A shoe that’s not stitched or glued together but printed—layer by layer, like something out of a sci-fi movie. That’s the reality adidas is bringing to the masses with its Climacool shoes, which are set to launch globally on May 2, 2025, for $140. After a limited debut last September that had sneakerheads scrambling to join adidas’ Confirmed platform, these 3D-printed slip-ons are finally ready to step into the spotlight.

When the Climacool first dropped, it was like trying to snag a golden ticket. Only a select few who signed up for adidas’ Confirmed app could get their hands on a pair. But starting next week, the game changes. You’ll be able to cop these futuristic kicks through the Confirmed app or at select adidas stores in cities like New York, Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas. For those outside the U.S., adidas hasn’t spilled the tea on international in-store availability yet, but the global launch suggests you’ll at least have a shot online. Fingers crossed, because these shoes are a vibe.

Priced at $140, the Climacool isn’t just a fashion statement; it’s a glimpse into where the sneaker industry is headed. adidas, headquartered in Herzogenaurach, Germany, has been playing with 3D printing for over a decade, but this is their boldest move yet. Unlike their earlier experiments, where only parts of the shoe (like the midsole) were printed, the Climacool is a fully 3D-printed masterpiece. From its breathable lattice structure to its seamless fit, every inch of this shoe is crafted using additive manufacturing. adidas is keeping the exact process under wraps, but they’ve hinted at using cutting-edge tech similar to Continuous Liquid Interface Production (CLIP), a method that transforms liquid polymer resin into solid material with ultraviolet light. Sounds wild, right?

You might be thinking, “Okay, 3D printing sounds cool, but is it just a gimmick?” Not at all. This tech is a game-changer for both the wearer and the planet. For starters, 3D printing allows for hyper-precise designs that traditional manufacturing can’t touch. The Climacool’s lattice structure—think of it like a high-tech mesh—makes the shoe insanely lightweight and breathable while still delivering arch support, cushy heel pillows, and a fit so snug it feels like the shoe was made for you. No seams, no fuss, just pure comfort.

The potential doesn’t stop there. With 3D printing, brands like adidas could one day offer fully customized shoes tailored to your exact foot shape. Imagine uploading a scan of your feet and getting a pair that fits like a glove. While adidas isn’t rolling out that feature for the Climacool (yet), the tech makes it possible. Plus, tweaking designs is as simple as updating a 3D model—no need to retool an entire factory. This flexibility could lead to faster innovation and less waste, which is a big deal in an industry often criticized for its environmental footprint.

adidas has already shown how 3D printing can enhance performance. Take their 4DFWD running shoe, launched in 2021. Its 3D-printed midsole has a lattice structure designed to collapse in a specific way under pressure, propelling runners forward with every step. It’s like having a tiny springboard in your sole. The Climacool takes this ethos and applies it to a lifestyle shoe, proving that 3D printing isn’t just for elite athletes—it’s for anyone who wants to look good and feel great.

adidas isn’t new to the 3D-printing game. Back in 2017, they made waves with the Futurecraft 4D, a sneaker with a 3D-printed midsole. Only 5,000 pairs were released, and they sold out faster than you can say “hypebeast.” Since then, adidas has continued to refine its “4D” line, which still features 3D-printed midsoles. But the Climacool is a whole different beast. By printing the entire shoe, adidas is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in footwear design.

They’re not alone in this race. Competitors like Nike and New Balance have been dipping their toes into 3D printing, too. Nike’s Air Max 1000, another mostly 3D-printed shoe, turned heads but has been harder to find than a needle in a haystack. New Balance has experimented with 3D-printed components, but their efforts haven’t matched the scale of adidas’ Climacool rollout. With this global launch, adidas is planting its flag as the leader in 3D-printed footwear—at least for now.