Details
Brand
Adidas
Heel To Toe Drop
11mm
Breathability
7/10
Latest Version
Supernova Sequence 9
Terrain
Road
Type
Stability
Key Features
• Adidas Supernova Sequence 5• Full-length adiPRENE cushioning (adiPRENE+ in the forefoot)• Durable Continental brand outsole• Same great stability as the previous model• Great traction in wet weather
Upper
The Adidas Supernova Sequence 5 features the same mesh upper as its previous iteration. Adidas has done away with the textured laces from the last model and gone back to a smoother lace construction. Some runners were disappointed with this change. The laces don’t have the same staying power as they did before. The upper also features a GEOFIT construction so the shoe fits snugly around a runner’s foot. The standard EVA liner is removable and runners can pull it out in order to fit a custom orthotic. The forefoot of the shoes upper is seamless which makes for a nice comfortable fit. It also eliminates common pressure points and reduces the chance for blisters, especially during a long run in the heat!
Midsole
The midsole of the Adidas Supernova Sequence 5 contains plenty of full length cushioning. In the forefoot, the shoe contains the same adiPRENE+ cushioning as the previous model. There’s a bit less adiPRENE+ cushioning in this model, but there’s still enough to provide comfort and stability. The cushioning doesn’t fall flat after several miles, which is always a welcome feature. The shoe’s midsole also contains the Pro-Moderator stability feature helping to supply support to the wearer’s arch. In this model, the Pro-Moderator feature has been decreased in size to help reduce the shoe’s overall weight.
Outsole
The grip on the Supernova Sequence 5 is markedly improved. The shoe’s outsole is made of Continental brand rubber which improves the traction and works great in slippery conditions. It also makes the shoe really durable. This outsole will keep up with heavy pavement pounding without a hitch. It’s not a good fit for off-road use, though. It’ll do great on pavement, even in the rain. But this isn’t a good trail shoe.
Breathability
In the upper of the Adidas Supernova Sequence 5, you’ll find the same breathable mesh that does a great job keeping your feet from overheating. The toe box is a bit wider than the previous version which helps to improve the shoe’s breathability. Your toes won’t be squished together in the shoe, and you’ll be happy to avoid toe blisters. Some runners did comment that the shoe didn’t fare so well in wet off-road conditions. The upper does not dry as quickly as they might have liked and is a pain to get clean after a muddy run.
Comfort
The Adidas Supernova Sequence 5 does a good job at keeping runners comfortable with its ample cushioning. However, many runners did comment that the shoe fits smaller than the previous model. Some found the fit way too tight and very uncomfortable. The heel has a bit of a narrow fit as well. It helps to keep the heel and ankle in place and provides additional support. Even if you’ve been wearing the same size as the Supernova Sequence for a while, make sure to try these on before you buy.
Style
The Adidas Supernova Sequence 5 looks like a gym trainer. It’s not a flashy shoe. The pops of color keep things looking funky and trendy without being overwhelming. It’s not a bad looking shoe, but you won’t find yourself keeping these on because they’re stylish. It’ll be because you appreciate the comfort. Still, it’s obvious that Adidas has tried to keep the look of the Supernova Sequence line fresh and updated with each new model.
Durability
The Adidas Supernova Sequence 5 offers up a durable shoe that will last through several hundred miles of running. Its durable Continental brand outsole is built to last and the rubber is strategically placed in areas that runners will strike repeatedly. However, a small number of runners commented on the durability of the cushioning, stating that it didn’t last as long as previous models.
Protection
The Adidas Supernova Sequence 5 is a substantial shoe and runners will feel protected while running in it. This is not a flimsy shoe by any means. It’s built to support runners and offer a good amount of cushioning. Runners who are worried about the shock of running on hard surfaces will feel protected from external forces in the Supernova 5. The full-length adiPRENE cushioning offers great shock absorption. Heavy runners will find that they can head out for long runs without worrying about the effect the run might have on their joints. The shoe also features reflective components that will help runners be seen in low-light.
