The adidas Supernova Rise 3 is a clear step toward a more comfortable everyday running shoe with modern cushioning. The model features more Dreamstrike+ foam, a wider platform, and an all-new outsole, which results in a more stable and softer ride. At the same time, the shoe loses some of its performance and versatility compared to its predecessor. It’s a great choice for those looking for a smooth, predictable companion for their daily runs.
Basic Info
Tech Specs
Best For
The adidas Supernova Rise 3 is a running shoe designed for comfort and stability during everyday training. It offers a high level of cushioning, which is why it performs best on hard surfaces—such as roads and sidewalks. Runners with a neutral foot strike—especially those in the medium to higher weight ranges—who are looking for a safe, well-cushioned running shoe will benefit the most from this model. It’s primarily a comfortable daily trainer that works well as your go-to pair for regular, less intense runs.
Pros
- high level of cushioning (significantly better than its predecessor)
- comfortable fit and ample interior space
- stable foot support
- lightweight (among the top 18% of the lightest training shoes)
Cons
- less performance, especially compared to the previous model
- the very stiff heel counter may not be to everyone’s liking
Key Features – What’s New in the Latest Edition
| SUPERNOVA RISE 3 | SUPERNOVA RISE 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Stack height | 37/29 mm | 36/26 mm |
| Drop | 8 mm | 10 mm |
| Weight men’s | 272 g | 275 g |
| Weight women’s | 230 g | 230 g |
| Upper | Primeweave | technological mesh |
| Midsole | Dreamstrike+ – 20% softer than the previous version | Dreamstrike+ |
| Outsole | Lighttraxion – lighter, more flexible | AdiWear – heavier, harder |
adidas Running Shoes – Lineup
The Supernova line in the adidas lineup remains quite extensive, but the Supernova Rise 3 clearly leans toward comfort. It’s a model with very high cushioning that best suits the needs of the “everyday runner” who prefers a relaxed pace. If you’re looking for even more softness and the maximum possible cushioning, the new adidas Hyperboost Edge sits higher in the lineup. If, on the other hand, you’re looking for something with less cushioning but more agility, you can choose the Supernova Prima. Looking for more stability? Check out the Supernova Solution, which is the Rise equivalent for runners with overpronation. Finally, if you’re looking for a good but budget-friendly option, take a look at the Supernova Stride.
This is, of course, just a small part of adidas’ running lineup, which also includes more athletic series like Adizero and models with higher performance, such as speed training shoes and racing models. If you want to know more, be sure to check out the shoe guide for speed training shoes.
| NEUTRAL ADISTAR LINE | NEUTRAL SHOES | STABILITY SHOES | |
|---|---|---|---|
| maximum cushioning |  Hyperboost Edge | ||
| very high cushioning |  Adistar BYD  Adistar 4 |  Ultraboost 5X  Supernova Rise 3 |  Supernova Solution 3 |
| high cushioning |  Supernova Prima 2  Supernova Stride 2 |
Role in the Running Shoe Rotation
A good, sensible rotation could consist of this trio: adidas Supernova Rise 3, adidas Adizero Evo SL, and adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4. The Rise 3 serves as the foundation here, acting as a stable shoe for easy and recovery runs where comfort and protection are key. The Evo SL is a shoe for faster workouts and even tempo runs. It offers a completely different, lighter feel than the Rise model, without reaching the maximum level of responsiveness. The Adios Pro 4, on the other hand, is a shoe for “the fastest work,” designed for key workouts and races.
This rotation divides running into three key zones: comfort, pace, and maximum performance, ensuring that each workout is matched to its optimal shoe and preventing any of these shoes from being overused for too many different tasks.
| SUPERNOVA RISE 3 | ADIZERO EVO SL | ADIZERO ADIOS PRO 4 |
|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
| easy, daily long runs | daily short runs, tempo run | race day |
Similar to adidas Supernova Rise 3
Among the alternatives to the adidas Supernova Rise 3, you’ll find classic “everyday runner” models from all the leading brands. This is the most versatile and popular category. With the Rise 3, adidas has prioritized softness and stability at the expense of performance. It’s worth noting that the Supernova remains relatively lightweight for the level of cushioning it offers, but its characteristics are clearly geared toward a relaxed pace rather than versatility.
| MODEL | STACK HEIGHT (mm) | DROP (mm) | WEIGHT MEN'S (grams) | WEIGHT WOMEN'S (grams) | REGULAR PRICE (€) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| adidas Supernova Rise 3 | 35/28 | 7 | 272 | 230 | 150 |
| Asics Gel-Cumulus 28 | 37/30 | 8 | 259 | 223 | 160 |
| Brooks Ghost 18 | 36/26 | 10 | 289 | 260 | 150 |
| Brooks Ghost Max 3 | 39/33 | 6 | 317 | 283 | 160 |
| Diadora Equipe Nucleo 2 | 38/32 | 6 | 280 | 210 | 150 |
| Hoka Clifton 10 | 42/34 | 8 | 278 | 228 | 150 |
| Mizuno Wave Rider 29 | 38/30 | 8 | 265 | 225 | 160 |
| New Balance 880 v15 | 38/32 | 6 | 304 | 238 | 160 |
| Nike Pegasus 42 | n/a | 10 | 300 | 243 | 140 |
| Nike Vomero 18 | n/a | 10 | 325 | 263 | 150 |
| On Cloudsurfer 7 | 32/22 | 10 | 245 | 205 | 170 |
| Puma Magnify Nitro 2 | 40/30 | 10 | 275 | 245 | 150 |
| Saucony Ride 19 | 36/30 | 8 | 270 | 220 | 150 |
A New Generation of Comfort with Dreamstrike+
The Supernova Rise 3 builds on the outsole concept of its predecessor but significantly changes its character. The base is still the Dreamstrike+ foam, which provides cushioning. This material is blended with PEBA, but in this version it’s softer and offers better shock absorption and cushioning. This comes at the cost of slightly reduced energy return. The result is a very comfortable, softer, and “safer” feel, though it’s less springy during faster runs. The Supernova Rise 3 also handles heavier runners better than its predecessor. It will comfortably support runners weighing up to 90–95 kg.
