Adidas is a renowned German athletic shoe and apparel brand that was established in 1948 by Adolph “Adi” Dassler. The company name is derived from a fusion of “Adi” and “Dassler.” Additionally, it is commonly known as an acronym for “All Day I Dream About Sport.”

One of the most recognizable symbols associated with Adidas is its distinctive three-bar logo, which is prominently featured on their clothing and merchandise. Interestingly, this logo was initially utilized by a Finnish apparel company called Karhu Sports. In 1951, Adidas acquired the logo from Karhu, solidifying its association with the brand.

Adolph Dassler’s interest in the production of athletic footwear was sparked upon his return from World War I. Together with his brother, they began manufacturing shoes in their mother’s laundry business. These shoes first gained recognition in the 1928 Olympics, as they were the pioneering athletic footwear to incorporate studs and spikes. Notably, Lina Radke-Batschauer, a women’s 800M competitor, secured a gold medal while wearing these innovative shoes.

The Dassler brothers further enhanced their brand’s reputation in 1936 when they personally traveled to the Berlin Olympics to showcase their footwear. There, they convinced the renowned American athlete Jesse Owens to try their shoes, effectively marking the first instance of sponsoring an African-American athlete. Owens’ remarkable achievement of winning four gold medals further catapulted the Dassler brand into the global spotlight, resulting in widespread demand for their shoes among athletes worldwide.

However, following World War II, tensions between the Dassler brothers escalated and led to the dissolution of the Dassler Brothers Shoe Factory. Adolph and Rudolf Dassler went on to establish rival shoe companies, with Rudolf founding Puma, another prominent athletic shoe manufacturer based in Herzogenaurach, while Adolph registered Adidas as a company in 1949.

Over time, Adidas solidified its reputation as a leading shoe manufacturer, providing footwear for winning athletes and successful sports teams in various notable victories. For example, Adidas played a pivotal role in Germany’s historic 1954 World Cup triumph over Hungary, a moment referred to as the “Miracle of Bern.” It was during this game that players wore football shoes with removable studs for the very first time.

Expanding beyond track and field and football, Adidas began producing shoes for tennis, golf, boxing (including boots specifically designed for Muhammad Ali), and various other sports. The company even developed an early version of a “shower shoe” in response to athletes’ requests for a convenient rubber slip-on to wear in the locker room. Several of Adidas’ enduring styles, such as the Samba, the Adilette, and the Superstar, have remained in production for over four decades.

In 1960, Adidas expanded its product line to include athletic apparel, and three years later, it diversified further by introducing athletic equipment, including footballs. Since 1970, Adidas-branded balls have been the official choice for all major football events.

Although founder Adolph Dassler passed away in 1978, the legacy of Adidas continued under the leadership of his wife Käthe and son Horst. However, tragedy struck in 1987 when Horst unexpectedly passed away. In 1989, Adidas AG transitioned into a corporation, and that same year, the company was acquired by French businessman Bernard Tapie. Subsequently, it was sold to Robert Louis-Dreyfus in 1993. Under Dreyfus’ guidance, Adidas underwent significant expansion through the acquisition and divestment of multiple sports and athletic companies. In 2006, Adidas added the renowned Reebok brand to its portfolio.

Today, Adidas AG operates under various brand names, including Adidas, Reebok, Taylor-Made Adidas Golf Company, and Rockport. In 1985, Adidas formed a partnership with Coty to produce a line of fragrances. Their fragrances have met with considerable success in the male market, and Adidas-branded fragrances and body care products are available in more than 82 countries worldwide. These fragrances often feature a sporty name and are presented in bottles with a corresponding design. As of now, Designer Adidas has released 79 perfumes, with the earliest edition created in 1990 and the most recent launch in 2023. The fragrances were created in collaboration with esteemed perfumers, including Ursula Wandel, Alain Astori, Jean-Pierre Mary, Martine Pallix, Nathalie Lorson, Jean-Pierre Bethouart, Jacques Huclier, Philippe Bousseton, Benoist Lapouza, Quest, Sabine De Tscharner, Harry Fremont, Philippe Roques, Maurice Roucel, Olivier Pescheux, Hernan Fígoli, and Carine Boin.