An iconic shoe returns for adidas as the Climacool 1 is back in a playful update to its famous Coca-Cola colorways. A cult classic sneaker, the silhouette is beloved in Asia, and Japanese and Korean consumers have pleasant nostalgic feelings towards the model.
The shoe was initially launched in 2002, with a revolutionary appearance and construction. A prominent tagline that accompanied advertising campaigns at the time was "Feel The Breeze," which has become synonymous with the brand. Technology at the time still had a way to go, so marketing was primarily focused on TV, billboards, and product placement, with the latter leading to its massive exposure.
adidas did not hold back, featuring David Beckham and Anna Kournikova in extensive campaigns. Still, the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Japan and Korea led to the shoe's place in sneaker history. Both adidas and Coca-Cola were among the major sponsors of the sporting event and collaborated to launch a limited edition Climacool 1 to much fanfare. The collaboration was so successful that both revisited it to celebrate the sneaker's 15th birthday in 2017.
There is no official Coca-Cola involvement this time, but the color scheme for this adidas Climacool 1 hopes to capture the nostalgia many will have for the shoe. The super-lightweight breathable mesh utilized for the upper base is adorned in vibrant red hues, immediately recognizable due to the innovative ventilation system that allows airflow throughout the sneaker. The distinctive TPU cage is finished in core black at the midfoot, with the Three Stripes contrasting in white.
A flash of red leather combines with the TPU cage to provide a unique lace stay, and the tongue also features this construction. A bubbled Climacool logo sits on the tongue, while EQT branding is visible at the heel. A translucent toe guard protects the toe area to improve durability.
Underfoot, the EVA cushioned midsole is joined by intricate tooling to create a rubber outsole with incredible grip across various surfaces. Finished in the red and black shades that dominate the upper, the breathable sections underneath allow airflow in but keep the elements out
The adidas Climacool 1 Red Black is set to release in December 2024 via adidas and select retailers online and in-store. Coming in men's sizing, retail is $140. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the latest releases, raffles, news, and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
Images via adidas
Craig Bell happily talks about sneakers or as he calls them "trainers" every day of the year. An avid Bradford City fan, he's also a big supporter of the Philadelphia Eagles. He will forever profess that Cricket is better than Baseball and that Rugby League is better then Rugby Union. Among his many hot takes, he believes the adidas ZX range is the pinnacle of sneaker design.
