First Impressions: Testing the adidas AE3 “Cold Blooded”

adidas continues to push its basketball footwear in a bold direction, and Anthony Edwards has become one of the strongest personalities behind that approach. 

His third signature shoe, the adidas AE3, carries that confidence into another futuristic design with a new cushioning setup underneath.

The Minnesota Timberwolves star gave Filipino fans an early look at the sneaker during his Believe That Tour stop in Manila in August. The “Cold Blooded” colorway subsequently launched on September 18, bringing an icy blue treatment to a silhouette built around his explosive game.

“AE continues to lead our mission to be the brand of the next generation,” said adidas Basketball Global General Manager Max Staiger. 

“Each detail of his third signature shoe extends that mindset into product and onto the court. Through disruptive design, advanced materials, and polarizing colors, it embodies his joy and unapologetic confidence for the game.”

The AE3 retains some of the sculpted character that made the AE1 so recognizable. Its defining feature is a series of chevron-shaped structures connecting the sole and upper, giving the shoe an aggressive look that suits Ant’s attacking style.

There is a practical purpose behind the design, too. A TPU cage reinforces the upper for lateral containment, while two-way stretch knit and reinforced toe protection are designed to balance flexibility, breathability, and support. The low collar leaves room for ankle movement during cuts.

Underfoot, adidas’ product listings identify a Hyperboost midsole. That marks a change from the AE2’s combination of Lightstrike and Light Boost, with the latest model emphasizing cushioning and energy return.

Of course, the specifications only tell part of the story. How does all that structure feel once you start moving?

ALL-STAR joined the AE3 Trial Runs organized by adidas Philippines with TITAN and Better Basketball PH, putting the “Cold Blooded” pair through drills and scrimmages. These are my impressions from that initial session.

PBA player Von Pessumal also shared his early assessment:

“So my first impression of the Anthony Edwards 3: it’s surprisingly light, very comfortable. It’s perfect for guards who like to play fast-paced. Anthony Edwards is very explosive, quick off the floor, so he expects a lot of traction when you move; it’s really good. I think everyone should give it a try for sure.”

Better Basketball PH founder and Pure Sweat licensed skills coach Patrick Tancioco highlighted the fit, traction, and cushioning:

“For this shoe, I think maganda yung fit niya compared to the other AE (shoes), so it’s the same fit as the AE 1s. Yung traction niya, it’s good as you see kanina; nagagamit nila for change of direction, and yung sa ilalim, maganda ang support niya sa feet, tapos ramdam mo rin yung cushion niya inside, so it’s really good and nagustuhan ko yung shoe.”

Performance review

Looks: 9/10

In my opinion, this is the best-looking sneaker in Edwards’ signature line after the AE1.

The “Cold Blooded” colorway immediately caught my attention with its frosty blue gradient. adidas officially lists the colors as Sky Tint, Bliss Blue, and Tech Grey Metallic, a combination that lets the sculpted details stand out without overwhelming the shoe.

The arrows along the sides look like speed boosts—an appropriate visual for someone who attacks the basket the way Ant does. It is a bold design, but one that still feels connected to the identity established by his first signature.

Fit: 9/10

My initial recommendation is to start true to size, particularly for wider feet. Narrow-footed players may want to compare their usual size with a half-size down in-store before deciding.

adidas recommends ordering your usual size, so I would not treat sizing down as a blanket rule. With this much structure around the foot, getting the width and heel hold right matters as much as the space in front of your toes.

Cushioning: 9/10

The Hyperboost cushioning was one of the highlights of the session. To me, it felt responsive and bouncy while maintaining a relatively low-to-the-ground sensation compared with the previous models.

That combination made the cushioning enjoyable without feeling disconnected from the court. The switch from the AE2’s Lightstrike and Light Boost setup is one of the most meaningful changes in this third model.

There is some initial stiffness, however. The shoe felt like it needed more time to break in, so I would want several more sessions before deciding how much the ride softens with use.

Traction: 8.5/10

The outsole delivered a loud squeak and dependable grip during stops and changes of direction. Its patterned rubber gave me the confidence to plant and move through the drills.

It also picked up dust and needed regular wiping to maintain that grip. That is worth keeping in mind if your usual court is not especially clean.

My impressions here apply to the indoor session. Dust pickup alone does not establish whether a shoe is suitable for outdoor basketball, and I would need more testing to judge how this outsole handles rougher surfaces and extended wear.

Lockdown: 7.5/10

The TPU cage provided decent containment during crossovers and lateral movements. It is one of the shoe’s most prominent features, both visually and functionally, helping reinforce the upper when changing direction.

Lockdown was solid in my initial run, although it did not stand out as strongly as the cushioning and traction.

Support: 8/10

The shoe felt rigid through the midfoot, which helped provide stability during the session. Its reinforced construction resisted excessive twisting and gave the platform a reassuringly structured feel.

That stiffness can be useful during forceful movements, although it also contributes to the adjustment period. I would want more court time to see how the balance between support and flexibility develops.

Overall: 8.5/10

The AE3 made a strong first impression. Cushioning and traction were its biggest strengths, while lockdown and support were solid.

For guards and wings who value a responsive ride and a structured upper, it is worth trying. The initial stiffness and need to wipe the outsole are the main points I would keep an eye on through further sessions.

adidas has given Edwards another distinctive signature shoe, and the “Cold Blooded” colorway makes a convincing visual introduction. The next question is how well those promising first impressions hold up after more hours on the court.

The adidas AE3 “Cold Blooded” is listed at ₱8,500 on adidas Philippines.