adidas

Why I’m Watching Euro 25

My Fantasy Premier League season? Let’s just say it ended with more red flags than a VAR review. So while my digital squad limps off into the summer sunset, I’m turning my attention to something far more inspiring: UEFA Women’s Euro 25.

Yes, women’s football. This summer, I’ll be watching, (hopefully on an occasional beach) not just because it’s football, but because it’s a reminder of how far the women’s game has come, and how much further it’s pushing the sport forward with this summer’s Euro 25.

A Game That Was Once Bigger Than the Men’s

It’s wild to think that in the 1920s, women’s football regularly drew crowds of over 50,000. Teams like Dick, Kerr Ladies were national icons, until the FA banned women from playing on affiliated pitches in 1921. It took 50 years to lift that ban. But now? The women’s game is reclaiming its place in history.

Beating the Men at Their Own Game

Let’s talk receipts:

England’s Lionesses won the Euros in 2022, something the men haven’t managed since 1966 (as a Scot, I almost typed those numbers angrily)
Record-breaking attendances: Wembley sold out for the women’s final.
Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmatí is redefining midfield mastery.
And while the men’s game wrestles with commercial excess, the women’s game is still rooted in community, authenticity, and progress.

Inclusivity on and off the Pitch at Euro 25

UEFA Women’s Euro 25 isn’t just about football, it’s about redefining what a major sporting event can be. From the moment you buy a ticket, you’re part of something bigger.

Free public transport across Switzerland on matchdays means fans can travel from any corner of the country to the stadium and back, without spending a penny. It’s a bold move toward smart mobility and climate-conscious planning, and it makes the tournament more accessible to fans from all walks of life.

And behind the scenes, UEFA has rolled out a comprehensive Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy that’s as ambitious as any team on the pitch. Built around three pillars, environmental sustainability, social justice, and good governance, the strategy includes 91 targeted actions, from circular economy initiatives to human rights protections.

There’s even a Human Rights Advisory Board guiding the tournament’s approach to diversity, inclusion, and fan safety. And with campaigns to prevent discrimination, support vulnerable fans, and promote gender equity, this isn’t just a football tournament, it’s a movement for change.

Top 5 adidas Euro 2025 Away Kits and Players to Watch

adidas are kitting out some of the tournament’s most exciting teams. They’re not just stylish, they’re inclusive. Available in men’s, women’s, and youth sizes, they reflect a game that welcomes everyone, regardless of gender or age. It’s a small detail with a big message: this game is for everyone.

Here are my top 5 picks from the new adidas Women’s Euro 25 away collection along with a player to watch:

Wales

Top: Mist Jade green body, it features intricate swirling patterns inspired by the Welsh lovespoon, a centuries-old symbol of love and unity. These subtle graphics intertwine tradition with footballing pride, wrapping the shirt in cultural resonance.

Top Player to Watch: Jess Fishlock – The heartbeat of the team and Wales’ most-capped player. Her leadership, vision, and long-range strikes will be crucial in their historic first Euros appearance.

Germany

Top: A deep burgundy canvas splashed with graffiti-inspired reds and pinks, echoing the murals of Berlin and Hamburg. The yellow “Deutschland” print on the collar adds a bold finish.

Top Player to Watch: Giulia Gwinn – Germany’s captain and a dynamic force down the right flank. Whether she’s overlapping as a full-back or cutting inside as a winger, Gwinn brings pace, precision, and serious flair. After bouncing back from injury, she’s leading a new-look Germany squad with grit and grace

Italy

Top: Renaissance realism in mint green, with vine branches that feel like wearable art.

Player to watch: Arianna Caruso – Fresh from a standout season, Caruso blends midfield elegance with fierce pressing. She’ll be pulling strings and scoring screamers.

