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As an avid runner always on the hunt for the perfect daily trainer, I was thrilled to get my hands on two of Adidas’ top all-around models – the Boston 12 and the Supernova Rise. Both shoes are marketed as versatile options that can handle a variety of runs, from easy efforts to uptempo workouts. But which one truly reigns supreme as the ultimate do-it-all shoe? I put these two contenders through their paces to find out. Let’s dive into the key details.
The Contenders
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, here’s a quick overview of the two shoes:
| Feature | Boston 12 | Supernova Rise |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Speed/Race | Training |
| Midsole Foam | Lightstrike Pro | Bounce |
| Heel/Forefoot Stack | 28mm / 18mm | 34mm / 26mm |
| Intended Pace | Uptempo/Fast | Easy/Steady |
| Versatility | High | Low |
Adidas Boston 12
The Boston 12 is part of Adidas’ speed-focused Adizero lineup, positioning it as a race-ready shoe built for faster efforts like:
- Intervals
- Tempos
- Races
With its lightweight construction and responsive midsole foam, it’s designed to provide an efficient, high-performance ride. However, many runners also find the Boston excels as an everyday trainer thanks to its blend of cushioning and snap. This could make it a true Swiss Army knife capable of handling any workout.
Adidas Supernova Rise
In contrast, the Supernova Rise is squarely aimed at the training category. Adidas bills it as a durable workhorse capable of logging plenty of:
- Easy runs
- Long runs
- Steady state miles
With its premium cushioning, it’s meant to deliver a plush, comfortable ride for racking up high mileage. But does the Supernova Rise have enough versatility to be a true jack-of-all-trades option? Or is it too one-dimensional for uptempo efforts? I put it head-to-head with the Boston 12 to find out.
The Uppers
Let’s start at the top with the all-important upper fit. The Boston 12 features an engineered mesh upper with thin synthetic overlays. This translates to a snug, race-ready fit that locks down the midfoot while allowing your toes to splay naturally. The padded heel collar provides a plush, secure hold, while the lightly padded tongue lays smoothly over the foot.
The Supernova Rise, on the other hand, opts for a more substantial engineered mesh upper with larger synthetic reinforcements. This gives it a boxier, more structured fit through the midfoot that some runners may find too roomy or sloppy. The padded heel is comfortable, but the tongue is a bit thinner and less plush than the Boston’s.
In terms of breathability, both uppers do a decent job of expelling heat and allowing airflow, though the Boston 12 gets the slight edge with its more ventilated mesh construction.
One area where the Supernova Rise pulls ahead is in the lacing system. It utilizes Adidas’ gusseted tongue design with stretchy wings that help create a snug, sock-like fit around the midfoot. The Boston 12’s standard tongue has a tendency to shift around a bit more during runs.
The Midsoles
Where things get really interesting is the midsole foam cushioning. The Boston 12 utilizes Adidas’ responsive Lightstrike Pro foam, which provides a nice blend of:
- Cushioning
- Energy return
- Snappy, efficient ride
There’s enough underfoot protection to make long runs comfortable, but not so much that the shoe feels harsh or overly firm.
The Supernova Rise takes a different approach with Adidas’ softer, more premium Bounce midsole compound. This delivers a plush, cushioned feel that’s great for easy days and long runs, soaking up impact and cradling the foot in pillowy comfort. However, the softness can feel a bit mushy and unstable at faster paces when you need more responsiveness.
In terms of stack heights, the Boston 12 has a relatively low 28mm heel / 18mm forefoot measurement, while the Supernova Rise is quite a bit higher at 34mm heel / 26mm forefoot. So you get more underfoot cushioning with the Supernova, but also a bit more heel-toe drop differential.
Both midsoles are reinforced with plastic shank pieces to provide structure and guidance through the gait cycle. The Boston 12 uses Adidas’ torsion system, while the Supernova Rise has a semi-rigid piece. This helps prevent the soft foams from feeling too unstable or uncontrolled.
The Outsoles
When it comes to traction, you’ll find full rubber outsoles on both the Boston 12 and Supernova Rise that do a solid job of gripping both wet and dry surfaces. The Boston 12 has a bit more ground feel and responsiveness thanks to its lower stack height bringing you closer to the ground.
