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Adidas' flagship store in Shanghai, China. Courtesy

Adidas

Founded

August 18, 1949

Founder(s):

Adolf Dassler

Headquarters:

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

Timothée Chalamet, Lionel Messi and More Appear in Star-studded Adidas World Cup Short Film

The five-minute spot casts the actor with soccer legends from the past and present.

Willy Chavarria Day Proclaimed in Huron, Calif., on May 3

The Mexican-American designer spent his childhood in the largely farming community.

Bape Delivers Most Dramatic Changes Yet to Adidas’ Hottest Running Shoe

Mismatched colors and Bape's famous star logo come to the Evo SL.

Why Adidas Is Sprinting Ahead

Despite some investor concern leading into the company's quarterly earnings, shares rose more than 8 percent…

A Better-Than-Expected Q1 for Adidas, No Impact From Middle East Conflict Yet

The German sportswear brand saw 14 percent sales growth but remained cautious due to soaring oil prices and…

The Best Running Shoes for Men 2026: Whether You’re Chasing Distance or Speed

Running shoes are more advanced and more abundant than ever. Here are six of the best pairs leading the pack.

Adidas’ Record-breaking Marathon Sneakers Hit More Than $5K on Resale Market

Resellers are asking upwards of $5,500 on StockX in larger sizes.

Adidas’ Historic London Marathon Win Gives Shares a Boost

Three London Marathon winners each wore the new Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3 shoe to victory.

This New Adidas Shoe Just Swept the London Marathon: Sabastian Sawe, Yomif Kejelcha Make History in Sub-2-Hour Race, Tigst Assefa Breaks Women’s World Record

In the high-stakes battle for running dominance, the Three Stripes just got a big boost.

Why Fast Fashion Can’t Escape Hormuz Oil Crunch

Rising oil costs are driving up polyester prices, adding pressure on brands like Shein that rely heavily on…

How Adidas Made the Lightest Running Shoe Ever

The Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3 arrives at just 97 grams, a remarkable 30 percent reduction from its direct…

Adidas and Audi Formula 1 Team Unveil Special Collection for the Miami Grand Prix

The limited-edition capsule combines 2000s football with Formula 1 style.

Is This Classic Sneaker Poised for a Comeback? Timothée Chalamet Says So

Chalamet wore a classic Adidas sneaker to the latest Knicks playoffs game.

The Whitaker Group Updates Adidas’ Classic German Army Trainer With a Chunkier Profile

Much like the Campus 00s.

Adidas’ Hit Animal Print Sambas Get Funkier in Green Leopard Print

An unnatural take on a big cat's coat.