Every now and then, a running shoe appears that nobody seems to be talking about, despite offering exactly what many runners are looking for. The Adidas Adistar BYD 2 is one of those shoes.
While most of the attention within Adidas' running lineup continues to focus on the Evo SL, Adizero range and race-day models, the Adistar BYD 2 quietly fills a gap that has been missing from the brand's lineup for some time. More importantly, it does so remarkably well.
If you've followed my reviews over the past few years, you'll know how much I loved the Supernova Prima. It was one of those underrated shoes that offered fantastic value, plenty of cushioning and a versatile ride that worked brilliantly for daily miles and longer runs. The problem is that Adidas never really replaced it. The Supernova range received a refresh for 2026, but the Prima was left behind.
Thankfully, Adidas appears to have found a solution.
The original Adistar BYD was, frankly, a disappointment. The combination of Lightstrike Pro, Repetitor foam and a composite plate never quite came together. The ride felt dull, lifeless and lacking in purpose. It was a shoe that struggled to justify its place in a highly competitive market.
The biggest change comes underfoot, where Adidas has replaced the previous dual-foam setup with its excellent Dreamstrike platform. This PEBA-blend foam has already impressed in the Supernova range, and bringing it into the BYD 2 transforms the shoe's character. The result is a ride that feels softer, smoother and significantly more enjoyable than its predecessor.
The shoe features a substantial 45mm heel stack and a 39mm forefoot stack, creating a highly cushioned platform that immediately positions it as a competitor to shoes like the Nike Vomero Plus. Despite the huge amount of foam, stability remains surprisingly good.
Part of that comes from what appears to be a dual-density approach within the midsole. The top layer feels noticeably softer underfoot, particularly through the forefoot, while the lower section provides a firmer, more stable foundation. Combined with the updated composite plate, the result is a ride that manages to feel both comfortable and controlled.
The plate itself plays a much more subtle role than before. Rather than feeling intrusive or overly rigid, it works as a stabilising element within the shoe. Adidas has also redesigned the shape of the plate compared to the original version, creating a more natural and fluid transition through the gait cycle.
On the road, the improvements are immediately noticeable.
This is a shoe that feels happiest cruising through easy and steady miles. Around the 8:00 to 8:30 per mile range, the Adistar BYD 2 really comes alive. The cushioning is protective without becoming unstable, and the ride has a smoothness that makes long runs feel effortless.
What impressed me most was just how much the shoe reminded me of the Supernova Prima. That same easy-going, forgiving character is present here, making it a fantastic option for runners looking to build mileage without constantly reaching for their more aggressive training shoes.
The upper deserves praise too. Unlike some recent Adidas releases that have leaned towards over-engineered designs, the BYD 2 keeps things refreshingly simple. The engineered mesh upper is comfortable, breathable and secure, while the gusseted tongue and padded heel provide excellent lockdown without creating pressure points.
It's the sort of upper that simply works, which is exactly what you want from a shoe designed to spend hours on your feet.
What makes the Adistar BYD 2 particularly appealing is where it fits within Adidas' broader lineup. The Evo SL handles faster training days brilliantly, while the Adizero range covers racing and speed work. The BYD 2 slots perfectly alongside them as a dedicated max-cushion cruiser for easy miles, recovery runs and long-distance training.
For me, that's something Adidas has been missing.
The reality is that many runners don't want every shoe to feel fast and aggressive. Sometimes you just want to head out, cruise through some miles and enjoy the run. The Adistar BYD 2 does exactly that.
The biggest issue facing the shoe has nothing to do with its performance. It's visibility.
Very few runners seem to know this shoe exists, which is a shame because it deserves far more attention than it's likely to receive. In fact, I suspect the lack of awareness will eventually lead to substantial discounts, making it one of the best-value max-cushion trainers available.
Even at its £165 retail price, it's a strong option. Once discounts inevitably start appearing, the value proposition becomes even more compelling.
The Nike Vomero Plus would still edge it for me personally. I absolutely love that shoe and continue to think it's one of the best long-run trainers on the market. However, if you're an Adidas fan looking for an equivalent option within the brand's ecosystem, the Adistar BYD 2 is the closest thing currently available.
More importantly, it's a genuinely excellent running shoe in its own right.
The Adistar BYD 2 takes everything that was wrong with the original model and fixes it. The new Dreamstrike midsole transforms the ride, the updated platform improves stability and the simplified upper delivers all-day comfort. Most importantly, it fills a gap in the Adidas lineup that desperately needed filling.
If you loved the Supernova Prima, this is the shoe you've been waiting for. If you're simply looking for a highly cushioned daily trainer that prioritises comfort, stability and easy miles, this may well be the best Adidas running shoe you can buy right now.You can get discounts on your next running shoe purchase at Sportsshoes.com by either becoming an affiliated club member with FORDY RUNS Running Club where you will get 15% off or you can join the club for free and get 10% off your next purchase by getting our latest discount code from our website
