Adidas Supernova Rise 3 running shoe review – opinion, price, comparison, who it’s recommended for

What is it like running in the Adidas Supernova Rise 3?

Cushioning and midsole

The Adidas Supernova Rise 3 features high-impact cushioning thanks to its moderately soft and moderately heavy Dreamstrike+ foam midsole. The midsole is wider than average, although it narrows significantly in the midfoot area, which limits overall stability. Energy return is average, making the shoe best suited for longer, lower-intensity runs, although it can handle short faster segments or moderately paced continuous runs.

Stability and guidance

The Adidas Supernova Rise 3 offers average stability. The midsole is wide and sufficiently firm, but there is no dedicated support element, and the midfoot narrows noticeably. Both the forefoot and heel feature moderate rocker geometry, which helps deliver quick and smooth transitions.

Upper and comfort

Comfort is a key strength of the Adidas Supernova Rise 3. The upper is made from PRIMEWEAVE, a mesh material that is softer and more flexible than average. The tongue is moderately padded, while the heel collar is generously padded and sits relatively high, enhancing overall comfort and lockdown.

Outsole grip and traction

The outsole of the Adidas Supernova Rise 3 is made from LIGHTTRAXION rubber, which provides excellent traction. The shoe works well for both heel strikers and forefoot strikers, supported by the 8 mm drop.

Pace and responsiveness

In terms of pace and responsiveness, the Adidas Supernova Rise 3 sits in the middle ground. The Dreamstrike+ foam offers slightly better-than-average energy return, making it suitable for faster segments or moderately fast continuous runs. Due to its weight, it does not belong to the lightweight speed shoe category, but it can still handle uptempo running.

Long runs vs tempo vs daily training

Both cushioning and responsiveness are above average, but neither stands out as exceptional. The shoe is suitable for longer runs and can also handle faster sessions, although long and fast runs are better suited to more experienced runners. It is clearly designed as a daily trainer rather than a race shoe, but for runners whose goal is completing the distance rather than chasing time, or for training races, the Supernova Rise 3 can be a solid option.

Who is the Adidas Supernova Rise 3 recommended for – and who is it not for?

One of the biggest strengths of the Adidas Supernova Rise 3 is its versatility. If you are looking for a general-purpose running shoe suitable for most of your daily training sessions, this can be a good choice. It handles longer runs well and can pick up the pace when needed. It is also a good option for heavier runners or runners with higher body weight. Beginners will find it suitable too, thanks to its comfort, cushioning, and balanced ride, helping to gradually increase mileage.

If you are looking for a lightweight, fast racing shoe, the Adidas Supernova Rise 3 may not be the best choice. It is also less ideal if you want a highly cushioned shoe with maximum softness and plush comfort.

What has changed compared to the previous version? Adidas Supernova Rise 3 vs Adidas Supernova Rise 2

The Supernova Rise 3 has undergone significant changes compared to the previous version, resulting in a lighter overall shoe.

The upper material has been completely redesigned to reduce weight. It now features a thinner, more flexible upper called PRIMEWEAVE.

The outsole and midsole construction have also changed significantly. The stack height has increased, while the drop has been reduced, making the shoe feel more dynamic. In the Supernova Rise 1 and 2, the midsole included the Support Rod System, a stiffer EVA-based rod structure following the foot’s anatomy to enhance stability. Its removal slightly reduced stability but made the shoe more flexible and responsive.

The outsole pattern has been completely redesigned and now covers a larger surface area of the midsole. As a result, already above-average traction has become even better.

Adidas Supernova Rise 3 alternatives – comparison

If we were to compare the Adidas Supernova Rise 3 to similar running shoes, the following models are worth considering:

• Puma Velocity Nitro 4, which is slightly lighter, with a narrower midsole and therefore slightly less stability
• Brooks Ghost 17, which is slightly heavier, has a higher drop, but offers better breathability
• Hoka Clifton 10, which has a higher stack height but similar weight and a similarly balanced, versatile ride
• Asics Gel-Cumulus 27, which features a softer and more flexible midsole, with similar weight and stack height
• Saucony Ride 18, which has a lower stack height and less responsiveness, but is slightly lighter than the Supernova Rise 3

Is there a difference between the men’s and women’s Adidas Supernova Rise 3?

According to official data, the women’s Adidas Supernova Rise 3 features a midsole that is 2 mm lower, a drop that is 1 mm smaller, and a weight that is 42 grams lighter than the men’s version. This difference may partly result from measurements being taken at EU size 39 for women and EU size 43 for men.

Adidas Supernova Rise 3 running shoe upper

The Adidas Supernova Rise 3 upper is made from a flexible woven mesh that adapts well to the shape of the foot. The newly developed PRIMEWEAVE material debuts in this model, offering a lightweight feel while maintaining a high level of comfort. The moderately padded tongue is gusseted, wide, and wraps the foot securely. The heel collar is stiff and generously padded, providing good heel support. The fit is true to size but leans toward the narrower side; runners with wider feet should consider the wide version.

Adidas Supernova Rise 3 running shoe midsole

The Adidas Supernova Rise 3 midsole is made entirely of Dreamstrike+ foam, a change compared to the previous two models, where Dreamstrike+ was complemented by the EVA-based Support Rod System. As a result, the midsole is softer and more flexible. Dreamstrike+ is a PEBA foam blend with an updated formulation that Adidas claims is 20% softer, although it still feels on the firmer side. This firmness contributes to good impact protection and helps with stability, although the shoe cannot be considered truly stable. The midsole is wide but narrows significantly in the midfoot. The rocker geometry is noticeable during transitions, which feel smooth and quick. Overall, the Supernova Rise 3 midsole has become more versatile and lively, making it a shoe you can wear for most of your training sessions.

Adidas Supernova Rise 3 running shoe outsole

The Adidas Supernova Rise 3 outsole is made entirely from Adidas’ proprietary LIGHTTRAXION rubber, a familiar compound tested in many Adidas running shoes. In all cases, it has delivered excellent traction and durability. However, the Supernova Rise 3 features a unique outsole layout and increased thickness, despite the focus on weight reduction during development. The LIGHTTRAXION rubber now covers a larger surface area of the midsole and is thicker than before, with deeper grooves. As a result, traction is excellent. The outsole is segmented mainly in the longitudinal direction, with no transverse flex grooves, which may contribute to the slightly firmer, stiffer feel.