adidas Ultra 4D Review: What’s the Deal With These 3D Printed Shoes?
adidas
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Key Features:
- Price: $220
- Weight: 12.9 oz
- Drop: 10 millimeters
- Fit: Somewhat narrow
- Best for: Casual runners and cardio lovers
Let’s be honest—there are a ton of running shoes to choose from. And while there are the classics you can count on from the most popular running shoe brands, not everyone wants the most generic sneakers. If you are looking for something a bit more unique that can still handle some serious training, the adidas Ultra 4D could be a good option for you.
This shoe not only looks interesting, but the unique 3D-printed sole was an intentional design that brings you lightweight cushion and support in a stylish package. Whether you are a runner looking for a high cushion shoe, or just a comfortable shoe for daily wear, you’ll want to check this sneaker out. Keep reading to learn more about the Ultra 4D, and everything you need to know to determine if this shoe could be the right fit for you.
Construction and Design
Midsole
The most interesting part of this shoe is absolutely the 4D midsole. Unlike most shoes, which use a solid piece of foam, this one has a 3D-printed midsole designed to increase shock absorption and help to keep your foot properly aligned on uneven surfaces. The lattice structure design moves and bends with your foot for a flexible, lightweight and comfortable feel underfoot that gives you cushion and support in a more minimalistic package.
Outsole
The outsole is made with a grippy rubber that performs well on most surfaces, including wet conditions. It is a thin layer so it doesn’t add much weight to the shoe; and, while texturized, it isn’t lugged, so it allows for a smooth ride with every step.
Upper
The upper is made from adidas Primeknit which is a stretchy knit material. It fits snugly to the foot while still allowing for more movement and flex than a non-stretch option like a typical mesh. While this does allow for a bit more movement than a traditional upper, it still stays snug on the foot and won’t let you slip around or slide out. This shoe also comes in some fun and classic colorway options for every type of runner.
Standout Features
This shoe not only looks unique, but at its core, it has some design features that truly set it apart from most other shoes on the market.
Perhaps most noticeable is the 3D-printed midsole. This lattice design serves both fashion and function. Because it is not a solid piece of foam, it is able to significantly cut down on weight while still offering a comfortable ride. The midsole also has a unique feel to it, as it compresses to provide shock absorption as well as helping to smooth out the feel of uneven surfaces.
The Primeknit upper is another unique feature of this shoe. Unlike most shoes, which feature a non-stretch mesh upper, this one has a more sock-like feel that hugs the foot and flexes and moves as you do. Since it stretches, it also tends to fit a bit closer than a mesh upper which means that it may not work for those that have a higher volume or wide foot. It does still feature a lacing system, however, so you can tighten and loosen it to a certain extent. It also has a structured arch piece that hugs the shoe to your foot and gives you a super secure fit so you never have to worry about it falling off.
This shoe also uses some recycled materials—particularly in the upper where it uses at least 50 percent recycled content, and it is part of adidas’ plan to reduce plastic waste in their production.
What We Like:
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
- Great flex and movement
- Stretchy sock-like upper
What to Consider:
- Not a lot of support
- Not high cushion
Running with the adidas Ultra 4D
adidas
This is a relatively lightweight shoe, and it feels much more minimalistic than you would expect by looking at it. It is highly flexible, so it moves well with the foot which gives you a smooth, natural ride.
It also fits quite snugly to the foot so there isn’t any movement when you toe off or make contact with the ground. This makes it a great choice for speed days, or for those who want something with a light and tight fit.
These shoes are also excellent at shock absorption. The midsole design compresses with each step in the areas that are receiving the most shock, giving customers a smooth and comfortable ride with every step.
Fit
The 4D fits a bit on the snug side, especially if you have a larger, wider foot. Because of the knit upper, it has a tighter fit than you may be used to in adidas shoes, so you may want to size up from your usual adidas size if your foot is on the wider side.
Adidas shoes do tend to run a bit long, and I found this shoe stayed true to that. I got the best fit by sizing down a half size from my usual. I also found it to be a pretty narrow shoe all-around. While there is a decent flare in the toe box, it is pretty snug in the midfoot and the heel—which makes it a great option for those with a narrow foot and heel like me.
Durability
While these shoes are well made, they may not be the most durable especially compared to some of adidas' other models. Knit uppers are known for stretching a bit over time, though this one is on the thicker side so I’m not too worried about it especially if you will be running in the shoe.
