually, the middle part of the midsole is also extensively covered by the outsole, which has a triple articulation (heel, middle, front), but despite this articulation, the outsole adds additional stiffness to the already rigid midsole.

Summary

Overall, the Adidas Supernova Solution running shoe is a comfortable everyday running shoe for running longer distances. You can run faster stretches in them, but neither the upper nor the midsole are optimized for faster workouts. The Adidas Supernova Solution running shoe is all about comfort and stability, so you’ll tire your feet later, even on longer runs, without injury. The shoe can be a good choice for beginner runners, but it can also be a good choice for experienced runners for lower intensity runs, even longer ones.