Gold is the standout performer of 2025, climbing over 33%.

It’s three times the profit of the Nasdaq 100 index and almost twice the bitcoin (BTC) performance. In fact, it only costs 31.2 ounces of gold to buy one BTC, known as the BTC-XAU ratio, which fell from 40 ounces last December.

Metals, normally used as heaven during times of financial stress, are supported by government bond yields across major Western economies, reflecting high debt burdens, sustained inflation concerns and slowing growth. These dynamics reinforce the historical role of gold as a store of value, highlighting why all other investments deserve a benchmark where they are measured.

According to technical analysis, the BTC-XAU ratio is integrated within the large rising triangle, a bullish continuation pattern that has been formed since 2017. The 2024 level of the ratio seen at the end of 2021 has been revised at around 25%. This structure refers to potential breakouts by the second half of the fourth quarter or early next year.

Importantly, previous cycles of this ratio saw serious drawdowns before new highs were established for 84% in 2019, 75% in 2020 and 78% in 2022. The current pullback is much shallower, suggesting underlying strength, and maintaining the long-term bullish case.

STEPN GO and Adidas have launched their first-ever co-branded physical shoes. This marks a big moment in the evolution of the STEPN GO and Adidas relatioadnship. By combining digital innovation with physical craftsmanship this is a big step forward in bridging fitness tech and lifestyle fashion.

What are Adidas Genesis Sneakers?

Adidas Genesis Sneakers are more than just shoes; they represent the fusion of two worlds: the innovative Web3 platform of STEPN GO and the high-performance design of Adidas. These limited edition running shoes mark Adidas’s first co-branded physical product created in partnership with a Web3 entity.

For fitness enthusiasts and tech users the shoes bring Web3 utility into the physical world. The partnership between STEPN GO and Adidas is about connecting communities and promoting physical activity by creating products that are wearable, functional and technologically integrated.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bu0KZ8TkFpM

Past Collaborations

The STEPN GO and Adidas relationship started in April 2024 with the STEPN Genesis NFT Collection. These digital collectibles introduced Adidas to the STEPN ecosystem and Web3.

The success of the Genesis NFT Collection led to this: the Adidas Genesis Sneakers. With these physical products, STEPN GO and Adidas have taken their collaboration to the next level, combining the exclusivity of limited edition drops with the practicality of wearable tech-integrated products.

STEPN GO x Adidas Collaboration Features

Exclusive Design and Performance: The collaboration introduces the Adidas Ultraboost 5 collection with 4 co-branded limited edition designs. The styles are randomly assigned to winners so each pair is a unique collector’s item.

Digital Meets Physical: Go beyond digital assets and experience the STEPN GO ecosystem in the physical world while getting rewarded for your physical activity.

Community: STEPN and STEPN GO x Adidas Genesis Sneakers holders get exclusive benefits including early access to raffles and rewards.

Peer-to-Peer Marketplace: Participants can trade their raffle tickets on the secondary market to secure their desired shoe size and style.

Active Living: STEPN GO’s active living ethos is built in, encouraging physical movement and community.

How to Get Your STEPN GO x Adidas Sneakers

The release is designed to reward loyalty and engage the STEPN GO community. Here’s how:

1. Raffle Period: December 13 – December 17, 4 raffles will run simultaneously.

2. Winners and Tickets: Winners will receive tickets with shoe size (UK) and style (Men’s or Women’s).

3. Trading Window: 3 week trading period (December 17 – January 6) for ticket holders to trade for their desired size or style.

4. Redemption: January 6 – January 22 ticket holders can redeem their sneakers, each pair will be randomly selected from the 4 co-branded designs.

Why It Matters

The STEPN GO x Adidas collaboration is more than a product drop – it’s a movement. By merging fitness and Web3 the collaboration shows the power of digital to inspire real world action. Adidas Genesis Sneakers are a proof of concept of Web3, a unique and immersive experience for those who value performance and style.

Editor’s note: This article was written with the assistance of AI. Edited and fact-checked by Owen Skelton.