adidas is continuing its push into the future of footwear, expanding its 3D-printing innovation beyond lifestyle models and into performance basketball. After building momentum with the Climacool, the brand has now introduced a fully 3D-printed basketball shoe designed specifically for on-court use.
The reveal comes alongside adidas’ new “R.A.P” platform—short for Radical Athlete Perception—which focuses on creating gear shaped directly by athlete movement and feedback. While the initiative will eventually extend into football, its first real product has already made an appearance on the hardwood, worn during NCAA Tournament play by Darryn Peterson.
Visually, the shoe blends familiar adidas Basketball DNA with new tech-driven elements. It features a layered inner and outer structure with a recognizable lacing system, similar to recent signature models. The standout detail is the 3D-printed upper, which transitions from a solid toe into a lattice-style build along the sides. This design aims to balance breathability, support, and structure, while also delivering a more customized feel.
Under the hood, the shoe is engineered for a precise fit, with targeted cushioning and stiffness based on how athletes actually move. adidas positions this as a major step toward performance footwear tailored at a deeper level than traditional manufacturing allows.
The 3D-printed basketball model is expected to release in the coming months, with a football version of the technology set to follow later this year.
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