<p>Multistep adsorption isotherms are characterized by sequential activation of different adsorption sites at specific threshold concentrations. This study investigates the transport behavior of solutes governed by multistep adsorption isotherms using numerical and analytical approaches. The spreading velocity of solutes is determined by the seepage velocity and the retardation factor, which itself is related to the derivative of the adsorption isotherm function. In the case of multistep isotherm functions, this derivative is not a monotonic function of solute concentration, which results in several concentration ranges with higher and lower retardation. Numerical simulations revealed how a stepwise concentration distribution develops as a result of locally decreased retardations. Preliminary relationships between isotherm parameters and transport behavior were identified by systematic parameter analysis. The analytical approach provides a more detailed understanding of the relationship between isotherm parameters and the propagation velocities as well as the criteria of stepwise concentration distribution to develop: the adsorption isotherm is composed of locally concave segments, while it displays an overall convex nature.</p>