Tyson, Virginia, Feb. 10, 2021 – Nike Inc. and Adidas AG said Wednesday they would bring pressure-resistant apparel to the U.s. market, in what could mark the first such deal between the brands.
The apparel company, which began manufacturing the products in China last year, said it expects to begin shipping to U to U shoppers in the second quarter of 2021, and to offer pressure-resistance apparel at some stores by the end of the year.
The clothing manufacturer will sell the apparel in the U.-U.S., Canada and Mexico markets, as well as overseas, under the Nike brand.
The Nike name will be used in conjunction with the Adidas brand, the companies said in a joint statement.
The pair of apparel will also include a pressure-releasing device, the statement said.
Nike expects to sell pressure-sensitive Nike Force sweatpants in the United States by the second half of 2021 and to introduce the Nike Force in U.K. markets by the third quarter of 2022.
The brands said the Nike pressure-wearing apparel would be made available at the Nike+ brand stores in Tysontown, Virginia; Newport News, Virginia and in the Tysmouth-area of Virginia, and the Adidas+ brand store in Alexandria, Virginia.
Nike said in the statement that pressure-absorbing sweatpants, made of polyester and nylon, have been a major priority for Nike over the past five years.NAPO SPORTBITE: Nike unveils new athletic apparel and shoes, but also takes a look at the future article Adidas is expected to unveil its next generation of pressure-sensing athletic footwear at its global headquarters in Italy this week, a move that would represent a major departure from its earlier effort to develop a range of sports shoes and apparel for the global market.
The company has been working on the first pair of pressure resistant sports shoes, which Nike says will be available this summer.
The first pairs will come in sizes ranging from 6-to-8-inches wide, with a range in price between $100 and $130.
Adidas also plans to introduce a range and collection of pressure sensitive shoes, as part of a larger push to expand its athletic footwear line.NIPO SPOTLIGHT: Nike launches ‘Nike-inspired’ Nike+ fitness tracker, and more