Adidas AG is a German multinational corporation that designs, manufactures, and markets athletic footwear, apparel, accessories, and sporting equipment. It is one of the world’s largest sportswear companies and is recognized globally for its iconic Three Stripes logo and its influence on both sports performance and street fashion. The company serves professional athletes, sports teams, and everyday consumers across more than 160 countries. [1]

Early Beginnings (1920–1948)

The story of Adidas began with Adolf “Adi” Dassler, a German shoemaker who started producing athletic shoes in his mother’s laundry room in Herzogenaurach after World War I. In 1924, Adi and his brother Rudolf Dassler established the Gebrüder Dassler Schuhfabrik (Dassler Brothers Shoe Factory).

Their shoes quickly gained international recognition when athletes wearing Dassler shoes won medals at the Olympic Games, including the famous four gold medals won by Jesse Owens during the 1936 Berlin Olympics. [1]

Founding of Adidas

Following disagreements after World War II, the Dassler brothers split their business.

• Adi Dassler founded Adidas in 1949.

• Rudolf Dassler founded Puma, creating one of the greatest rivalries in sportswear history.

The name Adidas comes from Adi (nickname of Adolf) and Das (first part of Dassler). Contrary to popular myths, “Adidas” is not an acronym. [1]

Adidas is built around its mission:

“Through sport, we have the power to change lives.” [1]

The brand emphasizes innovation, athletic performance, sustainability, creativity, inclusivity, and fashion and lifestyle.

Three Stripes

The Three Stripes are Adidas’ most recognizable symbol, originally introduced as a functional design to strengthen shoes before becoming the company’s signature branding.

Trefoil Logo

Introduced in 1972, the Trefoil represents Adidas Originals and is associated with heritage and lifestyle products.

Mountain Logo

Used primarily for performance products, this logo symbolizes challenges and achievement. [1]

Adidas manufactures products across multiple categories:

Footwear

• Running shoes

• Football boots

• Basketball shoes

• Tennis shoes

• Lifestyle sneakers

• Outdoor footwear

• Training shoes

Apparel

• T-shirts

• Hoodies

• Jackets

• Tracksuits

• Shorts

• Leggings

• Jerseys

• Sports bras

Accessories

• Bags

• Caps

• Socks

• Backpacks

• Water bottles

• Watches

• Sports equipment

Some of Adidas’ most iconic product lines include:

• Samba

• Stan Smith

• Superstar

• Gazelle

• Ultraboost

• Predator

• Copa

• NMD

• Yeezy (discontinued partnership) [1]

Adidas sponsors athletes, teams, and major sporting events across numerous disciplines.

Football (Soccer)

• FIFA World Cup official match balls (from 1970 through the 2026 tournament) [1]

• National football teams

• Club teams

• Professional leagues

Basketball

Partnerships with NBA players and basketball programs.

Running

Sponsors elite marathon runners and international athletics competitions.

Tennis

Long-standing partnerships with professional tennis players and tournaments.

Over the decades, Adidas has partnered with many of the world’s most recognizable athletes, including:

• Lionel Messi

• David Beckham

• Mohamed Salah

• James Harden

• Damian Lillard

• Stan Smith

Adidas has collaborated with influential designers, musicians, and brands, including:

• Pharrell Williams

• Stella McCartney

• Kanye West (former collaboration)

• BAPE

• Gucci

Adidas has expanded initiatives to reduce its environmental impact by:

• Increasing the use of recycled materials

• Developing lower-carbon products

• Reducing plastic waste

• Improving manufacturing efficiency

• Setting long-term climate goals

These efforts are part of the company’s broader sustainability strategy. [1]

Adidas is consistently ranked among the world’s leading sportswear companies, competing primarily with companies such as:

• Nike

• Puma

• Under Armour

• ASICS

• New Balance

Adidas emphasizes:

• Performance

• Innovation

• Authenticity

• Passion

• Diversity

• Teamwork

• Sustainability

• Adidas celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2024. [1]

• The Samba, introduced in 1950 as a football shoe for icy conditions, has become one of the best-selling lifestyle sneakers in history. [1]

• The company expanded beyond footwear into apparel in 1967 with its first tracksuit. [1]

• Adidas’ partnership with the hip-hop group Run-D.M.C. in the 1980s helped bridge sportswear and street culture. [1]

Adidas is one of the most influential sportswear brands in the world. Founded in 1949 by Adolf “Adi” Dassler in Germany, it has evolved from a small athletic shoe manufacturer into a global leader in footwear, apparel, and sporting equipment. Renowned for its Three Stripes branding, innovative products, iconic sneaker lines, and collaborations with elite athletes and designers, Adidas continues to shape both athletic performance and contemporary fashion while pursuing its mission of using sport to positively impact lives.

1. History – adidas Group