The modern sneaker no longer lives in just one lane. It performs on the court, sure, but it also has to show up in the tunnel, at dinner, and on the street like it knows exactly what it’s doing. With the release of the new CLIMACOOL LACED, Adidas leans fully into that reality, merging advanced footwear engineering with the kind of effortless style that defines the athlete off the clock.
At first glance, the shoe looks deceptively simple. The silhouette arrives in an all-white colorway with ghost stripes and crisp white laces, giving it a minimalist feel that pairs easily with just about anything. But the real story sits inside the technology. Built through advanced 3D additive manufacturing, the Adidas CLIMACOOL LACED is printed layer by layer over nearly 24 hours using digital light synthesis. The result is a seamless lattice structure designed for full 360-degree airflow and a lighter ride that feels almost weightless.
That feeling is exactly what stood out to Jalen Williams the first time he tried them on.
“Definitely a lifestyle flex,” Williams tells EBONY. “The first thing I noticed was how light and airy they are. It almost feels like you’re not wearing anything which is perfect for me after a long game or practice.”
For Williams, the collaboration reflects a larger shift happening across sports and fashion right now, where performance gear is expected to hold its own in everyday style conversations.
“It’s cool because that’s kind of where the game is going right now,” he says. “Performance and style are living in the same space. The tech side of it is crazy with the way the shoe is made, but it also looks good with pretty much anything. For me it feels like a good moment in my career too, just continuing to grow and hopefully get that second ring.”
The sneaker’s breathable lattice construction and size-specific cushioning are engineered for recovery moments, the quiet hours after the arena lights dim. But it also leaves plenty of room for personal style.
Williams, whose tunnel fits have become a conversation of their own, already has a few ideas for how he plans to wear them.
“I’ve got a couple ideas for that, but I can’t give too much away,” he says with a laugh. “The all-white pair makes it easy though, you can style it a lot of different ways. I like keeping things clean with some baggy pants and a standout piece like a fire jacket.”
His campaign counterpart, Kahleah Copper, approaches the shoe with a similar mindset.
“For me, I love a simple yet put together look and comfort must be front of mind,” Copper says. “This new sneaker keeps it minimal and I just love the way it is the perfect foundation for any outfit. What’s even better is that they’re truly designed to breathe. With ventilation from all angles they give my feet so much added air when I walk, something I need more than ever after game day.”
Performance meets personal style. Exactly where the modern sneaker belongs.