Responsiveness
Unfortunately, nothing to brag about here. The Adidas Supernova Sequence 5 doesn’t do a phenomenal job with energy return. The shoe is stiff underfoot and some runners found it was even less responsive than the previous model. It would have been nice to see an improvement here. No such luck. The cushion is soft underfoot but delivers very little feedback during the gait cycle.
Support
The Adidas Supernova Sequence 5 offers the same great stability of the previous model. The Pro-Moderator feature offers great arch support for the wearer. Some runners did comment negatively about the midfoot of the shoe. They complained that there was too much arch support and caused excessive pressure leading to the formation of blisters after runs longer than a few miles. Arch support is always a welcome feature in a stability shoe, but when the pressure is too great it can lead to very uncomfortable runs. The arch support in the Supernova Sequence 5 would suit runners with high arches that tend to collapse as they run.
Terrain
The Adidas Supernova Sequence 5 is not a trail shoe by any means. You won’t be taking these off-road, because they do poorly in muddy conditions. The mesh upper is breathable, but it does a bad job when dealing with mud. Mud gets caked in the tiny mesh holes and cleaning the shoe post-run is a nightmare. The Supernova Sequence 5 shoes do have a great grip on other surfaces. You won’t feel unstable on the pavement and you’ll be able to safely finish your long runs even if it starts to rain. The Continental brand rubber outsole offers great traction and will hold up over many miles.
Price
The Adidas Supernova Sequence 5 retails for around $115. It’s a fair price for such a substantial shoe. It’s very comfortable and offers great stability. Often, similar stability models will go for over $150, so these are a bargain. Most wearers commented that the shoe was long lasting and very comfortable which those features alone make the price tag seem fair.
Drop
The heel to toe drop in the Adidas Supernova Sequence 5 is 10.9 mm. You won’t feel the ground very much with this shoe since it has such a high amount of cushion. You’ll also notice that this shoe is geared towards heel-strikers. Still, the forefoot contains ample cushioning as well, so if you’re a forefoot or midfoot striker you’ll still find the ride comfortable.
Stability
The Adidas Supernova Sequence 5 features the same Pro-Moderator stability feature as its predecessor. It offers good arch support. However, some runners commented that they didn’t feel stable enough in this shoe and blamed it on the new lacing system. Runners were also disappointed by the loose fitting heel cup which felt odd due to the narrower inner heel design. The loose fit of the heel cup meant that stability suffered.
Flexibility
Like the previous version, the Adidas Supernova Sequence 5 remains fairly inflexible. The separated heel does help it slightly, as it allows the forefoot and heel to move independently of one another. The Torsion System of the Supernova Sequence 5 helps to keep the foot stable but also helps with flexibility.
Traction
The Adidas Supernova Sequence 5 does a great job giving runners traction. The shoes do a really great job of gripping the ground even when taken out for a run in the rain. If you’re used to rainy, wet runs and need a shoe that won’t slip in those conditions, the Supernova Sequence 5 does the job. You’ll want to avoid muddy conditions though as the Supernova Sequence 5 doesn’t grip mud as well as it does pavement.
Bottom Line
The Adidas Supernova Sequence 5 is a nice update from the previous version of the shoe. The heel counter is done away with and other stability features have been decreased in size to help reduce the weight of the already heavy shoe. The Sequence 5 is lighter than the previous version and offers the same great cushioning as before. The shoe also provides improved traction with its revamped outsole and does a great job at gripping the pavement in wet conditions.;It’s a good choice for runners looking for a high mileage shoe. It would be a great shoe for someone training for a marathon who needs ample support and help with their overpronation. It would also be a great shoe for a beginner marathoner who’s concerned with the impact running might have on their body and joints. These shoes will cushion the blow of each footfall quite well and thanks to their great durability, runners will likely be able to get through a full training season without replacing them.