The stack has been slightly increased—especially in the forefoot area. In practice, this provides even more cushioning and better protection on hard surfaces, but also greater separation from the ground. The latest Supernova Rise 3 is a shoe that matches the softness and ground isolation typical of mid-range training shoes. It is now a full-fledged, modern daily trainer that’s closer to models with maximum cushioning than to the lightweight training shoes from a few years ago.
Another significant change is the geometry of the sole itself. The base of the shoe has become wider at both the forefoot and heel, making it more stable and giving better control over lateral movement. This is a response to the softer foam, and adidas has done it… well. The Supernova Rise 3 is sufficiently stable given its height and the softness of the sole. Your foot doesn’t “float” side-to-side and sits very securely in the shoe. This comes in handy for everyday running on roads and paved trails, where comfort and predictability matter most.
Urban Traction with the New Lighttraxion Outsole
On the Supernova Rise 3, the outsole still has a typical urban character, but it has undergone one of the biggest changes compared to its predecessor. The most important difference is the new Lighttraxion rubber, which replaces AdiWear. It makes traction noticeably better, especially on wet surfaces, where the Rise 3 performs more confidently than its predecessor. At the same time, the rubber layer is thinner and more selectively placed, which has helped reduce weight without significantly compromising durability.
The outsole itself is moderately deep. The grooves are up to 1.6 millimeters deep, which is roughly what you’d expect from shoes in this segment. A definite plus, however, is the aforementioned traction, which is excellent for an urban shoe, and the contact with the ground is very predictable. This design aligns with the model’s character—a stable, comfortable shoe for everyday, relaxed running in typical urban conditions.
Technical Mesh With a More Premium Look
The upper on the Supernova Rise 3 has been significantly refreshed and looks more refined than on its predecessor. It still features a technical mesh, but this time it’s made using Primeweave technology. The material is thin and mesh-like in structure, which reduces the upper’s weight while increasing its breathability. This could be a good solution for warmer days. The shoe will feel colder, and your foot will be less likely to overheat.
The forefoot still offers a decent amount of space, even though we’re talking about the standard version. The width of the upper at its widest point is 106.3 mm, which is slightly wider than in the previous model. A measurement above 106 mm also indicates that this is a shoe with a width slightly above average. The forefoot offers some room but also has a slightly tapered shape.
The tongue is thin and remains integrated with the upper via flexible internal straps. This further stabilizes the foot and limits the tongue from shifting sideways while running. Once laced up, the whole shoe works cohesively—there’s no slack or foot slippage while running. The fit is good, and aside from the spacious forefoot, the shoe “sits” securely on the foot.
The biggest change is in the heel counter. It’s noticeably stiffer and holds the heel very firmly. Even shoes from the stability category wouldn’t be ashamed of such a stiff heel counter. It provides very solid heel support, but despite being padded with a generous amount of foam, some runners may find it quite aggressive and uncomfortable around the Achilles tendon. Stability is top-notch here, but it’s worth checking the comfort in this area for yourself. Not every runner will appreciate a heel counter as stiff as the one in the Supernova Rise 3.
Minimal Weight Increase, Maximum Stability Gain
In the case of the Supernova Rise 3, the weight hasn’t changed significantly. According to the producer’s specifications, the men’s shoe weighs 272 grams and the women’s 230 grams. That’s almost the same as its predecessor. In practice, the shoe in my size, US 12, weighs 318 grams. This is also not much different from its predecessor, which weighed 312 grams. This is still a reasonable weight for a daily trainer.
Compared to the competition, this model still ranks among the lighter options. Among all hard-surface training shoes, it is among the top 22% lightest. It’s also worth noting that along with this lightness, you get a very soft and very secure shoe. The Supernova Rise 3 isn’t just a safe and comfortable everyday training shoe—it’s also a lightweight one.
Summary
The adidas Supernova Rise 3 is a significant upgrade in comfort and stability compared to its predecessor, but with a clearly defined focus. The shoe offers more cushioning, softness, and more secure foot support, which translates to a more predictable run. At the same time, compared to its predecessor, it loses some of its sleekness and performance, making it less versatile and less effective during faster bursts of speed. Now, this model is best suited exclusively as a soft, reliable daily trainer for regularly and comfortably racking up the kilometers.
