INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES: FOOTWEAR DESIGN
adidas is an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from people of all ages, genders (incl. gender identity), ethnic and social backgrounds, nationalities, sexual orientations, religions, and beliefs, and those with apparent or non-apparent disabilities*. We do not tolerate harassment or discrimination toward any of our applicants or employees.
*We actively encourage individuals with disabilities to apply and will provide reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process
Applications to this opportunity are considered for all available intern roles within one of the following areas:
- Footwear Design Lifestyle - focus on Color, Materials, and Product Design
- Footwear Design Football
- Footwear Design Running - focus on Color and Materials
As a Footwear Design Intern, you'll collaborate closely with a cross-functional team of designers, product
managers, and product developers. Together, we aim to develop top-tier performance and lifestyle products, informed and inspired by athlete feedback, consumer insights and culture trends.
GROW YOUR CAPABILITIES THROUGH MEANINGFUL TASKS & PROJECTS
- Support team in day-to-day tasks
- Work with the design team to create (digital) design solutions of adidas footwear
- Assist and observe the entire design phase from concept creation of final product
- Gather relevant trend and consumer information for the product category
- Creation of (digital) sketches and 3D models for footwear concepts
- Assist the design team in the design of new footwear concepts for the relevant season supporting the creative phases: Brainstorm, Sketch and Render & Team Concepts
- Support the Execution phase of the process: creating and delivering design / tech packs
- Complete CAD revisions, color updates and technical packages
WHAT WOULD MAKE YOU A MATCH
- Student of Product Design, Footwear Design, Sportswear Design, Industrial Design, 3D Design or similar
- Fluent in English (written & spoken)
- Fluent in Illustrator and Photoshop programs preferably on a Mac environment
- Good knowledge in working with 3D programs is a plus (Blender, Rhino or similar) and for Innovation Design Strong 3D visualization abilities on different platforms
- Strong storytelling abilities
- Good sketching and renderings skills to communicate concepts and ideas
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with cross-functional teams and handle multiple tasks
- Previous Design experience is a plus
- Previous 3D and CAD work experience is required for Innovation Design
WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU
- Employee discounts on products
- Chances to attend and take part in on-campus events and sponsored adidas events/games
- Structured training and development, access to LinkedIn Learning, Language Training and adidas Learning Portal
- Possibility to join our mentorship program, networking opportunities or employee resource groups
- International intern community and work environment
- Regular development conversations as part of your role
- Inspiring campus with canteens, cafes, reflection rooms and sport facilities including an on-site gym (25€/month) and many more sports facilities
- Company sports program including classes and events focusing on sports and mental health
- Flexible and agile working arrangements (40% home office possible)
- Monthly gross allowance: non-compulsory internship 2.470,00€, compulsory internship 1.930,00€ (Difference due to different taxation, net will be the same)
ELIGIBILITY
- Enrolled as full-time student for the complete duration of the internship
- Or in the so-called gap year between Bachelor and Master’s degree (gap year regulation only applicable to EU citizens due to working permit regulations)
- Candidates in penultimate year of study preferred (following the internship, students should have maximum one year to graduate)
- Availability for the full duration of the internship from March 2027 – August 2027
- Ability to relocate to Herzogenaurach in Germany for the full duration of the internship
KEY FACTS
- Application Deadline: October 31st, 2026, 11:59 PM CET
- Start Date: March 1st, 2027
- Duration: 6 months
- Location: adidas Headquarters in Herzogenaurach (near Nuremberg)
NEXT STEPS
- To apply to the role, please submit your CV and your Design Portfolio. You don't have to write us a motivation letter, but if you have something to say, let us know.
- Please apply in English.
- If we feel like it is a match, you'll be invited to a Design Task - don't worry we'll fully brief you on this.