INTERNSHIP - FOOTWEAR DESIGN (M/F/D)

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adidas is offering a six month on-site Footwear Design internship in Herzogenaurach from September 2026 to February 2027, spanning four tracks: Footwear Running, Sportswear, Originals Running, and Color & Materials Football. You’ll join a collaborative design team to develop digital sketches and 3D models, support trend research, and help carry concepts through to tech packs in a fast paced, global environment with a 40% home office option. Eligibility includes full-time student status for the full duration, penultimate year preferred, fluent English, proficient Illustrator and Photoshop on Mac, plus 3D CAD skills; prior design experience is a plus. To apply, submit CV and portfolio by March 15, 2026; you may be asked to complete a design task. Tips: tailor your portfolio to the track, spotlight storytelling and 3D visualization, demonstrate cross-functional collaboration, and confirm your willingness to relocate for the full six months.

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES: FOOTWEAR DESIGN (Product or Color & Materials)

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 four available Footwear Design intern roles, including but not limited to those described below: 

FOOTWEAR RUNNING

adidas running is one of the key categories within the adidas brand and is, by strategy driving the performance edge through footwear innovation. You will join the footwear design team, that is creating industry leading performance running products. 

As 3D-footwear-design-intern you will work closely with designers to create pinnacle running franchise products, that are fueled by unparalled innovations. We are as passionate for running & sports as we are for design excellence. We believe in the creative power of the team adidas running. Are you thrilled to join us on the journey to reimagine the future of running? We are excited to get to know you.

FOOTWEAR SPORTSWEAR

You will be part of a team of designers working on the new generation of modern lifestyle products (Court and running Sportswear) Working closely with a team who share a combined passion of Sports and modern lifestyle, you have the opportunity to be involved in the creation process of the new generation of Sportswear footwear.

FOOTWEAR ORIGINALS RUNNING

You will be a part of Originals Footwear Design team, working on creating the next chapter of game-changing product for the Trefoil. In this role, you will have the opportunity to learn from and work with industry-leading design talent from around the world, united by a passion to continue to shape the Originals brand legacy. There will be opportunities to shift sneaker culture and influence trends globally, while learning the ropes of a robust and dynamic product creation and design process. The team spans across key product categories of lifestyle running, classics, women’s and kids - bringing relevant and engaging product stories to life through the lens of Originals.

COLOR & MATERIALS FOOTWEAR FOOTBALL 

Join our vibrant Color and Material Footwear Design team, contributing to the creation of exciting products. Collaborate with global design leaders, shaping Football and setting trends. Dive into a dynamic product creation process, cooperating to relevant and enduring designs. Explore diverse boot types, materials, and finishes, blending storytelling and trend awareness from sports and lifestyle. Embrace the chance to learn, create, and influence the ever-evolving football culture.

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 2.350,00€, compulsory internship 1.780,00€ (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 September 2026 – February 2027
• Ability to relocate to Herzogenaurach in Germany for the full duration of the internship 

KEY FACTS 

• Application Deadline: March 15th, 2026, 11:59 PM CET 
• Start Date: September 1st, 2026
• Duration: 6 months 
• Location: adidas Headquarters in Herzogenaurach (near Nuremberg)

NEXT STEPS 

• To apply to the role, please submit your CV and your 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 complete a Design Task - don't worry we'll fully brief you on this.