What is Adidas
Adidas is a multinational corporation founded in Herzogenaurach, Germany, specializing in the design and manufacturing of shoes, clothing, and accessories. It is the largest sportswear manufacturer in Europe and the second largest in the world, after Nike.
History of Adidas
The company was established by Adolf “Adi” Dassler in his mother’s house; he was later joined by his elder brother Rudolf in 1924 under the name Dassler Brothers Shoe Factory. The business experienced immense growth by providing athletes with quality footwear. It achieved notoriety when Jesse Owens won four gold medals in the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games wearing shoes made by Dassler Brothers.
After World War II, a dispute between the brothers led to the dissolution of their partnership in 1947. Rudolf went on to create Puma, while Adi formalized the formation of Adidas on 18 August 1949. The name was taken from his own—Adi (from Adolf) and Das (from Dassler).
Adidas garnered fame with its innovative shoe designs tailored for various sports, including the iconic three-stripes trademark deemed to help stabilize the mid-foot. The brand expanded further into other aspects of sports attire and equipment through strategic acquisitions and endorsements.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does the word Adidas stand for?
Adidas is derived from the name of its founder, Adolf Dassler. It combines ‘Adi,’ a nickname for Adolf, and ‘Das,’ the first three letters of Dassler.
2. Who owns Adidas?
Adidas is a publicly traded company on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and is owned by various institutional and individual investors worldwide.
3. Where is Adidas headquarters located?
The headquarters of Adidas is located in Herzogenaurach, Bavaria, Germany.
4. Which sports does Adidas primarily sponsor?
Adidas sponsors numerous sports, including soccer, running, basketball, tennis, golf, and American football, among others.
5. What is the philosophy of Adidas?
The Adidas philosophy focuses on creating efficient and stylish sports apparel and equipment that leverage innovation and set trends, continually improving performance for athletes across various sports.
