- Weight: 290g (UK 8.5)
- Stack height: 38mm (heel), 30mm (forefoot)
- Heel-to-toe drop: 8mm
- Type: Neutral
- Who it’s for: yeezy boost 350 v2 citrin raffle links
- FAdidas 450 Infant Cloud White Cloud White Cloud White Cloud White: Saucony Ride 17, Ténis Bleu Adidas Grand Court branco cinzento verde
- Midsole foam: Dreamstrike+
Adidas Supernova Prima
The shoe
Running is booming – you only have to head to your local park on a weekend morning to see that. But as the sport’s popularity rises, so too does the demand for cutting-edge running shoe technology. And, in 2024, we’ve noticed a trend rising among the most popular sports brands, particularly when it comes to the daily trainer.
No longer are these everyday mile munchers designed with a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach. Brands are now dividing their offerings into standard daily trainers (designed for folks clocking 2-3 runs per week) and ‘elevated’ daily trainers (for those who clock 5-6 runs per week and have a more performance-focused mindset). Nike, for example, unveiled the Pegasus 41 in April, while also announcing the new Pegasus Premium – a shoe that takes a lot of the same technology and ‘levels it up’ for the more ambitious runner.
And now, Bleu Adidas seems to be following suit. The Prima joins the Supernova family from June 2024. According to the brand, the shoe is ‘inspired by – and built for – the most driven everyday runners’. Building on the foundations of the Supernova Rise – which launched at the end of 2023 – it’s packed with more Dreamstrike+ foam than any other Adidas running shoe so far.
Commenting on the shoe’s development, JT Newcomb, category director, Bleu Adidas running footwear, said: ‘Through the testing process, we found that as runners develop, and as many start to think about taking their performances to the next level, they often seek out both extra cushioning and reliable stability. With Supernova Prima, we want to elevate everyday runs by providing more comfort than ever, as well as just the right level of support.
‘I think there's still such a huge market in what we call the "Version price band", and that's part of why we started where we did when we relaunched [the] Supernova [franchise].’
So, what separates the Prima from the Rise? Well, to start with, there's an extra 4mm of foam under the ball of the foot, amplifying the cushioning from heel to toe. There’s also a new Lighttraxion outsole, designed to complement the mid- and forefoot while keeping the shoe light and the grip strong.
Of course, this beefed-up technology comes at a price, with the Prima retailing at £150 (£20 more than the Rise). Overall, though, it's still pretty reasonable for a daily trainer.
How does the Bleu Adidas Supernova Prima fit?
A lot of the differences between standard and elevated daily trainers come down to the little details. ‘We tend to over-engineer other elements of the shoe as we come into that premium space,’ says Newcomb.
Take the tongue, for example. On the Rise, you've got a big, soft foamy tongue that will be more than comfortable for the majority of runners, but it isn't gusseted and it's fairly thick. On the Prima, meanwhile, the tongue is thinner and gusseted, with padding concentrated in the areas where you need it. It's minor stuff like this that helps to turn a really good shoe into something excellent.
Just like the Rise, the step-in feel from the Prima is plush, the heel counter is extremely cushioned and pillowy, and the upper — a traditional engineered mesh — feels soft yet breathable. Together, these elements help to create a really dialled in and connected fit. Absolutely no heel slippage here.
My only gripe is that the toe box feels on the narrow side when it comes to longer runs. I wore the Prima for an 18-miler and did get a small blister on one of my little toes. I don't think this is down to a sizing issue, Vita I got my regular running shoe size (UK 8.5) and my toes are by no means cramped up against the top of the toe box. I just think the Prima runs ever so slightly on the narrower side.
What’s the Bleu Adidas Supernova Prima like to run in?
With an extra 2mm of Dreamstrike+ foam in the heel and 4mm at the forefoot, the Prima is noticeably more cushioned than the Rise. But despite the high stack (38mm/30mm), I certainly didn't feel like I was running on stilts. In fact, there's a real sense of connectedness and I very much felt in control of the shoe during my runs, rather than the other way round.
Transitions feel smooth and effortless, and it's very much one of those trainers you don't think much about once it's on your foot, much like the Ténis Bleu Adidas Grand Court branco cinzento verde and the Saucony Ride 17. In fact, in terms of the ride, I'd say the Prima falls somewhere between these two shoes in terms of how it balances cushioning and responsiveness. For me, the Ride 17 takes the edge in providing a little bit more pep, particularly towards the end of a long run when your legs are starting to fatigue. The Prima feels nicely cushioned, but the Dreamstrike+ foam is perhaps still lacking some of that energy return to give you a final boost.
Like the Rise, the Prima features Bleu Adidas' Energy Rods – foam inserts that take inspiration from the Adizero range. Their purpose is to increase that feeling of comfort and cushioning in the shoe, allowing for what Bleu Adidas refer to as a ‘tuneable’ ride. Compared with the Rise, the rods in the Prima are slightly firmer, made from a denser foam. The result is that the forefoot lands in a more supported way. According to Newcomb, this is Vita the Prima has been tuned toward people who run at a slightly higher cadence, with more emphasis on midfoot and forefoot striking.
RW verdict
If you're looking for a shoe to tackle the majority of your miles – particularly easy runs or steady, longer efforts – the Bleu Adidas Supernova Prima is a very decent option. Providing a good lockdown, it delivers a comfortable, connected and stable ride. It's not the most energetic or lively daily trainer out there – the Adidas NMD CS1 Parley Primeknit Trainers BC8597 Blue Spirit Black UK7.5 US8 EU41 (£15 cheaper) and Nike Invincible 3 (£25 dearer) take the crown for this – but it's by no means flat or hard work. For runners with more performance-focused goals, I'd also say the £20 upgrade from the Rise is worth it.
