The Supernova Rise 3 Adaptive is designed with the needs of athletes and people with disabilities in mind.
Adidas is one of the frontrunners in innovation, often credited with being the first manufacturer to push right past the boundaries of what we once thought a race day shoe should be and what it can do.
The Adidas Supernova Rise 3 Adaptive combines the comfort and responsive cushioning that has become the signature of the Supernova lineup.
It has a few adaptations designed to turn up the dial on comfort and to make running shoes easier to put on and dial in a good fit.
All in a shoe that was developed in collaboration with athletes with disabilities.
Who Inspired the Supernova Rise 3 Adaptive
Chris Nikic, the first athlete with Down Syndrome to complete an Ironman triathlon, was the inspiration behind this project. Nikic reported considerable difficulties finding running shoes that accommodate his individual foot shape without the cramping and blisters.
Nikic’s struggles shed some light on and raised awareness of the little-known issue that athletes with such disabilities can suffer through.
The project began in 2024 prior to Nikic’s preparation for his Ironman triathlon. GAMUT Management, an organization focused on disability and inclusion, was brought in to conduct focus groups, consultations, and product testing.
Adidas used this data and feedback from a broad range of individuals with varying disabilities and special physical requirements in the development of the Supernova Rise 3 Adaptive.
Participants in said focus groups included athletes with Down syndrome, wheelchair users, people with mobility and motor challenges, and people with upper and lower limb differences.
The group also included Paralympians Tracy Otto and Haven Shepherd. The results helped Adidas identify areas where traditional running shoes fell short of serving the needs of adaptive athletes.
Adidas used those lessons to create a running shoe that addressed those needs while retaining some of the performance characteristics expected from a contemporary running shoe.
Adidas Supernova Rise 3 Adaptive Specs
- Brand: Adidas
- Usage: Daily Trainer
- Previous Model: None
- Weight: 8.7 oz Women’s, 10.2 oz Men’s
- Stack Height: 37 mm
- Heel Drop: 8 mm
- Available in 3 colors
- Available at adidas.com for $140 (on sale for $98)
Buy Adidas Supernova Rise 3 Adaptive
What Makes the Supernova Rise 3 Adaptive Different
On the surface, the Supernova Rise 3 Adaptive looks exactly like the original. But upon closer inspection, you’ll find some important differences designed to improve accessibility for adaptive athletes.
The biggest addition is the ultra-structured and reinforced, easy step-in heel. It is designed to withstand the extra downward forces produced by stepping down into the shoe. This allows individuals who have difficulty bending down or using their hands to put on traditional shoes.
The Adidas Supernova Rise also features magnetic toggles at the heel and tongue loops, providing convenient points of assistance for pulling on the shoe for athletes with limited dexterity.
The lacing system also features a low-pressure system with a lock-lace closure. The hope with the change is to remove the sensation of uncomfortable pressure across the bones atop the foot. This is particularly important for those with foot-related conditions and specific sensory requirements.
Lastly, the width and volume of the forefoot have been increased to allow the toes more space to spread during walking and running activities.
How These Changes Will Affect Performance
Running performance is not being put on the back burner with the production of the Adidas Supernova Rise 3 Adaptive. The midsole is comprised of Adidas’ bio PEBA-based Dreamstrike + foam and their Continental outsole.
The midsole is 20% softer than the formulation found in the Supernova Rise 2, for more comfortable everyday miles.
This combination gives the Adidas Supernova Rise 3 Adaptive a familiar, but softer and more comfortable feel.
While the Adidas Supernova Rise 3 Adaptive is one shoe in a very small corner of the running shoe space, it’s a start in the right direction. For too long, athletes with special considerations have had to self-modify their footwear or rely on prescriptive models with very high costs.
The Adidas Supernova Rise 3 Adaptive offers Adaptive athletes an accessible, comfortable, and absolutely affordable option for their physical activities.
In the end, it gives underserved athletes a sense of belonging and a place at the table.
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