There’s something transformative about running — it’s personal, yet universal. But what happens when a solo sport taps into the power of collective energy? That’s exactly what Adidas set out to explore with its Running App. In an industry flooded with fitness trackers and goal-setting platforms, Adidas found its edge not by outdoing competitors on features alone, but by turning movement into a shared experience.
This is the story of how a global sportswear giant created one of the most vibrant, connected running communities in the world.
From shoes to screens: A quick look back
Adidas has long been a household name in sports apparel, but it wasn’t always a player in the fitness app game. That changed in 2015, when Adidas acquired the fitness tracking app Runtastic. What followed was a brand transformation. Not just of the app’s interface and features, but of its entire mission. Over time, the app was rebranded to “Adidas Running,” merging digital wellness with the brand’s larger ethos: through sport, we have the power to change lives.
That rebranding was more than cosmetic. Adidas Running shifted its focus from passive tracking to active engagement, reshaping the app into a platform where runners of all levels could connect, compete, and celebrate movement together.
It’s more than a tracker. It’s a lifestyle companion
At first glance, the Adidas Running App offers what you’d expect. It tracks pace, distance, calories, and duration for a range of activities like running, walking, cycling, and hiking. But it’s the emotional layer, the social fabric woven into these functions — that makes it stick. Weekly streaks, motivational nudges, and live coaching bring accountability. But it’s the people, your virtual running group, your local club, your friends reacting to your sweaty selfie — that keep you coming back.
Millennials and Gen Z, in particular, have gravitated toward the app’s hybrid of performance and connection. In a time when community often lives behind screens, the app gives them a reason to lace up and get out, without letting go of that digital tether.
And then there’s Adiclub. The Adidas loyalty program syncs seamlessly with the app, turning effort into tangible rewards. Whether it’s early access to new gear or exclusive event invites, Adidas has created a flywheel of value where activity, engagement, and brand loyalty fuel one another.
Community at the core: Not a feature, but a philosophy
When Adidas Running talks about community, it isn’t fluff. It’s a deliberate design principle embedded deep in the product.
There’s a feed where runners share achievements, offer encouragement, or drop that motivational post-run quote. Local groups, some built around shared geographies, others around shared goals — create accountability. Walking clubs and run crews bring offline camaraderie into the digital fold. And then there are the live coaching sessions, which feel less like a workout and more like attending a group event from the comfort of your neighborhood park.
This sense of shared purpose has helped the app transcend its role as a fitness tracker and become a social platform for movement. The numbers speak volumes. Walking clubs on the platform grew by 52% in a single year, and more than 48% of users say social connections are the main reason they run or walk. These aren’t just metrics. They’re signals that Adidas isn’t building a product. They’re building a movement.
How Adidas did it: The strategy behind the sweat
What’s impressive about Adidas Running isn’t just that it added social features. It’s how it made them feel essential, not optional.
First, it tapped into the deep psychological benefit of shared goals. Running can be lonely. But knowing that someone, somewhere, is chasing the same 5K challenge makes it communal. Localized events, whether it’s a weekend group run or a virtual challenge with global participants, bridge the gap between digital motivation and real-world action.
Second, Adidas leaned into identity. The app doesn’t just track your stats. It helps define who you are. Are you a weekend warrior, a daily streak-runner, a first-time jogger trying to stay consistent? The platform gives you space to own that label and to find others like you.
And finally, it listened to its users. As trends shifted, especially post-pandemic when people craved connection more than ever, Adidas responded by investing more in community-driven features. More events. More recognition. More spaces to connect. It wasn’t reactive. It was responsive.
What makes It work: Pillars of the Adidas Running community
Under the hood of this success are a few unshakable pillars that can serve as inspiration for any product-led team thinking about community.
First, the app doesn’t treat community as a marketing channel. It’s part of the product experience. Whether you’re engaging with your running group or earning Adiclub points, you’re inside an ecosystem that rewards participation as much as performance.
Second, Adidas makes sure you don’t need to be an elite athlete to belong. From beginner walking challenges to pro-level interval training, the app creates space for everyone. This inclusivity is a magnet for Gen Z, who value social connection and openness more than traditional notions of athletic competition.
Third, it’s emotionally intelligent. It understands that running isn’t always about fitness. It can be about mental clarity, habit-building, or simply enjoying time outdoors. The platform meets users where they are, emotionally and physically.
The takeaways: What other companies can learn
If you’re building a fitness product or any digital platform with community potential, there’s a lot to learn from Adidas Running.
Start with the assumption that people want to connect. Fitness isn’t just about results anymore. It’s about the journey, and journeys are more meaningful when shared. By building features that allow for interaction, Adidas created a space where users don’t just show up. They stay.
Don’t underestimate the emotional value of community, especially in health and wellness. When users associate your product with feeling seen, supported, and celebrated, you’re not just a tool. You’re part of their identity.
And finally, design for both performance and belonging. Adidas Running is successful not because it chose one over the other, but because it saw how the two could elevate each other.
At its core, the Adidas Running App isn’t just about steps taken or calories burned. It’s about people. It’s about making movement something we do together, even if we’re running miles apart.