History of Adidas, how was this great company born?

The Adidas name is synonymous with sports, style and performance. This iconic sportswear and footwear brand has left an indelible mark on popular culture and has become a symbol of quality and success in the sports industry. But how did Adidas become what it is today? Its history is fascinating and full of innovation, business vision and a constant commitment to excellence.

The first steps

The story of Adidas begins in the city of Herzogenaurach, Bavaria, Germany, in 1920. In that year, a young cobbler (shoemaker) named Adolf Dassler decided to open his own shoe store with the help of his brother Rudolf Dassler. The store was called "Gebrüder Dassler Schuhfabrik" (Dassler Brothers Shoe Factory), and its goal was simple: to create high-quality sports shoes for local athletes.

Adolf Dassler was passionate about sports and was determined to design footwear that would improve athletes' performance. Its focus on quality and innovation allowed it to gain a reputation in the local sports community. Soon, athletes and teams began looking to the Dassler brothers' shoes to gain a competitive advantage.

The Game Changer

The breakthrough for Adidas came in 1936, when Jesse Owens, an African-American athlete from the United States, won four gold medals at the Berlin Olympics. Owens wore shoes designed by Adolf Dassler, which led to a significant increase in the brand's popularity. Owens not only impressed the world with his athletic performance, but also contributed to the growing reputation of the Dassler brothers' shoes.

With growing demand for their products, the Dassler brothers realized they needed to expand. In 1948, the company was officially registered under the name "Adi Dassler adidas Sportschuhfabrik" and the iconic three parallel stripes logo became a symbol of quality and sports performance.

Continuous Innovation

Adolf Dassler was a born innovator and was always looking for ways to improve his products. In 1954, the Adidas brand took an important step by introducing the first soccer shoe with interchangeable studs, known as the "adidas World Cup." This design allowed players to customize the length of the studs according to the conditions of the pitch, which had a significant impact on the players' performance. Additionally, Adidas pioneered the introduction of sports shoes with rubber soles instead of traditional leather soles. This provided better grip and comfort for athletes, marking another milestone in the sports shoe industry.

The Rise of Sports Sponsorship

As Adidas continued to expand, it began to focus on sponsorship of world-renowned teams and athletes. This strategic approach allowed the brand to connect with the public and partner with some of the most prominent athletes of the time. One of the most iconic moments in Adidas history was when famous German footballer Franz Beckenbauer became an ambassador for the brand in the 1960s. The relationship between Beckenbauer and Adidas endures to this day, and his contribution to the popularity of the brand was incalculable.

Adidas was also a pioneer in sponsoring large-scale sporting events. In 1970, the brand provided the official ball for the FIFA World Cup, marking the beginning of a long association with football. This partnership has remained strong over the years, with Adidas supplying balls for every World Cup since.

Brotherly Rivalry

As the Adidas brand continued to grow, a rivalry between the Dassler brothers also emerged. In 1948, Rudolf Dassler founded his own sports shoe company, which later became Puma. This rivalry between Adidas and Puma became a recurring theme in the world of sports and fashion, and attracted the attention of the media and the general public.

Competition between the two brands was intense, with each seeking to outdo the other in terms of design, innovation and sports sponsorship. This brotherly rivalry endured for decades and became an integral part of both companies' history.

The Era of Superstars

In the 1970s, Adidas launched one of its most iconic products: the "Superstar" sneakers. These low-top basketball shoes became famous for their distinctive rubber shell toe design. What started as a basketball shoe became a style symbol in pop culture, and the Adidas Superstar became a desired fashion item for people of all ages.

In addition to the Superstar, Adidas also collaborated with several sports and entertainment superstars to create custom sneakers. One of the most notable examples is the "Adidas Originals" line of sneakers designed in collaboration with rapper and music producer Kanye West. These collaborations not only helped boost Adidas' sales, but also cemented its status as a leading fashion brand.

The Adidas Legacy

The Adidas brand has left an indelible mark on the sports and fashion industry. Over the years, it has continued to innovate in design and technology, producing products that have defined entire generations. Some of the most notable milestones in Adidas history include:

Boost technology
In 2013, Adidas introduced Boost technology to its line of sneakers. This revolutionary cushioning technology uses thousands of tiny TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) capsules to provide greater comfort and energy return with every step. Sneakers with Boost technology became an instant hit and are used for both sports performance and fashion.

Fashion collaborations
In addition to its collaborations with athletes and sportsmen, Adidas has collaborated with world-renowned fashion designers. Collaborating with designers such as Stella McCartney, Alexander Wang and Jeremy Scott has taken the brand to new levels of sophistication and style.

Sustainability
In recent years, Adidas has also focused its efforts on sustainability. The company is committed to using recycled materials in its products and reducing its carbon footprint. This initiative reflects the growing environmental awareness in the fashion and sports industry.

Cultural impact
Adidas has had a significant impact on popular culture over the years. Their sneakers have become an integral part of streetwear, and their presence in music, film and television has helped cement their iconic status.

As Adidas embarks on the future, it remains committed to innovation, sustainability and performance excellence. The brand continues to collaborate with athletes, designers and creatives to create products that push the boundaries of sports design and fashion. Additionally, Adidas strives to lead the industry in terms of sustainability and social responsibility, working to reduce its environmental impact and supporting initiatives for community well-being.