Adidas Supernova Prima 2 Review
The Adidas Supernova Prima 2 is one of the most searched daily trainers on Cadence. Here's the full breakdown — what it does, who it's for, and how it compares to the Supernova Rise 3.
The Adidas Supernova Prima 2 has been one of the most searched shoes on Cadence since its release — and it's easy to see why. It uses the same Dreamstrike+ superfoam as the rest of the Supernova family but takes the formula further with a taller stack, a more refined upper, and a premium feel that sits above the rest of the lineup. If you've been searching for "Supernova Prima 2 stack height" or "Supernova Prima 2 weight" — here's everything you need to know.
Quick Verdict
The Supernova Prima 2 is one of the best daily trainers Adidas has ever made. It's plush, well-cushioned, subtly supportive, and built for runners who want a premium everyday shoe that handles everything from easy miles to moderate long runs. One reviewer with 42 years of running called it the best shoe he's ever worn. That's a strong endorsement.
View full Adidas Supernova Prima 2 specs on Cadence →
Specs
Supernova Prima 2 | |
|---|---|
Price | $160 |
Weight | 9.8 oz |
Heel Stack | 38mm |
Forefoot Stack | 30mm |
Drop | 8mm |
Foam | Dreamstrike+ |
Plate | Support Rods (no carbon plate) |
Stability | Neutral |
Outsole | Lighttraxion rubber |
What Makes the Prima 2 Special

The headline upgrade in the Supernova Prima 2 is an updated Dreamstrike+ midsole that's noticeably softer and more responsive through the forefoot than the original. Dreamstrike+ is Adidas' PEBA-based superfoam — the same technology platform as Lightstrike Pro but tuned for daily training comfort rather than race day explosiveness. The result is a foam that feels plush and protective on landing but still has enough snap to reward a faster pace when you want it.
Full-length support rods run through the midsole — not a carbon plate, but a subtle structural element that guides your transitions and adds just enough structure to keep the ride feeling controlled without ever feeling stiff or corrective. The Lighttraxion rubber outsole covers the midfoot and forefoot for grip while keeping weight down with a lower-profile design. At 9.8 oz it's not the lightest shoe in its category, but the weight is well-distributed and doesn't feel heavy underfoot.
The Primeweave upper is one of the best parts of the shoe — thin, breathable, and premium-feeling, with an updated heel foam collar that locks your foot in comfortably from the first step. Multiple reviewers specifically called out the upper quality as exceptional, which is a meaningful distinction in a category where uppers are often an afterthought.
How Does It Feel on the Run?
Easy runs are where the Prima 2 shines. The Dreamstrike+ foam absorbs impact effectively and provides a smooth, energized sensation underfoot that makes comfortable paces feel almost effortless. It's particularly good for runners who spend a lot of time on their feet — the foam holds up well over longer distances without compressing into a flat, dead feeling.
At moderate paces the Prima 2 holds its own surprisingly well. The support rods create a guided, forward-rolling sensation that makes transitions smooth and natural. It doesn't feel like a shoe that wants to go fast, but it doesn't fight you when you pick up the pace either. Reviewers consistently describe it as a do-it-all daily trainer that handles short recovery miles and longer easy efforts equally well.
One durability note worth knowing: some runners reported outsole wear in the lateral heel after relatively low mileage. This is a known issue with Lighttraxion rubber compared to Continental rubber — it's lighter and tackier but wears faster in high-impact zones. If you're a heavy heel striker logging big miles, keep an eye on the heel outsole and consider rotating with another shoe.
Supernova Prima 2 vs Supernova Rise 3

Both shoes are in the Cadence catalog and both use Dreamstrike+ foam, so the most common question is which one to buy. Here's the short answer:
The Prima 2 is the premium option — taller stack, more cushioning, more refined upper, and a slightly more structured feel from the support rods. At $160 it's $20 more than the Rise 3 and noticeably more substantial underfoot.
The Rise 3 is the lighter, more versatile option — 20% softer and 20% bouncier Dreamstrike+ foam than its predecessor, lighter overall weight, and a more streamlined build that handles a wider range of training paces. It's the better pick if you want one shoe that can do easy days and moderate tempo efforts without feeling too heavy for the latter.
Prima 2 | Rise 3 | |
|---|---|---|
Price | $160 | $140 |
Weight | 9.8 oz | 9.3 oz |
Heel Stack | 38mm | 36mm |
Drop | 8mm | 8mm |
Best For | Premium cushioned daily miles | Versatile daily training |
View Adidas Supernova Prima 2 specs on Cadence →
View Adidas Supernova Rise 3 specs on Cadence →
Who Should Buy the Supernova Prima 2?
The Prima 2 is the right shoe if you want a premium daily trainer that prioritizes cushioning comfort and a refined ride over outright versatility or low weight. It's built for runners who want one excellent shoe for easy and moderate daily mileage and don't need it to double as a tempo or speed workout shoe.
It's a strong pick for runners who found the Rise 3 too light or nimble, runners who log high easy-day mileage and want maximum comfort, and runners who have been searching for a daily trainer that feels genuinely premium from the first mile to the last.
If you want speed and versatility, look at the Rise 3 or step up to the Adizero line. If you want the most comfortable, premium-feeling daily trainer in Adidas' current lineup, the Prima 2 is the answer.
Compare on Cadence
Want to see how the Supernova Prima 2 stacks up against other daily trainers in our catalog? Use the Cadence comparison tool to compare specs side by side.