The Supernova Solution 3 is a running shoe for those who don’t like being told how to run. It’s soft and comfortable, but it also provides more guidance for your foot. However, this is done in a very subtle and unobtrusive way. It’s a shoe for those who like cushioning but don’t want the shoe to “float” under their foot. A shoe for those who both like and dislike being controlled by their shoe. The Solution delivers all of this without any fuss or surprises.
Basic Info
Tech Specs
Best For
The adidas Supernova Solution 3 is a training running shoe designed for comfort and support during daily workouts. It offers a high level of cushioning that performs well on hard surfaces—such as asphalt and sidewalks. The model was designed for runners who need light stability, especially those with moderate overpronation. It will be most beneficial for people of average and above-average weight (up to about 85 kg) who are looking for a safe, well-cushioned shoe for relaxed, regular running workouts.
Pros
- comfortable, responsive cushioning
- good traction and a durable outsole.
- support for moderate overpronation
Cons
- lack of dynamism and responsiveness
- this model is not suitable for those looking for strong foot stability
Key Features – What’s New in the Latest Edition
| SUPERNOVA SOLUTION 3 | SUPERNOVA SOLUTION 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Stack height | 35/27mm | no official data |
| Drop | 8mm | 8mm |
| Weight men’s | 280g | no official data |
| Weight women’s | 237g | no official data |
| Upper | Primeweave | technological mesh |
| Midsole | Dreamstrike+ – 20% softer than its predecessor | Dreamstrike+ |
| Outsole | Lighttraxion – lighter, more flexible | AdiWear – heavier, stiffer |
adidas Running Shoes – Lineup
The adidas lineup includes several models from the Supernova line. The most well-known training model, aimed at the broadest group of runners, is the Supernova Rise 3. The Supernova Solution 3, on the other hand, is clearly aimed at the segment of comfortable training shoes with stability features. It’s a model with a high level of cushioning that best meets the needs of runners looking for a comfortable everyday shoe with additional foot support.
This is, of course, just a fraction of adidas’ running lineup. The brand is also simultaneously developing more athletic series, such as Adizero, as well as speed training shoes and racing models focused on greater performance and speed. If you want to get a better overview of the entire collection, check out the full shoe guide for adidas running models.
| NEUTRAL SHOES | 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
Both the Supernova Rise 3 and the Supernova Solution 3 provide a solid foundation for building a rotation of shoes for different purposes. They can be complemented, for example, by the adidas Adizero Boston 13 and the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4. The Solution 3 serves as the foundation here, acting as a stable shoe for easy, recovery runs. The Boston is a shoe for faster training and running for fun. 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 training session is matched with its optimal shoe and preventing any of these shoes from being overloaded with too many tasks.
| SUPERNOVA SOLUTION 3 | ADIZERO BOSTON 13 | ADIZERO ADIOS PRO 4 |
|---|---|---|
|  |  |
| long, easy runs, recovery | tempo runs, interval training | raceday |
Similar to adidas Supernova Solution 3
Among the alternatives to the adidas Supernova Solution 3, we’ll find primarily classic stability models from the biggest brands. These shoes are popular among runners looking for comfort, cushioning, and extra support during their daily workouts. The Solution 3 stands out in this group for its softness, which comes at the cost of strong, pronounced stability. It offers a comfortable ride, but if you’re looking for significant overpronation correction, this won’t be the optimal model.
| MODEL | STACK HEIGHT (mm) | DROP (mm) | WEIGHT MEN'S (grams) | WEIGHT WOMEN'S (grams) | REGULAR PRICE (€) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| adidas Supernova Solution 3 | 37/29 | 10 | 295 | 237 | 150 |
| Asics GT-2000 14 | 36,5/28,5 | 8 | 273 | 239 | 160 |
| Asics Gel-Kayano 32 | 40/30 | 10 | 305 | 266 | 200 |
| Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 | 35.5/23.5 | 12 | 283 | 249 | 150 |
| Brooks Glycerin GTS 22 | 38/28 | 10 | 289 | 252 | 180 |
| Hoka Arahi 8 | 42/34 | 8 | 276 | 228 | 150 |
| Hoka Gaviota 6 | 36/30 | 6 | 310 | 257 | 170 |
| Mizuno Wave Inspire 21 | 36/24 | 12 | 305 | 245 | 160 |
| New Balance 860 v14 | n/a | 10 | 309 | 243 | 160 |
| New Balance Vongo v6 | n/a | 6 | 303 | 243 | 180 |
| Nike Zoom Structure 26 | n/a | 8 | 322 | 243 | 130 |
| On Cloudflyer 5 | 31/21 | 10 | 300 | 257 | 180 |
| On Cloudrunner 2 | 31/21 | 10 | 290 | 230 | 160 |
| Saucony Guide 19 | 35/27 | 8 | 275 | 252 | 150 |
Dreamstrike+ in a More Supportive Version
The Supernova Solution 3 builds on the same sole concept as the Rise 3, but places greater emphasis on stability and foot movement control. It still features Dreamstrike+ foam at its core, which provides cushioning and exceptional comfort during daily workouts. This material is blended with PEBA, which in practice offers a very comfortable, soft, and predictable landing, performing particularly well during relaxed runs on road surfaces.
