Adidas’ AdiClub: Three Stripes, Four Levels
Image Credit: iStock
Adidas has a cult following and is widely popular, so a loyalty program makes sense. They rebranded to AdiClub back in early 2022, making it more than just a basic earn/burn program. Instead, they packed it with benefits, initiatives and tied multiple apps across the ecosystem. We applaud Adidas for thinking out of the proverbial (sneaker) box and being creative with the program but it’s a lot and could be overwhelming for some members. We imagine the corporate design meeting looking a lot like that scene in A Beautiful Mind (highly recommend by the way) .
How you Earn:
AdiClub is free to join and as of this writing new members get an instant 20% off voucher plus $10 for referring a friend, which is very generous. Unlike most programs that only reward spending, AdiClub allows you to earn points in multiple ways:
Shop- 10 points per dollar spent
Move- 2 points per kilometer, 10 points per training session and 100 points for joining a running club (via Adidas running app)
Review- 50 points for reviewing a purchase
Share- 50 points for providing you fit profile (aka ‘your size’)
Complete profile- 100 points for adding more personal details, such as sports preferences
The latter two can get you 150 points instantly during the sign up process while the first three allow you to accelerate points multiple ways ongoing. The variety of ways to earn—especially by using the running app—is a great way to keep members engaged. Burn calories + earn points? We’re here for it.
Next is where things get complicated. Your AdiClub points serve two purposes: determining your Level Points and for your Points to Spend (aka ‘redemption’).
Level Points:
Similar to airlines and hotel programs, your Level is calculated on an annual basis. The higher the level, the more benefits.
Level 1 (Join - <1000 points): Member-only product releases, early access to sales.
Level 2 (1,000 points): Can be reached by spending $100, or by spending $70 plus writing a review, completing your profile, and doing 10 training sessions. Totally doable.
Level 3 (4,000 points): Requires $400 in spend if you’re earning only through shopping.
Level 4 (12,000 points): Requires $1,200 in spend in a calendar year if earning only through shopping.
For a retail brand, these thresholds seem reasonable, especially since you can supplement earnings in other ways such as with reviews or moving with the Adidas running app.
Below is the full chart of benefits at each level.
Points to Spend:
Those same Level Points are also earned points also go into a redemption pool called Points to Spend—but unlike Level Points, these don’t expire at the end of the calendar year (though they do have a three-year shelf life).
How You Redeem:
AdiClub has a rewards bazaar of sorts, where your Points to Spend can be cashed in for discount vouchers (like 15% off), “points to purchase” on select items, partner offers, partner subscriptions and even social causes. The app has the most complete selection, so if you want the best rewards, that’s where you’ll need to go.
Adidas list all the eligible rewards they have going on at that particular time, even if you don’t have enough points. That will drive FOMO and encourage you to earn more points.
Image Credit: Adidas App
What’s the Value:
(Note: by “return value” we mean how much are you save relative to how much you had to spend to earn it. For example, if you spent $100 to earn enough points to redeem $10, that’s a 10% return value).
Given the sheer number of benefits and redemption options, calculating an exact return value is tricky. But let’s break down some examples (assuming you earn points only from shopping).
800 points = 15% off voucher: You’d need to spend $80 to earn 800 points. If you then use that voucher on a $550 purchase, you save $82—an over 100% return value (a rare unicorn in rewards programs!).
2,500 points = 25% off voucher: Requires $250 in spend. If used on a $500 purchase, you save $100, a 40% return value. Excellent.
AdiClub has vouchers as high as high as 30% off for 8000 points. In terms of maximizing your return value, this is where doing the quick math is advantageous.
Example: You are buying $100 item:
Scenario #1: Redeem 8,000 points for 30% off voucher, saving $30. $30 in savings against $800 in earning spend= 3.75% return value. Measly.
Scenario #2: Redeem 800 points for 15% off voucher, saving $15. $15 in saving against $80 in earning spend= 18.75% return value. Very good!
In summary, be strategic when to use your discount vouchers.
For partner redemptions, smaller point redemptions often provide better value:
3-month Spotify Premium (500 points): $36 retail value = 72% return value.
5-month Spotify Premium (3,000 points): $60 retail value = 20% return value.
There are a plethora of partner rewards to choose from and we noticed smaller redemptions might provide better returns.
Two downsides worth calling out here:
Adidas doesn’t list exact voucher amounts or partner rewards in their terms, so the offerings can change. But given how rich this program is, we’re willing to overlook that, and hope that richness remains over time.
There are product exclusions on the percent-off vouchers. Sale or “select” products are excluded. Members have griped that they feel its hard to find products eligible for vouchers.
🕵️♂️ ANY Fine Print?
Oh yes. AdiClub comes with a lot of fine print—kind of like a marriage with a prenup. You’re in love, all excited … but there’s some paperwork lurking that could limit your financial standing.
Level Points reset to zero every year.
Points to Spend expire after 3 years and require account activity every 12 months.
Discount vouchers can’t be used on sale or “select” merchandise. (A major gripe among members.)
Only one voucher can be used every 90 days. (Another gripe among members.)
“Points to Purchase” is app-only and limited to select merchandise.
Some perks (e.g., birthday gifts, early access) lack transparency.
To maximize the program, you need multiple apps. Adidas Running, Adidas CONFIRMED (for sneakers), and the main Adidas app—it’s a bit much.
Free personalization (for Level 3 and 4) is capped at 10 per year.
On the plus side, Adidas does “soft downgrades,” meaning if you don’t maintain your Level, you only drop one tier instead of losing everything. That’s generous.
THE VERDICT:
For sneakerheads and fitness buffs who shop Adidas, this is a great program. It’s complex and a little messy (fewer levels, less fine print, and a unified currency would be nice), but the sheer number of benefits, redemption options, and return value (for even casual Adidas buyers) make it absolutely worthwhile. You just have to stay on top of your benefits and be strategic around when to use them.
Rewarded or Robbed?
⭐ Rewarded!
Leave us a comment! Do you agree or disagree? Any further tips about AdiClub?
