Adidas 4DFWD 2: the futuristic sneaker that also wants to run

adidas’ proposal with this shoe goes far beyond a simple aesthetic update. This model combines a 3D-printed midsole, a grippier outsole and a more snug upper to offer an experience that works both for easy runs and everyday wear. It’s not an option designed to go fast or break records, but it is for those who value a pleasant feel, a different look and a solid build.

Its great virtue lies in the balance between technology and presence. At first glance it looks almost like a design piece, with that structure that lets the midsole show through and a profile that feels more like a special-edition sneaker than a training shoe. However, beneath that appearance there are concrete decisions: more stability than in the previous version, better traction on asphalt and a firmer hold on the foot.

A shoe that looks to the future without hiding its weight

The feeling when you put it on is like stepping into a very defined mold. The fit runs on the narrow side and a bit short, so it doesn’t give the relaxed roominess of other training options from the brand. The last hugs the instep well and the heel stays nicely locked in, something that adds confidence, but people with wide feet may notice that compact shape from the very first moment.

It’s also worth keeping in mind that this model doesn’t play in the league of lightweight shoes. At approximately 356 grams in a standard men’s size, it sits clearly above the average for road shoes. That figure doesn’t make it clumsy, but it does explain why it doesn’t feel quick in pace changes or intervals. Its natural terrain is another one: easy outings, long walks, urban use and relaxed runs where the watch matters less than comfort.

Still, there is a logic behind that heft. The 4D midsole rests on a lattice structure that compresses and responds forward, an idea that aims to guide the stride rather than simply cushion it. The result isn’t explosive, but it is distinctive: a soft, almost mechanical sense of propulsion that sets this model apart from almost everything else on the market.

The upper gains firmness and improves support

The technical knit upper is one of the most noticeable changes compared with the first versions of the family. It feels more structured, with reinforcement zones around the midfoot and heel that help contain the foot better. The first impression is very pleasant, with a comfortable, enveloping touch, although that same construction means ventilation is not its strong point.

In fact, breathability is modest. On warm days or in slightly longer sessions, the foot can retain more heat than desired. It’s not a serious problem if used calmly and in urban settings, but it is an important detail for anyone looking for a fresh shoe for summer or for high-intensity training. The mesh and knit fabric prioritize the feeling of fit over airflow.

In return, the sense of security is high. The heel is well padded and the collar feels firm without becoming harsh. Reflective details also help, adding visibility in low-light conditions and bringing a practical touch to a shoe that already stands out for its silhouette.

The 4D midsole, between science fiction and real-world stride

The midsole is the main argument for this model and also its most recognizable feature. It’s not a conventional foam, but a structure printed using additive manufacturing techniques that make it possible to design a very precise lattice. That geometry isn’t there just to impress; its mission is to control compression and return part of the energy in a specific direction, with a very particular sense of forward motion.

In practice, the feel is firmer than it looks when examined in hand. However, when running or walking, the behavior changes and a more forgiving cushioning appears, with a certain effect of firm, progressive padding. It doesn’t sink like a soft foam, nor does it aim for the high rebound that dominates many training models today. Here the sensation is more restrained, more technical and a bit more stable.

There are also nuances with temperature. In the cold, the structure becomes somewhat stiffer, which is logical in a material that doesn’t behave like standard foam. That variation doesn’t ruin the experience, but it does explain why the model can feel different depending on the season or the time of day. In mild weather it performs better, with a smoother and more natural stride.

Real stability in a base that doesn’t look that solid

The appearance is misleading, because the open, futuristic midsole gives a fragile image that doesn’t match its behavior. The base is wide and that helps a lot to contain the landing, especially in easy foot strikes and unhurried transitions. For a neutral stride, the whole setup conveys reasonable stability, even for those who don’t usually trust such eye-catching structures.

The problem appears if the foot tends to overpronate or if the runner needs specific corrections. This is not a control model or a shoe designed to correct foot strikes. Its design favors a clean and fairly centered mechanics, so it works better for neutral profiles or users who don’t require too much guidance underfoot.

The geometry of the outsole and the width of the chassis help offset the singular look of the lattice. It doesn’t give the impression of being an unstable base, and that already says a lot in a shoe with this design. It’s clear that adidas has aimed for the technology to be not just visual spectacle, but functional support too.

Improved traction and above-average durability

The Continental outsole changes the experience quite a bit compared with previous versions. Grip on asphalt and concrete improves noticeably, especially on clean or slightly damp surfaces. We’re not looking at a trail model or one for extreme conditions, but for city and road use the outsole pattern performs reliably.

