Adidas reports record sales as running becomes a key growth driver

Adidas has reported record-breaking financial results, closing the second quarter of 2026 with its highest quarterly sales in history and raising its annual expectations. The company reported revenue of €6.743 billion for the quarter. In contrast, Nike is currently undergoing a recovery process, seeing progress in North America but facing declines in European and Chinese markets.

Despite differing financial trajectories, both sportswear giants are seeing significant growth in the running category. Running has become a primary sales driver for both brands as consumers shift spending from lifestyle footwear toward performance-oriented products. Adidas saw its running segment grow by approximately 30% in the second quarter, fueled by the Adizero family and models like the Evo SL. Nike has reported five consecutive quarters of double-digit growth in its running business, adding roughly $1 billion in value to that segment during that period.

Adidas is currently diversifying its product lineup through a mix of performance technology and high-fashion collaborations. Recent offerings include the Adizero EVO SL Zip, which utilizes Lightstrike Pro cushioning, and designer collaborations such as the Willy Chavarria Mega Willy and Pharrell Williams’s resurrection of the 2004 Yoga Vario.