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One of the world’s largest footwear companies is developing a shoe specifically tailored to the needs of people with Down syndrome.
Adidas said it is working with Chris Nikic, who is known as the first person with Down syndrome to complete an Ironman, and other athletes with the chromosomal disorder to design and test the first-of-its-kind product.
“Unknown to the world, people with Down syndrome suffer genetic foot anomalies. For these 6 million people, access to sports can feel impossible,” the company said in a promotional video about the effort. “Adidas is building a performance shoe for the Down syndrome community and 1.3 billion people with disabilities.”
In the video, people with Down syndrome and their family members describe difficulty finding shoes to fit feet with a wider toe area and narrower heel or very tiny, but wide feet. Without proper shoes, they say that significant pain is common, which can make it difficult to participate in activities.
“Our product team is working with the athletes, including Chris, with disabilities, to say ‘what do you need?'” said Bjorn Gulden, global CEO at Adidas. “There’s many, many needs around the world in different groups that we can actually care for and I think this is just the start.”
This is not Adidas’ first effort to support athletes with disabilities. The company previously worked with Nikic on a campaign to urge marathons to set aside bib number 321 for neurodivergent runners.
Adidas plans to make its shoe designed for people with Down syndrome available in 2026.
This article was published in Disability Scoop on April 25, 2025 by Shaun Heasley.
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