On April 13th, 2026, Adidas launched a landmark innovation event in Shanghai, transforming the Pudong Museum of Art into the visionary CLIMACOOL Future Museum. At the heart of this immersive experience was adidas CLIMACOOL: the brand’s pioneering technology platform designed to redefine breathability in performance and lifestyle apparel.
With the theme Born to Breathe, the event celebrated the 25th anniversary of CLIMACOOL by offering a forward-looking exploration of the intersection of innovation, sport and design.
The innovation event: from performance to experience
The Shanghai innovation event was a multi-sensory programme combining live performances, catwalk shows and interactive installations. A central highlight was the live testing concept, in which runners underwent controlled trials monitored through thermal imaging. This demonstrated visually how heat build-up affects performance and how Climacool technology enhances breathability in real time.
The opening show translated the concepts of airflow and thermal regulation into movement, with elite athletes and student participants embodying breathability through a choreographed performance. This was followed by a futuristic runway presentation where adidas CLIMACOOL apparel and footwear blurred the lines between technical innovation and contemporary aesthetics.
CLIMACOOL technology: the science of breathability
At its core, adidas CLIMACOOL is all about advanced breathability. The Innovation Gallery showcased a full range of products, from F1-inspired pre-cooling jackets and vests to high-performance kits designed for extreme conditions.
A particular highlight was the CLIMACOOL+ system, which is designed to optimise airflow and speed up sweat evaporation thanks to its three-dimensional fabric structure. This same Climacool technology is now integrated into major sporting items of clothing, including the adidas FIFA World Cup 2026 jersey, to enhance thermal regulation during high-intensity play.
The platform extends beyond apparel. The introduction of 3D-printed CLIMACOOL footwear demonstrates how design and engineering can converge, with lattice structures enabling 360-degree airflow while maintaining support and a lightweight construction.
Beyond innovation: a glimpse into the future
The exhibition also featured experimental concepts and unreleased prototypes, highlighting adidas’ dedication to advancing breathability technology. The Secret Room showcased future applications of CLIMACOOL technology and advanced manufacturing, hinting at a new era of performance design.
The Marathon Relay Challenge brought the innovation event full circle by linking product development with real-world performance. Through live trials and data-driven insights, adidas Climacool moved beyond a static display to offer a tangible demonstration of the impact of breathability on the body in motion.
More than just an anniversary event, the Shanghai showcase established adidas CLIMACOOL as a platform for the future. By integrating CLIMACOOL technology into footwear, apparel and accessories, adidas is transforming breathability from a functional feature into a defining design language where performance, innovation and aesthetics coexist seamlessly.
Courtesy of ADIDAS
