Adidas Supernova Rise 3 Review | Third Times a Winner

The Adidas Supernova Rise hasn’t exactly been the shoe we’ve had much love for in the past. But drumroll please….the updates to the Adidas Supernova Rise 3 might have changed that. We’ll break down everything that’s new in our full review below.

Did the sleek design somehow trick my brain into liking this shoe more? Maybe. But honestly, I think this really is a case of third time’s a charm.

I’ve tested all three versions now, and while the first two were just fine, the Supernova Rise 3 feels like the one that finally brings it all together.

This is a daily trainer you probably shouldn’t overlook.

Adidas Supernova Rise 3 Overview

The Adidas Supernova Rise 3 finally feels like the model we’ve been waiting for.

The look? Easily an A+.

The feel underfoot? A++.

Durability? We’ll need more miles before giving a final grade, but so far it’s trending toward an A+ based on our runs.

To me, this feels like a completely new shoe. The first two models had small adjustments, but the Rise 3 feels like Adidas really listened and made meaningful updates.

It’s no longer just “fine”, it’s a daily trainer you’ll actually reach for.

And if you’ve been eyeing something like the Adidas EVO SL but want a little more support, this could be a great alternative.

It has that sleek, fast-shoe aesthetic but delivers the cushioning and stability you want for everyday and longer miles.

So what’s making this shoe feel different?

Adidas updated the Dreamstrike+ midsole, making it 20% softer and extending it the full length of the shoe. That change alone gives the Rise 3 a more cushioned, forgiving feel underfoot compared to previous models.

They also added rod-like sculpting through the midsole that’s designed to mirror the shape of your foot and guide you through a smoother heel-to-toe transition.

As someone who naturally runs more on her toes (thank you, years of dance), I really noticed this during strides. I didn’t feel like I was fighting the shoe, and I even hit a few sub-6-minute strides that felt surprisingly smooth.

Sure, training plays a role, but it’s nice when a shoe seems to help things click.

I might be getting ahead of myself, but I can see the Supernova Rise 3 being a really solid option for mid and back-of-the-pack runners training for their first marathon or even half-marathon.

It’s cushioned, supportive, and now has a smoother ride that makes those longer miles feel a little more approachable.We haven’t had many rainy or snowy days here in Colorado lately, so I didn’t get a full test of the new LIGHTTRAXION outsole in slick or wet conditions. That said, it did feel helpful when I hopped onto lightly graveled paths where things can get a little slippery, and it did great.

I also like that Adidas placed the rubber in all the high-wear areas. No matter how your foot strikes, it feels built to last through a full training cycle without wearing down too quickly.

When you’re logging big miles and want to get at least 300 miles, if not more, in a pair, durability like that really matters.

Adidas Supernova Rise 3 Fit

I’ll start by saying the Supernova Rise 3 runs a bit big. I thought I could get away with the extra room, especially for longer runs when my feet tend to swell, but it ended up feeling like just a little too much space.

I took them out on a few runs, both outside and on the treadmill, and even added some strides, but my foot kept sliding forward more than I’d like.

If I were to grab another pair, I’d probably go down a half size to a women’s 10.5 for a more dialed-in fit.

The one upside to the extra room is that if you typically need a wider fit, you could get your normal running shoe size and likely be just fine. The Supernova Rise 3 doesn’t come in a wide option right now, so this could be a good workaround. The heel collar and tongue both got a bit of an update, which actually makes the shoe feel more comfortable and less bulky.

The tongue is gusseted a little closer to the midfoot, so it stays put and feels less noticeable while you’re running, sitting nicely on top of the foot rather than feeling oversized and in the way.

The shape at the top of the tongue is also designed to work with your ankle, so it lands in just the right spot without rubbing.

It’s basically that thinner tongue design you’d find on a race-day shoe, but still with a little bit of padding for comfort to remind you it’s a daily trainer.

The laces are noticeably shorter on the Rise 3, but you can always swap them out if you prefer a different setup. There’s also a second eyelet, so if you like using a heel lock or tweaking the lacing for a more secure fit, you’ve got that option. 

The upper mesh now uses Adidas’s Primeweave material, which is lighter, more breathable, and slightly stretchy. While I wouldn’t say it drastically changed the overall fit, it was nice not to feel like my toes were boxed in like they were in previous models.

If you try the Supernova Rise 2 and Rise 3 side by side, the update is quite noticeable. The new model feels lighter and fresher. It looks like it belongs with the other shoes in the Adidas lineup.

The sleek look almost gives off fast shoe vibes, even though it’s still very much a cushioned daily trainer.

There you have it, our Adidas Supernova Rise 3 review.

Have you given it a try? What did you think? Let us know below.

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