Adidas is no stranger to developing footwear that pushes the boundaries of performance and comfort, and the Adidas Supernova Prima, the newest addition to the Supernova family, is no exception. The Prima, launched on 4 June 2024, is designed with the runner’s needs in mind, but it extends beyond the track, providing both function and style for casual wear as well.
I recently had the opportunity to speak with JT Newcomb, Category Director of Adidas Running Footwear, about what makes this shoe stand out in a crowded market.
“This is more of everything,” Newcomb explained, describing how the Prima was designed to sit at the top of the Supernova range, offering more comfort and support than its predecessors, the Supernova Rise and Solution. “We wanted to establish the Supernova stand for comfort and support, and the Prima takes that to a new level.”
The Good: Comfort, Support, and Thoughtful Engineering
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For runners who value both comfort and durability, the Adidas Supernova Prima delivers on all fronts. The shoe is built with 133% more DREAMSTRIKE+ super-foam compared to the Supernova Rise, adding two more millimeters in the heel and four more in the forefoot. “We’ve added more of what’s already good in the shoe,” said Newcomb, highlighting the additional cushioning that makes it particularly suitable for midfoot and forefoot strikers.
The Prima also features a new support rod system, a rubberized compound designed to provide extra traction and stability without compromising the shoe's light weight. According to Newcomb, the engineers at Adidas “over-engineered every detail” of the shoe, ensuring that even seemingly minor elements like the tongue and heel are designed for optimal performance. The dual-layer heel construction locks in the foot for a more secure fit, while the soft edges and foam pods protect against lace pressure, adding to the overall comfort.
The Room for Improvement: A Bit More Bulk
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While the Supernova Prima excels in comfort and durability, one of its trade-offs is its increased weight. Newcomb acknowledged this, explaining that while more foam means more comfort, it also adds to the shoe's overall heft. “There’s a little bit more weight in the Prima compared to the Rise, but we’ve done everything we can to keep it balanced,” he said.
To mitigate the added weight, Adidas introduced new light traction technology in the outsole, which is designed to add durability without making the shoe overly bulky. While the Prima is an impressive daily trainer, runners who prioritize a feather-light feel might find the added bulk a bit of an adjustment, especially when transitioning from lighter models like the Adidas Adizero.
That said, for a premium shoe that prioritizes comfort and support, the slightly heavier weight may be a worthy trade-off for runners with knee issues or those who prioritize cushioning during their workouts. “It’s a more highly engineered mesh for extra breathability,” Newcomb added, ensuring that despite the added foam, the shoe maintains air circulation during intense runs.
The Final Take: A Premium Addition to the Supernova Family
IMAGE: Adidas
In the end, the Adidas Supernova Prima is an excellent choice for runners looking for a reliable, comfortable, and supportive shoe that holds up for both short jogs and longer runs. “We’re very proud of this one and excited about it becoming a lot of people’s favourite shoe,” Newcomb said confidently.
The Prima’s thoughtful design, from the new support rod system to the highly engineered mesh, makes it a versatile option for not just runners but also casual wearers. Priced at US$160 and featuring three color options; Dash Grey, Cloud White, Flash Aqua, if you’re in the market for a daily trainer that delivers comfort and support, and don’t mind a bit of added weight, the Adidas Supernova Prima is worth a try.
