Adidas Supernova Rise 3 review
Adidas’s everyday trainer gets softer Dreamstrike+ foam and a steadier platform. Reviewers praise its stability and durability, and miss some of the old spring.
- Drop
- 8 mm
- Heel stack
- 36 mm
- Forefoot
- 28 mm
- Weight
- 264 g
- Support
- Neutral
- Plate
- None
Our verdict
Steady miles, not fast ones.
The Supernova Rise 3 is a neutral daily trainer with soft, full-length Dreamstrike+ foam and a wide, stable platform, built for easy and long runs rather than speed. It suits runners of most strike patterns who want one durable, protective shoe for steady mileage and need no dedicated stability system.
Strong points
- Stable for a neutral shoe, with a wide platform
- Soft foam: 28.6 AC in RunRepeat’s lab
- Durable outsole and toe box
- Strong grip in RunRepeat’s lab: 0.94 against 0.53
- Comfortable for easy runs, long runs and walking
Weak points
- Modest energy return, less spring than the Rise 2
- Feels like hard work at tempo and faster
- Heel padding wore fast in RunRepeat’s lab: 1 out of 5
- Short laces and low volume over the toes
Who it fits
- Your stride is neutral, but you like a steady shoe
- Most of your running is easy and long
- You are building up your running
- You land on your heel
Who should skip it
- You want a lively, springy shoe
- You want one shoe for workouts and races
- Your foot rolls in markedly
Shoe profile
Where the Supernova Rise 3 sits among the 395 shoes in our catalogue.
| Axis | Supernova Rise 3 |
|---|---|
| Cushioning | 24 |
| Lightness | 50 |
| Stability | 30 |
| Drop | 45 |
| Response | 20 |
Fig. 1 · How to read it. Each axis runs from 0 at the centre to 100 at the edge. Cushioning, lightness and drop are the shoe’s rank in the catalogue from listed figures; stability and response are scored from the support type, the plate, the rocker and the intended use. The dotted grey line is the catalogue median. Source: Strideprint catalogue (cat).
Where it sits in the catalogue
Weight264 g, heavier than 50% of shoes
Drop8 mm, higher than 45% of shoes
Heel stack36 mm, lower than 69% of shoes
Forefoot stack28 mm, lower than 72% of shoes
How it feels
Written from 4 published tests. We quote measurements, not impressions we did not have.
Softer, and more protective. Full-length Dreamstrike+ at 28.6 AC, softer than the 35.5 AC average: slightly soft and protective, with a forefoot that can bottom out.
Stable neutral. A sculpted Support Rod, sidewalls and a 93.3 mm heel base: steady for a neutral shoe, without a stability system.
Smooth, not springy. Energy return of 62.8 percent at the forefoot, below the Rise 2’s 69.5: a smooth rocker, but little spring at speed.
Softer, and more protective. The midsole is full-length Dreamstrike+, which adidas describe as 20 percent softer and bouncier than before, according to Running Warehouse. RunRepeat measured it at 28.6 AC, well softer than the 35.5 AC average, with 140 SA of heel shock absorption against a 131 SA average.
Doctors of Running call it slightly soft but never mushy, with a heel a touch softer than the forefoot. RTINGS find the forefoot can bottom out under heavy impact. At 36 mm at the heel, 132 of the 183 neutral road shoes in our catalogue stand taller: protective, not max-cushioned.
Stable neutral. There is no medial post. Running Warehouse describe a Support Rod design now sculpted into the midsole, and Doctors of Running add a wide platform, a flared sole and sidewalls strongest at the heel and midfoot.
RunRepeat measured a heel base of 93.3 mm against a 91.1 mm average and a 5 out of 5 heel counter. RTINGS rate stability 8.6 out of 10.
Smooth, not springy. RunRepeat measured 62.8 percent energy return at the forefoot and 58.8 percent at the heel, below the 69.5 percent it measured on the Rise 2. RTINGS rate energy return 6.2 out of 10.
