In a groundbreaking move toward greater inclusivity in sport, Adidas has announced the upcoming release of the first-ever performance running shoe created specifically for people with Down Syndrome. Set to hit the market in 2026, the project is the result of three years of research, development, and direct feedback from athletes in the community.
Developed in collaboration with Chris Nikic, the first Ironman athlete with Down Syndrome, creative agency FCB Canada, and a dedicated group of athletes, this shoe is more than a product — it’s a message. A message that everyone deserves to feel supported, represented, and equipped to move.
This announcement comes as a continuation of Adidas’ ongoing mission to make sport more inclusive. In 2022, the brand made headlines with its Runner 321 campaign, which introduced Nikic as Adidas’ first sponsored athlete with Down Syndrome, inspiring athletes around the world and increasing participation from underrepresented groups.
However, as the movement gained momentum, a deeper issue was uncovered. Many individuals with Down Syndrome experience genetic foot differences, such as low muscle tone and wider feet, which make standard running shoes ill-fitting or even painful. While participation in sport was empowering, the physical discomfort was a barrier no one could ignore.
Adidas responded with action. Athletes were flown to the brand’s headquarters in Herzogenaurach, Germany, where they were surprised with early prototypes built specifically for their needs. These athletes then played a key role in testing, adjusting, and refining the final product — an experience that Chris Nikic proudly shared on Instagram, calling it a historic moment for the community.
His father, Nik Nikic, put it simply: “This shoe is the single greatest thing that could happen for our kids. You’re going to see a whole revolution of young men and women with Down Syndrome out running.”
Adidas CEO Bjørn Gulden emphasized that this initiative is only the beginning. “Our team is working directly with athletes with disabilities to ask: what do you need? There are so many communities around the world with specific needs, and this is just the start.”
As 2026 approaches, this launch not only marks a major leap in adaptive athletic gear, but also reaffirms Adidas’ commitment to inclusive design — proving that when sport is accessible to all, everyone moves forward.
