Details
Brand
Adidas
Heel To Toe Drop
8 mm
Breathability
7.6/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Cushioned
Key Features
• Much like a stability version of the well-liked neutral Adidas Supernova• A truly revamped descendant of the Adidas Sequence 9• Significant Boost foam cushioning for lauded comfort• Rugged sole with Continental Tire technology• Engineered mesh upper for breathability• Wider fitting shoe• Some considered it awkward and bulky
Upper
The Supernova ST benefits from an engineered breathable mesh making it ventilated and ideal for keeping feet cool and dry. With plastic overlays for the security of fit, there is also extra mesh incorporated into the toebox area allowing for extra stability as well. While it has been said to possibly create a narrower fit, most found it to be comfortable for what seems like an already wider fitting shoe. Even the saddle area of the shoe lends itself to a wider fit. One reviewer pointed out that the ST is likely not the ideal shoe for someone with narrower feet as tightening the laces, that some considered a bit too short, across the foot forces the toe areas mesh to become bunchy and ill-fitting. The saddle displays the Adidas diagonal stripes logo a strategically embedded into the mesh to create a more secure fit that may help offset the wider overall feel. Additionally, the upper’s heel counter termed Fitcounter, is one large wrap with a cut-away strip to allow for Achilles movement. While it does help lock the foot in place, the wider collar and heel area of the shoe somewhat negate this effect, especially for those with narrower feet.
Midsole
As the stability counterpart to the original Supernova, the ST introduces a longer guide rail on the medial side of the shoe. Continuing further back into the heel, it’s designed to keep the foot securely in line, along with stability features like its large medial post in the heel. And the more significant change seems to be that, while the shoe employs Adidas’ standard Boost foam technology, the Supernova ST offers more impressive and abundant quantities of it – much more than any previous version. With a stack height of 29 mm in the heel and 21 mm in the forefoot, there is a generous underfoot cushion. In fact, some reviewers were turned off by this noting that the amount of support and cushioning created an imbalance on how the shoe fit rendering it inefficient. Others claimed the foam was stiffer than expected. However, most were very pleased with the softness of the ride and the comfort the shoe provided.
Outsole
The outsole of the Adidas Supernova ST stands out from some others for its interesting design. With a stretched-out looking webbed design, the shoe employs a well-spaced tread that, while it grips, doesn’t accumulate small rocks as you hit the roads. Comprised of Continental (tire) rubber, known for its durability and superior traction, this shoe can take you where you want to go, wet or dry. One of the stability features built into the outsole is the midfoot torsion system. It looks like a little rectangle in the middle of the shoe’s webbed tread and it serves to eliminate or greatly reduce twisting of the foot. This will assist with overpronating tendencies.
Breathability
With the engineered mesh of the upper, the runner is designed to be breathable and create ventilation for the foot. Most found this to be accurate. Despite the decent amount of plastic and urethane overlays, most found the shoe to be acceptably breathable. With a shoe crafted with an all season tire-rubber based outsole that can handle dry and wet conditions, the well-received breathability is a huge factor in what makes this shoe a good choice for most.
Comfort
While some disagreed, comfort seems to be where the Supernova ST shines. With Adidas’ Boost foam cushioning at the heart of the shoe, most found a spongy softness that made each footstrike feel impressively comfortable. There were some that felt the cushioning fell flat from the Sequence 9 version but, by and large, most reviews were positive on this front. The soft mesh upper lent itself to a level of comfort as well. While some found the shoe to fit wider throughout, except less so at the toebox, most claimed it felt very comfortable and agreeable. Seemingly aimed at those with wider feet, even the collar of the shoe allowed a bit more movement than expected and tightening of the laces did help alleviate some of this, as did the stability features built in, but the toe box’s mesh seemed to fall back on itself that detracted from the overall comfort level. As far as sizing, most felt it was sized a bit large but there were some that felt going down a half size from their standard shoe size was what worked best for them. It is available in Width D only.
Style
Overall, the style of this shoe received mostly positive feedback. Looking fresh and fun, with a little pop on some color combinations, the men’s shoe is available in collegiate navy/white/scarlet, grey four/black/solar orange, mid-grey/metallic silver/energy, and core blue/metallic silver/blue satellite while the women’s comes in easy blue/white/easy coral, grey five/night metallic/black, white/metallic silver/energy aqua, and black/metallic silver/shock pink.
