Adidas has become a household name in the world of sports apparel, with their iconic three stripes recognizable around the globe. But where did this incredibly successful company come from? What is the history behind the brand and how did it become the powerhouse it is today? In this article, you’ll discover the fascinating story of how Adidas got its start and rose to become one of the world’s leading sports apparel suppliers.
Adidas is a German multinational corporation that designs and manufactures shoes, clothing and accessories. It is the largest sportswear manufacturer in Europe, and the second largest in the world, after Nike. The company was founded by Adolf “Adi” Dassler in Herzogenaurach, Bavaria, Germany in 1949.
History Of Adidas
Adidas is one of the world’s leading sportswear brands, originating from Germany. It’s name comes from the founder Adolf “Adi” Dassler, who registered the Adidas brand in 1949. Before then, Adi and his brother Rudolf has already been producing shoes since 1924 as Gebrüder Dassler Schuhfabrik. The Dassler brothers experienced a fallout in 1948, which resulted in them splitting up and each forming their own sportswear company. Adi Dassler registered Adidas in 1949, and the company has since become one of the world’s most renowned sports brands.
Adidas in the 1950s
In the 1950s, Adidas focused on making shoes for athletes. They quickly gained a reputation as one of the best producers of performance-related sports equipment. During this time, Adidas was used by German athletes to compete in national and international tournaments. The company’s signature three stripes logo was introduced in 1952, and it has since become a trademark symbol of the company. Adidas was also the first company to introduce tracksuits in the 1950s.
Adidas in the 1960s
The 1960s saw Adidas expand its product range, and they began producing a wider variety of sports clothing and equipment. During this time, the company also began to expand globally, with the opening of stores in North America, Europe, and Asia. During the 1968 Olympics, Adidas provided shoes for a number of athletes, gaining a great deal of exposure.
Adidas in the 1970s
In the 1970s, Adidas continued to expand its range of products and opened factories around the world, including in the United States. They also invested heavily in research and development and introduced new technologies, such as the first synthetic soccer boot. During this decade, the company also introduced many iconic shoes, such as the Superstar, Stan Smith, and the Gazelle, which are still popular today.
Adidas in the 1980s
The 1980s saw Adidas become an even more global presence, with new factories being established in Asia and South America. They also began to sponsor more athletes and teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers and the Chicago Bulls. The company continued to invest heavily in research and development, introducing new technologies such as synthetic leather.
Adidas in the 1990s
The 1990s saw Adidas become even more influential and powerful in the world of sports. They supplied uniforms to some of the most famous teams in the world, such as the German national football team and Manchester United. They also introduced the Predator football boot, which was designed for increased accuracy and power.
Adidas in the 2000s
The 2000s saw Adidas become even more influential, with the company becoming the official sponsor of the UEFA Champions League in 2002. They also released some iconic products, such as the Yeezy Boost 350 and the Stan Smith Boost. The company also began to invest heavily in sustainability and launched their ‘Better Place’ campaign in 2008.
Adidas in the 2010s
The 2010s have seen Adidas become even more influential in the world of sports, particularly in the world of basketball. The company has become the official sponsor of the NBA, and they have also signed deals with some of the most famous basketball players in the world, such as James Harden and Paul George. They have also continued to invest in technology, introducing the Boost midsole in 2013.
Few Frequently Asked Questions
Where Do Adidas Come From?
Q1: Who founded Adidas?
A1: Adidas was founded by Adolf “Adi” Dassler in 1949 in Herzogenaurach, Germany. Adi was an avid sports enthusiast, a shoe-making enthusiast, and a keen business mind. He had been making and selling shoes to athletes since the 1920s, but he wanted to create a company that could specialize in the production of sports shoes.
Q2: What was Adidas’ original name?
A2: The company was originally named Gebrüder Dassler Schuhfabrik, which translates to “Dassler Brothers Shoe Factory”. It was founded by Adi and his brother Rudolf in 1924.
Q3: How did the name Adidas come about?
A3: In 1949, Rudolf left the company to form his own footwear brand, Puma, and Adi changed the name of the company to Adidas. The name is a combination of his own name (Adi) and the first syllable of his last name (Das).
Q4: What is Adidas’ slogan?
A4: Adidas’ slogan is “Impossible is Nothing”. The slogan was first used in 2004, and it reflects the brand’s commitment to inspiring and challenging the athletes it serves.
Q5: What year did Adidas become a public company?
A5: Adidas became a public company in 1995, when it listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.
Q6: What countries does Adidas operate in?
A6: Adidas operates in over 160 countries around the world. It has a global presence with subsidiaries and offices in countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, China, India, Japan, Brazil, and many more.
The true story behind Adidas
Adidas is an iconic brand, and its story is one of innovation, resilience, and a commitment to excellence that has allowed it to become one of the most recognizable names in the world. From its humble beginnings as a small family business in Germany to its current status as a global powerhouse, Adidas has been able to adapt to changing times and remain at the forefront of the sports industry. With its commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability, Adidas continues to be a leader in the industry and an example of success for all.