A large forefoot rocker keeps transitions smooth, according to Doctors of Running, but the shoe is stiffer than before: 16.6 N in RunRepeat’s bend test against a 15.5 N average. Tempo paces felt like a struggle to Doctors of Running.
Read more
Softer, and more protective. The midsole is full-length Dreamstrike+, which adidas describe as 20 percent softer and bouncier than before, according to Running Warehouse. RunRepeat measured it at 28.6 AC, well softer than the 35.5 AC average, with 140 SA of heel shock absorption against a 131 SA average.
Doctors of Running call it slightly soft but never mushy, with a heel a touch softer than the forefoot. RTINGS find the forefoot can bottom out under heavy impact. At 36 mm at the heel, 132 of the 183 neutral road shoes in our catalogue stand taller: protective, not max-cushioned.
Stable neutral. There is no medial post. Running Warehouse describe a Support Rod design now sculpted into the midsole, and Doctors of Running add a wide platform, a flared sole and sidewalls strongest at the heel and midfoot.
RunRepeat measured a heel base of 93.3 mm against a 91.1 mm average and a 5 out of 5 heel counter. RTINGS rate stability 8.6 out of 10.
Smooth, not springy. RunRepeat measured 62.8 percent energy return at the forefoot and 58.8 percent at the heel, below the 69.5 percent it measured on the Rise 2. RTINGS rate energy return 6.2 out of 10.
A large forefoot rocker keeps transitions smooth, according to Doctors of Running, but the shoe is stiffer than before: 16.6 N in RunRepeat’s bend test against a 15.5 N average. Tempo paces felt like a struggle to Doctors of Running.
Which runs it’s for
| Run | Fit | Why | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Easy runs | Made for it | Its main job for Doctors of Running, RunRepeat and Runnea. | RunRepeat, Doctors of Running, Runnea |
| Long runs | Made for it | Doctors of Running and Runnea took it on long runs; RTINGS score it 6.8 there. | Doctors of Running, RTINGS, Runnea |
| Recovery runs | Made for it | Soft and protective enough for tired legs, according to Doctors of Running and Runnea. | Doctors of Running, Runnea |
| Tempo | Can do | It handles uptempo running, but Doctors of Running found tempo paces a struggle; RunRepeat scores tempo 72. | RunRepeat, Doctors of Running |
| Marathon race | Not for it | RTINGS say it is not made for marathon racing; RunRepeat scores racing 53. | RunRepeat, RTINGS |
| Walking | Made for it | Doctors of Running and Runnea both rate it for walking and standing. | Doctors of Running, Runnea |
Source: RunRepeat, Doctors of Running, Runnea, RTINGS
What the tests say
Published reviews agree the Rise 3 is a stable, durable daily trainer for easy and long runs, with modest energy return. They split on how roomy the toe box is, how it fits in length and whether it grips on wet roads.
| Test | Type | Our reading | In one sentence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RunRepeat | Lab | Positive | RunRepeat scores it 87 out of 100 and calls it a clear step forward as a daily trainer, though less lively than earlier versions. | Read |
| Doctors of Running | Review | Positive | Doctors of Running give it A minus overall: a surprise improvement that is more stable and more durable than before. | Read |
| RTINGS | Lab | Mixed | RTINGS like the stable, planted platform and true-to-size fit, but find energy return mediocre and the forefoot prone to bottoming out. | Read |
| Runnea | Review | Positive | Runnea see adidas’s best everyday trainer for simply running, balanced and durable, though not a race shoe. | Read |
They agree
- Stable for a neutral shoeRunRepeat, Doctors of Running and RTINGS all rate its stability highly: 84, A minus and 8.6 out of 10 respectively.
- Little spring at speedRTINGS call its energy return mediocre, RunRepeat measured less than on the Rise 2, and Doctors of Running found faster paces hard work.
- Built to lastDoctors of Running expect above-average durability, RunRepeat measured little outsole wear, and Runnea saw barely any wear after 95 km.
