Article by Sam Winebaum and Renee Krusemark
Supernova Rise 2 ($140)
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Versatile all around daily road trainer: Sam/Renee
Classic 10mm geometry with nicely stabilized, modern, decently lively supercritical foam energy: Sam
Light for substance and support: big 28g drop in weight to 260g / 9.17 oz US8.5 sample
Smoother fitting flawless upper with plenty of toe box room and good hold: Sam/Renee
At the ground subtle not in the way stability:Sam/Renee
Cons:
Wish for 2mm more forefoot cushion and an 8mm drop:Sam/Renee
Outsole is overly complex and adds weight:Sam/Renee
Lateral heel rubber coverage could be decoupled for a smoother less firm transition (but due to softer foam noticeably improved over v1): Sam
Not as dynamic as many othercomparable daily trainers: Renee
Introduction
The Supernova Rise 2 joins the adidas 2024 redo of essentially all of their run trainers and racers from the more elite/speed Adizero line and now through to the more “democratic” Supernova line where the updates are most striking given how dated the line was.
At the end of 2023 we saw the first Supernova Rise, adi’s first more general reasonably priced daily trainer with supercritical foam (Dreamstrike+ PEBA blend). Then we saw the Supernova Prima, somewhat more shoe with the same Dreamstrike+ foam and with a similar stable neutral ride which was one of my favorite trainers of 2024. Even the boat like Ultraboost 5X got a massive weight drop and simplification underfoot to become a worthy daily trainer in its own right.
The Rise 1 was OK but had a thick heavy upper and for me an over rigid and quite firm lateral heel outsole. With Rise 2, we see a dramatic 28g / 10 oz weight drop on the same 10mm drop 35.5mm / 25.5mm platform as it gets a thinner, smoother fitting upper.
In my testing, the Rise 2’s Dreamstrike+ foam midsole is somewhat softer and more energetic. And this “super foam” is in a reasonably priced $140 trainer. The difference is almost but not quite night and day, even if the shoe looks and is largely the same with the Rise 2 now tuned for a wider variety of run types and with a more pleasant ride. Please read on for all the details as Renee and I tested it.
Most comparable shoes
adidas Supernova Prima
Diadora Frequenza
Diadora Nucelo
Nike Pegasus Plus
ASICS Novablast 5
Please find the testers full run bios at the end of the article after Comparisons.
Stats
Approx.Weight: men's 9.4 oz / 266g US9
Prior Version Weight: men’s 10.45 oz / g
Sample Weight: men’s 260g / 9.17 oz US8.5 10.2 oz / 288g
women’s 8.36 oz / 237g US8
Stack Height: men’s 35.5mm heel / 25.5mm forefoot stack height (10mm drop spec)
Platform Width: 90mm heel / 75mm midfoot / 115mm forefoot
$140. Available now including in 2E wide sizing
First Impressions, Fit and Upper
Sam: The upper moves from a heavy, somewhat suffocating engineered knit to a thinner, more breathable, densely woven and for sure lighter engineered mesh. It is fairly densely woven, soft and has a touch of stretch but not too much to affect hold.
I find it both more comfortable and more secure than the prior knit upper and a near perfect upper for such a shoe.
Toe Box Fit: Supernova Rise 2 (left), Supernova Rise 1 (right)
Foot hold front to back is comfortable and secure. Not a “fancy” upper it does its job well.
Given no tongue gusset and a relatively unstructured upper the rear hold is key to lockdown. The padded collars are moderately stiff starting right behind lace up, key to good hold but not so rigid right at lace up to be uncomfortable and over stiff
The heel counter is relatively low and rigid and extends as it slopes down essential to the lace up. The ankle and achilles padding is moderately firm and extends down towards the foot bed almost to the lace up. This heel counter is more extensive and longer than most in its class. The combination of counter and padding really holds the foot very well without excess pressures or any slipping.
Lace up is easy and stays put. The top of the tongue has a deep pad so even as I had to lace quite tightly for my narrow to medium foot I had no lace bite. The tongue below that is more thinly padded. The “3 Stripes” play a key role in midfoot hold and are more than mere paint of thin overlays. Yet they are not felt as any kind of sometimes infamous adidas “cage”
The toe box is moderately broad, unstructured with very good hold
Renee: As Sam wrote, the upper is not “fancy” or performance based, but it doesn’t need to be. The weight drop from v1 is mostly due to the upper changes, and these changes are well done.
Security and comfort are not compromised with the changes. The heel is stiff, but not obtrusive on the run. I find the heel padding to be plush, which makes the initial step-up comfortable. Overall, the upper is what it needs to be for a daily trainer. For sizing, most runners can go to true-to-size. As someone between half sizes, I could use the shorter half size.
