Whenwe talked about the
adidas 4DFWD
a few months ago, I won’t hide from you that I was curious right away to try them out. Because, as you can tell from the first glance, these are not the “usual” running shoes. In fact, they are a totally different thing.
What immediately jumps out at you is the new and unprecedented (for running) midsole that, instead of using traditional “solid” materials, is made entirely by 3D printing. In fact, it is the union of mechanical and materials engineering.
The concept is simple and easily summarized as a midsole that, instead of returning the energy of compression due to stance vertically, discharges the energy forward – hence the “FWD” of the name; “forward,” in fact. adidas achieves this thanks to the unique butterfly shape of the FWD CELLs, the small 3D-printed “springs” that make up the midsole, which are made of a specific material to amplify the pushing effect. The whole system, in short, concurs to transform energy from vertical to horizontal, forward.
This is the theory. But how are they really doing?
The first close encounter
As when it comes to unfamiliar civilizations, wearing adidas 4DFWDs is a bit like knowing something you’ve never seen before. The seamless PRIMEKNIT+ upper (partly made from recycled yarns) is very comfortable and the fit is softer than standard adidas. You can tell right away that this is a shoe you can use for a long time without your foot being affected in any way.
Statically, the above-average weight, 333 grams in size 8.5 UK, is felt and noticeable difference from traditional shoes. But it is a different feeling than the others: the cushioning is different, and from the very first steps, the perception of weight is replaced by a remarkable fluidity. If you think a 333-gram running shoe is a “clog,” you will be resoundingly proven wrong with the 4DFWDs.
You start running
You can easily imagine that, with this background, I immediately slipped into my shorts for a “real”, road test. And here are really the surprises!
The cushioning is really comfortable but without ever, in any way, distorting ground feel or compromising stability. And this is precisely where the
adidas 4DFWD
become light. The perceived weight-what really matters-is lowered significantly, giving you the feeling of a 280-gram shoe on your feet. It becomes fun, then.
The forward momentum can be felt at every pace, but don’t think it’s like having Willy the Coyote’s spring-loaded ACME shoes on your feet. What improves greatly is the “roundness” of the stride; the movement is smoother.
Accelerating the pace, the new adidas 4DFWD becomes more responsive. This behavior is very appreciable because–in fact–it allows you to use it for any type of training. Except, perhaps, for more technical work where I personally think specific shoes such as, for example, the Adizero Boston 10 are to be preferred.
On the level of key features of 4DFWDs, comfort is definitely the dominant element. The PRIMEKNIT+ upper is perfect: comfortable, breathable and provides the support any runner needs.
In conclusion
I think we will hear more about adidas’ new FWD CELL technology: with these 4DFWDs they have done a great job in terms of balancing and efficiency so d provide runners with a shoe that fits everyone. Easy to handle, stable as needed, fun to use and convenient. Do you need anything else? I don’t think so.
For more info and price:
Cisalfasport.com