adidas Ultra 4D Triple Black

The adidas Ultra 4D Triple Black is one of those sneakers that looks like it was built in a secret lab for maximum stealth. Dropped in September 2020, it combines the fan-favourite UltraBoost upper with adidas’ futuristic 4D midsole — made using Digital Light Synthesis. The result? A sneaker that’s sleek, technical, and surprisingly comfy for something that looks like it could survive re-entry from space.

The all-black colourway makes it even better. Triple Black always hits different, but on the Ultra 4D it feels especially sharp. The Primeknit upper melts into the lattice midsole, and even the Continental outsole goes full blackout. It’s the kind of shoe you can wear anywhere — gym, street, or a night out — and it always looks on point.

On foot, it’s what you’d expect from a 4D sole: firm at first, then bouncy once you get moving. It’s not as cloud-like as BOOST, but it feels stable, cushioned, and built to last. The Primeknit hugs your foot without being restrictive, and the all-black upper means scuffs and marks don’t show nearly as much.

But for me, this pair isn’t just about the tech or the looks. These are the shoes at the centre of my infamous battle with adidas. I copped them at release, got the confirmation email, and then adidas cancelled my order weeks later. That debacle escalated all the way to VCAT, until finally their marketing manager stepped in and handed me the sneakers for free just to make the problem go away.

I’ve written that whole saga separately (because it deserves its own chapter), but it means these Triple Blacks aren’t just another pair in my rotation — they’re a reminder of the time I went toe-to-toe with a corporate giant over a pair of sneakers… and won.