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The Adidas Dropset 4 versus the NOBULL Outwork Flex is a great matchup of two shoes that have completely shifted away from their predecessors’ molds. Over the last decade, NOBULL has been notorious for rarely updating their training shoes.
With the Outwork Flex, they’ve built a model that lives between their strength-biased Outwork and more cushioned Impact, delivering a more pliable EVA midsole that has quickly grown on me.
Adidas made an equally massive leap with the Dropset 4. It has been completely reworked from the ground up compared to the Dropset 2 and 3. Rather than isolating itself as a pure lifting shoe like the 2 and 3 tended to do, it has added a layer of versatility that puts it more in direct conversation with mainstream cross-trainers.
Price, shape, and overall specifications heavily differ between these models. The Adidas Dropset 4 retails for $145, offering a steeper 6mm heel-to-toe drop and a lighter overall footprint at 10.90 ounces. The NOBULL Outwork Flex enters at $150, featuring a flatter 4mm drop and a slightly heavier build at 11.6 ounces.
Performance Quick Hits
I’m going to do my best to separate personal preferences from this section, especially since both shoes handle flexibility and shape in ways that will cater to very different training styles and fit preferences.
- Better for Lifting: Tie, but your preferences on foot shape will dictate your winner. The Adidas Dropset 4 features a flatter outsole with a little less toe spring and a dense Repetitor foam midsole that feels highly stable. The 4’s platform and heel midsole juts out slightly at the heel to keep you completely planted during squats and cleans.
- The NOBULL Outwork Flex uses a medium-density EVA foam that walks a fine line between giving you some explosive pop for Olympic lifts while staying dense enough for heavy strength work. If you want a traditional lifting platform feel, go Dropset 4. If you want a shoe that relies on a dense, rugged outsole bite for your lifting, go Outwork Flex.
- Better for CrossFit and Cross-Training: Adidas Dropset 4. The prior Dropset models were always just a little too dense and felt like cinderblocks when jumping or changing directions. The Dropset 4 changes that with its new Energy Rods into the forefoot for extra pop and gives the midsole some much-needed forgiveness.
- The Outwork Flex is flexible relative to other NOBULL shoes, but it’s not the most flexible on the market. If you want something snappy for box jumps and lateral acceleration, the Dropset 4 takes the edge.
- Better for Short Runs: Tie. Neither of these shoes are great hybrid shoe options, but for workouts that call for intervals ranging from 400 meters up to a mile, they can both get the job done The Outwork Flex will get the job done for short bouts under 800 meters, but it can still feel relatively clunky and heavy when you want to open up your stride or hit fast sprint intervals.
- Better for Daily Wear: NOBULL Outwork Flex. For pure daily wear and walking, the Outwork Flex takes a light win if you like a clean, simple look and want substantial structure under the foot. However, both shoes have some limitations here. The Dropset 4 features a noticeably narrower toe box and a stiffer midfoot that make them tough to recommend for all-day wear or travel. The Outwork Flex looks solid, but its upper lacks overall breathability and the arch support can feel a bit excessive if you’re standing on your feet all day.
The Performance Takeaway
If you stop reading this article here, here are your core takeaways. The Adidas Dropset 4 will be the better option for lifters and cross-training-focused folks who want a snappy, stable platform for lifting, CrossFit, and jump training, and who have narrow to medium-width feet.
Grab the NOBULL Outwork Flex if you’re a fan of the classic haptic NOBULL durability but have always wanted a model that moves a little more anatomically, features notable medial midfoot support, and can double as a solid strength trainer.
Adidas Dropset 4
NOBULL Outwork Flex
Sizing and Fit Comparison
About My Feet: I have a normal arch/instep and my feet come in at an E/EE width. The length of my left and right foot are consistent with one another, and I size as a true US 10 for most companies’ sizing charts.
Narrow, Medium, and E/EE Foot Suggestions:
- Metcon 10: True to size.
- Dropset 4: True to size.
3E+ Foot Suggestions:
- Metcon 10: Pass on these.
- Dropset 4: Pass on these.
Construction Details
The construction of the Adidas Dropset 4 and the NOBULL Outwork Flex highlights two very different design philosophies for capturing “versatility.” While Adidas relies on data-driven engineering with multi-density materials and TPU rods, NOBULL doubles down on its heritage of heavy-duty canvas-like durability while giving the chassis a bit more freedom to move.
Upper Differences
The Adidas Dropset 4 features a completely reworked upper designed to maximize lockdown while shedding unnecessary weight. The lateral and medial sidewalls have been modified to eliminate the bulk found on prior iterations, resulting in a cleaner, lower-volume fit that securely wraps the foot during rapid changes of direction. The mesh is breathable yet durable, though the tongue is relatively rigid and can feel a bit stiff during the first few sessions. The defining characteristic here is shape—Adidas intentionally narrowed the forefoot, creating a more tapered toe box.
