I Tried adidas' Most Versatile Training Shoe Yet—Here's How It Performs During Hybrid Workouts

Spend enough time in the gym and one day you realize: you now spend more money on workout gear than everyday clothes. We've all got our vices. Mine? Self-proclaimed shoe addict. As a hybrid athlete, I’m always looking for the perfect pair of workout shoes, and lately I’ve been a real Goldilocks trying to find a pair that’s just right. I recently tested the new adidas Dropset 4 training shoes, which launched last month. And though I've only had them for about a week, I’m impressed with how they perform in the gym.

The fourth iteration of the Dropset is labeled as adidas’s most versatile training shoe to date, built specifically for functional fitness. It features upgraded technology designed to improve balance and energy return, supporting athletes through compound lifts, plyometrics, short runs, and circuits alike. With the rapid rise of popularity in hybrid competitions like Hyrox, these trainers fill a serious gap.

Here are my initial thoughts after a few lifts using them, and you can decide whether they ultimately deserve a spot on your shoe rack.

Key Features

• Weight: 10.86 oz
• Midsole drop: 0.23 in (heel 0.62 in / forefoot 0.39 in)
• Full-length repetitor foam provides a consistent level of energy return and stability
• Energyrods engineered for a balance of stiffness and flexibility, protecting the foot through optimal force distribution, supporting the heel during heavy movements, and providing a propulsive forefoot for plyometrics
• Continental & Adiwear rubber combination strategically placed to offer extra traction and durability for loaded movements
• Footadapt sockliner technology increases foot awareness within the shoe,
  improving balance control of the body to maintain form and maximum muscle engagement
• Upper 3D printed layer of textured material provides increased durability against abrasion while maintaining breathability

Related: New to Lifting? Coaches Say These Are the Best Weightlifting Shoes for Beginners

Pros

• Noticeably stable and supportive
• Firm, flat base
• Very light on the feet

Cons

• Too firm for long-distance or high-impact running
• Lacks cushion
• Some complain of narrow/small fit

Final Verdict

I’ve worn my own pair of Dropset 4s (which adidas kindly gifted to me) through a couple of leg days so far, mixing in Hyrox-specific finishers since I’m currently training for one. First impression: I loved the classic, sleek design. There are 10 colorways to choose from, ranging from bold to more muted.

Now, as for what you actually care about: how they feel during a workout. I’ve seen complaints about the fit, mainly that they run narrow or small. I went up half a size, and they feel like a good fit. While they're not very cushiony, you can immediately feel how firm and supportive they are. But don't be fooled, because they're also super light and spongy on the feet. For lower-body lifts like back squats, reverse lunges, and deadlifts, my priority is a shoe that keeps me flat and low to the ground to prevent heels from lifting. These check that box, minimizing excessive movement and keeping me stable under heavier loads.

During more functional exercises like sled pushes or walking lunges, I've noticed my heel sometimes slips out in the back, which seems to be a common occurrence with many training shoes. And while they're intended to be used for a variety of exercises—weightlifting, CrossFit, HIIT, and plyometrics—I find them best suited for lifting. They definitely work for shorter running distances and quick bursts, but the Dropset 4s shine most under or over a barbell.

TLDR: I lived in Converse for years because I liked feeling flat and grounded, and these are like an A-list version of that.

Why You Should Trust Me

I’m a health and fitness writer for Men’s Journal, covering training tips, health trends, workouts, and gear reviews. I’m also an ACE-certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor, with experience teaching multiple training modalities to all ages. Along with my career experience, I’ve been weightlifting for over a decade and have trained in a wide range of shoes. I personally test all products, with the goal of providing transparent, experience-driven feedback that helps you decide what’s worth your investment in the gym.

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