Decathlon and Rheon Labs partner to bring advanced material science to everyday sportswear
Global sporting goods giant Decathlon has announced a strategic partnership with British materials technology firm Rheon Labs to integrate cutting-edge material science into mainstream sports apparel. This collaboration will see Decathlon gaining access to Rheon Labs’ full technology platform, including its signature strain-rate-sensitive materials, designed to enhance comfort, control, and athletic performance.
The first innovation from the partnership will debut in Autumn/Winter 2025 with the launch of a Kiprun running tight, engineered to channel energy and minimize muscle movement. Additional developments are already underway across other product lines, including Decathlon’s fitness brand Domyos, with the first wave of new technologies set for release in 2026.
At the heart of the collaboration is Rheon®, Rheon Labs’ patented energy-absorbing polymer that remains soft and flexible during regular movement but stiffens under stress or impact. Originally developed through a NASA research initiative and refined over 15 years at Imperial College London, the material delivers targeted, dynamic support without restricting movement.
This partnership not only bridges elite-level performance with mass-market accessibility but also signals a broader commitment by both companies to democratize innovation, making high-performance gear part of a more inclusive and inspiring future for sports.