Midsole & Platform
Sam: The midsole features Dreamstrike+ foam, a supercritical PEBA blend foam that is 20% bio based. Gone are the firm dull and heavy rides of recent Supernova. Here we have a lively if well tamed rebound.
The blue (hardened) EVA Support Rods and outsole below provide some inherent stability. With a 35.5mm heel we have plenty of rear cushion. The extensive rear lateral rubber makes for a fairly stiff not particularly well decoupled landing for my slower paces heel striking although its extended bevels helps mitigate some of the firmness. That said, given the now softer foam above, I found the landings considerably improved over version 1 and could clearly feel this in an A/B test run with both versions on opposite feet.
As a 10 mm drop shoe, the forefoot at 25.5 mm is thinner than many of this year’s more max cushion options. I would say the front cushioning, given the Dreamstrike foam+ is more than adequate for most runs but the longest although the ramp down from the heel is noticeable as is the easy front flex leading to decently quick toe offs. I also note the Rise 2 is more flexible than v1, maybe due to the change in foam stiffness/firmness and the now thinner upper.
Stable, lively given its supercritical foam, on the serious side given the Support Rods and extensive outsole providing some stability, and now very decently light the midsole is well tuned for daily training at most mid range paces and distances. If you want a “faster” daily trainer in adidas look to the Adizero SL 2. A longer distances option the Prima. Both are compared below in Comparisons.
Renee: Sam makes a good point about the use of Rise 2. If you want an upbeat daily trainer, you’re better off with a different shoe. The Rise 2 is a true “basic” daily trainer category and it’s best for those needing a high drop.
The midsole is flexible underfoot, and despite the padded/rigid heel I found the ride smooth for a variety of paces even though I prefer a lower drop shoe. The forefoot initially feels cushioned, but after a few miles, it’s clear that the shoe isn’t the best option for a 20 miler.
Running on dirt and gravel, the cushion is not a factor but for road/paved surfaces I would want more under my forefoot for a long easy run. A point could be made for more forefoot stack and an 8mm drop, although I wonder if that would create a clunky ride.
Outsole
The outsole is for all intents and purposes full coverage and complex.
As previously mentioned, the rear features a firm extended slab of Adiwear rubber concentrated on the lateral side with an overly (in my opinion) minimal crash pad groove. The midfoot has extensive coverage of a slight softer “crystal” type rubber. The front has Adiwear black rubber with longitudinal cutouts to the blue Support Rods below. Given the upfront rubber coverage, I am surprised how flexible the Supernova is while at the same time remaining stable.
Grip is just fine and durablity overall, regardless of where you typically wear outsoles, should be very solid.
Renee: I agree with Sam that the rubber coverage is adequate without compromising the flexibility underfoot. Running on gravel, the tread was fine and despite the high drop, the control is easy thanks to that flexibility. An argument could be made that the coverage could be less complex and thus reduce weight. For heavy runners, more forefoot and heel rubber and less under the midfoot might improve the midsole durability.
Ride, Conclusions and Recommendations
Renee: The Supernova Rise 2 is an improvement from v1. The shoe is lighter weight without compromising overall comfort and fit. The midsole is a touch more flexible and dynamic as well.
The shoe is still a basic daily trainer and best for runners who need or like a high drop. The ride is fine for daily miles and it’s not bad for strides. For uptempo runs, a few other options work better for me as someone who prefers a lower drop shoe. While improved from the previous version, it’s a bit difficult to compare to other daily trainers that offer either long run capability or an uptempo ride (or both) at the same price. The value in the Rise 2 will rest on a runner’s preference for a high drop.
Renee’s Score: 8.75/10
Ride 9/10 Fit 9/10 Value 8/10 Style 9/10
😊😊😊
Sam: Clearly improved in fit and ride over its first edition while losing considerable weight the Supernova Rise 2 is now squarely in the daily road trainer front pack if along with a modern energetic foam you also seek a touch of stability and a consistent riding trainer. A bit “serious” it is not in the “fun” trainer category. We’ll leave that to its lighter and snappier but less stable cousin the Adizero SL 2. Due to its relatively low forefoot stack height it may not be the ideal long moderate pace run option. For that look to the Supernova Prima.
With softer and more dynamic foam as well as lighter and smoother fitting and more secure upper it is clearly improved over its first edition although its platform and outsole does not change. Its transitions of the heel are improved but not quite as smooth and easy as its Prima sibling.
Looking for a higher drop more traditional geometry daily trainer with a super foam midsole and a touch of reliable stability that is not in the way and a fair price at $140 for a modern shoe in all respects the Supernova Rise 2 while not the most exciting option is a fine and reliable choice.