They split
- Roomy or low-volume toe box?RunRepeat lists a roomy fit for high-volume feet among its pros, and RTINGS find the forefoot accommodating. Doctors of Running describe a slightly wide forefoot but a tapered, low-volume toe box that sits close over the toes.
- Does it grip on wet roads?RunRepeat measured a 0.94 traction score, far above the 0.53 average. Doctors of Running and Runnea both report some slipping on wet asphalt.
- Lighter or heavier than the Rise 2?Doctors of Running find it lighter than its predecessor; RunRepeat measured it about 3 percent heavier.
How it’s built
A classic daily-trainer build: full-length Dreamstrike+ with a Support Rod sculpted into the foam, a woven Primeweave upper, a stiff heel counter and a thin Lighttraxion outsole.
Full-length Dreamstrike+ with a sculpted Support Rod, a Primeweave upper, a stiff heel counter and a 2.1 mm Lighttraxion outsole.
| # | Part | Measure |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | UpperPrimeweave | Breathability 3 / 5 |
| 2 | Tongue | 6.6 mm |
| 3 | Heel | Stiffness 5 / 5 |
| 4 | MidsoleDreamstrike+ | Hardness 28.6 AC |
| 5 | Insole | 4.6 mm |
| 6 | OutsoleLighttraxion | 2.1 mm |
Fig. 3 · Side profile. Stack heights to scale (listed: 36 mm heel, 28 mm forefoot; measured: 2.1 mm outsole); the split between the two foams is not measured and is drawn at mid-height. Dashed: insole, hidden. Sources: Running Warehouse, RunRepeat, Doctors of Running, i-run, Runnea.
Upper. A soft, slightly stretchy woven upper with perforations, according to Running Warehouse and Doctors of Running. RunRepeat scored breathability 3 out of 5, against a 3.6 average, and toe box durability 4 out of 5.
Tongue. Thinner than before according to Running Warehouse, gusseted on both sides according to RunRepeat, which measured 6.6 mm of padding. Doctors of Running found it held the foot securely, even on turns.
Heel. A stiff counter, scored 5 out of 5 by RunRepeat and reaching about two-thirds of the way up according to Doctors of Running, with a heavily padded collar.
Midsole. Full-length Dreamstrike+ with a Support Rod design sculpted into the foam rather than added as a separate piece, according to Running Warehouse. i-run describe the foam as PEBA-based.
Insole. Removable, 4.6 mm thick against a 4.4 mm average in RunRepeat’s lab.
Outsole. A Lighttraxion compound that Running Warehouse describe as lighter than rubber, with generous coverage. RunRepeat measured only 2.1 mm of thickness against a 3.1 mm average, but a 0.94 traction score.
Read more
A classic daily-trainer build: full-length Dreamstrike+ with a Support Rod sculpted into the foam, a woven Primeweave upper, a stiff heel counter and a thin Lighttraxion outsole.
1. Upper. A soft, slightly stretchy woven upper with perforations, according to Running Warehouse and Doctors of Running. RunRepeat scored breathability 3 out of 5, against a 3.6 average, and toe box durability 4 out of 5.
2. Tongue. Thinner than before according to Running Warehouse, gusseted on both sides according to RunRepeat, which measured 6.6 mm of padding. Doctors of Running found it held the foot securely, even on turns.
3. Heel. A stiff counter, scored 5 out of 5 by RunRepeat and reaching about two-thirds of the way up according to Doctors of Running, with a heavily padded collar.
4. Midsole. Full-length Dreamstrike+ with a Support Rod design sculpted into the foam rather than added as a separate piece, according to Running Warehouse. i-run describe the foam as PEBA-based.
5. Insole. Removable, 4.6 mm thick against a 4.4 mm average in RunRepeat’s lab.
6. Outsole. A Lighttraxion compound that Running Warehouse describe as lighter than rubber, with generous coverage. RunRepeat measured only 2.1 mm of thickness against a 3.1 mm average, but a 0.94 traction score.
Durability. Strong underfoot, weak at the heel lining. RunRepeat measured 0.8 mm of outsole wear against a 1.1 mm average, but scored heel padding durability 1 out of 5. Doctors of Running saw no wear after about 30 miles, and Runnea estimate 600 to 700 km of life.
