Details
Brand
Adidas
Heel To Toe Drop
12mm
Breathability
7.3/10
Latest Version
Supernova Sequence 9
Terrain
Road
Type
Stability
Key Features
• Adidas Supernova Sequence 3• Full length adiPRENE foam cushioning• Good support and control for overpronation• Breathable mesh upper• Durable and tough even on rough terrains• Offers good protection from the elements
Upper
The Adidas Supernova Sequence 3 has a micro-suede upper. Some runners commented that the upper did not firmly hold them in the shoe and that this made wearing the shoe quite uncomfortable. If the foot is not properly secured by the upper, the foot is free to slide in the shoe. This negates some of the stability features included in the shoe and can cause toe squishing in the toebox. Each footfall propels the foot forward too far, causing the toes to hit the front of the shoe each time the foot hits the ground.
Midsole
The Adidas Supernova Sequence 3 midsole contains adiPRENE foam to help cushion the wearer’s ride. Since it’s a stability shoe, the midsole also contains a medial support feature to help with overpronation. The shoe also features a Torsion System to help stabilize the runner’s foot and eliminate wobbly footfalls. There is a great amount of cushion in the heel, which is common with Adidas shoes, but runners will also note that the adiPRENE foam runs the length of the shoe. This version of the Supernova Sequence also adds a miCoach pod section in the midsole.
Outsole
The Adidas Supernova Sequence 3 has an adiWEAR rubber outsole. AdiWEAR is a durable outsole material that’s made to endure numerous heel strikes and forefoot strikes. The rubber outsole includes raised lugs to improve traction. The outsole is made to last and will get runners through numerous miles in the Supernova Sequence 3. It’s probably one of the most positive aspects of this shoe.
Breathability
The Adidas Supernova Sequence 3 has an adiLITE insole which helps with moisture control and increases the shoe’s breathability. The upper is made of a mesh construction which means that the shoe is definitely breathable. The overlays on previous versions have been switched to printed overlays which means a less constricted upper, though some runners found this a problem as it meant frequent slippage. More room to wiggle, though, means greater breathability.
Comfort
The Adidas Supernova Sequence 3 features adiPRENE foam throughout the length of the midsole. Runners will feel comfortably cushioned throughout their training runs. The shoe is also well padded in its interior, so slipping on the shoe is a comfortable experience. The cushioning is a step up from the previous iteration of the Supernova Sequence. It’s a plusher more cushioned ride and many runners found it quite comfortable. No one complained of heel blisters, thanks to the well-padded heel collar.
Style
These are not shoes that you’ll be wearing to and from the gym. You’ll probably want to change these out for your more stylish streetwear shoes. They look of the Adidas Supernova Sequence 3 is definitely dated. The colors are bland and they scream “gym shoe”. Thankfully, we don’t wear shoes simply for style points. Still, it’s easy to find a better-looking shoe with the same features as the Supernova Sequence 3.
Durability
Thanks to the Adidas Supernova 3’s adiWEAR rubber outsole, the shoe is quite durable. It’s true that the Supernova Sequence 3 is rigid and heavy. Some runners called the shoe “clunky” and said they would really prefer a lighter shoe. The Sequence 3 feels a bit like a brick hanging off your foot at the end of a longer run. On short runs, the shoe feels a bit limiting as it doesn’t make runs feel effortless. Still, the shoe will definitely perform for miles and you won’t have to replace these before the life goes out of them.
Protection
The adiWEAR rubber outsole on the Adidas Supernova Sequence 3 will definitely protect you from the elements. The tough rubber construction will last several miles and definitely won’t wear down until the life of the cushion is up. The mesh upper works to maintain breathability while also keeping the foot protected from the elements. The shoe also protects runners in low light as it features reflective elements to keep runners visible.
Responsiveness
The Adidas Supernova Sequence 3 is not very responsive. The rigid construction helps immensely when it comes to the support and stability but it makes for a shoe that’s a little clunky. Each footfall doesn’t feel so effortless in the Supernova Sequence 3. If you’re a runner who wants a shoe with a lot of energy return and ground feedback, this is not the shoe for you. You’ll feel stifled and uncomfortable in the Sequence 3.
Support
The Adidas Supernova Sequence 3 offers plenty of support for the runner who is prone to injury and overpronation. The shoe features the Torsion System, which keeps arches supported and helps to counteract overpronation. The midsole’s pro-moderator feature also increases the shoe’s stability and help to keep runners on pace and on point throughout their run.
Terrain
The Adidas Supernova Sequence 3 is tough enough to withstand pounding on an even offroad terrain. They won’t be a perfect fit for more technical trails, but light trails will be fine with the Supernova Sequence 3. The tough rubber outsole and the mid-sized lugs will help keep runners going day after day without experiencing excessive wear. The support and stability features will keep runners from feeling off balance and will keep them from overpronating, even in off-road conditions. The mesh upper will help to keep runner’s feet cool as they warm up on tough runs.
Price
The shoes are priced at $100, which is reasonable for a shoe of this type. The Adidas Supernova Sequence 3 offers good support and stability and ample cushioning. It’s a fairly comfortable shoe and is quite durable as well. It’s definitely not going to win any fashion contests but the price is fair.
Drop
The heel to toe drop in the Adidas Supernova Sequence 3 is around 12mm. That’s a significant drop and some runners will not enjoy the platform like feel to the shoe. It’s obvious that the cushioning is focused on the heel and that this shoe is made with heel strikers in mind. It’s to be noted, though, that the forefoot does contain a good amount of cushioning. The large heel-to-toe drop does mean that this shoe will primarily promote heel striking. This is not the shoe for someone looking to change their strike pattern or for someone who is a natural forefoot or midfoot striker.
Stability
The Adidas Supernova Sequence 3 is a stability shoe and offers control to runners dealing with excessive pronation. The midsole features a support device that controls pronation and the shoe also has a Torsion System to keep a runner’s arches supported. Runners will feel supported and stable in the Supernova Sequence 3. Some runners may find the upper is a bit too loose, causing them to lose some of that stability, though. Runners may want to also keep in mind that in the Supernova Sequence 3, flexibility is sacrificed in order to provide ample support.
Flexibility
These shoes are not flexible. The Adidas Supernova Sequence 3 is rigid – so much so that some runners found them quite clunky and uncomfortable. Some wearers did say that after a few runs they loosened up a bit and offered a bit more flexibility. But if you’re looking for a shoe that can do yoga, these are not the greatest choice. Look elsewhere for a shoe that can bend and snap.
Traction
The mid-sized lugs on the outsole of the Adidas Supernova Sequence 3 provide good traction on various surfaces. The shoe can head off-road no problem, as long as the trails aren’t too technical. It’s wise to take care whenever the conditions are very slippery, but the Supernova Sequence 3 should do just fine in wet, slick conditions. The tough rubber outsole is well lugged to help keep runners from slipping and sliding.
Bottom Line
The Adidas Supernova Sequence 3 is likely not the first choice for many runners. It’s a fair bit clunky and heavy and doesn’t offer a flexible and responsive ride. Runners will likely prefer a shoe that offers a bit more flexibility. Still, it offers good support and ample cushioning. It’s a good trainer and might suit a heavier overpronator looking for a long run shoe. It’s not a flashy or fashionable shoe, but it’s a workhorse that does the job if a bit inefficiently.
