BY A
sports shoe with a 3D printed midsole may boast a lot of swag, but the
technology isn’t new, at least not from adidas.
Past Iiterations of adidas’ 4D shoes have looked great, but they always seemed
to be better suited as lifestyle sneakers than serious running shoes.
But that all changed with the launch of the adidas 4DFWD earlier in May 2021.
Making use of athlete data collected through the years and the developments in 3D printing technology, adidas has married science with the objective of helping runners achieve a whole new running experience.
First Impressions
Seemingly formed out of thin air, the 4DFWD’s midsole makes use of the Digital Light Synthesis manufacturing technology pioneered by Carbon. That alchemy features a combination of digital light projection, oxygen permeable optics, and Carbon’s programmable liquid resins to create a fully functional midsole that is responsive, cushioning and efficient. The end result is a striking beige 4D lattice midsole that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. Couple that with core black and solar red colourway in this launch pair and we have a shoe that doesn’t fail to attract attention.
At the heart of the lattice construction in the 4DFWD’s midsole, is a unique bowtie-shaped FWD CELL. Made out of a 39% bio-based material, this cell unit has been identified (out of 5 million different options) and specifically ‘coded’ as most ideal to translate the vertical impact that from a runner’s footfall, into purposeful forward motion. The shoe doesn’t feel particularly springy despite what its looks suggest, but it moves, even glides, you forward with ease.
Compared to previous generations of 4D midsole, adidas says that the new 4DFWD has 23% more cushioning, and is able to redirect impact to generate 3 times as much forward motion. As for how much running economy that translates to, adidas says that it is comparable to its flagship Ultraboost range of midsoles.
Complementing the eye-catching adidas 4DFWD midsole is a new Primeknit upper made in part from recycled polyester and has been developed in sync to complement the properties of that fancy midsole. Expectedly, it feels very comfortable, with a light and airy sensation and wraps the foot snugly just like a sock.
On The Run
Slipping into the shoe, the fit is snug with an adequate amount of support. Surprisingly, the shoe felt very well connected to the ground, with a great deal of feedback and responsiveness with each stride. The shoe’s ride is a nice balance of being comfortably soft, yet firm enough to help you hit purposeful strides with a natural ease.
While the shoe may feature a 11.3 mm midsole drop, 21.2 mm under the forefoot and 32.5 mm under the heel, it doesn’t feel as tall or as elevated as traditional runners with similar technical specs. It’s constructed with an angle, but it doesn’t feel as pronounced as other traditional foam runners with a similar geometry.
Complementing this, is the fact that the shoe makes this forward motion so natural, giving you full control of your strides with exceptional ground contact feel. This is where all that engineering really comes to the fore to deliver as intended.
The rubber outsole may be simple compared to all the tech in the midsole and upper, but it grips proficiently and compliments the entire package well.
Worn on a range of different runs spanning long easy 90 minute sessions, fast 5km efforts and the occasional track night, the 4DFWD impresses best on easier efforts. It excels in the way it appears to report back every detail underfoot on the ground to your muscles and joints – an experience that’s similar to that in the Under Armour Flow Velociti Wind.
At 327g (US9), the 4DFWD isn’t the lightest runner on the market, and you will feel that extra weight on longer runs, particularly on more intense efforts. The shoe is efficient and comfortable, but there are some knocks.
While the 4DFWD is cushions well, runners looking for a bit more support and stability with harder runs or over longer distances in excess of 15km may find that the latticed midsole has too much flex compared to the support and robustness available in a traditional foam midsole.
Our experience while running fast on a steep downhill was a tad unsettling as the lattice midsole seemed to flex more than we’re comfortable with. Perhaps it’s the fact that the shoe, with its ‘thicker’ 32,5mm heel drop) is better suited to runners who land on their heels, rather than for mid- and forefoot strikers who will notice the flex most.
The Last Word
The adidas 4DFWD is very stylish and looks as good on a day out in town as it does on a run on the streets. It’s fun to run in, comfortable, responsive and offers an exceptional degree of ground feedback. We’d love to have it on rotation for easy running days or longer casual efforts.
A special Tokyo Collection colourway has just dropped ahead of the Tokyo Olympics. Should you miss that, the 4DFWD will more widely available come August 12, 2021.
The adidas 4DFWD retails for $280 online at adidas.com.sg or through the adidas mobile app.
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