Adidas, a renowned sports apparel and footwear brand, has announced its partnership with Stepn, a fitness app operating on the Solana blockchain. The collaboration marks Adidas’s strategic move into the Web3 arena, as revealed by Stepn sources.
Genesis Sneaker Collection: A Fusion of Physical and Digital
The collaboration initiates with the release of the Stepn x Adidas Genesis Sneaker Collection, comprising 1,000 exclusive NFTs inspired by iconic running shoe designs. Stepn announced that this Genesis collection represents the inaugural phase of a year-long collaboration with Adidas, promising subsequent NFT releases and a lineup of physical and wearable merchandise.
The NFT collection is set to debut on April 17 via Mooar, Stepn’s affiliated non-fungible token platform. Notably, Adidas has previously ventured into cryptocurrency-related agreements with prominent entities like Coinbase, Bored Ape Yacht Club, and Bugatti.
Stepn’s Web3 Endeavors and Collaborations
Stepn, a Web3 platform that rewards users in cryptocurrencies for physical activities such as walking or running, boasts a user base of 5 million individuals. The platform has a history of collaborating with footwear brands, having previously partnered with Asics in 2022.
Stepn’s CEO, Shiti Manghani, emphasized the significance of the Stepn-Adidas partnership, describing it as a pioneering example of “phygital” collaboration between a lifestyle app and a global brand.
Adidas Celebrates Spezial Decade with Exclusive Event and Releases
Meanwhile, Adidas is commemorating a decade of its Spezial (SPZL) line with a special event in Blackburn, England. Curated by Gary Aspden, a brand consultant with longstanding ties to Adidas, the DECADE event will showcase the complete SPZL sneaker archive, along with unseen design sketches dating back to the 1970s.
The event will also feature workshops and educational programs, including sessions by bespoke shoemaker Blunt Shank and a Q&A session with Gary Aspden and film director Nick Griffiths. Attendees can enjoy performances by Shaun Ryders Black Grape and a DJ set by Mani of The Stone Roses, followed by Stereo MC’s.
Additionally, the DECADE event will witness the release of a limited edition SPZL x Nightsafe sneaker, with proceeds dedicated to Nightsafe’s mission of assisting homeless youths. The exhibition will run from May 17 to 26 in Darwen, Lancashire.
In summary, Adidas’s collaboration with Stepn and its commemorative event for the Spezial line underscore the brand’s commitment to innovation, community engagement, and philanthropy, positioning it at the forefront of both the Web3 movement and sneaker culture.
