Adidas Climamog: Redefining 3D Printed Footwear with a $28 Innovation

In the ever-evolving world of 3D printed footwear, Adidas has taken a bold step forward with the release of a fully 3D printed shoe priced at just $28 per pair in FOB production cost. While the sneaker world is buzzing over the sleek lattice design and airy feel, what's truly disruptive is the economics behind it. This could mark a major turning point in cost-performance balance for 3D-printed shoes.

A Quiet Tease, A Loud Message

Rather than launching with a splashy campaign, Adidas opted for a strategic teaser. The new design was sent to sneaker photographer Tyler Mansour (Arab Lincoln), who showcased the pair on Instagram with the caption “the future has checked in.” His early impressions? The shoes felt softer than other 3D printed models, immediately capturing the attention of sneakerheads and innovators alike.

Printed, Baked, and Breathable

This isn't just another 3D-printed concept. It’s a fully wearable product with a production twist. Each pair is printed in a smaller size and then “baked” to achieve full dimensions, creating a breathable mesh structure made entirely from 100 percent polyurethane. Adidas integrates its CLIMACOOL system into the design to improve airflow and sweat wicking, directly addressing the comfort limitations of earlier plastic-based designs.

The $28 Disruption

What’s truly groundbreaking isn’t just the look or feel. It’s the price tag. According to a U.S. Customs ruling, the production cost clocks in at just $28 per pair. That’s a fraction of the cost for most 3D-printed footwear on the market. While retail pricing in Singapore landed around $170, this figure highlights Adidas’s potential for mass production without sacrificing margins.

Production is currently based in Taiwan, which hints at a shift from Adidas’s previous Speedfactory operations in Europe and the U.S. toward more regionally specialized facilities, particularly in polyurethane manufacturing.

Beyond Carbon

Adidas hasn’t officially revealed which 3D printing process is behind this shoe, but industry insiders are buzzing with theories. Some believe it’s a departure from Carbon’s DLS process, speculating that the company might be leveraging more cost-efficient techniques such as spray-on polyurethane, viscous extrusion, or heat-cured photopolymers. Other possibilities include bio-based TPU methods or direct liquid PU printing, each offering its own production advantages.

Regardless of the exact technology, what’s clear is that Adidas has broken through the pricing barrier that has held 3D printing back from mainstream footwear adoption.

On the Shelves Now?

The official release took place on October 25, 2024, with the initial rollout in Singapore, Malaysia, and select Asian markets. The off-white slip-on design included limited “Batch 000” certification cards, creating an air of exclusivity. A wider global release is expected in Spring 2025, with new colorways like off-white with brown three-stripe accents joining the lineup.

While the U.S. market hasn’t seen widespread availability yet, consumers and competitors are monitoring the model closely.

What It All Means

This release isn’t just about a new sneaker. It’s a moment of industry reckoning. If Adidas can produce stylish, breathable, fully 3D printed shoes at $28, then cost should no longer be the barrier for innovation. As long as other companies cling to high-margin materials and legacy machines, they risk falling behind.

What the Climamog represents is more than product innovation. It’s a reminder that if 3D printing is to become a true manufacturing force, affordability must be part of the equation. And with this launch, Adidas may have just kicked that door wide open.

Sources: 3dprint.com | footwearnews.com

Images: soleretriever.com | 3dprint.com | footwearnews.com