# Adidas Takes 3D-Printed Footwear Global with Climacool Launch

## Adidas Takes 3D-Printed Footwear Global with Climacool Launch

Adidas is stepping into the future of footwear with the global launch of its 3D-printed Climacool shoes on May 2nd, bringing the innovative design to a wider audience. Previously available only in limited quantities to members of the Adidas Confirmed platform since their initial release last September, these slip-ons are set to revolutionize the shoe market with their form-fitting, breathable lattice structure.

Priced at $140, the Climacool will be available for purchase through the Adidas Confirmed app and at select Adidas stores in New York, Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas. While the company is headquartered in Germany, it remains unconfirmed whether the shoes will be available for in-store purchase internationally.

Adidas has been exploring the potential of 3D-printing in footwear for over a decade, initially focusing on specific components and limited rollouts. The 2017 Futurecraft 4D, for example, featured a 3D-printed midsole, but only 5,000 pairs were initially released. Today, Adidas continues to sell shoes with 3D-printed midsoles under the “4D shoes” label.

However, the Climacool stands out because the entire shoe is created using 3D-printing technology, described by Adidas as “additive manufacturing engineered entirely through cutting-edge 3D printing technology.” While the exact process remains undisclosed, the Futurecraft 4D’s midsole employed Continuous Liquid Interface Production, solidifying liquid polymer resin layer by layer with ultraviolet light.

This manufacturing approach presents several advantages. Customization for individual buyers becomes a possibility, ensuring a perfect fit. The design can also be refined easily by modifying the 3D model.

The Climacool benefits significantly from this process. Its lattice structure makes the shoe lightweight and breathable, while maintaining crucial features like arch support, soft heel pillows, and a seamless, comfortable fit. In the 4DFWD running shoe, a 3D-printed midsole with a collapsing lattice structure redirects a runner’s energy forward with each step.

Adidas isn’t alone in exploring 3D-printed footwear. Competitors like New Balance and Nike have also experimented with the technology, although availability, like with the Nike Air Max 1000, has been limited. The Climacool’s global rollout represents a significant leap forward for 3D-printed footwear, demonstrating its potential to reshape the industry.