Extra Time Item: With me about to head to Italy for my summer holiday, this one has a special appeal, but living in Scotland and knowing how much my girlfriend likes snuggling, this women hoodie could be in my basket soon

Spain

Top: Cubist in nature, this geometric marvel of soft pinks and greys echoes Spain’s flair, complexity, and unapologetic boldness

Player to watch: Aitana Bonmatí – Ballon d’Or. World Cup winner. Midfield architect. Bonmatí is football poetry.

Sweden

Top: Blue abstract expressionism fading from dark to light. A nod to boundary-pushing artists, and defenders.

Player to watch: Stina Blackstenius Pacey, powerful, and prolific. She doesn’t just finish chances, she creates panic

Each one is built with AEROREADY or HEAT.RDY tech, so whether you’re watching from the sofa or walking your own Euros-inspired miles, you’ll stay cool under pressure. And, on the adidas website, you’ll find all the latest releases for season 25-26

From bold designs to even bolder players, Euro 25 is more than a tournament, it’s a celebration of how far women’s football has come, and how much further it can go. With record crowds, inclusive kits, and a progressive tournament strategy, this isn’t just about 90 minutes on the pitch. It’s about visibility, equality, and rewriting the game for good.

June 20, 2025 0 comment

adidas Fitness Health Journey Obesity

Walking My Way To Fitness

written by Stephen Morrison

March 20th was the official first day of Spring and with the lighter days and even a bit of sunshine in Scotland it is time to step up my fitness game.

Back in 2012, I was a national Step Count Champion before becoming a try-athlete (I would try any sport), but various life events, from the pandemic to working from home, knee pain, broken bones and recently, the return of Optic Neuritis, have led me to become more sedentary than I’d like.

I’ve been searching for something to help me maintain my fitness drive, and I remembered what kickstarted my success back in 2012.

Walking.

The Power of Walking

Walking is much more than a way to get from one place to another. It is a lifestyle choice that lets you break from daily stress, soak in nature, and improve your overall well being.

Walking is a natural mood enhancer. When you set off on a brisk walk, your body releases endorphins and serotonin—those feel-good hormones that help lift our spirits. This daily activity not only reduces stress but also clears your mind. Imagine the calm that comes with leaving behind the task of work for a few moments of nature’s embrace.

Walking acts like a gentle meditation often creating a quiet sense of inner peace. It gives your brain the chance to reset, resulting in improved focus and reduced anxiety. When you are immersed in the sights and sounds of nature, you will discover a well of positivity and gratitude. This emotional uplift can be transformative, helping you face daily challenges with a refreshed perspective while providing you with a greater sense of stewardship for the world around you and the wonderful creatures we share it with.

And physically, walking is a powerhouse. It is a low-impact exercise that improves your cardiovascular health, tones muscles, and boosts overall fitness. It is an effective way to manage weight and lower the risk of chronic illnesses. When you choose to walk to and from your office or take regular strolls in your local park, you are actively investing in your body’s long-term health.

As much as you can walk on your own, walking with a loved one, friend, or colleague transforms exercise into a social activity. It is the perfect chance to catch up, share laughs, and build stronger bonds. Walking together provides mutual support and encouragement while walking with a friend or in a group also adds a layer of security.

Walking My Way to Fitness

I always do better when I set myself goals. I usually start small and then increase the challenge. My first goal and the foundation of success was consistency. I would walk a minimum of 7500 steps a day, every day, and then increase it to 10,000.

Working at home for half the week doesn’t help, so I built in time to walk before starting work, during lunch, and after dinner. Pre-breakfast and pre-lunch walks are generally short but completing both helps me reach midway of my daily goal.

My days in the office are when I bank some miles, walking the 2.6 miles to and from walk and often walking during my lunchbreak. The recent weather made this easier, but having lived in Glasgow most of my life I know that the rain is never far away and it’s return is not a surprise.

And that’s where my role as part of the adidas blogger community helps. I cannot allow rain to derail me or give me an excuse not to walk

I am absolutely obsessed with rain, so it might not come as a surprise that I have added waterproof trainers to my kit, thanks to adidas.

