How we design

At Decathlon, design is never the work of a single individual – it’s a collective effort. Our creation process brings together a wide range of expertise: textile designers, footwear specialists, 3D modellers, and experts in colour, materials and finishes.

These teams work closely with our engineers and product managers. Our 350 designers are, above all, sports enthusiasts who test every prototype in real conditions. During our “design camps”, every detail is tested, refined and validated to ensure maximum reliability and durability.

Our ambition: to bring sport closer to people

Our creative approach comes down to two words: Sport Equality. It’s our compass – leading us to break down barriers and make sport ever more accessible.

 

Inclusive by nature

We look closely at the aspirations and emotional needs of each person. Our approach focuses on what matters most, while embracing cultural diversity so that our products speak to every community.

 

Intuitive by design

We combine performance with simplicity. From the 2-Second tent to the Easybreath mask, our innovations create a 'before and after' in the way we live our adventures. Our philosophy is simple: the best products are so intuitive they need no explanation at all.

 

Responsibility in design

We design every product with its impact in mind. We innovate to improve durability and repairability, while developing less polluting manufacturing processes. In line with our commitments, we are working towards net zero by 2050, with a key milestone in 2026: to reduce our CO₂ emissions by 20% in absolute terms (compared with 2021).

To know more about our commitments

People first

Safety and inclusivity guide our every move. We design for everyone’s wellbeing, whatever their pace or level of fitness. Innovation often comes down to a simple idea that changes everything: a well-placed zip on women’s cycling shorts, or an anti-chafing component for a more comfortable run.

Innovation through pricing

Design is also about doing more with less. Our designers are experts in simplification—reducing the number of components, cutting material waste, and making assembly easier. Turning a headlamp made up of 22 parts into one made up of just 4 lowers the price with no compromise on performance. That’s how creativity makes sport more accessible.

Sport Equality is about balancing technical performance with accessibility – using innovation to support lasting wellbeing.

Creating with people, not just for them

Decathlon Design now draws on 15 design centres based within sports communities around the world – from volleyball in Italy to running in Kenya, badminton in China and cricket in India. This close connection is what allows us to create highly relevant products that truly meet people’s needs.

Forward-thinking design

We keep pushing the boundaries of design. From reinventing diving fins through generative design – in partnership with Autodesk – to reducing fabric waste by 35% with the Minimal Waste Design Lab, our approach is constantly evolving.

Our ambition

To make the sport of tomorrow more accessible and more human, while reimagining our products in a way that reduces their impact on our planet.