Rheon has already collaborated with brands like Adidas, Rapha, Macron and many others who have chosen to use Rheon materials and technology in sports equipment.
Decathlon has announced a global partnership with British materials technology company Rheon Labs to make advanced material science part of everyday sport.
Decathlon said that the collaboration gives the company access to Rheon’s full technology platform – including current and future innovations in strain-rate sensitive materials – enabling the development of apparel that enhances control, comfort and performance during physical activity.
Rheon Labs has already collaborated with brands like Adidas, Rapha, Macron and many others who have chosen to use Rheon materials and technology in sports equipment.
The partnership brings together Rheon Labs’ material innovation with Decathlon’s experience designing for athletes. The first launch from the partnership will be a Kiprun running tight, arriving in AW25 and designed to focus energy and reduce muscle movement.
Rheon is also the name of the company’s patented polymer, that remains soft and flexible during everyday movement but stiffens dynamically in response to movement or impact. The result is support that adapts to the body’s needs in real time – improving comfort, control, and performance without sacrificing freedom of movement.
Stephen Bates, CEO at Rheon Labs, said: “Decathlon’s belief that innovation should serve everyone aligns perfectly with our own. Rheon™ started in elite sport – now, this partnership will unlock that same level of performance for millions more.”
Additional developments are underway across other categories, including the Decathlon fitness sports specialist Domyos, with the first technologies set to arrive in 2026.
Aurelien Corbier, Textile Innovation leader at Decathlon, said: “Innovation truly matters when it empowers everyone. By partnering with Rheon Labs, we’re taking materials designed for athletes and making them accessible to all. This aligns perfectly with our focus on providing excellent products for everyone, leading to better comfort, control, and performance.”
