Details
Brand
Adidas
Heel To Toe Drop
10 mm
Breathability
8/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Trail
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• * The Adidas Supernova Glide ATR is a neutral daily trainer intended for adventures on all terrain.• * It features Boost technology in the midsole for better rebound for more comfort and more natural gait cycle.• * The outsole incorporates rubber compound comprised of Continental tires’ proven technology delivering a strong grip for more confidence.• * The Climatech system that is meant to imitate fur traps warmth in the shoe making it less than ideal for warmer weather but superior in winter temperatures.
Upper
The upper of the Adidas Supernova Glide ATR is comprised of a breathable mesh and welded abrasion resistant overlays. Adidas made stability and a secure fit a prime factor in the construction of this upper the heel collar’s inclusion of memory foam and glove-like fit of the respoEVA sockliner that conforms to the foot for a solid fit and good arch support. Adidas also added Climaheat insulation to the lining. This fur-inspired technology uses special materials to trap heat and protect the feet from the cold. Most feedback on the Climaheat indicates that wearers loved it in the winter, despite the extra bulk, but that it was overkill on days with moderate temperatures, essentially overheating the foot and making running feel like a chore.
Midsole
The midsole of the Adidas Supernova Glide ATR utilizes Boost technology. Its main feature is the use of TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane). TPU’s innate elasticity and resistance to abrasion help make it more resilient than the traditional EVA (Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate) foam cushioning in most running shoes. And unlike EVA, it can withstand more extreme cold temperatures allowing the shoe to remain soft and bouncy. Another important aspect of the midsole is its ability to control stability. Adidas brings its special TORSION technology system into play. This proven technology has been around for 25 years and consists of a thermoplastic arch support allowing runners more independent movement of the forefoot and rearfoot as they move through their natural gait cycle. This lends itself to more flexibility and confidence in all manner of terrain.
Outsole
The outsole of the Adidas Supernova Glide ATR provides a plethora of cushioning that seems to please most. Adidas paired a Continental™ rubber outsole with its ADIWEAR system for an extraordinary grip on all terrains in practically all conditions, impressive shock absorption, and enhanced durability. The Continental rubber compound used in the outsole is the very same material used in the tires of the same name and it has proven to be 30% stickier in wet, dry, and winter conditions, and on all terrain. Runners can head out the door with confidence that they can tackle whatever path they choose. With a good rebound, the shoe lends itself to a more natural and efficient gait cycle and thus reduces the chance of injury. And enhanced durability always feels great in the pocketbook.
Breathability
The upper is composed of a breathable mesh fabric that is intended to promote airflow around the foot for a cooler and drier ride. However, this is where most agree Adidas falls flat. In many reviews, wearers were noted as saying that while this feature works great in cold weather, it does not fulfill its claim in standard or warmer temps. The installation of the Climatech in the liner precludes breathability as it locks in heat. While the shoe is drier overall, the Climatech effectively insulates against external water sources, for the most part leaving the moisture inside the shoe from sweat or whatever seeps in to remain there. Most feel that the Supernova Glide ATR excels in the winter as an all around great trail shoe but is most uncomfortable in even slightly elevated temperatures as the warmth gets trapped inside.
Comfort
Between its upper with secure breathable mesh and fitted overlays, the sockliner that wraps the foot and the heel that grips just right, and the foam and rubber cushioning of the sole unit, it’s clear that Adidas has made comfort a priority in the Supernova Glide ATR. However, the Climatech installed in the liner has caused some mixed reviews. The Climatech acts as an insulator from the cold and while it makes this shoe a real winner in winter temperatures, the trapping of the heat in the shoe even in slightly elevated temperatures is less than ideal.
Style
Some feel the Supernova Glide ATR is not especially attractive and doesn’t look as modern as its counterparts. Its unassuming facade with mostly black styling and small pops of color in the heel cuff, laces, and midfoot arch system on the bottom of the sole mask the true depth of this shoe. And, in keeping with custom, its trademark logo – 3 vertical parallel bars – visible on both sides of the shoe bring a sense of tradition. The substance behind the Supernova Glide ATR seems to act as proof that you can’t judge a book by its cover. To many, it has proven to be surprisingly sturdy. And as it is less widely available than during its debut, the color combinations are limited and recent searches displayed only black/lime and black/citrus.