I picked up, again thanks to adidas, a Terrex Rain.Rdy Cap to keep my face (and primarily, my glasses) reasonably dry. In Glasgow, the rain comes at you from all directions and this will no doubt be used in conjunction with a hooded jacket

I mentioned earlier that my approach would be to gradually increase my goals and while I love walking, I also want to get back on my back and again, I’ve taken steps to reduce the likelihood of me finding excuses not to and that means also adding another waterproofing piece of kit.

Wanting a lightweight jacket that would protect me from the elements, I went searching for a suitable adidas jacket. With its drop tail hem, adjustable hood, elastic cuffs, and inner pocket, the Five Ten All-Mountain Rain Jacket seemed a perfect fit. And it had to be. I am still far heavier than I want to be and having it available in an XXL was both welcome and currently necessary.

As much as I wanted to get back on my bike, I enjoyed the walks in the sunshine and despite losing 12lbs (and 4 inches from my waist) from my heaviest at the start of April, I still don’t feel ready to switch gears.

But I have ensured my bike is road ready, checking brakes and tyres. I’ve walked over 600,000 steps so far and I’m aiming for 1 million by July. I’ll hopefully also continue to lose fa, increase my fitness, and rid myself of the Optic Neuritis which has returned, before resuming my try-athlete ways.

I’ll do an update in July and hopefully this approach of walking my way to fitness will be successful.

This blog was supported by adidas as part of my role in the adidas blogger community.

June 1, 2025 0 comment

adidas Sustainability

How to Survive the AMOCalypse: A Style Guide

written by Stephen Morrison

A look into a possible future when I am hopefully still an adidas blogger and when we’ve managed to mess up the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) so badly that Northern Europe is on the brink of turning into a scene straight out of “The Day After Tomorrow”.

While the scientists resist saying “we told you so” and instead focus on trying to figure out how to fix this colossal blunder, let’s focus on what’s truly important: updating our wardrobes to survive the impending ice age (or simply to buy some seasonal Christmas presents for this year), all while staying on-trend with the latest from adidas in my style guide to surviving the AMOCalypse.

Understanding the AMOC: The Atlantic’s Conveyor Belt

Before we dive into fashion tips, let me explain what the AMOC is and why its future trajectory is concerning

What Exactly is the AMOC?

Imagine the Atlantic Ocean as a giant conveyor belt, tirelessly transporting warm water from the tropics up to the North Atlantic. This not-so-little current, known as the AMOC, plays a starring role in regulating our climate. It’s the reason why places like the UK enjoy relatively mild winters instead of being buried under a perpetual blanket of snow.

Why is the AMOC Collapsing?

The Role of Fossil Fuels

Ah, fossil fuels—the gift that keeps on giving. Our insatiable appetite for coal, oil, and gas has pumped so much carbon dioxide into the atmosphere that the planet is heating up. This warming leads to the melting of polar ice, dumping fresh water into the North Atlantic and messing with the AMOC’s delicate balance.

Climate Change and Its Impact

As if melting ice wasn’t enough, climate change is also causing shifts in precipitation patterns and ocean salinity. The result? The AMOC is slowing down, and some scientists warn it could collapse entirely. If that happens, Northern Europe might swap its temperate climate for something more akin to Siberia. Yes, global warming means cooling for some of us.

The Inevitable Chill: Preparing for a Cooler Northern Europe

If and when the AMOC collapses, it will be time to brace ourselves for a significant drop in temperatures and for us to adopt our lives to survive the AMOCalypse.

Forecasting the Freeze

While exact predictions are tricky, it’s safe to say that winters in Northern Europe could become harsher and longer. Think more snow and icy winds. Every day reminding me of that bitter cold January spent in Amsterdam when we went from shop to shop simply to heat up between tear inducing bouts of cold.

