Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze has teamed up with Adidas to create a new football cleat: the Adizero Horizon. Andscape covered the journey in detail, but here’s a closer look at how Odunze’s perspective and Adidas’ drive for innovation came together in this project.
Let’s dig into the creation of the Adizero Horizon, from early sketches to the final product. There are some pretty cool moments and tech details that shaped this cleat.
The Genesis of the Adizero Horizon
Months before his big NFL playoff performance, Odunze was already working behind the scenes. At just 23, he’d been collaborating with Adidas for over two years to design a cleat that actually fit his needs.
This partnership kicked off in 2023, back when Odunze was finishing up college. It’s grown into a full-on design and launch process since then.
A Collaboration Rooted in Innovation
Adidas is usually known for soccer, but lately they’ve been making moves in American football. The Adizero Horizon is part of that shift, and honestly, it’s a bold one.
The cleat is set to hit shelves at $250 a pair this fall. It’s being hyped as lightweight, even though it’s got more studs than any previous Adidas cleat—those are placed to boost acceleration, help with sharp cuts, and give you some serious stopping power. The design borrows a bit from track spikes, which is a neat touch.
The Role of Rome Odunze
Odunze didn’t just slap his name on this thing—he was in the trenches, helping shape every detail. His feedback mattered at each step.
Back in October, he was in on product tweaks and did a photoshoot to help promote the cleat. That was a big moment in the process.
From College Star to NFL Sensation
Odunze’s connection with Adidas started at the University of Washington. The school switched to Adidas in 2019, right when Odunze joined the team.
By his senior year, he was one of the top wide receivers in college football. That opened the door for a unique endorsement deal with Adidas, which carried over into his NFL career after the Bears drafted him in 2024.
The Design and Development Process
Creating the Adizero Horizon wasn’t quick or easy. There were a bunch of prototypes and a lot of testing before things felt right.
Adidas’ innovation team—led by senior designer Fionn Corcoran-Tadd and concepts manager Keith Blume—worked directly with Odunze. They wanted to make sure the cleat really worked for his style of play.
Insights and Iterations
Odunze brought up something interesting: the need for both “breaking” and “braking” when running routes. It’s not just about speed, but also how fast you can change direction and slow down.
The team played with different prototypes, adding extra studs and tweaking the heel to support those quick moves.
Technological Advancements
The Adizero Horizon packs in some wild tech, grouped under the name SEPR8 innovations. There’s a metallic plate on the outside that splits into three fingers up front, which helps with traction and flexibility.
It also uses more Lightstrike foam than any Adidas cleat before it. If you’re into performance gear, that’s a big deal.
Wear Testing and Final Adjustments
High school, college, and pro athletes all tested the cleat during development. Their feedback led to a bunch of tweaks and improvements.
The final product really does feel like a team effort between Odunze and Adidas. It’s got that vibe of something made for real athletes, not just for show.
The Impact of the Adizero Horizon
For Odunze, having a cleat that matches his style is a dream realized. For Adidas, it’s a real leap forward in football footwear—proof they’re not just sticking to the old playbook.
A Milestone Moment
Odunze’s return to the field during the Bears’ wild-card matchup against the Packers was a big deal for his career. He didn’t debut the new cleat that game, but his play helped secure the team’s first playoff win in 15 years.
Now, there’s a lot of buzz about the Adizero Horizon’s NFL debut in the upcoming divisional-round game against the Los Angeles Rams. People are genuinely excited, and honestly, who can blame them?
The Adizero Horizon really feels like it’s about to shake things up in the football world. If you’re curious about how it all came together, you should check out the full story on Andscape here.
- Schools Covered
- College Football Articles
- Men's College Basketball Articles
- Men's College Soccer Articles
- Women's College Basketball Articles
- Olympic Athlete Articles
- Men's College Baseball Articles
- College Sports Media Professionals Articles
- Hall of Fame Member Articles
- Former College Player Articles
- Game Previews
