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0 Adidas has just pulled a major surprise by not only launching a radically redesigned Supernova Rise 3 but also rolling out an entirely new, three-tiered Supernova family (the Rise 3, Glide, and Ease 2) signaling a complete and much-needed restructuring of their core comfort training line. Exciting news!
The Supernova Rise 3 – Softer, Flatter, and Faster Geometry
The most compelling story for the Rise 3 is the dramatic shift away from the geometry of its predecessor. The Supernova Rise 2 was a high-drop shoe with a noticeable heel bias. The Rise 3 flips the script by increasing stack and flattening the profile. You can read more about our Supernova Rise 2 full review here. It is important to highlight the key differences between the Supernova Rise 2 and 3:
| Specification | Supernova Rise 2 (UK 8.5) | Supernova Rise 3 (Reference) | Change |
| Drop | 10 mm (26mm/36mm) | 8mm (29mm/37mm) | – 2 mm Drop |
| Weight | 275g | 272g | – 3g |
| Cushioning | Dreamstrike+ | 20% Softer Dreamstrike+ | Major Overhaul |
| Price (SGD) | $169 | $169 | Same Price Point |
In my view, the drop reduction from 10mm to 8mm is significant. It moves the shoe from a specific heel-striker profile to a more versatile, modern geometry. This change is achieved by increasing the forefoot stack by 3mm (from 26mm to 39mm) while only adding 1mm to the heel. The new PRIMEWEAVE upper and lightweight LIGHTTRAXION outsole complete the updated package.
But we should not stop here, as Adidas has put on more than just one product.
A New Supernova Family: Rise, Glide, and Ease?
The launch confirms a clear, three-tiered structure for the Supernova comfort line, all utilizing Dreamstrike foam tech. We are not sure if Adidas will be updating the other Supernova products as well (e.g., Solution, Prima, Stride). The lineup gives runners choices based on stack, drop, and price:
| Feature | Supernova Rise 3 | Supernova Glide (NEW) | Supernova Ease 2 |
| Price (SGD) | $169 | $149 | $129 |
| Cushioning | 20% Softer Dreamstriker+ | Standard Dreamstrike | Standard Dreamstrike |
| Stack Height | 29mm/37mm | 28mm/36mm | 24mm/34mm |
| Drop | 8mm | 8mm | 10mm |
| Weight | 272g | 282g | 270g |
| Primary Role | Premium Daily Cushioning | Versatile Daily Trainer | Budget/Beginner Trainer |
Initial Takeaway and Positioning: A New Contender?
The most striking observation is that the Supernova Rise 3 looks radically different from its predecessor. The design language is clearly new, visually reflecting the massive functional changes under the hood. Looking purely at the midsole design, we can tell that the product has changed!
This is a strategic departure for Adidas as far as I can remember for Supernova series. (If you remember how Supernova looked like last time, our initial review of Supernova 2 here) For Supernova Rise 3, the dramatic drop reduction from 10mm to 8mm and the significant increase in forefoot stack confirms this is less of a dedicated heel-striking shoe and more aligned with general daily versatility. Combined with the updated Dreamstrike+ foam, the entire setup now seems meticulously engineered to support long runs, offering maximum protection and cushion over extended mileage without the harshness of a firmer ride.
The Supernova family is now completely modernized, offering a tailored choice at three distinct price points. For runners seeking the plushest, most protected, and most technologically advanced daily training experience from Adidas, the Rise 3 is clearly the one to watch as the potential new long-run workhorse. One word to sum this release up. Exciting!
