The Evolution of Adidas Kit Technology: From Climalite to the Return of Climacool
- Climalite & Climacool: Adidas used Climalite for fan versions and Climacool for authentic shirts in the early 2000s.
- Adizero & Climachill: Adidas introduced Adizero for lightweight performance and Climachill for active cooling in the 2010s.
- HEAT.RDY & AEROREADY: In 2020, Adidas replaced 'Clima' with HEAT.RDY for authentic and AEROREADY for replica kits, but Climacool is set to return in 2026.
With Adidas set to revive the legendary Climacool name for their 2026 World Cup kits, it's the perfect time to look back at the history of the German giant's jersey technology. The journey over the past two decades showcases constant innovation and several revolutionary shifts in branding and performance.
Big thanks to Classic Football Shirt for the images.
The History of Adidas' Kit Technology
Let's take a look back at football jersey technology from the year 2000 to the present. Over the past two decades, we've witnessed significant changes from Adidas in football jersey technology.
Early 2000s: The Classic Era of Climalite & Climacool
At the turn of the millennium, Adidas established a clear and long-lasting two-tier system. The fan-focused replica versions featured Climalite technology, designed for moisture-wicking comfort.
Meanwhile, the high-end player-issue authentic shirts were equipped with the superior Climacool technology, which focused on ventilation and breathability through engineered mesh panels. This system became the recognized standard for years.
2006-2010: The Introduction of Formotion & TechFit
The 2006 World Cup saw Adidas introduce Formotion. This wasn't a fabric technology but a revolution in fit, using 3D-engineered patterns and cuts to move naturally with an athlete's body.
For the 2010 World Cup, authentic kits received a major performance boost with the integration of TechFit technology. This featured the distinctive PowerWeb bands—TPU strips strategically placed on the shirt to aid muscle memory and provide a compressive, powerful feel. Replica shirts continued to use the standard Climacool and Formotion construction.
2012-2018: The Rise of Adizero & The Shift to Climachill
This period was defined by the pursuit of lightweight performance. For the 2014 World Cup, authentic player shirts adopted Adizero technology, making them the lightest kits Adidas had ever produced. Replica versions continued with the trusted Climacool tech.
By the 2018 World Cup, the system was refined again. Authentic kits were upgraded to Climachill, which incorporated small aluminum-silver dots to conduct heat away from the body for active cooling. Replica shirts, in turn, were now made with what was previously the top-tier Climacool technology.
2020-2025: The HEAT.RDY & AEROREADY Revolution
In 2020, Adidas undertook a complete overhaul of its technology branding, retiring the familiar 'Clima' family of names. A brand-new system was introduced:
- HEAT.RDY: The new pinnacle technology for authentic kits, engineered for maximum cooling and heat dissipation in elite performance conditions.
- AEROREADY: The new standard for replica kits, focusing on sweat-absorbing properties to keep fans dry and comfortable.
This clear system has been the standard for the past five years, featuring across the Euro 2020, World Cup 2022, and Euro 2024 tournaments.
2026: The Return of a Legend - Climacool+
As Footy Headlines has exclusively revealed, the 2026 World Cup will mark another significant shift. Adidas is bringing back its most iconic technology name, updated for the modern era:
- Climacool+: The new name for the technology on high-end authentic kits.
- Climacool: The name for the technology on replica versions.
This is a fantastic move that combines nostalgia with the promise of next-generation performance, bringing the long and storied history of Adidas kit technology full circle.
What do you think of the evolution of Adidas's kit technology? Which era was your favorite? Let us know in the comments below.