Implications for Daily Life

Beyond the obvious need for better insulation, heating and an increased consumption of hot beverages, a colder climate will impact agriculture, infrastructure, social unity, and most importantly , our fashion choices. After all, who wants to look drab while battling frostbite?

Fashion Meets Function: Updating Your Wardrobe to Survive the AMOCalypse

It’s time to swap those light jackets for something more substantial. But don’t worry; you can stay warm without sacrificing style.

Layering Like a Pro

The key to surviving the AMOCalypse is layering. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep sweat at bay, add an insulating mid-layer for warmth, and top it off with a waterproof and windproof outer layer. Bonus points if you can still move your arms. Finish off with some warm and snow proof shoes, a hat and some gloves

Choosing the Right Materials

Choose materials like merino wool and down for insulation. They’re warm, breathable, and won’t make you smell like a wet dog. Avoid cotton; it holds moisture and will leave you shivering in no time.

adidas to the Rescue: Sustainable Fashion for a Warming World

Just because we’ve triggered an AMOCalypse doesn’t mean we should forget about sustainability. If anything, we should embrace it more to protect what we have remaining. As we layer up, we need to consider what we are buying and how it wil not (or will) contribute further to global warming. There are many brands increasing their commitment to sustainability and alternative and recycled materials and as an adidas blogger, I am focusing on their efforts and their products for this blog..

The adidas Commitment to Sustainability

Sports brand adidas has pledged to end plastic (made from oil) waste by innovating and partnering with organizations like Parley for the Oceans to make shoes and clothes made with ocean bound plastic. They have invested in using hemp, myocill and organic cotton while more and more of their clothing is made from recycled polyester which at least means less virgin plastic being used. These still contribute to plastic pollution as they shed microplastics when washed and cannot be recycled infinitely, but it is a step in the right direction.

Conclusion: Staying Warm, Stylish, and Sustainable

As we brace ourselves for the AMOCalypse, let’s not forget that our fashion choices can make a difference. By opting to avoid fast fashion and investing in long lasting gear from brands like adidas, we can stay warm, look good, and maybe even help the planet recover from the mess we’ve made. So, layer up, stay stylish, and get ready for an ice-age with these picks from adidas.

Nice picks from adidas for Winter

Keeping our heads warm is the Terrex Cold.Rdy Merino Beanie made from 100% Merino wool, which is excellent at regulating body temperature and managing moisture. Perfect for those brisk cold evening walks as we try and keep the pounds off.

When it comes to layering up, adidas have a huge range of options but my current favourite jacket is the adidas Paveric Fur Parka. Warm and cosy without being too bulky, it is my go to jacket when the temperature dips, and with its PFC-free water-repellent finish it also covers me when the weather turns wet (which is often the case in Glasgow).

Being relatively short, well with short legs, this jacket covers my waist, hips, and upper thighs, but to keep the rest of my legs warm this winter, I have two pairs of men’s tracksuit bottoms I like.

Made from 100% recycled polyester the Terrex Multi Knit Joggers are sleek (even on me) and comfortable joggers allow me look stylish and prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws at me.

When it comes to feeling cozy, soft Essentials French Terry Tapered Cuff 3-Stripes Joggers (sourced from Better Cotton Farmers) joggers are hard to beat while they will not dent your pocket too much, allowing you to afford £3 carrots and £5 potatoes which now have to be imported from the region of Europe not experiencing drought..

And for keeping your feet warm, I have to admit that part of me is gutted at missing out on the special collaboration between adidas and Moon Boot Moonboost High Shoes as they would make the perfect Survive the AMOCalypse footwear keeping our feet super warm.

Whatever you wear to survive the AMOCalypse please do try and buy only what you need and where possible buy sustainable products and goods built to last and which are easily recycled. Ideally we want to foster a circular economy so that rather than survive the AMOCalypse, we instead prevent it from happening? Do we have the will and the time? Or does cost and convenience trump sustainability and survival?

November 29, 2024 0 comment