Adidas Boston 12 vs Supernova Rise: Which Daily Trainer Deserves Your Money?

Introduction

Adidas sells the Boston 12 and Supernova Rise as two very different things: the Boston is pitched as a racy, speed-focused shoe from the Adizero family, while the Supernova Rise is positioned as a straightforward daily trainer. In practice, both cover a similar range of runs, which makes choosing between them genuinely tricky.

We ran plenty of miles in both to see where each one shines. Spoiler: the Boston 12 wins on performance for almost every type of run, but the Supernova Rise has a more comfortable, easier-to-wear upper and a friendlier price. Which one is right for you depends on how much you value speed versus fuss-free comfort.

Specs and Construction

Both are best described as versatile daily training shoes, but they take different routes to get there.

The Boston 12 is the lighter shoe at 259g (9.1oz) in a UK 9, with an 8mm drop and a 38mm heel / 30mm forefoot stack. Its dual-density midsole pairs a top layer of Lightstrike Pro, the bounciest foam in Adidas’s lineup, with Lightstrike 2.0 underneath for a firmer, more stable base. Glass-fibre infused Energy Rods 2.0 add propulsion through the stride, and the Continental rubber outsole offers strong grip with good forefoot coverage.

The Supernova Rise is slightly heavier at 287g (10.1oz), with a 10mm drop and a 36mm heel / 26mm forefoot stack. Its Dreamstrike Plus midsole is a PE-based foam that is denser and less lively than Lightstrike Pro, supported by soft Support Rods under the midsole that prioritise stability as much as propulsion. The outsole uses Adidas’s Adiwear rubber rather than Continental, though grip has proven solid in testing.

Fit and Sizing

The uppers are where these two shoes feel most different. The Boston 12 uses a very lightweight mesh with minimal padding around the collar and tongue, and almost no structure at the heel. That racy construction comes at a cost: it is a slightly fussy shoe to fit. Heel locking is needed to avoid heel rub, the tongue needs careful positioning, and lacing too tightly can cause lace bite.

The Supernova Rise is the opposite. It has generous padding around the tongue and collar, a comfortable hold at the heel and midfoot, and it is easy to dial in a good fit without any adjustments. As a sizing note, both shoes offered enough room in the toe box at normal running shoe size, despite Adidas UK sizing often running slightly small compared to other brands.

Adidas Boston 12: The Fast All-Rounder

The Boston 12 was one of the standout all-round shoes of its release year, and for good reason. It is significantly lighter and better designed than the Boston 11, and the dual-density midsole delivers a smooth transition into that energetic Lightstrike Pro layer at the forefoot.

On the run, it can do almost everything. It cruises comfortably through long runs at relaxed paces, but it is equally at home down to 400-metre reps and faster tempo work. The Energy Rods and responsive forefoot foam make it genuinely fast, while the firmer base layer keeps the ride stable.

If you can live with the fussy upper, the Boston 12 is one of the best all-rounders on the market and arguably the superior shoe for pretty much any kind of run.

Adidas Supernova Rise: The Comfortable Trainer

On paper, the Supernova Rise looked like a winner: a lighter, more performance-focused design than the older Ultra Boost, with a more comfortable upper than the Adizero range. In reality, it never quite clicked on the run.

The heel feels reasonably comfortable with a little bounce, but the forefoot feels thin and slightly dead, especially at faster paces. It works fine as a neutral platform for progression runs and easy miles, but it never feels exciting. It is a solid, balanced daily trainer that stands up well against rivals like the Saucony Ride or Nike Pegasus, it just lacks the energy and fun of the Boston 12.

The upper, however, is a clear strength and a real improvement over the previous Supernova. It is noticeably easier to put on and lace up, and it feels more comfortable on top of the foot than the Boston 12.

Which One Should You Buy?

On pure performance, the Boston 12 wins on every count: it is smoother, bouncier, more comfortable on easy runs, and far more dynamic at faster paces. It also gets Continental rubber, which the Supernova Rise does not.

The Supernova Rise is cheaper at £130 / $140 versus £140 / $160 for the Boston, but the price gap is smaller than the performance gap. Both shoes are frequently discounted, which can narrow the difference further.

If you want one shoe that handles a bit of everything, the Boston 12 is the best option in Adidas’s range. If you are buying your first and only running shoe and want something more accommodating, especially at the heel, the Supernova Rise is the slightly more approachable choice.

Conclusion

The Adidas Boston 12 is the stronger shoe overall: lighter, livelier, grippier, and genuinely capable of everything from easy long runs to fast intervals. The Supernova Rise offers a much easier, more comfortable fit and a lower price, making it a sensible pick for beginners or anyone who found the Boston’s upper too fussy. For most runners who can get on with its upper, though, the Boston 12 is the clear recommendation.