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 new chapter in Adidas Running is taking shape with the introduction of the Supernova Rise 3 Adaptive, the Three Stripe’s first performance running shoe designed by and for adaptive athletes and people with disabilities.

The shoe was inspired by the brand’s partnership with Chris Nikic – the first person with Down syndrome to complete an Ironman – and created in partnership with Gamut Management to unlock critical insights from individuals with diverse disabilities. As a result of this thorough, multi-year collaboration, the shoe earned the Gamut Seal of Approval. The Supernova Rise 3 Adaptive launched on March 21, World Down Syndrome Day.

For millions of people with disabilities, access to running and sport can feel impossible. The Supernova Rise 3 Adaptive is designed to change that and it set out on a multi-year mission to design a running shoe that addresses the unique needs of people with disabilities and makes sport more accessible. 

“We believe sport has the power to change lives and our role specifically as Adidas Running is to make running more accessible and enjoyable for all athletes,” says Patrick Nava, Global GM at Adidas Running. “We’ve spent countless hours listening to and innovating alongside adaptive athletes and people with disabilities to create a shoe that addresses the real needs of a diverse population. We’re building truly equitable products for the entire running community, ensuring adaptive performance isn’t treated as an afterthought.” 

Even as an accomplished athlete, Nikic regularly struggled to run a few miles without pain and blisters because there wasn’t a shoe designed to meet the unique needs of his foot anatomy. Since partnering with Adidas, Chris has sported various prototypes that have not only allowed him to complete three Ironmans, four half Ironmans and 20 marathons, but have also informed and inspired the new Supernova Rise 3 Adaptive. Now training in the new shoe, Nikic is primed to build upon his already impressive resume — without foot pain.

“What feels like a two out of 10 in pain for most people hurts like an eight for me,” Nikic says. “Adidas understood exactly what I need in a shoe. Now I love running — because my feet don’t hurt anymore.”

Running the Gamut

To ensure the shoe accommodates the diverse needs of the adaptive community, Adidas partnered with Gamut Management, a leader in inclusive product design, to facilitate focus groups and product testing that provided the team with critical insights and feedback throughout the development process. These focus groups featured individuals with Down syndrome, wheelchair users, people living with chronic illnesses, individuals with mobility and fine motor challenges and those with upper and lower limb differences – and included two Paralympians, Tracy Otto and Haven Shepherd. 

“My experience collaborating with Adidas on this project was incredible and such an adventure,” says Paralympian Tracy Otto shared. “The entire team was devoted to making this the best adaptive shoe available, building in features that give me the freedom and independence I’ve been missing for so long.”

The Supernova Rise 3 Adaptive features the comfort, support and wider fit the Supernova franchise is known for, with adaptive modifications that make the shoe easier to put on, adjust and run in. The shoe features:

• Dreamstrike+ foam: A comfort-first, reformulated foam also used in the Supernova Rise 3, 20 percent softer than the version in the Supernova Rise 2.

• Lighttraxion outsole: Technology from the Supernova Rise 3 that provides grip adaptive athletes can trust.

• Easy step-in heel: Stiffened, easy step-in heel engineered to withstand step-down forces for those who rely on hands-free or limited-mobility entry techniques. • Low-pressure lacing system: Reduces lace pressure and irritation by lifting laces away from sensitive areas.

• Tactile elements: Prints, including a chevron heel pattern, designed to support athletes with visual or sensory needs.

• Heel and tongue loops with magnetic toggle: Designed to support easier entry, grip and adjustability.

• Wider fit: The standard Supernova Rise 3 fit has been updated to provide more space and volume in the forefoot, allowing toes to spread naturally.