Adidas: History From 1949 and the Three Stripes

Adidas is one of the world’s biggest sportswear brands. The facts below are from Wikipedia.

Origins

Adidas was registered on 18 August 1949 in Herzogenaurach, Germany, by Adolf Adi Dassler. Its roots go back to the Gebruder Dassler Schuhfabrik, started in 1924 with his brother Rudolf.

The name and stripes

The name comes from Adi Dassler. Popular backronyms such as All Day I Dream About Sports are myths. Adidas bought the three-stripe design in 1952 from the Finnish brand Karhu Sports for about 1,600 euros and two bottles of whiskey.

Rivalry and icons

After the brothers split, Rudolf founded Ruda, later renamed Puma. Wikipedia calls the Samba the company’s most successful shoe, and says the Superstar became popular in 1980s hip hop streetwear.

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