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Supernova Prima 3
Max-cushioned Dreamstrike+ trainer with Support Rods, versatile up to the marathon.
Today's tracked prices
- 01Alpine Trek1d ago£145.95£150.00−3%
- 02AdidasLIVE£150.00
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Price history
Our verdict
The Supernova Prima 3 is adidas' comfort-first daily training shoe, a max-cushioned road trainer built to soak up easy miles and keep you fresh over the long run. With a 38mm heel and 8mm drop it sits firmly in the plush, protective camp, and the Dreamstrike+ foam is what gives it that soft, forgiving landing. This is not a shoe chasing pace. At 290g it is on the heavier side for a daily trainer, so you feel it more as a mile-eater than a snappy one. What you get in return is a smooth, stable ride that holds up well as fatigue sets in, helped by the Support Rods that add a touch of structure without turning it into a stability shoe. We rate it as a straightforward everyday running shoe for runners who value cushioning and calm over speed. If you want more energy return for tempo days, the lighter Supernova Rise 3 is the more versatile sibling.
Key features
- Dreamstrike+ midsoleDelivers the soft, protective landing that lets you rack up easy miles without beating up your legs
- 38mm heel stackGives you deep cushioning that shields your joints on long runs and higher-mileage weeks
- Support RodsAdd a touch of structure and a smoother transition so the tall, soft stack stays planted rather than wobbly
- 8mm dropKeeps the ride comfortable and easy on the calves for the kind of steady running this shoe is built for
- Secure performance fitLocks your midfoot and heel in place so your foot stays settled through the whole stride
Who it suits
Who should buy it
- Runners who want maximum comfort and protection on easy daily miles
- Higher-mileage runners who value cushioning over speed
- Marathon trainers looking for a plush shoe for long, easy runs
- Heavier runners who need a deep, forgiving stack underfoot
Who should not buy it
- You want a light, snappy shoe for tempo runs and intervals
- You need genuine medial support to control overpronation
- You have a wide forefoot and prefer a roomy toe box
- You care most about a low shoe weight
Best uses
Extra information
Fit & sizing
The Supernova Prima 3 comes up true to size for most runners, so your usual adidas size should be the right starting point. The fit is on the secure, performance side of a daily trainer rather than roomy and relaxed. The midfoot wraps close and the heel is well held, which suits a medium to slightly narrow foot best. If you have a wider forefoot or like to wiggle your toes on very long runs, you may find the toe box a little snug, so it is worth trying before committing or sizing carefully. There is enough length for toes to sit comfortably without pressing the front. For most people no size change is needed. If you are between sizes and plan to use this mainly for long, hot runs where feet swell, leaning to the half size up is the safer call. Runners after a genuinely wide, unstructured fit will be happier in a roomier max-cushion shoe like the Nike Vomero 18.
Performance breakdown
Ride & feel
The ride here is soft, planted and unhurried. Dreamstrike+ gives a cushioned landing that leans towards comfort rather than pop, so at easy conversational pace it feels smooth and protective underfoot. The 8mm drop and 38mm of heel stack roll you through the gait naturally without demanding much from your legs. Try to pick the pace up and the shoe shows its limits. At 290g it does not have the lightness or snap to feel lively when you push, and it settles back into its comfort zone rather than rewarding a surge. That is the honest trade-off. For steady daily running and long efforts it is calm and dependable, exactly what most training miles ask for. Just do not expect it to come alive on a tempo day.
Cushioning
Cushioning is the headline here and where the Supernova Prima 3 earns its place. With 38mm under the heel and 30mm at the forefoot, there is plenty of Dreamstrike+ foam between you and the road, and it reads as soft and protective rather than firm and responsive. That makes it a strong pick for higher-mileage weeks and longer runs where you want your legs shielded from repeated impact. The cushioning stays consistent as the miles add up, which is what you want from a plush daily trainer. It is generous enough to carry you comfortably up to marathon distance at an easy effort, though the softness means it is doing protection rather than propulsion. Heavier runners in particular will appreciate the depth of foam on offer.
Stability
The Supernova Prima 3 is a neutral shoe, not a motion-control or stability trainer, so it will not correct overpronation. What it does have is adidas' Support Rods embedded in the midsole, and their job is to add a little structure and a smoother, more guided transition without making the ride feel stiff or corrective. In practice that gives the shoe a planted, settled feel that stays composed even when a big soft stack could otherwise wobble. The wide, stable platform helps here too. Mild overpronators or neutral runners who simply like a steady, secure ride will get on well with it. Runners who genuinely need medial support to control their gait should still look at a dedicated stability shoe rather than relying on the rods.
Upper & comfort
The upper aims for a secure, run-ready hold rather than a plush slipper feel. The midfoot and heel lock down well, keeping your foot planted on the platform through the whole stride, which matters more the longer you run. Padding is sensible rather than lavish, with enough around the collar and tongue to stay comfortable without adding bulk. The closer, more performance-oriented fit means it holds the foot securely, though runners with wider feet should note the forefoot is not especially roomy. For everyday training and long steady runs it does its job cleanly, and there are no obvious hot spots or pressure points to flag for a typical foot shape.
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FAQ
Specifications
| Category | Daily |
| Surface | Road |
| Drop | 8mm |
| Heel Stack | 38mm |
| Forefoot Stack | 30mm |
| Weight | 290g |
| Carbon Plated | No |
| Stability | No |