Adidas, a world-renowned sportswear company, has a rich history that began in Germany in the early 20th century.
Founding in the 1920s
• Founders: Adidas was founded by Adolf “Adi” Dassler in 1924 in Herzogenaurach, Germany. Adi Dassler and his brother Rudolf started the “Dassler Brothers Shoe Factory,” where they initially focused on creating sports shoes.
• Vision: Adi Dassler wanted to design shoes that would enhance athletic performance, a novel concept at the time.Rise in Popularity: 1930s–1940s
• First Major Success: In 1936, American sprinter Jesse Owens wore Dassler shoes during the Berlin Olympics and won four gold medals, putting Dassler’s shoes on the global stage.
• Split of the Brothers: After World War II, a rift formed between Adi and Rudolf, leading to the end of their partnership. Rudolf went on to establish his own brand, Puma, while Adi rebranded his company as “Adidas” in 1949.The Adidas Brand Emerges: 1949
• Name and Logo: Adidas is derived from Adi Dassler’s name (Adi-Das). The iconic three-stripe logo, originally meant for shoe stability, became a symbol of the brand.
• Expansion in Product Lines: Adidas began to design sportswear and equipment beyond footwear, branching into clothing, accessories, and specialized equipment for various sports.Global Expansion: 1960s–1980s
• Olympic and Sports Successes: Adidas became a prominent name in sports, especially after the 1972 Munich Olympics, where athletes from various countries wore Adidas gear.
• Entry into North America: Adidas made inroads into the U.S. market and became a cultural symbol, particularly through basketball, hip-hop, and skateboarding scenes.
• Innovations: Adidas introduced several innovations, including the Superstar sneaker, the Copa Mundial soccer cleat, and the Torsion system for better foot support.Challenges and Revitalization: 1990s–2000s
• Financial Struggles and Competition: Adidas faced challenges from emerging brands like Nike and Reebok.
• Acquisitions and Diversification: In 1997, Adidas acquired the French brand Salomon (which it later sold) and bought Reebok in 2005 to strengthen its market position in North America.
• Brand Reinvention: Adidas leaned into both performance and lifestyle markets, working with athletes, fashion designers, and celebrities like Kanye West to introduce iconic collaborations.Present Day: 2010s–Present
• Sustainability Initiatives: Adidas has focused on sustainability, launching initiatives like the Parley for the Oceans project, which repurposes ocean plastic into products.
• Technological Innovation: Adidas has embraced technology with products like BOOST cushioning, 3D-printed shoes, and smart wearables.
• Global Influence: Adidas remains a leader in sportswear and fashion, with continued influence across sports, streetwear, and popular culture worldwide.
Today, Adidas is not only recognized as a sports brand but also as a cultural icon, continuously shaping the intersection of sports, fashion, and sustainability.
