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
We Found the Sold-Out Adidas x Sporty & Rich Sneakers at Ssense — Where They’re Going for Just $50
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7 of the Biggest Layoffs to Hit Footwear in 2025
Adidas, Nike and Puma were among the companies that cut jobs in 2025.
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Including the end of blockbuster partnerships and high-profile crimes.
9 of the Biggest Footwear Legal Dramas of 2025
While trademark complaints made up the bulk of the legal dramas this year, other disputes made headlines as…
9 of the Biggest Footwear Legal Dramas in 2025
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Gwyneth Paltrow Pairs Lacoste Tracksuit in ‘Marty Supreme’ Orange With Adidas Sneakers for ‘Seth Meyers’
She changed into Louboutins for the interview.
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…
How the Partnership Between Fear of God and Adidas Might Have Unraveled
Jerry Lorenzo confirmed their deal will end at the close of the year.
Connecticut Woman to Be Sentenced for Role in Operation That Sold $4 Million in Counterfeit Goods on Facebook Live
The 37-year-old New Britain resident is due back in court in March.
Pharrell’s Shoe of the Year-Winning Adidas Virginia Adistar Jellyfish Is Getting Another ‘Triple Black’ Release
After a recent NYC release was shut down by police.
Where the Recycled Polyester Rush Went Wrong: From the Start
Fashion's favorite green strategy—recycled polyester—might actually be worsening microplastics pollution…
The 14 Most Gift-Worthy Shoes — From Trending White Sneakers to Chic Boots — for Women Who Love When Comfort and Style Meet
We've rounded up suggestions from top brands like On, adidas, and Larroudé that she'll actually be excited to…
Pharrell’s Shoe of the Year-Winning Virginia Adistar Jellyfish Is Getting an NYC-Exclusive Drop in a New ‘Triple Black’ Colorway
Two chances to get the limited-edition style before a wider global release in 2026.