March 2002 (Newstream) -- Refreshing overheated athletes around the world, adidas today unveils ClimaCool(TM), a breakthrough in athletic shoe technology that dramatically increases performance by reducing heat and moisture up to 20 percent. Featuring an innovative 360-degree ventilation system that maximizes airflow, stylish ClimaCool running, tennis and basketball shoes are available now at retailers worldwide.

Studies show overheating quickly leads to fatigue and significantly degrades performance. Before the advent of ClimaCool, athletic shoes stifled one of the body's most important cooling systems - the feet. Approximately 70,000 of the sweat glands in the body are concentrated on the underside of each foot. While exercising, an athlete's foot can produce nearly two tablespoons of perspiration per hour. The new ClimaCool technology allows air to circulate around the foot and helps athletes shed excessive moisture that can lead to blisters, fungus, overheating. The result: dramatic increases in comfort and performance.

"True to adidas' heritage of footwear innovation, ClimaCool represents years of research and development," said Eric Liedtke, adidas director of footwear marketing. "We've worked hard to develop a ventilation technology that marries function, performance and style."

A team of scientists and engineers collectively known as the adidas Innovation Team (a.i.t.) developed ClimaCool. By repeatedly charting levels of heat exhaustion and moisture build-up during physical activity, the team identified the most efficient way to maximize airflow around critical areas of the foot.

The resulting ClimaCool concept enables lightweight, highly breathable footwear athletes find remarkably refreshing. Designed with an open mesh top, open dorsal back, smooth lining, fewer adhesives than conventional footwear and integration of other adidas innovations like Torsion® and adiPRENE®, ClimaCool technology creates a virtual wind tunnel around the foot without compromising stability. As excessive heat and moisture are released by the shoes' breathable design, comfort and performance increase. ClimaCool architecture is present throughout the footwear's construction:

* Upper - A mesh design replaces the stifling closed-synthetic style, while an open dorsal allows easier airflow.
* Midsole - The unique ribbed chassis comfortably provides the ultimate in foot support while maintaining full breathability.
* Outsole - Air openings ventilate ClimaCool from below, without compromising protection or performance.
* Sock Liner - Vented, open-cell sock liners wick moisture and channel airflow within ClimaCool.

adidas also launched its worldwide advertising campaign last week, featuring tennis star Anna Kournikova, four-time Olympic gold medalist Ian Thorpe and soccer sensation David Beckham. The campaign includes broadcast and print advertising, an online ClimaCool micro site and electronic ClimaCool newsletter. The complete ClimaCool product line includes men's and women's running, women's tennis and men's basketball footwear, with SRP $100 USD. ClimaCool footwear is available at all major athletic footwear and sporting goods retailers around the world including Foot Locker, Lady Foot Locker, Kids Foot Locker, Champs Sports, Foot Action, Finishline and Eastbay.

About adidas
adidas is a global designer, developer and marketer of athletic footwear, apparel and accessories. Our mission is to be the best sports brand in the world. adidas America is a subsidiary of adidas Solomon Worldwide AG, a corporation that also includes sport brands Salomon, Taylor Made, Bonfire and Mavic.

— Posted by Ari Cheren, MountainZone.com Staff