Sam's Score: 8.9 /10
Deductions for (still) somewhat overly stiff heel landings and for potentially to much outsole coverage adding to weight and dampening the Dreamstrike+ foam fun potential.
7 Comparisons
Supernova Rise 1 (RTR Review)
Renee: The new version loses weight and has a more dynamic midsole feel. Otherwise, the purpose is the same. I’d suggest v2 for anyone who enjoyed v1.
Sam: Agree with Renee. I would add that the Rise 2 upper is smoother and more secure fitting and more comfortable as well as lighter.
Supernova Prima (RTR Review)
Sam: The Prima steps up the Rise 2 stack height by 2.5mm at the heel and 4.5mm at the forefoot to 37.5 /29.5 of the same Dreamstrike+ foam and tops it with a more plush upper. Its weight is 0.6 oz heavier than the Rise at 9.8 oz / 278g US8.5.
At the ground the problematic stiff lateral rear outsole of the Rise 2 is replaced with the same hardened EVA as its Support Rods for a smoother overall ride while the rest of the outsole is a crystal type rubber. Its ride is more plush and protective. The catch.. It is $170 while the Rise 2 is $140 but I think overall worth it.
Adizero SL 2 (RTR Review)
Sam: The SL 2 is the next step “down” in weight and up in performance adidas daily trainer. Higher stack at 40mm heel /31mm on a narrower heel and midfoot platform the SL2 checks in just under 1 oz lighter than the Rise 2 at 8.25 oz / 234g US8.5. It’s midsole is made up of an outer carrier of quite soft Lightstrike 2.0 foam with a core of top racing grade Lightstrike Pro. At a mere $130 something has to give.. and its the upper. Its mesh is similar to the Rise 2’s but thinner and with the big stack height ends up less supportive with the shoe also less stable than the Rise. The SL2 is a great choice as a daily trainer for the light efficient runner while the Rise 2 is a safer and more steady bet for the rest of us,
Diadora Frequenza (RTR Review)
Renee: The Frequenza is a more dynamic ride, capable of uptempo paces while still being a daily trainer. At a 8mm drop, the Frequenza works better for me. The Frequenza is much lighter in weight too (7.20oz as compared to 8.36oz in a women’s 8). The Rise 2 has a more plush and comfortable upper. I had issues with irritation with the Frequenza tongue stitching, otherwise it’s a more fun and dynamic shoe. Sizing is comparable with the Rise 2 having more length.
Diadora Nucleo 2 (RTR Review)
Sam: Higher heel stack at 40mm and lower drop at 5mm with a 35mm forefoot the Nucleo is similar riding, energetic yet well planted. I especially noticed its deeper, more protective forefoot cushion. About 0.4 oz heavier it is a highly comparable shoe in being a neutral shoe that is inherently stable. Both true to size.I prefer the smoother fitting lighter Rise upper while I prefer the more pulled together Nucleo ride and its lower drop for longer distances.
ASICS Novablast 5 (RTR Review)
Renee: The Novablast is a fun shoe with a more dynamic and comfortable underfoot ride. For all reasons, the Novablast is a better shoe for me. It’s the lighter shoe, yet capable of longer distances. Unless you need a 10mm drop as compared to 8mm, I suggest the Novablast.
Nike Pegasus Plus (RTR Review)
Sam: The Pegasus Plus is a full 1 oz /28g lighter and sits on the same 35/25 stack height. It features all supercritical Zoom X foam and a simpler, less extensive yet more aggressive outsole. Its upper is more performance oriented in fit and denser and as with the Rise true to size for me. The ride ends up quite similar in the sense that both have a low flexible forefoot. The adidas is a bit more stable while the Nike is more agile in feel.
Index to all RTR reviews: HERE
Tester Profiles
Sam is the Editor and Founder of Road Trail Run. He is in his 60’s with 2024 Sam’s 52th year of running roads and trails. He has a decades old 2:28 marathon PR. These days he runs halves in the just sub 1:40 range if he gets very, very lucky. Sam trains 30-40 miles per week mostly at moderate paces on the roads and trails of New Hampshire and Utah be it on the run, hiking or on nordic skis. He is 5’9” tall and weighs about 160 lbs, if he is not enjoying too many fine New England IPA’s.
Renee is a former U.S. Marine journalist, which is when her enjoyment of running and writing started. She isn’t that awesome of a runner, but she tries really hard. Most of her weekly 50-60 miles take place on rural country roads in Nebraska, meaning mud, gravel, dirt, hills, and the occasional field. She has PR’s of 1:30:59 for the half marathon and 3:26:45 for the marathon.
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