These shoes also seem to have held up pretty well according to customers and tested reviews, and while the midsole may look a bit precarious, it should actually be able to last the usual 300-400 miles of wear.
Customer Reviews
The main response from customers was that this shoe is comfortable. Whether they were walking or running, reviewers found the shoe to fit well and provide ample cushioning and support.
One customer compared it to the Ultraboosts and noted that while they aren’t as bouncy, they found the 4D to be more comfortable and more supportive.
Many noted the style and claimed that they actually liked these shoes even better in person than they did online, and despite being a running shoe, most people seemed to wear this shoe casually because of how stylish and comfortable it is.
There were some complaints from customers that the shoe was too snug, which could be due to improper sizing, or the fact that the shoe runs a bit narrow.
Who Should Buy the adidas Ultra 4D
If you are looking for a shoe with a bit more ground feel or just something light and speedy for workouts, this could be a great option for you. It has a very unique feel as it isn’t quite cushioned so much as flexible, and the midsole gives slightly to the contours of your foot as you walk and run.
This is a great option for casual runners who may not be putting on a ton of miles, or those who are looking for a supplementary speed shoe. It pairs well with a higher cushion model like the Ultraboost, and because of its lightweight and close fit, it works well for workouts and repeats on the track.
This is also just a very comfortable walking shoe, and I enjoyed wearing it on casual outings and to the gym the most. While I would encourage heavy lifters to stay away, it is a great option for those who favor cardio or HIIT workouts as it has a low stack and close fit that can handle plyometrics and lateral movements.
Who the Adidas Ultra 4D Is Not Best For
If you are an overpronator, someone prone to injury, or just someone who needs a bit more support, this is probably not the best shoe for you. It is light and minimalist and offers basically nothing in regards to motion guidance and arch support, so unless you throw an insole in there, it’s going to be reserved for more neutral runners.
This also is probably not the best for those who are looking to get longevity out of their shoes. While they should last easily into the 250-300 mile range, they will probably tap out around there. They also aren’t a high cushioned model so unless you are used to a minimalist shoe, these are best used as a supplementary speed shoe than your main, high-mileage workhorse.
This shoe also runs a bit narrow and because of the knit upper, it can feel a bit constricting especially if you are someone with more of a high-volume foot. If you do want to test it out, try sizing up a half size, but also know that it does run slightly long, so sizing could be a bit tricky.
adidas Ultra 4D vs. adidas Ultraboost
adidas
While these are both running shoes, they are seriously in two different categories. The Ultraboost is a super high cushion shoe made with high-density Boost foam. This gives it a bit more of a stack height and a bouncy but somewhat firm feel. It is designed to handle long distances and makes a great recovery shoe.
The Ultra 4D, on the other hand, is much lighter, more pliable and offers much less support. That said, it is still a great running shoe. While it’s not something I would personally run over three or four miles in, it does have the benefit of feeling much closer to the ground and giving you more foot flexion. While this is technically a running shoe, I actually preferred it for HIIT workouts. It grips super well into the floor, feels light on the feet and gives a pretty solid base for light lifting—though I would forgo these shoes on leg day if you want to get your wear out of them.
Since these shoes are so different from each other, they could actually pair quite well in your running rotation, with the 4Ds being used for speedwork and short training runs, and the Ultraboosts for long runs and recovery days.
adidas Ultra 4D FAQs
Is adidas Ultra 4D a good running shoe?
While this shoe may not work for everyone, it is still a great running shoe. I particularly like it for shorter distances or speedwork where you want something light, fast and close to the foot.
What does 4D mean in adidas Ultra 4D?
The 4D in the name refers to the midsole, which is printed using 3D printing.
Are adidas Ultra 4D good for walking?
These are great shoes for walking. Especially if you want something light and pliable, they are comfortable for long walks but won’t weigh you down.
Final Thoughts: Is the adidas Ultra 4D the Right Running Shoe for You?
While this shoe may not work for everyone as a running shoe, it definitely can have a place for a lot of runners in their rotation. Being so lightweight and close fitting, it pairs super well as a speed shoe with something a bit more cushioned for your higher volume training.
This can also be a great fit for casual runners who may want a simple shoe or those looking for something light and comfortable to wear to the gym. If you aren’t sure that this is the right fit for you, check out our favorite adidas running shoes for some more options.
Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.