Durability also deserves attention. The rubber used is thicker than usual and has a hardness that points to slow wear. That translates into a reasonably long lifespan, something important in a high-priced shoe. The midsole, by its nature, doesn’t rely on a traditional foam that breaks down as quickly, so the overall feeling is of a product built to last.

That resistance has another reading: the shoe keeps its personality as the miles go by. It doesn’t change character as quickly as other softer options. For those who value a consistent feel, that’s an advantage; for those expecting a lively or very reactive evolution, it may seem like a more sober bet than desired.

Which profiles it suits best

It works especially well for people looking for a versatile shoe, with a very marked look and comfortable behavior on easy runs, long walks or full days of wear. It also fits those who enjoy shoes with their own personality and don’t want something that goes unnoticed on the street. In a way, it’s a piece that moves between fashion and performance.

For that very reason, it makes sense at relaxed paces and on outings without competitive demands. The shoe accompanies, cushions and supports, but it doesn’t invite you to push. Anyone prioritizing lightness, quick response or lively workouts will find more suitable alternatives within adidas’ catalog and other brands. Here the focus is elsewhere.

Its use also makes sense in urban settings, where aesthetics matter as much as the feel underfoot. The premium look, the refined finish and the striking base make it an option that solves two needs at once: wearing comfortably and offering a different presence. That dual identity is its main character trait.

What it’s worth knowing before looking at the price

The price is high and it can’t be ignored. It sits around 200 euros, a figure that places it in the upper range of the market. Part of that cost is explained by the midsole technology, by the detailed upper construction and by the use of recycled materials in a significant proportion, close to 50% of the total composition.

That sustainability data shouldn’t be read as a marketing flourish, but as a clue to adidas’ industrial direction. The brand is trying to push its catalog toward processes with less waste and greater use of recovered materials. In this model, that intention is integrated into a proposal that also aims for long service life. That’s no small thing in a shoe of this range.

The core question is whether that investment pays off compared with more conventional options. The answer depends on the use. If the priority is to run faster for less money, there are more sensible alternatives. If, on the other hand, you’re looking for a shoe with a distinctive design, a good fit, a stable feel and a build that holds up well over time, the case becomes stronger.

An experience that improves when used calmly

The first outings can feel strange. Not because of discomfort, but because the midsole’s behavior doesn’t resemble that of a usual foam. A short adaptation period is needed to understand how it responds, how it follows the stride and what kind of pace suits it best. After that initial margin, the experience becomes more natural.

That adaptation process is also noticeable in the fit. The upper hugs so much that, at first, it can feel a bit tight. With use, the whole setup settles and the foot starts to better perceive the combination of support and cushioning. It’s a shoe that asks for time, not haste.

In that time its personality emerges. The stride becomes more rounded, the base feels more stable and the sense of continuity between impact and toe-off gains fluidity. It’s not a shoe that seduces through speed, but through coherence. And that, in a market full of products that promise too much, already makes it different.

A very specific piece within adidas’ catalog

It shouldn’t be compared with a conventional daily trainer without nuance. Although it can be used every day, its approach is more experimental and more luxurious than that of a basic training shoe. It also doesn’t compete directly with the brand’s faster models, because its focus is on sustained comfort and the overall wearing experience.

Within adidas, it makes more sense alongside proposals like Adistar or Ultraboost, although each of them plays its own game. This option stands out for the midsole design and for an image that looks like it came from a lab prototype, but is already on store shelves. That’s where part of its editorial and commercial appeal lies.

It’s a shoe with a broad niche: comfortable enough for everyday use, technical enough for occasional running and different enough for those looking for something you won’t see on every corner. That mix explains why it draws so much attention, even when it doesn’t fit every profile.

The impression it leaves after several uses

The final verdict is clear: we’re looking at a very singular shoe, well resolved in its second release and better tuned than the first in fit, traction and support feel. It doesn’t compete to be the lightest or the cheapest, but it does achieve something less common: making a striking idea have real consequences in the stride and not just in the photo.

Its combination of comfort, stability and design makes it a convincing option for anyone who understands running as an experience that can also be mixed with style and urban use. If the goal is competition, it’s not the answer. If what you want is a shoe with identity, careful materials and a durable base, the approach makes much more sense.

In a showcase saturated with similar silhouettes, this model still draws attention for legitimate reasons. Not only because it looks different, but because it tries to run in a different way. And that difference, in such a repetitive market, still has value.