Supernova Rise 2 vs Experience Flow 2

The Supernova Rise 2 is adidas playing it safe, and mostly getting it right. This is a cushioned neutral daily training shoe built for the miles most of us actually run: easy days, steady runs, the odd long one. It is not fast and it does not pretend to be. At 277g it sits on the heavier side of the daily trainer class, so if you want pop and turnover you will look elsewhere. What you get instead is a soft, forgiving ride with a stable, planted feel that shrugs off tired legs. The 10mm drop is traditional and suits heel strikers well. We rate it as a comfort-first workhorse rather than a do-everything running shoe. If your week is mostly relaxed mileage and you value a dependable, plush trainer over a lively one, it earns its place. Runners chasing tempo work will want a lighter shoe, and the newer Supernova Rise 3 is worth a look if you want the latest version.

The Experience Flow 2 is Altra's answer to runners who love the brand's roomy, natural feel but want a bit more snap. It is a lightweight daily training shoe that trades Altra's signature zero drop for a low 4mm, which nudges you onto your forefoot and helps the ride feel quick. At 238g it is genuinely light for a cushioned trainer, so it handles easy miles and picks up the pace for a tempo or progression run without feeling like a chore. Think of it as a do-most-things road shoe rather than a specialist. It is not a max-cushion recovery slab and it is not a carbon racer, but for daily running, faster sessions and the odd 10k it hits a sweet spot. If you have been curious about Altra's foot-shaped fit but found true zero drop a step too far, this is the easiest way in. In our view it is one of the more versatile shoes in the range.