The biggest difference lies in the rubber layout and coverage:
Boston 12 Outsole
- Adidas’ premium Continental rubber compound
- More exposed configuration
- Less underfoot rubber for increased durability and traction
- Great grip, but foam breaks down faster over time
Supernova Rise Outsole
- More substantial rubber coverage underfoot
- Longer-lasting cushioning and protection
- Trade-off is less road feel and responsiveness
- Harder, less premium rubber compound
Both shoes utilize a fair amount of rubber on the heel and forefoot for durability, with more minimal coverage through the midfoot to promote flexibility. You’ll also find subtle flex grooves in the forefoot to enhance toe-off.
The Ride
So how do these two shoes actually feel and perform out on the run? In my testing, the Boston 12 emerged as the more versatile, well-rounded performer that can truly handle any workout.
Its lively, responsive Lightstrike Pro midsole provides enough cushioning for long runs while still feeling peppy and snappy for workouts like:
- Intervals
- Tempos
- Fartleks
The snug, race-inspired fit allows you to really lock in and go when you need to pick up the pace. You get a nice blend of cushioning, energy return, and foot-hugging security.
The Supernova Rise, while supremely cushioned and comfortable on easy days, feels a bit too soft and unstable at faster paces. The mushy foam lacks the responsiveness needed to feel efficient and in control during uptempo segments. The more structured upper also doesn’t wrap the foot quite as precisely, leading to some sloppiness when you start pushing the pace.
Where the Supernova Rise truly shines is on:
- Easy runs
- Long runs
Where you can take advantage of its premium Bounce cushioning. The plush midsole soaks up impact exceptionally well, delivering a buttery smooth and protective ride for ticking off high mileage weeks. It’s a great shoe for recovery days when your legs are feeling fatigued.
However, the Supernova Rise’s lack of versatility means it’s not an ideal option if you like to mix up your training with workouts. The softness that feels so luxurious at easy paces quickly becomes a detriment when you start running faster, leading to a disconnected, unstable feeling underfoot.
In contrast, the Boston 12 is equally adept at:
- Cruising through recovery runs
- Hammering out intervals on the track
- Pushing the pace on tempo efforts
Its more responsive, lower-profile midsole gives you better ground feel and footstrike control for quicker cadences. And the snug, performance-oriented upper keeps you locked in no matter how hard you’re pushing.
The Verdict
When it comes to picking a daily trainer that can truly do it all, the Adidas Boston 12 gets my vote as the superior all-around option. Its blend of cushioning, responsiveness, and locked-in fit makes it equally adept at cruising through recovery runs and hammering out intervals on the track or tempo efforts on the roads.
The Boston 12 is the true Swiss Army knife of the two shoes – able to seamlessly transition between:
- Easy days
- Long runs
- Faster-paced workouts
Without missing a beat. You get enough underfoot protection for high mileage, but also the snap and ground feel needed to feel fast and efficient when it’s time to pick up the pace.
That said, the Supernova Rise definitely has its place for those who prioritize plush cushioning above all else on easy and long efforts. If the majority of your training consists of steady state miles at an easy pace, the premium Bounce midsole will deliver an exceptionally smooth and protective ride that pampers your legs.
But if you like to mix in uptempo segments or workouts, the Supernova Rise’s softness quickly becomes a hindrance rather than a benefit. The mushy, disconnected feeling underfoot makes it difficult to feel stable and in control when you start pushing harder. And the more structured upper doesn’t provide the same precise, locked-in fit as the Boston 12.
For runners seeking a true Swiss Army knife of a shoe that can handle any workout, the Boston 12’s well-rounded performance gives it the clear edge. Its versatility allows it to seamlessly transition from easy runs to fast workouts without compromising:
- Cushioning
- Responsiveness
- Fit
But cushion-lovers who rarely venture out of the easy/long run zone will likely prefer the Supernova Rise’s premium softness and impact protection for ticking off high mileage weeks in supreme comfort. Just don’t expect it to feel quite as lively, stable, or precise when you need to pick up the pace.
No matter which shoe you choose, both the Boston 12 and Supernova Rise showcase Adidas’ ability to craft high-quality trainers with premium materials and technologies. They just happen to be tailored for slightly different needs and preferences:
Boston 12
- True all-arounder
- Handles entire training cycle
- From recovery to intense workouts
Supernova Rise
- Dedicated easy/long run shoe
- Best for steady, high mileage efforts
- When plush cushioning is priority
So for those who need a single shoe to handle their entire training cycle, from recovery days to intense workouts, the Boston 12 is tough to beat. But if you have the luxury of building a full rotation, the Supernova Rise can be an excellent plush option specifically for easy and long efforts when cushioning is king.