Less than a year after announcing that it was working on the design of high-performance running shoes for people with Down Syndrome, Adidas has presented the Supernova Rise 3 Adaptive, its first running shoe made in collaboration with and for athletes with disabilities.

As explained by the brand, the shoes have been inspired by Chris Nikic, the first person with Down Syndrome to complete an Ironman race, and whom Adidas sponsored in 2023. They were created after several years of research and collaboration with the talent agency Gamut Management to obtain valuable information from people with various disabilities.

The Supernova Rise 3 Adaptive, according to Adidas in a statement, offer the comfort, support and fit of the Supernova range, although with adaptive modifications that facilitate their placement, adjustment and use during the race. It includes, among other things, a reformulated foam that prioritizes comfort and softness, a reinforced and easy-entry heel, or a lacing system that reduces pressure by moving the laces away from sensitive areas.

It also features tactile elements and prints designed for athletes with visual or sensory needs; heel and tongue loops with magnetic closure, and a wide forefoot design to allow the toes to spread naturally.

Adidas assures that the shoes align with their commitment to offering the best equipment to all types of athletes, and hopes that the Supernova Rise 3 Adaptive will facilitate access to running and sports for millions of people with disabilities. The development of the new product is part of its strategy around creating equitable products for the entire running community, and promoting adaptive performance.

“We believe that sport has the power to change lives, and our role is to make running more accessible and enjoyable for all athletes.“; commented Patrick Nava, Global General Manager of Adidas Running. “We have dedicated countless hours to listening and innovating with adapted athletes and people with disabilities to create a shoe that responds to the real needs of a diverse population.”.

For the design of the Supernova Rise 3 Adaptive, Adidas carried out focus groups in which people with Down Syndrome, wheelchair users, people with chronic diseases, with mobility and fine motor difficulties, and people with differences in the upper and lower extremities participated, including amateur athletes and Paralympic athletes.

Thanks to this, it has created a shoe that meets the specific needs of the anatomy of the feet and reduces or avoids the pain that many people with disabilities experience when doing sports. Chris Nikic himself has been using various prototypes of the brand over the last few years in his competitions.

The Supernova Rise 3 Adaptive were officially launched on the market worldwide on March 21, World Down Syndrome Day, on the brand’s website, app and selected stores.