Durability
Adidas’ combination of rubber compounds in the sole unit seems to have created a highly durable shoe which pleases many of its wearers. The ADIwear provides impressive shock absorption which creates less stress on a runner’s body and also serves to prolong the life of the shoe. The Continental rubber is hearty and made to last. Many users claimed to be pleased with the lifespan of the upper’s mesh fabric as well as the wear on its soles and give it good reviews for durability.
Protection
The welded overlays in the upper and the cushy sole unit offer good protection when adventuring off the beaten path. Most feel that this shoe keeps their feet securely in place and protects them from debris and, in winter conditions, from the cold.
Responsiveness
The Boost Midsole is very much at the heart of this shoe’s responsiveness. Because of its ability to bounce back as opposed to staying compressed with each step, the Boost midsole affords extra energy toward the forward motion and keeps the feet moving swiftly. And while the shoe loses ground-feel because of all the cushioning, the arch support TORSION system helps to create a more natural movement and efficiency of stride.
Support
The welded overlays and supportive liner with a secure heel grip and a glove-like midfoot fit of the upper help support the top of the foot while the bottom is well protected by a plush amount of cushioning – 33mm in the heel and 23 mm in the forefoot to be exact. The midsole’s TORSION arch support creates flexibility while also maintaining a supportive base.
Terrain
The Adidas Supernova Glide ATR is meant to tackle every manner of terrain, thus the ATR in its name. While some wearers cited some difficulty with off-camber single tracks (due to the higher stack height), many felt it well suited to confidently traverse asphalt, gravel, cinder, root and rocky trails, and even some bouldering to boot. Even in wet conditions, footing felt mostly secure. And aside from it creating a toasty environment in warmer temperatures, it does exceed expectations for grip, protection, and comfort on most terrains in colder and slippery conditions. Overall, most feel that, while it is an important concern, the Supernova Glide ATR is a stellar trail shoe.
Price
When this shoe debuted, it came at a reasonable cost compared to similar shoes. Today, it is less widely available with fewer options, although these come at a significantly reduced cost compared to its initial offering.
Drop
The Adidas Supernova Glide ATR has a heel to toe drop of 10mm. This means that the difference between the height of the heel from the ground (33mm) vs the height of the forefoot to the ground (23mm) is 10mm. Lower heel drops like 0-4 are great for those that struggle with bunions or forefoot pain. Higher drops tend to be well suited for those with plantar fasciitis or Achilles concerns. The Supernova ATR comes in with a moderately higher drop but one that is within the realm of comfortable for many.
Stability
To make all its cushioning possible, the Adidas Supernova Glide ATR features a significant stack height of 33mm in the heel and 23mm in the forefoot. Some feel this creates an unstable base and provides less confidence in their ability to confidently navigate all the terrains this shoe should be able to cover. The interior liner and heel grip secure the foot well though, and this does help offset any perceived loss of stability for some.
Flexibility
The Adidas Supernova Glide ATR shoe is moderately flexible as trail shoes go. To offset the plush cushioning and higher profile sole, Adidas implemented its TORSION system. This features a thermoplastic arch support that connects the forefoot and rearfoot allowing both to operate independently for a more natural foot flex and efficient movement.
Traction
Many trail shoes boast aggressive lugs for better traction but the Adidas uses strong, durable, sticky Continental rubber compound in the outsole. It is advertised to be 30% grippier on wet and dry surfaces and built for conditions that would test many trail shoes like slippery ice, stone, and wet grass. Aside from the Climatech constraint with discomfort in higher temperatures, this shoe seems to be able to handle it all with ease.
Bottom Line
The Supernova Glide ATR utilizes many complementary features. The responsive Boost midsole, the extra sticky rubber compounds, and the natural foot movement TORSION technologies really work together to make this a solid “off the beaten path” shoe. However, the CLIMAtech system both exceeds expectations and underperforms. With its inability to keep feet cool in warmer temperatures, one would be best suited to tackle fall or winter excursions and opt instead for a new pair of kicks in the spring and summer. Overall, with this in mind, this shoe is one that runners should definitely give a try.
