Social-lifestyle app STEPN GO is announcing a big step (pun intended) in its ongoing partnership with adidas: STEPN GO x adidas running shoes. STEPN GO aims to bring a “gamified” approach to fitness, straddling social media and virtual reality with various digital rewards. The app previously partnered with adidas with a Genesis NFT Sneaker.
Now, the partnership is introducing a real-life, physical element: a limited-edition collection of 1,200 adidas Ultraboost 5 running shoes. Now, real-life runners can log miles in their kicks on STEPN GO, where their avatars are already rocking them. The duo began their year-long partnership in April 2024 with the launch of the STEPN GO Genesis NFT collection.
We’ve often seen physical shoes replicated in virtual reality, but this is a rare example of a virtual shoe becoming reality. What’s even more meta, the sneakers will be available exclusively on the MOOAR marketplace, an NFT seller. And, holders of the virtual STEPN GO x adidas Genesis sneakers get first dibs.
“The launch of physical shoes is a defining moment in our partnership with adidas,” says Shiti Manghani, CEO of STEPN by FSL. “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.”
Erika Wykes-Sneyd, VP and GM of adidas /// studio, also sees the benefit in fusing virtual reality with physical reality. “We’re thrilled to offer a new digital experience for runners at the forefront of this exciting new era,” she says. “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.”
STEPN GO is working to make its app more accessible to those who may not be familiar with VR. The platform’s Haus System has become a standout feature, allowing users to lend their sneakers to friends, share energy and earnings, and onboard new users into Web3 without needing a wallet.
Competition is expected to be high for the STEPN GO x adidas Ultraboost 5 running shoes. Four separate raffles for the sneaker will take place from December 13 to 17. Holders of the co-branded virtual kicks get advantage, and broader participation will be provided through a contest on X. Winners will be able to claim their shoes in January, after a three-week trading period allowing others to buy their raffle tickets on the secondary market.
The shoes come in four limited-edition colors, randomly assigned to winners.
