About Adidas Originals

Adidas, one of the world’s most iconic sportswear brands, traces its roots back to the early 20th century in Herzogenaurach, a small town in Bavaria, Germany. The story begins with Adolf "Adi" Dassler, a passionate shoemaker with a keen interest in sports. In 1924, Adi, along with his brother Rudolf, started producing athletic shoes in their mother’s laundry room, laying the foundation for what would become a global empire. The brothers' venture was initially known as the "Dassler Brothers Shoe Factory," and their innovative designs soon caught the attention of athletes worldwide.

The turning point came in 1936, when American sprinter Jesse Owens wore their lightweight, spiked shoes during the Berlin Olympics, winning four gold medals. This remarkable achievement put the Dassler brothers on the map, establishing their reputation for crafting high-quality athletic footwear.

However, after World War II, tensions between the brothers led to a significant split in 1948. Rudolf went on to create Puma, while Adi founded Adidas in 1949, a name derived from his own nickname and the first three letters of his last name, Dassler. One of Adi’s most enduring innovations was the introduction of the three-stripe design, initially intended to provide extra stability to the shoe. These stripes would go on to become a hallmark of the Adidas brand.

In the decades that followed, Adidas rapidly expanded its influence, especially in football (soccer). A defining moment came in 1954 when the West German football team won the FIFA World Cup wearing Adidas boots equipped with revolutionary screw-in studs, allowing players to adapt to varying field conditions. This victory solidified Adidas as a leading force in sportswear.

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Adidas broadened its product range to include apparel and accessories, while also becoming a major sponsor of athletes and teams across various sports. The Adidas tracksuit, in particular, became an iconic item, embraced by athletes and street culture alike.

The 1980s and 1990s, however, brought challenges as Adidas faced stiff competition from emerging sportswear giants like Nike. Financial difficulties and management issues threatened the company’s market share. Yet, under the leadership of CEO Robert Louis-Dreyfus in the 1990s, Adidas underwent significant restructuring. The company refocused on innovation, marketing, and global expansion, acquiring other brands, including Reebok in 2005, and reinforcing its position in the global market.

In recent years, Adidas has continued to thrive through innovation and high-profile collaborations with designers, celebrities, and athletes. Partnerships with figures like Kanye West, through the Yeezy line, and fashion designers like Stella McCartney, have kept Adidas at the forefront of both sportswear and fashion.

Today, Adidas is more than just a sportswear brand; it is a cultural symbol embraced by athletes, musicians, and fashion enthusiasts around the world. With a presence in over 160 countries, Adidas continues to lead in innovation, quality, and iconic design, leaving an indelible mark on sports and popular culture.