Adidas Supernova Solution 2 Introduction

As the years pass, the stability shoe market has become increasingly crowded, with traditional running brands and athletic footwear companies expanding their offerings. Adidas, long known for its innovative designs, has joined the stability race with the Supernova Solution. This marks the second edition of the Solution, and the question remains: Does it improve on the first iteration?

Priced at $140, the Supernova Solution enters a highly competitive arena. It competes directly with popular stability trainers like the Hoka Arahi, Brooks Adrenaline GTS, ASICS GT-2000, and the Saucony Guide.

It is the stability counterpart to the Supernova Rise. What sets the Supernova Solution apart is that it represents Adidas’ sole offering in the stability category. This makes the Supernova Solution an interesting focal point for Adidas, as it must meet the varied demands of a broad audience with just one model.

Adidas Supernova Solution 2 First Impressions

Upon unboxing the Adidas Supernova Solution 2, the first thing that struck me was how stylish they were. The sleek, minimalist design immediately caught my eye, drawing attention without being overly flashy. The combination of black, white, and grey is subtle yet modern making the shoes look as much like a fashionable everyday trainer as they did a performance-oriented running shoe.

The next thing I noticed was the size of the midsole. With a height of 36 mm, it follows the current trend of taller midsoles. As soon as I slipped them on for the first time, I was impressed by the bounce and responsiveness of the DreamStrike+ midsole. Coupled with the shoe’s tailored fit, I had an instant positive impression.

My first outing in the Supernova Solution 2 was a 2-mile family walk. Initially, I experienced a bit of slippage in the shoe, but after tightening the laces a second time, the issue was resolved. From that point on, they were bouncy, comfortable, and surprisingly stable for a shoe of this type.

The real test came with my first run—2.5 miles on a familiar route. Along with the signature bounce and comfort, I was pleasantly surprised by the level of stability the shoe provided, keeping my foot secure throughout the run. By the end of it, I was eager to spend more time and log more miles in these shoes.

Adidas Supernova Solution 2 Upper

The Supernova Solution features a new sandwich mesh upper made from recycled materials. This breathable upper retains warmth, making it perfect for winter conditions. It strikes a balance by offering moderate structure, allowing for flexibility while maintaining the necessary support. The fit is more tailored and slimmer compared to other stability models.

The shoe features a simple lacing system, but for a secure fit, you’ll need to tie them a bit tighter. Because of the type of laces they can come untied, they did for me a couple of times while reviewing. Beneath the laces, a double-layer neoprene-like tongue provides a medium amount of cushioning, enhancing comfort throughout the upper.

The heel area of the Supernova Solution stands out for its excellent fit and comfort. The neoprene-like material in the heel offers cushioning, while the internal heel counter ensures your foot stays securely in place. The cushioning is just the right amount, contributing to both comfort and stability.

Adidas Supernova Solution 2 Sole Unit

Let’s break down the Adidas Supernova Solution 2 from the ground up. Starting with the outsole, the shoe features Adiwear, a durable rubber compound that runs from heel to toe. This thin yet tough layer is designed for long-lasting performance, with added grooves in high-impact areas like the forefoot and heel to improve traction and durability. Throughout my testing, especially in the challenging winter conditions, Adiwear handled everything with ease, offering solid grip and resilience on a variety of surfaces.

Moving up to the midsole, the Solution 2 utilizes DreamStrike+, a PEBA-based foam that’s not only lightweight but also crafted with a portion of renewable materials. This foam delivers a slightly plush feel underfoot, providing a smooth, bouncy ride. It strikes a nice balance between cushioning and responsiveness, leaning more towards a soft, comfortable feel without being overly squishy.

What stands out is the dual-density EVA stability rods embedded within the midsole. These provide a subtle yet effective level of support, offering stability where you need it most without feeling intrusive. The stability feels incredibly natural, effortlessly absorbing impact while still delivering a responsive pop of energy on toe-offs.

At 9.4 oz, the Solution 2 remains surprisingly light, thanks in large part to the DreamStrike+ foam. This contributes to the shoe’s versatility, making it suitable for a range of running experiences. Paired with the 10 mm drop, it offers a smooth, efficient ride with a comfortable heel-to-toe transition.

Adidas Supernova Solution 2 Conclusions

The Adidas Supernova Solution 2 stands out as a strong contender in the crowded stability shoe market, offering a fresh alternative to established models.

Priced at $140, it competes with popular options like the Hoka Arahi, Brooks Adrenaline GTS, and ASICS Gel-2000, holding its own in terms of both performance and value. With its sleek, minimalist design and advanced features, including the responsive DreamStrike+ midsole and durable Adiwear outsole, the Supernova Solution 2 is an appealing choice for runners seeking comfort and support.

While the shoe does have a few minor quirks—such as the lacing system requiring a tighter tie for a secure fit and a plush feel that may not suit all runners—the overall experience is positive. It delivers on its promise of stability and comfort, offering a smooth, bouncy ride without sacrificing support. The upper provides a snug, tailored fit, and the cushioning in the heel area is particularly effective in enhancing both comfort and stability.

Ultimately, the Supernova Solution 2 is an impressive addition to Adidas’ running shoe lineup. Its thoughtful balance of cushioning, stability, and durability makes it a great choice for a wide range of runners, from those new to stability shoes to more experienced runners.