Durability. Strong underfoot, weak at the heel lining. RunRepeat measured 0.8 mm of outsole wear against a 1.1 mm average, but scored heel padding durability 1 out of 5. Doctors of Running saw no wear after about 30 miles, and Runnea estimate 600 to 700 km of life.
Specs, listed and measured
Every figure carries its source.
Drop, mm
Heel stack, mm
Forefoot stack, mm
Weight (men’s), g
| Spec | Listed | Measured |
|---|---|---|
| Drop |
|
|
| Heel stack |
|
|
| Forefoot stack |
|
|
| Weight, US M9 |
|
|
| Support |
| – |
| Plate |
| – |
| Surface |
| – |
Fig. 4 · Listed vs measured. Bars start at zero. Sources: Running Warehouse, RunRepeat, RTINGS, Runnea.
Lab measurements
| Spec | Measured |
|---|---|
| Midsole hardness |
|
| Energy return |
|
| Torsional rigidity |
|
| Heel counter stiffness |
|
| Traction coefficient |
|
| Breathability |
|
| Spec | Measured |
|---|---|
| Toe box width |
|
| Toe box height |
|
| Outsole thickness |
|
| Insole thickness |
|
| Tongue thickness |
|
| Flex force |
|
Sizing and fit
Your usual size works for most; volume over the toes is the point to check.
Length
True to size
Widths
standard and wide
Toe room
Roomy by measurement, low by feel. RunRepeat measured 74.5 mm of toe box width against a 73.2 mm average and 29.0 mm of height against 27.0 mm, and RTINGS find the forefoot accommodating. Doctors of Running still felt the upper sit low over the toes, with a toe guard that tapers the front.
RunRepeat, Doctors of Running, RTINGS
Full sizing notes from testers
Doctors of Running and RTINGS both found it true to size, and RTINGS score length fit 10 out of 10. RunRepeat’s reader vote, with 93 responses, leans slightly small, while Runnea found it slightly large: the two pull in opposite directions.
RunRepeat and RTINGS list a wide version. RTINGS find the arch area a bit snug, so runners with high arches should try it on.
RunRepeat, Doctors of Running, RTINGS, Runnea
Vs Supernova Rise 2
A softer, taller and steadier Rise that trades some of the Rise 2’s spring and flexibility for protection, grip and stability.
| Supernova Rise 3 | Supernova Rise 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Support | Neutral | Neutral |
| Drop | 8 mm | 10 mm |
| Heel stack | 36 mm | – |
| Forefoot | 28 mm | – |
| Weight | 264 g | 262 g |
Keep the Rise 2 if you liked a more flexible, livelier ride: RunRepeat expect fans of the earlier, flexible versions to hesitate, and RTINGS note that earlier Rise models had more bounce and flexibility. Move to the Rise 3 if you want more cushioning, more stability and better grip.
Listed figures. Source: Strideprint catalogue (cat).
Version history: Supernova Rise 2 to Supernova Rise 3
Softer, more protective foam. RunRepeat measured heel shock absorption up from 127 to 140 SA and forefoot from 96 to 112 SA. Adidas describe Dreamstrike+ as 20 percent softer, according to Running Warehouse. (RunRepeat, Running Warehouse)
Taller stack, lower drop. RunRepeat measured the heel at 35.0 mm against 33.5 mm on the Rise 2. i-run report about 1 mm more foam at the heel and 3 mm more at the forefoot, for an 8 mm drop; our catalogue lists 10 mm for the Rise 2. (RunRepeat, i-run, Strideprint)
Less spring, stiffer flex. RunRepeat measured 69.5 percent energy return on the Rise 2, above the Rise 3, and a forefoot more than twice as stiff in its bend test. (RunRepeat)
Support Rod built into the foam. The Support Rod is now sculpted into the midsole instead of being a separate piece, with a reshaped heel bevel, according to Running Warehouse. (Running Warehouse)
Much better grip. RunRepeat found below-average traction on the Rise 1 and 2, and well-above-average traction on the Rise 3. (RunRepeat)
Alternatives compared
Each one fixes one thing the Supernova Rise 3 does not do.