Durability
The outsole of the Supernova ST is made up of Continental tire technology that was previously used for optimal braking performance in high-performance tires. Grippy and designed for durability, most were pleased with the overall package. Most found the shoes to be durable for standard surface wear but some did cite more than expected tread erosion with regular use within a shorter time frame than expected.
Protection
As a stability daily road runner shoe, the Adidas Supernova ST does not offer much in the way of protection. That said, its impressive underfoot design certainly protects feet from injury on the ground. The tire-based technology and the stretched web design of the outsole make it tough enough to withstand chance of piercing from rocks or sharp objects below. The foam cushioning creates a soft but thick layer that acts as an additional barrier but also cushions the blow of each footstrike. The top of the foot is protected by the plastic and urethane overlays and the Fitcounter that, while they help lock the foot in place to avoid injury, also, in essence, form a shield from outside debris. While this shoe is meant for venturing on asphalt and the treadmill, it has been noted that it can withstand the lightest of trail use so these elements of protection could prove beneficial here. The upper’s breathable mesh goes a long way toward creating a cool, dry environment for feet as well. Since this shoe can withstand the rain, it is important that feet are able to be ventilated and dry to avoid chafing and blisters. The ST seems to accomplish this according to quite a few reviews.
Responsiveness
The Boost technology that exists in the foam cushioning is designed to deliver a responsive ride that offers spring in measure with the comfort. However, while most found the shoe very adequately soft, some did not find it too overly responsive. There are many other features at play in the dynamics of this shoe and it could be a number of reasons but overall, the responsiveness is not what most seemed impressed with.
Support
It seems that runners will receive a good amount of support in the Adidas Supernova ST. As a shoe with built-in stability features, it also offers a very solid spongy base of foam cushioning. Measuring a higher stack height, the amount of cushion is visible. The way the shoe aims to lock in feet is lauded by quite a few. Citing the highly cushioned arch, heel counter, the extra engineered mesh at the toe box, in addition to the plastic overlays on both the lateral and especially the medial side of the shoe, most were pleased with the security of fit and the support in place ensuring an efficient ride. There were some that found the ride to be stiffer and less supportive, however, especially due to ill fit.
Terrain
Designed to cover asphalt and paved surface or for when training on the treadmill, the Supernova ST keeps you in touch with the ground. Despite the plentiful midsole cushioning, reviewers reported that these shoes, while bulky, did feel like they had good ground contact with these terrains. Some found them even suitable for lighter trails and at the least, gravel paths.
Price
With a moderate price point and in keeping with others in the category, the Supernova ST represents a standard investment in road running stability shoes. Debuting with a higher cost, the ST can now be found at a considerable markdown that should make them even more attractive to those in the market for daily comfortable training shoes.
Drop
The cushioned midsole is accountable for much of the shoe’s higher stack height. With a difference of 29 mm in the heel and 21 mm, the drop of the Supernova ST is a middle of the road 8mm. some found this drop to be effective for their Achilles concerns.
Stability
The ST is a stability shoe that aims to help with overpronation issues. The very ample cushioning has led a few reviewers to cite it as less stable but most find the shoe’s stability features and security of fit (at least for wider feet) to offset the stack height. From the heel counter to the medial post and medial guide-rails that help lock the foot where it needs to be, most found stability to be adequate.
Flexibility
Providing more flexibility than some expected, reviewers report that through the heel-to-toe transition, they were surprised to find the level of flexibility they did. Some say a detractor of the shoe’s flexibility is the torsional control provided courtesy of the midfoot Torsion system. This plastic shank appears as a small rectangle underfoot but helps control and minimize twisting of the shoe. All in all, it seems that for a shoe this feature-laden and what some consider bulky, the ST seems to be a little ahead of other stability shoes with this ” lightweightish ” heft.
Traction
The Continental Tire technology in the outsole of the Supernova ST is considerably grippy. Modeled after a tire that is known for its impressive braking, the ST’s outsole rubber seems to stand up to the elements and terrain. It offers stick-on lightest trails and on slick roads and can take it all on in wet or dry conditions. Most were impressed by its ability to create a confident ride in less than ideal conditions.
Bottom Line
With its newer pricetag, the Adidas Supernova ST seems to be one to definitely try if you are in the market for a stability daily trainer with impressive grip and the ability to take you where you need to go rain or shine. With a few mixed reviews, comfort does still seem to be its strong suit – provided you don’t have narrow feet. The fit is everything and, with a wider shoe that is only available in one width and not always true to size, it would be wise to try it on. But if the shoe fits, it seems one should wear it.
