Adidas
- Founded
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August 18, 1949
- Founder(s):
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Adolf Dassler
- Headquarters:
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Herzogenaurach, Germany
Adidas was founded on August 18, 1949, by Adolf “Adi” Dassler following his legendary split with brother Rudolf “Rudi” Dassler. Together they ran a pioneering footwear company for nearly 30 years before parting ways following World War II. Their breakup is one of the most legendary stories in athletics — and created one of its biggest rivalries. Rudolf went on to found Puma. Both companies remain based in the Dasslers’ hometown of Herzogenaurach.
Adidas is now a multinational giant providing cutting edge athletic wear and fashion and lifestyle products in every major market across the globe. Since its inception, football/soccer has been a core focus, resulting in one of its most enduring hit shoes, the Samba. Originally designed by Adolf in 1949 for football players to wear on icy fields, the Samba has grown into an icon worn by generations of fans. Another core item in its Classics collection is the Stan Smith, which traces its origins to the tennis court in 1965. After facing a financial crisis in the early 1990s, Adidas transformed into a marketing-driven company under then-CEO Robert Louis-Dreyfus. The strategy was a winner. Adidas went public in 1995 and over the years has cemented its place in the culture through partnerships with athletes such as Lionel Messi, David Beckham and James Harden, as well as musicians, models, actors and fashion designers, including the highly controversial Kanye West.
Adidas Originals
Adidas’ Newest Originals Flagship Centers Around NYC’s Creative Community
The new store is less than one block away from its prior SoHo location.
Bad Bunny’s Newest Adidas Signature Sneaker Will Be Released Soon
The sneaker debuts this month alongside a collection of Bad Bunny x Adidas lifestyle apparel.
Kendall Jenner, Jennie Among the ‘Superstars’ Joining Samuel L. Jackson in Adidas Originals’ Latest Campaign
The spot also stars Olivia Dean, James Harden, Lamine Yamal, Baby Keem and Tyshawn Jones.
Adidas Originals Teases Samuel L. Jackson Superstar Campaign for Spring 2026: Where Are My Superstars?
He was previously featured in a 2025 campaign for the sneaker.
Willy Chavarria’s New Adidas Megaride AG Finally Has a Release Date
The sneaker first appeared on the designer's spring/summer 2026 runway show in Paris last June.
Trinity Rodman Brings Pharrell’s Vegas-exclusive Blue Jellyfish to Adidas’ World Cup Shoot in Madrid
The Washington Spirit forward and Olympic gold medalist worked the Virginia Adistar Jellyfish with a…
Edison Chen Reimagines the Adidas Superstar With Clot x Bape Fusion Camo and a Ripple Sole
The launch builds on a year of Chen-led Adidas projects, including new Stan Smith, Gazelle and AE1 updates.
Adidas Covered Its New ‘Crystal White’ Samba in Hundreds of Rhinestones
The ritzy look is expected to arrive just in time for the holidays.
Avavav’s Third Adidas Originals Collaboration Rewrites Athletic Shoes With Exaggeration and Irony
Beate Skonare Karlsson turns archival cues into new shapes, from vacuum-molded Superstars to a 22-cm Luge…
Exclusive: Pharrell on His Adidas Jellyfish Collaboration and Virginia Homecoming: ‘I’m Grateful’
Footwear News catches up with the multifaceted creative following his Virginia Beach pop-up in early October.
This New Adidas Samba Is Covered in Hundreds of Rhinestones
The glistening style is expected to arrive at retail this holiday season.
Adidas Turned One of Its Most Famous Sneakers Into a Wheat Winter Boot
The Superstar Boot is available now, but sizes are already selling out.
Adidas and Sneaker Boutique Kicking It Tribute Musical Heritage of Austin With ‘Live Music’ Gazelle
The colorful sneaker comes out on Saturday.
This New Adidas Samba Can Be Turned Into a Slouchy Knee-High Boot
The hybrid pair is expected to be released in time for colder weather.
Adidas Is Bringing Bold Animal Prints to Another One of Its Classic Sneaker Models
New leopard and cow print-patterned styles of the Adidas Superstar II are expected to arrive stateside soon.