The stack of the Supernova Solution 3 is 35 millimeters in the heel and 27 millimeters in the forefoot. This is slightly lower than what is currently found in training shoes, where the heel stack increasingly exceeds 40 millimeters. It’s worth noting that while the shoe feels soft, the sole doesn’t tend to collapse under the runner. This limits the perceived softness but makes the foot roll more stable and predictable. Thus, for runners looking for soft, “couch-like” cushioning, this model will be too firm. This level of cushioning is sufficient even for slightly heavier runners and will work well for runners weighing up to about 85–90 kg.
On the inner side of the sole, there is a stabilizing element. It is made of a firmer foam, and its role is to reduce flexion on the medial side of the sole, which slightly corrects overpronation. That is the theory. In practice, however, this element is very small and does not play a significant role in stabilizing the foot. The shape and form of the sole, its width, as well as the shape and stiffness of the heel counter, play a much greater role. For this reason, the stabilization in the Solution 3 won’t feel intrusive. It’s so subtle that if you have neutral feet, it won’t cause any issues. However, if you’re looking for a shoe that will firmly stabilize your feet, then… don’t choose the Supernova Solution 3.
A Lightweight Outsole for Everyday Runs
The Supernova Solution 3 features a typical urban-style outsole. The most significant change from previous models is the use of Lighttraxion rubber, which replaces the older AdiWear compounds. In practice, this translates to slightly better traction, even on wet roads.
The outsole remains moderately shallow. The groove depth is approximately 1.6 mm, which is standard for urban running training shoes. The rubber layer does not cover the entire sole uniformly but has been sensibly distributed, which has helped to slightly reduce the sole’s weight. There is enough rubber under both the rear and front sections, ensuring adequate durability and traction regardless of your landing style (midfoot or heel).
Stability Without Excessive Stiffness
The upper of the Supernova Solution 3 is made from the same material used in the Rise 3, namely Primeweave. The material is thin, which reduces the shoe’s weight and improves ventilation. Its ventilation is moderate—the Solution 3 should perform well on warmer days, maintaining thermal comfort. However, it might get a bit too warm in high temperatures.
In the forefoot, the shoe offers plenty of room for your toes. The width at its widest point is 106.9 millimeters, which is slightly above average for running shoes. This provides a pleasant amount of wiggle room and comfort. Of course, this is provided you choose the right shoe size. The forefoot has a slightly tapered shape, but this does not cause uncomfortable pressure. This is definitely a good option if you’re looking for a training shoe with a slightly roomier forefoot.
The tongue remains thin and is integrated into the upper using elastic straps. This design improves midfoot support and minimizes fabric movement while running. And it must be said that once laced up, the shoe fits the foot very well, with the snug midfoot and heel sections contrasting with the loose forefoot.
As befits a shoe with stability features, the heel counter is stiff and supportive but not “concrete-like” as in some stability models. Thanks to this, the shoe provides a very secure yet comfortable hold, especially when landing on the heel and during a more relaxed run. The finish of the heel counter itself also has a significant impact on comfort. There is plenty of padding here, but just enough to improve comfort without making the interior overly “plush.” Overall, the shoe makes good and stable heel support, but this is also thanks to the appropriately wide and slightly stiff base under the heel.
Comfort and Support Without Any Extra Weight
According to the producer, the Supernova Solution 3 weighs 280 grams for the men’s shoe and 237 grams for the women’s shoe. These are fairly standard figures. This is typical for a training shoe designed for everyday running.
In my size, the weight of a US size 12 shoe is 321 grams. That’s a few grams less than the average weight of training shoes in my size—330 grams. In this category, the Supernova Solution 3 also falls within the typical and average range. It is neither a very heavy nor an excessively light construction.
Final Thoughts
The Supernova Solution 3 is a more stable and supportive version of the Rise 3, retaining its comfortable feel but designed to provide slightly more control over foot movement. It’s worth noting, however, that compared to other shoes with Solution 3 stability, it falls somewhat short when it comes to overpronation support. Otherwise, it’s a pleasant shoe that works best for everyday, relaxed running on the road for those seeking an extra sense of security during longer, steady workouts.
