adidas' new sneaker testing is going out of this world, literally. The global sportswear giant announces a new atmosphere-breaking partnership with the International Space Station to send sneakers into space. The multi-year deal will explore the boundaries of product innovation, human performance and sustainability.

The initial phase of the partnership focuses on product innovation, and with the support of the ISS National Lab and technologies developed by NASA, adidas will become the first brand to test footwear innovation in the extreme conditions of space. The brand's signature Boost technology is scheduled to be tested without the distraction of gravity, which could influence the performance and comfort of existing models and enhance innovation of new products.

Earlier this year, the partnership saw adidas soccer balls delivered by the NASA-contracted SpaceX CRS-18 cargo mission. They were tested in a series of experiments aimed to extend understanding of flight characteristics beyond an Earth-based wind tunnel. Depth in spherical aerodynamics will enable more design freedom for panel shape and texture.

James Carnes, Vice President of Brand Strategy for adidas, says in a press release, “Working with the International Space Station U.S. National Laboratory and CASIS – one of the most advanced facilities in the world – will help adidas set new standards in performance innovation. This partnership not only allows us to co-create improvements to sport performance but to explore processes and design that could be applicable to adidas’ dedicated efforts in sustainability as well.”

Are you ready for a space-designed Ultraboost? We are!