First Look: Adidas Dame 4 *updated*
Written by schwollo
Dame 4 update**
True to size worked best for me. I think narrow or reg footers could stay true to size or half a size down. Cushioning plays firmer than I thought upon try on but is still pretty comfortable and bouncy but not as soft as the 2. Fit, stability and containment are all excellent but traction needs some work so I’m going to break them in more before a final verdict on it. The portion from the midfoot and back was horrible even on clean floors probably due to the rubber and the fact that the pattern goes left to right only. If I couldn’t put a lot a of pressure on the area, the traction suffered. The bright spot is that traction has improved over time so I’m keeping my fingers crossed.
Just got these in yesterday and just wanted to share my thoughts. For what it’s worth based on try on I think these are wayyyy better than the 3 especially in terms of comfort. No lace pressure at all and just a smooth feeling like the Explosive Bounce.
Weight
Sizing
These have a rounder and slightly longer toe box than the Dame 3 so it will fit a larger variety of feet. I have about a thumb width of space with my true size 11 and a finger width of space with a 10.5. Very similar sizing to the CLB16 but with a better overall fit. I can fit both but I prefer the width of the 11. Haven’t decided which to go with yet. Most people will want to go down half a size in my opinion.
Fit
You can really see how much wider the 4 is from the pic above
Me likey. Just fits like a bootie and no lace pressure. What happens with the Dame 3 Adidas ? Whatever they did it’s pretty damn amazing feeling. No stupid lacing system this time around. No heel slip just walking around in the house. A bit of a pain in the Bootie to but oh well.
Traction
Very hopeful with this set up. Rubber isn’t super soft but it feels similar to what was on the Crazylight Boost and the Explosive Bounce. The pattern is pretty thick but I think these will work out well.
Materials
No break in time needed with mesh. But it isn’t the standard thin mesh like the Hyperrev 2015 and has some nice structure to it. I haven’t done the research on what it’s called but it feels great. The synthetic leather strap in the middle is a nice touch and doesn’t feel cheap.
The entire ankle collar and “tongue” are neoprene and does a nice job hugging the foot and ankle. That useless flap on the CLB16 is made of the same material.
Cushioning
Make Bounce feel great again.
This is the Bounce feel I liked in the 2 and the Explosive Bounce. Low profile but still has that spring. Not a whole lot of heel to toe drop like the 3. Feels lower overall than the 2 and about the same as the Explosive Bounce.
Support and Stability
Really this is a low top with an ankle collar but there is an internal heel counter and a nice wide base and contoured forefoot for stability. These feel lower to the ground than the Lillard 2 and a litte higher than the Explosive Bounce.
Containment
Beautiful not worried at all about this. My foot sits where that crease is so I don’t see any issues. I am the smartest man alive!!
Conclusion
The Adidas managed to make a $115 shoe feel a like a lot more expensive shoe even though it’s just mesh. It feels and fits great out of the box and should be able to fit a lot of different feet. I don’t get super excited too often but I am excited about these. Playing tomorrow so if you have questions fire away!
schwollo.com 
Excited to read the review.
Initially, i wasn’t fan of the aesthetics of the shoe but they’ve certainly grown on me as I’ve seen more colorways. Hopefully these don’t disappoint performance wise.
LikeLike
Should be a quickie lol
LikeLike
That’s what she said bro lol
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hahahah how’d you know ?!
LikeLike
So glad you got the initial review up quick. I’m really looking forward to the performance review. Are you going to buy the D Rose 8 as well? I have been hearing a lot of good things about it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Review is done just finishing writing it up. Great all around performer not sure if I’d consider it an upgrade from the 7 though.
LikeLike
Still ‘trauma’ with what dame 3 did to my leg LOL…
But looks like promising
LikeLiked by 1 person
Much different feel from the 3 !
LikeLike
What did it do to your leg?
LikeLike
He said it was too stiff hurt his knees badly.
LikeLike
Not only knee, lower back and midfoot, hurt like hell, need 3 days of streching, foam rolling and take a multivitamin to get them back for 75% (is still hurt a little until now)
LikeLike
Those lines directly under the forefoot kill the traction… getting so bad I’m contemplating returning them already. It’s literally a bald section that turns the shoe into a slip and slide.
LikeLike
Haven’t played in dusty floor yet but thanks !
LikeLike
I can’t say that was an issue I experienced while playing in mine both yesterday and today. Different courts each day, but neither anywhere close to pristine. A wipe every once in a while and I was good to go.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That comment is for dame 3
LikeLike
Hello,
Can you give a interim update on the cushion and fit? Gotta check them out in store today myself but would like a headsup if you played with them. I am 6.3′ 160 Pounds and coming from a crazyexplosive low, so I am worried a bit about bounce vs boost.
LikeLike
I really like Bounce but I’m also heavier and shorter than you at 178 and 5’10. Most ppl will like Bounce it’s a good sub for Boost. It does feel denser and a little less springy than Boost but still very comfy and bouncy nonetheless. Much better set up than the Dame 3 cushioning much more like the 2 and Explosive Bounce
LikeLike
How does the Dame 4 compare to the Explosive Bounce in terms of width? I tried out the Explosive Bounce and really like the shoes, but size 11 turned out to be a bit snug, as I have a wide forefoot and mid-foot. I may try out the Explosive Bounce in 11.5… but the Dame 4 sounds tempting. Do you think this shoe may drop soon from the $115 price? Appreciate your thoughts!
LikeLike
True to size 11 Dame 4 is a little wider so you may want to try that. It is also a little longer, I get a thumb width of space with an 11 in the Dame 4. Yes prices will drop will be coupon eligible soon. Adidas is selling these everywhere just like the 3 to grab more market share. Hope that helps!
LikeLike
Is the the shoe flexible? I hate shoes that don’t flex in the forefoot very well. Need that Kobe 8 feel lol.
LikeLike
It is flexible but not Kobe 8 flexible. Mamba Instinct is the closest you’ll get to that flexibility
LikeLike
It’s was about Dame time! I really like the way that Adidas approaches Dame’s signature line and every year creates a whole new shoe that has nothing in common (at least aesthetically) with the previous models. Apart from that, I am hoping to see son a new signature line by Adidas, the Adidas Explosive Fr34k for the Deer of Milwaukee!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That would be sweet! I think he could be put ahead of harden in terms of marketability.. just a lot more likable imo
LikeLike
Hey, did you try wearing these with that Zamst ankle brace (https://schwollo.com/2017/06/13/upcoming-reviews-and-other-musings/)? Wondering if that collar makes it too tough to wear the Dame 4 with an ankle brace.
LikeLike
I have not since my ankle is healed. It is harder than normal to get on so the zamst isn’t going to be easy . I’ll try it on though when I get home.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. I have the zamst and want to get the 4 but looks too snug.
LikeLike
Very very difficult to get in bc of the hinges on the zamst . I gave up lol
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for testing this out. Guess I gotta look for something else.
LikeLike
If you work hard you can get it in but man I was sweating
LikeLiked by 1 person
How are these compared to the crazy explosive lows from last year? I love the feeling of boost, but these feel bouncey like when jumping?
LikeLike
I didn’t buy the lows. Bounce is more muted and denser feeling than boost overall but the Dame 4 feels more evenly cushioned than the CE
LikeLike
Looking forward to your full review! How does the Dame 4 compare to the Explosive Bounce, so far, in terms of cushioning? Full support? No mid-foot gap? Thanks!
LikeLike
Dame 4 is stiffer in the midfoot so you can’t bend it in half like the Explosive Bounce. It’s very consistent feeling heel to toe
LikeLike