Adidas Designs First Running Shoe for Athletes with Down Syndrome

Adidas unveils the first running shoe made for athletes with Down Syndrome, redefining inclusive sportswear. After three years of rigorous testing, direct feedback, and dedicated development, adidas has announced a landmark innovation set to launch in 2026: the world’s first performance running shoe designed specifically for and by people with Down Syndrome. This initiative, developed in partnership with athlete Chris Nikic, FCB Canada, and a group of athletes from the Down Syndrome community, marks a significant stride in making sports more accessible and inclusive for all.

A New Era of Inclusive Sportswear

The journey began with the 2022 ‘Runner 321’ campaign, which introduced Chris Nikic, a marathon runner and the first Ironman finisher with Down Syndrome—as adidas’ first sponsored athlete with the condition. This campaign not only provided meaningful athletic representation but also led to increased participation and visibility for neurodivergent athletes. Yet, as the initiative unfolded, a critical challenge emerged: most running shoes do not fit the unique anatomical needs of people with Down Syndrome, who often experience genetic foot anomalies such as wider forefeet and narrower heels.

As Nikic and his peers participated in more athletic events, the physical discomfort caused by ill-fitting shoes became impossible to ignore. “When he first started, he would run a 5k, he would have blisters everywhere. His toes were all banged up to the point where he’d be in pain all the time,” shared Chris’s father, Nik Nikic.

Co-Creation with the Community

Recognizing this barrier, Adidas brought athletes with Down Syndrome to its headquarters in Herzogenaurach, Germany, to help test and refine a prototype shoe built for the six million people in the community. The athletes’ input shaped every aspect of the design, ensuring the final product would truly meet their needs.

“This shoe is the single greatest thing that could happen for our kids,” said Nik Nikic. “You’re going to see a whole revolution of young men and women with Down Syndrome out running.”

From Prototype to Market

The new performance shoe is expected to reach the market in 2026, representing the culmination of three years of collaborative work. The design features expanded toe boxes, adaptive cushioning, and flexible support, directly addressing the comfort, stability, and performance needs of people with Down Syndrome, whether they’re running, walking, or simply staying active.

Adidas global CEO Bjørn Gulden emphasized the brand’s commitment to inclusive innovation:

“Our product team is working with the athletes, including Chris, with disabilities to say ‘what do you need?’ There’s many, many needs around the world and different groups that we can actually care for, and I think this is just the start.”

A Broader Mission of Inclusion

This latest product builds on adidas’s growing legacy of championing inclusivity in sports. The “Runner 321” campaign, for example, urged major marathons to reserve bib number 321—symbolic of the three copies of chromosome 21 that cause Down Syndrome—for neurodivergent athletes, a move embraced by all six World Marathon Majors.

By directly addressing the overlooked needs of the Down Syndrome community, Adidas is not only removing barriers to participation but also sending a powerful message: every athlete deserves gear that fits, supports, and inspires them.

As the brand looks ahead to the 2026 launch, the hope is clear: this shoe will spark a revolution in accessibility, confidence, and athletic opportunity for millions. As Nik Nikic put it,

“You’re going to see a whole revolution of young men and women with Down Syndrome out running.”