The Climacool is one of the most talked-about shoes adidas makes right now, and for good reason: it looks 3D-printed because it basically is. If you've seen the sculptural, almost skeletal silhouette and wondered what you're actually looking at, here's the plain-English version - plus the one question everyone asks before buying: laces, or no laces?
What is the adidas Climacool?
“Climacool” has long been adidas's shorthand for ventilation - shoes built to move air around your foot. The current Climacool pushes that idea to its limit. It's 3D-printed, produced as a single continuous lattice of material using the same family of printing technology behind adidas's 4D midsoles, so the whole shoe is essentially one breathable web. That open lattice is what gives it 360-degree airflow and its unmistakable futuristic look. It's tuned for recovery, walking, and lifestyle wear - soft, light, and easy on the foot - rather than performance running. When the first version dropped, it sold out again and again.
Laced vs laceless: which Climacool should you get?
This is the real decision. The original Climacool is laceless - a slip-on with no closure at all. You size it correctly, slide your foot in, and the printed upper holds everything in place. It's the purest expression of the design (nothing interrupts the lattice) and the easiest on and off, but the fit is fixed: what comes out of the box is what you wear.
The Climacool Laced answers the one knock on the slip-on - no adjustability. adidas added a traditional lace closure over the same ventilated, printed-look build, so you can actually dial in the midfoot. If you have a higher instep, a wider foot, or you just want more lockdown for walking all day, the laced version is the more forgiving and more secure pick. You trade a sliver of the minimalist look for a fit you control.
Short version: go laceless if you want the cleanest design and effortless slip-on; go laced if you want an adjustable, walk-all-day fit.
Can you buy a Climacool here right now?
Not at the moment - the Climacool is between drops for us. The pair we carried most recently was the Climacool Laced in Glory Grey / Core Black: a tonal grey build with a lightweight synthetic upper, that architectural lattice-inspired outsole, and the lace closure for an adjustable fit. The neutral grey pairs naturally with black cargos, technical trousers, or washed denim without fighting the shoe's sculptural shape. When the Climacool comes back it lands in the adidas collection and new arrivals, so those are the pages to watch.
Do they run true to size?
True to size with a standard fit - most people can order their normal adidas size. Because the laced version tightens across the midfoot, there's a bit more room to fine-tune the fit than on the slip-on. If you're between sizes or crossing over from another brand, our do adidas run small? hub breaks down how adidas fits model by model.
Is it comfortable enough for daily wear?
That's exactly what it's built for. The whole point of the lattice is airflow and a soft, adaptive feel, which puts the Climacool closer to a recovery and lifestyle shoe than a stability trainer - it shines for walking, travel, and warm-weather wear. If breathable, all-day comfort is your priority, see our picks for the most comfortable sneakers for walking and the best shoes for standing all day.
Where to buy
Whichever way you land on laces, every pair is authenticated in-house and ships same or next business day from our Portland, Oregon warehouse - Verified & Shipped. Browse the adidas collection or new arrivals to see what's live, and if you like a shoe that turns heads, the Climacool is one of the picks in our trending sneakers 2026 roundup.
— Anthony from West Coast Deals