Adidas FW26 Climacool Laced Is a One-Piece 3D-Printed Shoe

A Monolithic Upper

Adidas is betting that 3D printing can solve the oldest problem in athletic footwear: how to make a shoe that breathes without falling apart.

The FW26 Climacool Laced, available now through Adidas, is printed in a single piece using the company's Digital Light Synthesis process. The result is a lattice upper with 360-degree airflow that weighs less than a traditional knit upper while offering more structure. Sizes run from 4 to 14 for both men and women.

Why One Piece Matters

Unlike conventional sneakers that layer mesh over foam over rubber, the Climacool Laced builds the entire upper and midsole as one continuous part. That matters because traditional assembly introduces weak points at glue lines and stitching. A monolithic printed part eliminates those failure modes, but it also means Adidas has to get the geometry right in the slicer, not on the factory floor.

The Lattice Design

The design uses an open-cell lattice that acts as both cushioning and ventilation. Air moves through the upper in a way that foam cannot match. Adidas says this is the lightest version of the Climacool silhouette yet. Colorways for the FW26 release include a solar turbo pink with black stripes and a monochrome black option.

Production Reality

Digital Light Synthesis takes roughly 24 hours to build each shoe. That sounds slow for mass production, but Adidas has been running similar processes for its 4D and Futurecraft lines for years. The company clearly sees additive manufacturing as a way to differentiate performance products in a crowded market.

At $160, the Climacool Laced sits in the premium casual tier, not the limited-edition collector space. That is a deliberate pricing choice. If Adidas can scale DLS footwear beyond special projects, the cost per pair will come down.

Who Should Buy It

The shoe is not for everyone. The printed lattice feels different from knit or leather, and the sizing runs true rather than generous. Buyers who prefer a plush, padded interior may find the Climacool Laced too clinical. For runners and casual wearers who prioritize ventilation and low weight, this is a compelling option.

3D-printed footwear is no longer a novelty. Adidas, Nike, and New Balance have all invested heavily in the technology over the past five years. What sets the Climacool Laced apart is that it is available now, in regular sizes, through normal retail channels. That shift from concept to catalog is the real story.