In contrast, the NOBULL Outwork Flex utilizes their signature high-durability mesh wrapped in seamless haptic overlays. NOBULL altered the overlay pattern slightly on this model, which gives the shoe a bit more visual zest compared to their traditional flat look. The boot features a padded mesh collar with a medium level of structure and an external heel pull tab. While this upper is an absolute tank against abrasion from ropes and barbells, it inherits NOBULL’s classic drawback: a noticeable lack of breathability that can make the shoe feel hot and stiff during high-volume indoor sessions.
Adidas Dropset 4
$145
Pros
- Stable, yet responsive
- Good outsole grip
- Overall strong durability
Cons
- Narrow(ish) toe box
- Longevity of heel structure is so-so
- Tongue can be a little rigid
Best For
- Cross-Training
- Lifting
- CrossFit WODs
- Athletic Workouts
Specs
| Heel-to-Toe Drop | 6mm |
| Weight | 10.90 oz (size 10) |
| Width | Medium |
| Lifting Threshold | ~500 lbs |
| Run Distance Threshold | <1 mile at one time |
ALTERNATIVES
Midsole Differences
Adidas deploys a dual-density approach for the Dropset 4, utilizing a slightly softer iteration of their Repetitor foam. To prevent the softer foam from collapsing under heavy loads, Adidas embedded their stiff TPU Energy Rods into the forefoot. This combination delivers a unique “platform-y” feel—you get peak stability under the heel for heavy lifting, but the forefoot provides a snappy, springy pop that was entirely missing from the blocky Dropset 2 and 3.
The Outwork Flex shifts to a medium-density EVA foam chassis. It is specifically tuned to sit in the middle of NOBULL’s lineup—more forgiving than the rock-solid original Outwork, but more stable than the plush Impact. When you press into it, the midsole has a slight degree of give, but it firmly airs on the side of stability. This structural density makes the Flex exceptionally dependable for heavy barbell work, though it creates a relatively thick, high-volume stack height that can feel clunky when trying to open up your stride on short runs.
Outsole Differences
The outsole of the Dropset 4 is highly technical, splitting duties between two premium rubber compounds. The forefoot and heel feature ultra-grippy Continental rubber to ensure zero slip on wooden platforms or rubber mats, while the midfoot uses high-abrasion Adiwear rubber to survive friction from rope climbs. The base is relatively flat and the heel juts out slightly to create a wide, stable footprint that makes it incredibly easy to root your feet.
The Outwork Flex opts for a uniform, single-compound rubber outsole molded into a classic herringbone tread pattern. The rubber compound is dense with fairly aggressive, deep lugs that bite incredibly well on gym turf and slick rubber floors alike. Rather than utilizing a perfectly straight edge, the outsole is modified into a slight “bean” shape that tapers tightly through the midfoot, prioritizing anatomical movement and agility over a wide, blocky platform.
NOBULL Outwork Flex
$150
Pros
- Versatile in the gym
- Good outsole traction
- Adequate midfoot support
Cons
- Lacks breathability
- Not the "most" flexible (if that's why you're buying!)
- Can feel bulky for short runs
Best For
- Lifting
- Cross Training
- CrossFit
Specs
| Heel-to-Toe Drop | 4mm |
| Weight | 11.6 oz (size 10) |
| Width | Medium/Wide(ish) |
| Lifting Threshold | 455 lbs |
| Run Distance Threshold | <800m at one time |
Final Remarks: Which Is Best for You?
The Adidas Dropset 4 and NOBULL Outwork Flex are both highly capable updates, but they serve two very different types of lifters. If you have a narrow to medium-width foot and want a highly technical shoe that brings a snappy, responsive feel to CrossFit WODs and jump training without compromising a rock-solid lifting base, grab the Dropset 4. Just keep in mind that its tapered toe box and rigid midfoot make it a poor choice for daily wear and flat feet.
On the flip side, if you want a clean, simple aesthetic paired with a durable upper that can take an absolute beating, the NOBULL Outwork Flex is a great option. It offers noticeable midfoot arch support and a highly aggressive outsole bite that shines on turf and rubber alike. It won’t be the fastest or most flexible shoe on the market, but it delivers a highly stable, uniform ride that moves much better than old-school NOBULL models.
Ultimately, look at your foot shape and how much you value arch support. If you want a wide, flat platform to splay your toes, you may want to pass on both of these and look at more anatomical options like the Catalyst. But if you fit the molds for Adidas or NOBULL, both of these models represent a massive step forward in versatility for each brand.
If you have additional questions on how the Dropset 4 or Outwork Flex handle specific movements, drop a comment below!
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