| Adidas Supernova Rise 3 |  Adidas Supernova Solution 3 |  Adidas Adizero Evo SL |  New Balance 1080 v15 |  Altra Experience Flow 2 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pick it for | This page | More stable | Faster | More cushion | Lower drop |
| Drop | 8 mm | 8 mm | 7 mm | 6 mm | 4 mm |
| Heel stack | 36 mm | 36 mm | 37 mm | 40 mm | 32 mm |
| Weight | 264 g | 280 g | 230 g | 261 g | 231 g |
| Support | Neutral | Stability | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
Questions runners ask
Is the Adidas Supernova Rise 3 good for beginners?
Yes, it is one of its natural uses. i-run aim it at less experienced runners looking for confidence, Runnea at a broad range of profiles at relaxed paces, and Doctors of Running and RTINGS both describe a stable, protective platform. It is a shoe for building mileage, not for racing.
Does the Supernova Rise 3 fit true to size?
For most runners, yes. Doctors of Running and RTINGS found it true to size, while RunRepeat’s 93 reader votes lean slightly small and Runnea found it slightly large. Wide fits exist, according to RunRepeat and RTINGS. Check the volume over your toes and under the arch.
Can you race a marathon in the Supernova Rise 3?
It is a training shoe, not a race shoe. RTINGS say it is not made for marathon racing and RunRepeat scores racing 53, but RunRepeat and Runnea see it as a good shoe for marathon training mileage. Keep a lighter, springier shoe for race day.
Does the Supernova Rise 3 have a plate?
No. The Supernova Rise 3 has no plate, according to RTINGS. Its stability comes from a Support Rod design sculpted into the Dreamstrike+ midsole, as Running Warehouse describe, plus a wide platform and sidewalls noted by Doctors of Running.
Supernova Rise 3 or Rise 2?
The Rise 3 is softer, taller and more stable, with far better grip in RunRepeat’s lab. The Rise 2 is livelier and more flexible: RunRepeat measured 69.5 percent energy return on it, above the Rise 3. Choose the Rise 3 for protection on easy miles, the Rise 2 if you miss a more natural, springy feel.
Supernova Rise 3 or Supernova Solution 3?
The Rise 3 is the neutral shoe and the Solution 3 the stability one, with guidance elements for moderate inward roll, according to Runnea. Doctors of Running find the Rise 3 lighter and less clunky. A fitting can show if your stride needs the extra guidance.
Is the Supernova Rise 3 good for knee pain?
No shoe treats knee pain. RunRepeat include the Rise 3 among its picks for runners with knee pain, and its soft, stable platform may feel comfortable, but that is a report of comfort, not a treatment. If pain persists or worsens, see a physiotherapist or sports doctor.
Sources
- RunRepeat, adidas Supernova Rise 3 lab review (Carlos Sánchez, updated August 2026). Accessed Oct 13, 2026.
- Doctors of Running, Adidas Supernova Rise 3 Review (Matt Klein, March 2026). Accessed Oct 13, 2026.
- RTINGS, adidas Supernova Rise 3 running shoe review (updated August 2026). Accessed Oct 13, 2026.
- Runnea, adidas Supernova Rise 3 (Gorka Sedano, updated June 2026). Accessed Oct 13, 2026.
- Running Warehouse, adidas Supernova Rise 3 Men’s Shoes. Accessed Oct 13, 2026.
- i-run, adidas Supernova Rise 3 homme. Accessed Oct 13, 2026.
- Strideprint, Strideprint running shoe catalogue (ranks computed on 2026-10-13). Accessed Oct 13, 2026.
- cat: Strideprint catalogue, 395 shoes
How we review. We read published tests, brand and retailer pages and lab measurements, cross-check the figures and flag where they disagree. We did not test this shoe ourselves. Last updated October 13, 2026.