Adidas
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
EXCLUSIVE: How Adidas Sprinter Noah Lyles Is Redefining Track Stardom, From Gold Medals to Bold Fashion
The American sprinter stars on FN's cover.
Kristen Stewart Keeps Her Vintage Sneaker Streak Going With Rare Adidas Rekord Pair
The Rekord traces to Adidas' early 1960s archive and returns amid the brand's latest wave of heritage…
Microfiber Pollution Might Need a New Name
Is the term a matter of semantics? Or does the industry need to rally around a more accurate description of…
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James Harden’s Next Adidas Sneaker Will Reportedly Release Earlier Than Expected
The Harden Vol. 10 brings a standout rippled shell.
World Marathon Majors Shoe Watch: Adidas Dominated in 2025 With Seven of 12 Winners
The next closest brand is On, with two winners.
Lola Tung Fronts Foot Locker’s Gifts of Greatness Holiday 2025 Campaign
The star of "The Summer I Turned Pretty" wears Adidas in the campaign photos.
NYC Marathon 2025: Hellen Obiri Makes History in On’s Spray-On Sneaker, Benson Kipruto Pulls Off Closest-Ever Finish in Adidas Super Shoes
All the details on Sunday's winning — and record-setting — footwear.
From the Archive: Celebrating 55 Years of the NYC Marathon
Footwear News marks the New York City Marathon's milestone anniversary and the rise of running shoe category.
The Best Sneakers Releasing in November
Including the Air Jordan 12 Taxiand Nike Air Max 95000.
Adidas Has Another Sneaker Coming That Looks a Lot Like Pharrell’s Jellyfish for Half the Price
Both are based on the same 2000s running shoe.
New York City Marathon 2025: A Guide to Brand Events for the Week
Including parties, shakeout runs and medal engravings.
Adidas Originals and Wales Bonner Reimagine the Karintha Lo Silhouette in Satin for Fall 2025
Additional shoe styles are featured in the latest drop between the athletic brand and the British designer.
Adidas Confirms Record-Breaking Q3, Even as North American Sales Lag
The German sportswear giant also raised guidance, projecting that 2025 sales should increase by 9 percent.
Adidas’ Record-Breaking Q3: How Long Can Sales Success Go On?
The German sportswear giant is achieving results faster than its turnaround plan ever predicted, but an…
Willy Chavarria Finally Breaks Through After 30 Years in the Trenches
The recipient of the WWD Honor for Menswear Designer of the Year traces his long history in fashion and his…