Inuteq x Adidas: personal cooling systems for professional athletes
From accessories to vests, the Dutch brand has been developing technologies for body temperature management since 2011. Its expertise in the field has extended to professional sports, with advanced cooling solutions developed in collaboration with adidas.
Today more than ever, solutions for cooling our bodies are becoming increasingly important in everyday life. If heat management is a central topic in interiors, it is even more so in training environments, sports facilities and spaces dedicated to athletic preparation. It is no coincidence that, on the occasion of the FIFA World Cup 2026, adidas athletes have used the new Climacool system, developed thanks to INUTEQ’s cooling technology.
Founded in the Netherlands in 2011, the brand has been operating in this sector for more than 15 years, specialising in the production of different solutions, from towels to cooling vests. But what exactly do we mean by personal cooling? Simply put, just as raincoats and jackets protect us from the cold, our bodies also need garments/accessories capable of protecting us from heat, especially under conditions of physical effort.
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Inuteq x Adidas:
A solution to beat the heat
When the body’s core temperature rises above 37–38°C, the body begins to sweat. The more we sweat, the harder the body has to work to cool itself down, but over time this can lead to increased fatigue, a higher heart rate and a loss of concentration (of up to 40%), as well as muscle cramps and fainting if exposed for too long.
Since not everyone has access to water or a fan, especially while working, INUTEQ has developed a wearable solution: advanced cooling devices that protect against heat stress, wherever you are. “Heat has always been part of the challenge. What is changing is the attention being paid to it,” the brand stated.
INUTEQ x adidas
The collaboration with adidas began with the INUTEQ-PCM Coolover vest, which uses the brand’s patented technology. Developed to allow Formula 1 drivers such as George Russell and Kimi Antonelli to maintain their ideal body temperature, the vest protects against environments reaching temperatures of up to 55–60°C, significantly improving athletes’ endurance and performance.
On the occasion of the FIFA World Cup 2026, the partnership is renewed with adidas athletes – including Lionel Messi (Argentina), Jude Bellingham (England) and Lamine Yamal (Spain), to name a few – who have chosen to combat high temperatures with CLIMACOOL. In this case, a system has been developed that combines PCM Coolover with an insulating jacket to provide targeted cooling to the upper body, reducing core temperature by up to 0.5°C and skin temperature by up to 13°C, together with an innovative overshoe that lowers foot temperature by up to 2°C in just a few minutes. A solution designed to help players maintain their performance and stay at their best.
As the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) explains: “The vests help our players recover more efficiently by reducing body temperature, which in turn helps delay fatigue and allows for faster recovery. We are using them after training sessions, but also before matches and at half-time to help players feel in better condition to compete. The cooling overshoes also support recovery, as they help reduce temperature through the feet at key moments.”
The technology behind PCM Coolover
The technology behind the vest created with adidas is INUTEQ-PAC, an intelligent cooling system that uses advanced phase-change materials (PCM) – substances capable of storing or releasing large amounts of thermal energy. While water is a basic PCM that melts at 0°C (32°F), INUTEQ uses a sophisticated 100% plant-based PCM that can be designed to activate at different precise and medically safe temperatures.
Before the topic became part of the public debate, the brand was already developing cooling apparel for athletes, teams and organisations operating in challenging environments. Today, the brand offers a range of customised solutions: 6.5°C, 15°C, 21°C, 24°C and 29°C, each designed for specific environments and situations.
“We are excited to see cooling become a visible part of the conversation through our collaboration with adidas. The CLIMACOOL System demonstrates how innovation can help athletes better prepare for demanding environmental conditions.” the team explains.
INUTEQ does not limit itself to high-performance personal cooling products; with INUTEQ-PAC®, it also sets a standard for non-toxic and sustainable temperature management. It is, in fact, the only 100% bio-based PCM on the market certified by the USDA and compliant with REACH regulations, and can be reused for thousands of cycles.
