New Adidas shoe combines digital advancements, traditional fitness

Adidas is set to unveil its first physical shoe collection linked to its NFT series, in collaboration with STEPN GO.

The new phase of the partnership between Adidas and the social lifestyle app STEPN GO introduces the STEPN GO x Adidas Ultraboost 5 running shoes, a tangible extension following their joint digital ventures. This collaboration previously launched with the STEPN GO x Adidas Genesis NFT Sneakers and now expands into the physical realm with 1,200 pairs of limited-edition running shoes.

This marks another highlight in the year-long collaboration between STEPN GO and Adidas, which started in April 2024 with the release of the STEPN Genesis NFT collection. The Ultraboost 5 running shoes reflect the aim of both companies to integrate digital technologies with real-world fashion elements.

From December 13, the collection will be available exclusively through the MOOAR marketplace, prioritising current holders of STEPN and STEPN GO x Adidas Genesis Sneakers. This aligns with Adidas' initiative to merge movement and technology, marrying cutting-edge sneaker performance with the active lifestyle ethos promoted by STEPN GO.

Shiti Manghani, CEO of STEPN by FSL, commented: "The launch of physical shoes is a defining moment in our partnership with Adidas. We've moved from digital collectibles to tangible products that people can wear, showing just how far the Web3 space has evolved. This collaboration demonstrates the potential of merging fitness, digital assets, and real-world products."

VP and GM of Adidas, Erika Wykes-Sneyd, added: "We're thrilled to offer a new digital experience for runners at the forefront of this exciting new era. This collaboration not only brings a fresh way to engage with fitness but also introduces rewarding experiences that push the boundaries of what's possible in both the physical and digital worlds."

Since its public beta launch in September 2024, STEPN GO's Haus System has emerged as a noteworthy feature of the platform.

It enables users to lend out their sneakers, share energy and earnings, and bring new users into the Web3 environment without needing a digital wallet, broadening the platform's accessibility.

The raffle for the limited-edition shoes will occur from December 13 to December 17 and consists of four separate raffles. STEPN and STEPN GO x Adidas Genesis NFT holders will have advantages, with additional opportunities via a contest on X and raffles solely for the ALTS by Adidas and STEPN Apps communities.

Successful entrants will be able to claim their shoes between January 6 and January 22, after a three-week trading window on the secondary market. The collection includes four co-branded styles, with colours randomly assigned, introducing an element of surprise for recipients.

The collaboration between STEPN GO and Adidas exemplifies a growing trend of integrating physical activity into daily life through technological innovation, bridging the gap between traditional fitness and digital advancements within the Web3 space.