Sportswear brand Adidas keeps making new strides in creating products of the future for present users, and its new 4DFWD running shoe is a fine example. It uses the brand's 18-year data of 5 million variations to come up with a new midsole technology, powered by 3D printing.
The shoe uses what Adidas says is the 'industry-first' bowtie-shaped lattice midsole, instead of the usual compact foam or foam mixed with gel. The new design transforms vertical pressure into horizontal force, helping move runners forward.
Harnessing the power of 4D, Adidas collaborated with its global innovation partner, Carbon's Digital Light Synthesis, to create a precisely fine-tuned midsole, which offers a scientifically proven forward motion benefit.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) mechanical engineering professor Jane Pappalardo, who is part of this project says when humans run, the forward motion is interrupted every time the foot hits the ground, leading to a subtle stop-start motion between strides.
"This is true for all runners - no matter your ability. At the MIT Sports Lab, we are developing innovative technologies that offer a direct solution for overcoming that intrinsic challenge. And the new 4DFWD does just that," she says.
DIFFERENT LOOK
As a seasoned runner, the 4DFWD looks strange, because I have never seen a shoe with lattice midsole that's powered by a combination of the physical material and air. It's this combination that helps both absorb the impact and propel runners forward.
And while the technicality of moving forward isn't something I could keenly observe when I take this pair out for a run, I did notice a few things about this shoe and they give it a few pluses in by book.
It looks bulky, but it is surprisingly light and bouncy. The fit is perfect and the toebox is roomy. The lightness is a great help when you run up the hill and this is slowly becoming my favourite for anaerobic or sprint work-- those that take 40 to 45 minutes to complete but will leave me breathless after one set. These runs require very light but responsive shoes and the 4DFWD fits those criteria to a tee.
The 4DFWD midsole delivers 23 per cent more cushioning than previous 4D midsole generations, like the 4D Run 1.0, so running is smooth and easy. The lattice midsole gives me a fear that stones might get lodged in-between its loosely-weaved structure, but that has not happened. But with every run, the shoe delivers a smooth and easy experience, and while I have not taken it on runs exceeding 7km, it has proven to be one of the best shoes for quick runs and speed days.
BREATHABLE UPPER
The shoe also introduces a new Continental outsole for extra grip for a confident run in any weather. The uppers uses Primeknit+ and engineered mesh for an extra-supportive and snug fit. Complemented by a new integrated heel counter, Primeknit+ offers a sock-like fit while areas of engineered mesh provide support exactly where runners need it. Best of all, the mesh is airy, so your feet don't feel hot and sweaty during and after a run.
Adidas senior product manager Charlotte Heidmann says by looking at technology and data, the company can see where these two intersect, to create the best possible products for runners.
"With the new 4DFWD, we have made the impossible possible, challenging the laws of science by using a unique performance benefit designed to move you forward. With every stride, the shoe turns vertical impact into horizontal forward motion for a smooth forward transition and new underfoot experience," she says.
Priced at RM899, the shoe comes in a few colourways-- Carbon Cloud White and Impact Orange for men and Grey Five and Cloud White for women. As someone who runs long distance, I would pay most for a pair I wear on my long runs. So for easy runs, this shoe is very steep given that cheaper shoes might work just as fine.
But beyond just the price and mileage, I like this shoe for opening up new technologies that will surely get better over time, and one that might possibly deliver a much-improved running experience.
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