adidas Steps Into the Future With the 4DFWD 2

Sustainability, innovation and community are all buzzwords that brands toss around without much explanation. So when adidas presented the 4DFWD 2 as its most advanced running shoe, it was only natural to wonder how it earned that title. The Three Stripes holds innovation in high regard, and how the brand engages with the concept is what matters most. In the last decade, sneakerheads have been treated to revolutionary comfort in BOOST sole units and Primeknit uppers. More recently, however, adidas decided to explore the unknown with its experimentation with 3D printed midsoles, birthing adidas 4D.

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Initial adidas 4D launches were plagued by extremely limited quantities due to the extensive production time that went into manufacturing each pair. However, as Keith Blume, adidas’ senior manager of footwear innovation, reflected on this period, he shared that the team was able to answer two key questions: “Can we do this? And can we do this at scale?” This proof of concept rollout allowed for the team to pivot to Blume’s next question, “What performance benefits can we bring to life with 4D?” Naturally, introducing new technologies is exciting — but it’s only one part of the equation. The next step is to connect the new technology to the consumer by showing how it addresses their needs.

Carbon, a Silicon Valley-based tech company that has partnered with adidas since 2017, was able to share key insights into what adidas 4D tackles now, alongside goals for the future. “Accelerating the product development cycle and making new geometries you can’t make any other way are two key benefits of present day 4D products,” said Jason Rolland, Carbon’s SVP of material. As the process of building a 4D midsole has become increasingly efficient, adidas and Carbon have been provided the opportunity to accelerate their experimentation with millions of lattices — the midsole structure found in 4D products. With the 4DFWD 2 in particular, the emphasis of this innovation is placed on moving forward.

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Utilizing the second generation of 4D midsole technology with its new bowtie-shaped lattice, the 4DFWD 2 is able to achieve up to three times more forward motion in comparison to previous 4D running shoes. Charlotte Heidmann, a senior product manager within the adidas Running division, noted that a key element to the 4DFWD line is how with each step “the midsole of the adidas 4DFWD turns vertical impact into horizontal forward motion.”

Sticking to this approach, the 4DFWD 2 carries on its core identity while addressing some of its previous weaknesses. In a performance context, it was noted that the first 4DFWD’s full-Primeknit+ upper lacked the appropriate durability for distance running, which resulted in the introduction of a new engineered mesh on the 4DFWD 2 to strengthen the Primeknit+ portion of the upper. In addition, a redesigned integrated heel counter further supports runners while an extra eyelet allows for greater lockdown. Lastly, the outsole has been upgraded with Continental technology for a confident run in any weather condition.

“Mass customization [is the future of 4D technology]. Being able to manufacture, at high volume, customized parts for each individual.”

The 4DFWD 2 is an incredible demonstration of innovation. However, this is far from the limits of its capabilities. As Carbon derives formulas for new colors and improves manufacturing efficiency, adidas will continue to leverage its research team and partners to design and test new lattices. The most important part of 4D’s future, however, may be personalization. “Mass customization,” said Rolland when contemplating the future of 4D. “Being able to manufacture, at high volume, customized parts for each individual.” Without the limitations of traditional midsole tooling such as its inflexibility, the sky’s the limit for 4D.

Look for adidas and Carbon to continue to push the world of footwear forward as the beginning of 4D continues to unfold. In the meantime, take a glance into the future with the adidas 4DFWD 2, available now via adidas for $200 USD.