Adidas Launches the Dropset 4 for Next Level Functional Training

Adidas is kicking off 2026 with the launch of its most versatile functional training shoe yet, the Dropset 4, built to help gym-goers lift, jump, and run in a single, do-it-all trainer. Landing on January 8, 2026, and in select stores, the new model brings upgraded stability, energy return, and “runnability” to tackle everything from heavy deadlifts to 800m sprints.

A training shoe built for how people really work out

The Dropset 4 is engineered for multi-discipline, cross-functional training, balancing controlled stability for lifting with explosive responsiveness for jumps and short runs. It evolves the previous Dropset 3 with more versatility across the full workout arc, from warm-up to cool-down.

The design is rooted in a key insight: 7 in 10 gym-goers are wearing the wrong footwear for their training, based on international research commissioned by Adidas across the UK, USA, Germany, Mexico, and China. The new silhouette responds to that gap with a “one shoe for everything” approach aimed at next-gen athletes who mix strength, conditioning, and cardio in a single session.

Tech designed for lift, jump, and run

To support high-intensity functional training, the Dropset 4 packs a suite of performance technologies tuned for balance, force distribution, and grip. The shoe is designed to feel stable under load yet responsive enough for dynamic movements and short efforts on the run.

Full-Length Repetitor foam for consistent energy return and stability over tough workouts, helping maintain endurance from first set to last. Energy rods that balance stiffness and flex, protecting the foot through optimal force distribution, supporting the heel under heavy lifts, and providing a propulsive forefoot for box jumps and skipping. A Continental and Adiwear rubber combination, strategically placed for traction and durability during sled pushes and weighted lunges. A Footadapt sockliner to boost foot awareness, improving balance and form, so athletes can keep maximum muscle engagement. A durable, breathable upper with haptic print, a 3D textured layer that resists abrasion while still allowing airflow in the sweatiest sessions.

Adidas’ training chief on what athletes asked for

Aimee Arana, Adidas Global General Manager Sportswear & Training, said, “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. 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.”

Elite athletes put Dropset 4 to the test

The campaign fronting the Dropset 4 brings together Adidas partners from sport and culture, highlighting how the shoe holds up under different training styles. The mix reflects how functional training now spans basketball, fitness, entertainment, and competitive training stages.

Hungarian competitive training star Laura Horvath recently wore the Dropset 4 to victory at one of the world’s most elite fitness stages in Aberdeen in October 2025, showcasing its performance at the highest level. She said, “The Dropset 4 is my favourite adidas strength shoe yet, the stability and confidence I feel when wearing them across all disciplines, especially now with running, is next level.” 

Hailey Van Lith, Caio Cabral, and Emilio Sakraya also feature in the campaign, each stressing the need for a shoe that can keep up with varied sessions that jump from shuttle sprints to deadlifts and intense sprints without compromising support. As Caio Cabral said, “The Dropset 4 is made for intensity, which is exactly how I like to train, giving me the perfect mix of stability, grip, and comfort, no matter what the workout looks like.”

Release date and where to buy

The Dropset 4 will be available from January 8, 202,6, on adidas.com and in select stores worldwide. The launch targets both everyday gym-goers looking for a trustworthy all-around trainer and competitive athletes who demand stability under heavy load and responsiveness for fast moves.

With functional training now central to so many routines, the Dropset 4 aims to become a staple in gym bags, replacing the need to rotate between separate lifting and running shoes.