I was lucky enough to get a pair of Adidas 4DFWD 2 before the global launch – here's my honest review of the shoes. 6 things I like and 2 I don't; let's go!

\\details
Price - $200/£180 – 4DFWD - same price in US, £10 more expensive in the UK
Availability – Available both in the US and UK from 1 September 2022
Weight - 13.8 oz/391g (men’s US 10.5/UK 10)
Drop – 11mm (heel: 32 mm / forefoot: 21 mm) - Same drop as 4DFWD but taller (heel: 30 mm / forefoot: 19 mm)

\\what’s the Adidas 4DFWD 2?
The Adidas 4DFWD 2 is a running trainer that bridges the gap between running shoes and sneakers, quite successfully. It addresses the issues its predecessor had by providing better fit, improved ergonomics and grip. The shoes feature the all-new Primeknit+ and engineered mesh upper 'for an extra-supportive and snug fit' and also added a new integrated heel counter for better support at the rear. Additional grip is provided by the Continental rubber outsole, used in many of the best Adidas running shoes.

\\6 things I like
It provides a unique movement pattern – Running in the shoes is… different. The shearing motion of the lattice enables you to slide forward, but without actually sliding. When you land, the midsole shifts forward, ‘recycling’ the landing force into propulsion.

Looks absolutely fabulous - It’s impossible to ignore the look of the shoes. It’s no surprise some runners don’t take the Adidas 4DFWD 2 seriously; it looks way too attractive for the diehard crowd. For me, it adds to the versatility: by getting one, you get a decent running shoe that’s also a sneaker. Two in one!

Adidas listened to feedback and updated the shoes accordingly - I appreciate that Adidas didn’t just sweep all the issues under the rug and went out of its way to make the 4DFWD 2 better suited for running. They could’ve just made small updates to the upper, but no, the brand went back to the drawing table to redesign the shoes. Kudos!

The shoes are a result of a collaboration, not a buy-out - Another thing I appreciate about Adidas is that they don’t just gobble up companies that come their way. Look at Garmin and Firstbeat Analytics; Google and Fitbit; and all the others. Adidas thrives on collaboration (see also, Allbirds, Parley, etc.), and it really shows.

Upper feels more supportive – The reworked upper is better than the full Primeknit version. Knitted uppers are going out of fashion; nowadays, it’s all about engineered mesh, mainly because it can be fine-tuned to provide support in specific areas. This combo feels nice and works well together.

There were some truly awesome people involved in the design process – I got to talk to many of the experts involved in the design process, which made me appreciate the Herculean effort that went into giving birth to the Adidas 4DFWD 2. It’s an awesome shoe, designed by awesome people, and I love that.

\\2 things I don’t
The shoes are still heavy – I’m not going to talk about the price; it’s on par with other big-brand shoes. I will mention the weight, though, as no matter how much it helps you move forward, the 4DFWD 2 is a heavy shoe. The 3D-printed lattice is not quite the lightest material, so if you’re after lightweight comfort and support, look elsewhere.

Upper is more supportive but also tight – The engineered mesh upper is more supportive and comfortable than it used to be, but it could still be a bit more forgiving. If you have narrow feet, the 4DFWD 2 will feel fine; for me, it’s a bit narrow at the front.

\\should you buy the Adidas 4DFWD 2?
Watch the video to find out!

\\rating
90 out of 100 bowties

\\links
US – https://www.adidas.com/us/4dfwd-running
UK – https://www.adidas.co.uk/4dfwd-running

#adidas #adidasrunning #runningshoes #review