When we first took the adidas Supernova Rise 2 out for a spin, we were hoping for a shoe that could cover it all—from chill recovery jogs to those days where you push the pace. What we ended up with? A solid, all-around daily trainer that’s been given some thoughtful upgrades, making it a real standout for anyone hunting for a reliable, do-everything shoe.
Ride & feel
The biggest win here? Balance. That Dreamstrike+ midsole, made from PEBA foam, leans a little firmer than the original Rise but rewards you with a super smooth, energetic ride. It’s got that quiet kind of responsiveness—like a well-tuned car—never too soft, never too stiff. This isn’t your plush “cloud ride” supertrainer, but it’s cushioned enough to take the edge off and stable enough to keep you feeling locked in.
With a 10mm drop and generous stack height (36mm heel, 26mm forefoot), the Rise 2 is clearly built with heel strikers and those who prefer a more supported ride in mind. Compared to the previous version, it feels snappier, a touch lighter, and noticeably more eager when you want to pick up the pace.
It’s the kind of shoe that just clicks across a range of speeds. Doesn’t scream “performance,” but it’s smooth, steady, and kind of fun once you settle into rhythm. Whether you’re logging 5Ks or ramping up for a half marathon, the ride feels consistent and trustworthy. On longer runs, the midsole holds up without fading, and for quick efforts, there’s just enough pop to keep you on your toes.
And during those slower recovery days, especially over mixed terrain—think sidewalks, bike paths, the odd stretch of gravel—the cushioning does its job without ever getting sloppy. Even downhill, it keeps the impact mellow without feeling wobbly. Nothing flashy, just smart design.
Fit & upper
Fit-wise, this is classic adidas—secure through the midfoot and heel, but with a welcome update: a roomier toe box. The revamped mesh upper is lightweight and breathable, wrapping the foot without any weird hot spots or pinching. If past adidas trainers felt too snug, this one might finally win you over.
It runs true to size for most folks and breaks in pretty quickly—just a couple runs and it starts to feel like yours. The heel collar and upper are dialed in without going overboard. No extra bells or whistles—just well-executed simplicity.
Hot weather? No problem. That engineered mesh lets air flow without sacrificing support. And when things get wet, it sheds moisture well and dries fast afterward. The tongue stays put (thankfully), and the lacing holds tight without cutting into the top of your foot—even on hilly repeats.
The added width up front is especially helpful for runners with bunions or wider feet. For anyone who found the first Supernova Rise a bit claustrophobic, this update is a breath of fresh air.
Midsole and platform
Let’s talk foam. The new Dreamstrike+ isn’t trying to be marshmallowy—it sits in that just-right zone: firm enough to be responsive, soft enough to ease the impact. Some runners might find it a touch stiff at first, especially if they’re coming from ultra-cushioned shoes. But give it a few miles. Once it softens up, the ride becomes consistently comfortable without ever feeling dull.
What’s impressive is how adaptable it is. Whether you’re jogging slow or picking up speed, the midsole keeps things steady. You won’t get that dramatic “pop” of a plated racer, but you’ll get dependable performance every step of the way. Compared to version 1, the platform feels more polished, more stable—like the shoe just knows what it’s doing.
One thing we really liked? The way the forefoot flexes during toe-off. Transitions feel smoother than you’d expect in a shoe that’s built for durability, and the geometry helps roll you forward in a really natural way. Great for those tempo or progression runs when you want to gradually dial it up.
Durability & traction
Here’s where the Rise 2 punches above its weight: durability. That ADIWEAR outsole is a beast. Whether you’re on wet pavement, dry roads, or light trail detours, it just grips. After 200+ kilometers, the midsole still feels fresh and the rubber shows barely any signs of wear.
No, it’s not featherlight like a race flat—but it’s also not heavy like some max-support shoes. And while it’s built to last, it still feels nimble enough for everyday use. The outsole coverage is generous, and the flex grooves are spot-on for letting your foot move naturally.
We ran it through everything—rainy sidewalks, leafy paths, light gravel—and the traction held up better than expected. For runners in rainy or varied climates, this level of grip adds serious peace of mind.
Even after months of use, there’s no peeling rubber or worn-down lugs. For a shoe in this price range, the durability is genuinely impressive.
Versatility
So where does the Supernova Rise 2 shine? Pretty much everywhere. Whether it’s an easy shuffle after a hard week, a midweek tempo, or just logging consistent mileage, this shoe can handle it. It’s not going to wow you with max-cushion bounce—but it’s that reliable cushioning that keeps you coming back.
We reached for it again and again—daily miles, longer efforts, even steady-state runs. If you’re a one-shoe kind of runner, this could very well be “the one.”
What really makes it stand out is how easily it fits into almost any training plan. Newer runners will appreciate the comfort and support, while more experienced runners might love it as a go-to recovery option. Bonus points: it transitions seamlessly from road runs to the gym. Great for treadmill warmups or strength days.
If you’re traveling or don’t want to pack multiple pairs, this one pair could handle your whole week. It may not dominate any one category, but it performs solidly across the board.
Not for Everyone
Let’s be real—there are a couple trade-offs. The heel is still a bit chunky, and lighter runners or aggressive forefoot strikers might find it overbuilt. If you’re chasing ultra-soft, trampoline-like foam, this ain’t it. But if you’re after a stable, grounded feel that still protects your stride, this one gets the job done.
Also, while the upper is better, it still leans performance-fit. Some runners might want more padding around the collar or tongue. And yeah, the foam needs a few miles to fully settle in—so don’t expect that instant «ahh» feeling straight out of the box.
Final verdict
The Supernova Rise 2 isn’t some revolutionary moon-shoe—but that’s kind of the point. What adidas has done here is refine a dependable daily trainer, making it smoother, more responsive, and more adaptable than before. The changes aren’t loud, but they’re effective.
From day one to day 100, the shoe just works. It moves with you, protects you, and doesn’t get in the way. If you’re searching for a no-fuss, gets-the-job-done trainer that can handle a bit of everything, the Rise 2 is absolutely worth considering.
Bottom line: it might not turn heads—but it’s the kind of shoe that quietly earns a permanent spot in your rotation. And honestly, that’s what most runners are really after.
| ✅Pros | ❌Cons |
|---|---|
| Balanced, smooth ride with responsive Dreamstrike+ foam | Heel area still feels a bit clunky |
| Excellent daily trainer versatility (easy runs to tempo) | Not ideal for very light runners or forefoot strikers |
| More breathable and roomier mesh upper than v1 | Initial ride can feel firm—some break-in required |
| True-to-size fit with secure midfoot and heel lockdown | Lacks the soft, bouncy feel of modern “superfoams” |
| Durable ADIWEAR outsole with excellent grip | Slightly heavier than minimalist or race-specific shoes |
| Stable and protective platform for heel strikers | Some runners may want a softer collar or tongue |
| High durability even after 200+ km of use | Performance fit may not suit those wanting plush comfort |
New Balance 574
