Competing in Comfort: Adidas unveils a new shoe made for everyone

Image of an athlete in the starter position for running a track race wearing blue tennis shoes. A graphic of a stick person running is in the bottom corner

Chris Nikic set a Guiness World Record by becoming the first person with Down Syndrome to complete an Ironman in 2020. Throughout his training, Chris continued to struggle with finding a shoe that fit the unique anatomy of his foot. Down Syndrome, the most common genetic condition, can include different physical characteristics like foot issues. The issues can fall into 3 categories:

Foot Deformities: This can include flat feet, bunions that worsen over time, more space between the first and second toes, webbing between the second and third toes, and a wider forefoot. The deformities can lead to further issues such as plantar fasciitis.
Ill-fitting Shoes: Due to the unique foot anatomy, finding shoes that fit properly can be a challenge. Having ill fitting shoes can cause pain, skin breakdown, and increase the severity of deformities.
Skin Issues: This can include calluses and corns, excessive moisture between toes, thickening toenails, and increased risk of fungal infections.

Also, due to low muscle tone that can be part of a Down Syndrome diagnosis, a person may feel excessive fatigue in their legs and feet easily, especially with shoes that do not fit properly.

Blue Shoes photo by David Goehring — Blue Shoes, David Goehring, Flickr, Uploaded on July 15, 2012 CC BY 2.0

Chris Nikic also described his training routine as being painful most of the time due to not having shoes that fit his feet. Nikic could only run a short distance before he would develop blisters and sores on his feet. Nikic stated that “what feels like a 2 out of 10 in pain for most people feels like an 8 to me. Adidas understood exactly what I needed in a shoe. Now I enjoy running, because my feet don’t hurt anymore.” Adidas teamed up with Nikic to make a shoe that worked for as many people as possible.

Adidas partnered with GAMUT management, an organization that is a leader in inclusive design. Through the partnership, focus groups and product testing helped to ensure they were focusing on many different needs to make sure the shoe was as accommodating as possible. The group included people with Down Syndrome, wheelchair users, people who live with chronic illnesses, and individuals with limb differences. Among the group were 2 Paralympians: Tracy Otto and Haven Shepard. Tracy shared that “the entire team was devoted to ensuring this was the most adaptive shoe available, building in features that give me the freedom and independence I’ve been missing for so long.”

Photo of athletes competing in running a track race with spectators. Special Olympics 2011 OAKA Olympic Stadium

Special Olympics World Summer Games Athens 2011

3 July 2011. OAKA Olympic Stadiums

"Let me Win! But if I Cannot win, Let me be brave in the attempt!" — Special Olympics 2011, OAKA Olympic Stadium
Special Olympics World Summer Games Athens 2011, Tilemahos Efthimiadis, Flickr, Uploaded on July 4, 2011 **CC BY-SA 2.0**

The Supernova Rise 3 debuted on March 21, World Down Syndrome Day. The Supernova Rise 3 is an adaptive shoe that aims to be a wider fit, easier to put on and more comfortable for many different foot sizes and anatomy. The goal is to provide as much comfort and ease while running as possible. The shoe features:

Dreamstrike+ foam: It is 20% softer than the foam in Supernove Rise 2.
Lighttraxion outsole: This provides grip in the shoe that athletes can trust.
Easy step in heel: The sturdy, easy to step in heel can allow for hands free or limited mobility entrance into the shoe.
Low Pressure Lacing System: This lifts laces away from sensitive areas.
Tactile Elements: It is available in prints that will support individuals with visual or sensory needs.
Heel and tongue loops with magnetic toggle: The shoe is designed to support easier entry, grip, and accessibility.
Wider fit: Supernova Rise 3 provides a wider forefoot, allowing toes to spread naturally in the shoe.

The Supernova Rise 3 can be purchased for $140 on Adidas.com and in other participating retail stores. The Supernova Rise 3 is a reminder that everyone deserves the chance to be comfortable when walking, running, exercising, or competing. Athletes come in all shapes and sizes and having a shoe that accommodates, puts everyone on the same playing field.