Adidas is one of the most recognizable and iconic brands in the world. But did you know that it was founded by a Nazi? Adolf “Adi” Dassler was a member of the Nazi party and served in the German military during WWII. In this article, we’ll explore why and how Adidas was founded by a Nazi and the controversies that surround it.
No, Adidas was not founded by Nazis. Adolf “Adi” Dassler founded Adidas in 1924, long before the Nazi party became a political force in Germany. He was a sports enthusiast who wanted to make sports equipment and apparel that would improve athletes’ performance.
The History of Adidas and its Fascinatingly Complicated Relationship with the Nazis
Adidas is a global sports brand with an instantly recognizable logo. The company was founded in 1949 by Adolf “Adi” Dassler, who had previously been in the shoe business with his brother Rudolf. What is less well known is that Adi Dassler had a complicated and fascinating relationship with the Nazis during the 1930s.
Adi Dassler was born in 1900 in Bavaria, Germany and founded his first shoe factory in 1924. He quickly became one of the leading shoe producers in Germany and began to attract attention from the Nazis. In 1933, when Adolf Hitler became Chancellor of Germany, Dassler joined the Nazi Party and began to produce shoes for the German military. He even won an award from the Nazi Party for his work.
However, Dassler was not a fan of the Nazi ideology and he was eventually expelled from the party in 1937. This expulsion was likely due to his refusal to use slave labor in his factories and his refusal to use the swastika symbol on his products. He also refused to sign an oath of loyalty to Hitler, which was a requirement for Nazi membership. After his expulsion, Dassler continued to produce shoes for the German military but refused to cooperate with the Nazi party.
Adi Dassler’s Relationship with the Nazis during World War II
When World War II began in 1939, Adi Dassler’s factories were used to produce shoes for the German military. He also produced shoes for the Hitler Youth and other Nazi organizations. However, despite his cooperation with the Nazis during the war, Dassler was also known for hiring Jewish workers and treating them fairly. He even provided them with false papers so they could avoid being sent to concentration camps.
Dassler was also known for helping to smuggle weapons and supplies to the French resistance during the war. He used his factories to hide weapons and supplies and allowed the resistance to use his factories as hideouts. Dassler’s actions proved to be invaluable to the French resistance and allowed them to continue their fight against the Nazis.
At the end of the war, Dassler was accused of being a Nazi collaborator and was investigated by the U.S. Army. He was eventually cleared of any wrongdoing and allowed to continue his business.
The Founding of Adidas and the Complicated Legacy of Adi Dassler
In 1949, Adi Dassler founded Adidas and the company quickly became one of the leading sports brands in the world. Although Dassler had a complicated and sometimes troubling relationship with the Nazis, he was also known for his philanthropy. He donated millions of dollars to charities and was a major supporter of the Olympic Games.
Despite his philanthropy, Dassler’s involvement with the Nazis has cast a long shadow over Adidas. The company has been accused of trying to cover up Dassler’s Nazi past and has been the target of boycotts and protests. The company has since apologized for Dassler’s actions and has taken steps to distance itself from its founder’s past.
Adidas and the Nazis Today
Today, Adidas is a global brand and has a presence in over 160 countries. The company has made a concerted effort to distance itself from its founder’s Nazi past and has taken steps to ensure that its products and practices are in line with human rights standards and ethical guidelines.
However, the company’s relationship with the Nazis is still a controversial topic and many people are still critical of Adidas for failing to adequately address the issue. Despite this, Adidas has become a major force in the sports world and is now one of the most recognizable brands in the world.
Conclusion
Adidas is a global sports brand with a complicated history. The company was founded by Adi Dassler, who had a complicated relationship with the Nazis during the 1930s and 1940s. Despite his involvement with the Nazis, Dassler was also known for his philanthropy and his efforts to help the French Resistance during the war.
Today, Adidas has made a concerted effort to distance itself from its founder’s Nazi past and is now one of the most recognizable brands in the world. Although the company’s relationship with the Nazis is still a controversial topic, Adidas has become a major force in the sports world and its products are now seen in over 160 countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Who founded Adidas?
Adidas was founded by Adolf “Adi” Dassler in 1924 in Germany. He was a shoe-maker and his brother Rudolf Dassler joined him in the business in 1925. The original name of the company was Dassler Brothers Shoe Factory. Adolf’s nickname was “Adi” and he later changed the name of the company to Adidas.
Q2: Was Adidas founded by a Nazi?
No, Adidas was not founded by a Nazi. Adolf Dassler, the founder of Adidas, was not a Nazi. Adolf was a shoemaker and he had no political affiliations.
Q3: Who was Adolf Dassler?
Adolf Dassler was a German entrepreneur who founded the Adidas Group in 1924. He was born in Herzogenaurach, Bavaria on November 3, 1900, and he died in 1978. He was a shoe-maker by trade and he and his brother Rudolf Dassler founded the Dassler Brothers Shoe Factory in 1925. Adolf changed the company’s name to Adidas in 1949.
Q4: What was the relationship between Adolf and Rudolf Dassler?
Adolf and Rudolf Dassler were brothers who founded the Dassler Brothers Shoe Factory in 1925. They had a good relationship until the company split in 1948 due to a difference of opinion on how the company should be run. Adolf kept the Adidas name and Rudolf started his own company called ‘Ruda’.
Q5: When did Adidas become a major brand?
Adidas became a major brand in the 1950s when its signature three-striped logo was established. This logo was designed by Adolf Dassler and it became an instantly recognizable symbol of the brand. The company also began to sponsor major sporting events and athletes, which helped to further boost the company’s profile.
Q6: How has Adidas evolved since its founding?
Since its founding, Adidas has evolved to become one of the most recognizable brands in the world. The company has expanded its product range to include apparel, accessories, and sports equipment, and it has also become a leader in the field of sustainability. Adidas has also continued to sponsor major sporting events and athletes, further cementing its place as a leader in the sporting world.
The Secret Nazi History Of Your Favorite Sneaker Brands
The question of whether or not Adidas was founded by Nazi remains a contentious topic. While some claim that Adolf Dassler, the founder of Adidas, was a Nazi, there is no conclusive evidence to suggest that he was. However, it is clear that during the Nazi period, Adidas used forced labor and employed people of Jewish origin. It is also clear that after the war, the company actively sought to distance itself from its past. While the answer to the question of whether or not Adidas was founded by Nazi remains unclear, it is clear that its history has been deeply intertwined with the Nazi era.
