Adidas Releases the Dropset 4, Its Most Versatile Functional Training Shoe Yet
On January 8, Adidas launched its most versatile training shoe to date, the Dropset 4. The footwear’s designers and testers had it all in mind (think Fran, Filthy 50, Nasty Girls, and everything in between).
- Engineered for the demands of multi-discipline workouts, the footwear delivers both controlled stability and explosive power across a wide range of movements.
Based on the insight that many gym-goers wear the wrong footwear, the Dropset 4 was born from a commitment to help its community of current and next-gen athletes cut through the noise and realize their strength by creating a shoe that is everything they need for functional training.
No switching shoes mid-workout or choosing footwear based on the day’s programming. One shoe to rule them all, so to speak.
The Dropset 4, an evolution of Dropset 3, combines technology and design to deliver both all-around stability and dynamic energy return across the demands of functional training, from 800-rep sets to deadlifts to box jumps.
Now with enhanced versatility, the Dropset 4 delivers support across the entire spectrum of functional workouts. And the vent in the sole, whether you liked it or not, is gone.
Key features include:
- Full-Length Repetitor foam: Provides a consistent level of energy return and stability, supporting overall endurance through the toughest workouts.
- Energyrods: Engineered for a balance of stiffness and flexibility, energyrods protect the foot by distributing force optimally, supporting the heel during heavy movements and providing a propulsive forefoot for exercises such as box jumps and double-unders.
- Continental & Adiwear rubber combination: Strategically placed to provide extra traction and durability during loaded movements such as sled pushes and weighted lunges.
- FOOTADAPT sockliner: FOOTADAPT technology enhances foot awareness in the shoe, improving balance and control to maintain form and maximize muscle engagement.
- Haptic print: The upper 3D-printed layer of textured material provides increased abrasion resistance (read: rope-climb-resistant) while maintaining breathability for even the sweatiest workouts.
What They’re Saying
The launch is accompanied by a campaign that positions the Dropset 4 as “All You Need” for functional training, showcasing its capabilities in lifting, jumping, and running. Adidas partners, including US basketball player Hailey Van Lith, Argentinian entrepreneur Antonela Roccuzzo, Brazilian fitness star Caio Cabral, and German actor Emilio Sakraya, put the footwear to the test.
- “We know our community has embraced functional training as an important part of their routine and needs a shoe that will support them with the demands of their entire workout, from warm-up to cool-down,” said Aimee Arana, Adidas Global General Manager of Sportswear & Training.
She continued: We are proud to offer them an improved solution that truly meets their different needs during training: the Dropset 4 is built to be sturdy and stable enough for those big compound strength moves, while still delivering the cushioning and energy return essential for explosive actions like box jumps or even a warm-up run.”
In our world of functional fitness, Laura Horvath, who recently wore the Dropset 4 to victory, claimed first place at the Rogue Invitational in October 2025, demonstrating how the footwear supports athletes of all levels, from everyday gym-goers to elite athletes.
- On the Dropset 4, Laura Horvath said, “[It’s] my favorite Adidas strength shoe yet. The stability and confidence I feel when wearing them across all disciplines, especially now with running, is next level. When I’m competing, I want to trust my footwear and concentrate on my performance, and the Dropset 4 allows me to do that.”
The new Dropset 4 is now available in selected retail stores and online.
