The HYPEBEAST Review: adidas Supernova Glide 6 Boost
Growing up I always sought solace in organized sports. That was up until my destructive appetite
Growing up I always sought solace in organized sports. That was up until my destructive appetite for fruitless accolades superseded what truly mattered most – the simple enjoyment of participation. Wary of the ill-tempered perfectionist I became, I found recreational comfort in running, which soon led me to join my high school track and field team as a short and middle-distance sprinter. Several years later, I continue run three to four times a week to not only stay fit, but also clearheaded because for me, jogging brings peace to a chaotic world.
Now knowing the integral role running serves in maintaining my mental equilibrium, I recently found myself in desperate need of a new pair of runners. Overwhelmed with all that was available and in need of a little inspiration, I looked to the New York City Marathon to rank the first 100 models to cross the finish line of the 23-mile course. In rivaling Nike – the supplier of my last few runners – as the preferred brand, I chose adidas to examine its well-reviewed Boost technology. Seeing that I wanted a sneaker that was just as great for the gym and long dog walks as it was for weekly jogs, I opted for the adidas Supernova Glide 6; a choice I’m extremely happy I made.
Aesthetics
Weighing in at a moderately light 10.4 ounces, this neutral running sneaker presents itself in a refreshingly understated colorway juxtaposing black, white and an eye-catching teal tone to bring it all together. Though the make-up of the Supernova Glide 6 (hereinafter SnG 6) seems simple at first glance, it is every bit systematic with all elements pointing to a specifically technical purpose aimed to heighten your athletic output. Its seamless mesh forefoot transitions to a “textile”-paneled midfoot overlay with a more robust mesh material found in and around the brand’s iconic three-stripe insignia. While its heel features a hardened heel counter, the air mesh collar and tongue support the sneaker’s traditional lacing system. All of these points come together to provide a comfortable, true-to-size fit that is exceptionally breathable, flexible and stable.
Additional details include an energizing Boost midsole with a slim EVA cradle resting just above, a four-tier Torsion System underneath for midfoot integrity, miCoach compatibility, and a rubber outsole supplied by tire-maker Continental for superior traction in both wet and dry conditions.
Cushioning
Unlike its predecessor, the SnG 6 incorporates the acclaimed responsiveness of the Boost technology at its midsole. This innovation is built with thousands of individual TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) capsules that contract and expand on every step for a springboard-like sensation. Upon first lace-up however, the Boost midsole felt much firmer than I expected, yet with each run I began to realize the awesome cushioning it provides. Whether I was running through the grid-like city streets, a windy wooded trail, or on the hamster-wheel (treadmill), every stride felt just as energized as the first. I noticed however, the springy support of the Boost sole unit became more apparent during trail runs or long walks with my dog when I had a more pronounced heel strike. This sensation may also be attributed to the sole’s staggered height. Furthermore, the SnG 6 felt more cushioned when I was running at a slower rate, and its firmness increased at higher speeds – something I really enjoyed. The result: the more I ran, the better they felt.
What’s more is that the Boost technology performed very well when running in frigid temperatures, as it didn’t firm up like most standard EVA soles can. This is likely due to the fact that TPU is more resilient to extreme temperature variations. It is also said that the Boost foam will prove to be much more durable than EVA over time, and I must say, my pair has held up pretty well with respect to the 100+ miles I have registered thus far.
“Though the make-up of the Supernova Glide 6 seems simple at first glance, it is every bit systematic with all elements pointing to a specifically technical purpose aimed to heighten your athletic output.”
Comfort
From its seamless forefoot to its slightly padded ankle collar and tongue, the lightweight synthetic mesh upper does an excellent job in adapting to the shape of one’s feet and providing a comfortable ride. This comes as a nice transition from the TechFit upper seen in comparable adidas models, which is thought by some to be a little restricting and lacking support. Granted, upon first stepping outdoors into the cold weather sporting the SnG 6 you will certainly feel the cool breeze, but as you warm up during your run that perforated mesh keeps you from feeling stifled with any excess materials. The flexibility of the seamless forefoot performed exceptionally well when impacting the balls of my feet, whilst the responsive Boost-cushioned staggered heel made heel-strikes on uneven terrains feel more like a walk in the park. Furthermore, adidas added a four-tier torsion system on the midfoot area of its outsole (seen in blue) to bring much more support to those heel-to-toe transitions and to provide added explosion to the push-off moment of your stride.
Conclusion
A surefire upgrade from its predecessors, thanks largely to its Boost cushioning system, the adidas Supernova Glide 6 is an excellent neutral running sneaker for all to enjoy. It’s without a doubt one of the better shoes I’ve ran in in quite some time; it’s responsive, comfortable, breathable, structurally stable and resilient. With that said however, I do think this model is better positioned for casual running, training and/or anyone with a pronounced heel strike. And for those looking for a model to race in, one may want to move up into the lighter Adios Boost or Energy Boost models.
The adidas Supernova Glide 6 is currently available around the world and through the brand’s webstore for $130 USD.
“From its seamless forefoot to its slightly padded ankle collar and tongue, the lightweight synthetic mesh upper does an excellent job in adapting to the shape of one’s feet and providing a comfortable ride.”
